How to tension a chain on a chainsaw. Stretching Tips

21.07.2023

Chainsaw preparation

Before talking about how to correctly tension a chainsaw chain, it is important to outline a few simple rules. First, maintenance must be carried out with the engine off and without the risk of accidentally starting it. Secondly, all work is carried out after the tool has cooled down. The fact is that a hot saw chain is longer than a cold one. If you start to tighten it, then there will be a risk of contraction and deformation of the tire after cooling.

Remember safety! Wear protective gloves to avoid cutting your hands with sharp chain links.

Checking chain tension

If the saw set is newly installed and has little wear, it makes no sense to change the chain. It is enough to adjust its tension. What are the signs of insufficient tension? At the bottom of the tire, the chain sags, at the top it shifts to the side. This leads to distortion during sawing, which means that it affects the life of the tire - it wears out unevenly. In addition, insufficient chain tension increases the risk of the chain jumping off the bar and causes increased wear on the saw blade and drive sprocket. Since correctly tensioning the chainsaw chain does not only mean getting rid of its sagging, it is important not to overtighten it yet. The difficult running of the blade in the tire contributes to an increase in the load on the engine and other working units of the tool. Try spinning the chain around the bar with your hand. If this is difficult to achieve, it must be weakened.

It is important to know! Most often, a new chain requires tension, as it tends to stretch at the beginning of operation. Constantly check its tension and adjust if necessary. This will prolong its life and reduce wear on other important parts of the saw.

Installing a new chain on the bar

To replace the saw blade, the bar must be released and the old chain removed. To do this, loosen the fasteners of the cover that holds the saw set, remove the chain from the sprocket and remove the equipment. The new chain must have the same dimensions as the old one. It is installed on the tire in a longitudinal groove with driving links. The free end of the chain is attached to the sprocket. Be sure to make sure that the links fit into the groove along the entire length of the headset. Install the bar on the pin at the point of attachment to the tool. Close this assembly with a cover and fix the tire. For this, screws or a rotary knob are used.

Advice: so that the tire wears evenly, it is recommended to turn it over - swap the upper and lower parts. You can navigate by the inscription on the tire. For example, if the letters were placed correctly, the lettering should be upside down when replacing.

Chain tension

The instructions for the tool should describe how to properly tension the chainsaw chain. However, it is not always possible to use it. Therefore, we will talk about the sequence of actions when servicing saws with different types of chain tension.

1. Traditional chain tension with a tool

You will need a standard key, which is usually included with the chainsaw. On the one hand, it has a working part for unscrewing the nuts, and on the other, a slotted screwdriver. First you need to loosen the nuts on the cover that closes the tire attachment point. Then insert a screwdriver into a special groove and rotate it to tighten the chain. Do not be zealous - it is better to pull the chain gradually. Make a few turns - check the tension with your hands by pulling the chain at the bottom of the bar. After completing the adjustment, tighten the nuts on the cover.

2. Toolless chain tension

This way is easier and faster. On the side of the cover there is an adjusting screw for chain tension. By turning it, you control the reduction of chain slack.

Final check

How to understand that the chainsaw chain is tensioned correctly? It should not sag from below, and when it is pulled back, the inner teeth should come out of the tire groove by no more than 4–6 mm. It is also important to make sure that the chain is not overtightened. To do this, rotate it by hand along the bar in the direction of rotation, as when sawing. If the move is easy, then you did everything right. It is believed that it is better to almost reach the chain than to overtighten it. In the course of work, this will quickly be detected and adjusted. But the difficult move of the saw equipment is not immediately noticeable and has a detrimental effect on the engine. By doing do-it-yourself maintenance of the tool, you will know how to properly tension the chainsaw chain without the risk of damaging its working units. Once you have reached the optimum tension, you can fix all the fasteners and turn on the tool. Let it idle, no load. Then stop the engine and check that the chain has not come off or slack. You can get started with this tool.

If you want to buy a chain and other accessories for chain saw maintenance, order them in a special section of our online store. And remember that proper and regular maintenance of the tool prolongs its life and makes the work more productive. Take care of your saw today!

Almost every modern household today has an electric chain or chainsaw. Sooner or later, most saw owners think about how to properly maintain and operate it so that the tool is in good working order and does not lose performance.

Most users take enough care in relation to the engine, while forgetting to pay attention to other important components of the chainsaw, on the serviceability of which its performance and durability largely depend. Proper care of all chainsaw components will save you money and extend the life of the device.

The topic of our conversation today will be the saw unit, which consists of a drive sprocket, tire and chain. The performance of the chainsaw depends on the serviceability of these parts even more than on the characteristics of the engine. After all, it’s not a secret for anyone - it’s not the motor that cuts, but the chain put on the tire and driven by the drive sprocket. Let's see what surprises can be expected after a few weeks or months of operation, how to choose and maintain the components of our chainsaw correctly.

Main characteristics

Despite its low cost, the chain plays a crucial role in the operation of a chainsaw. Not only its performance, but also the safety of other nodes largely depends on how correctly it is sharpened and stretched.

Chains are classified according to the following parameters:

Step. By this term it is customary to mean the distance (measured in inches) between the first and third connecting rivets, divided in half. In fact, all existing saw chains are divided into five groups: ¼", 0.325", 3/8", 0.404" and ¾". When choosing, you should take into account: the larger the step, the greater the performance, but at the same time, the load on the engine increases significantly;
Drive link shank thickness. This refers to the depth of landing on the groove of the bar, along which it moves during the sawing process. The deeper the seat, the less likely the chain is to come off the tire.

Manufacturers offer the following modifications:

1.1 mm - for miniature instruments;
1.3 mm - most household-class gasoline and electric saws are equipped;
1.5 mm - semi-professional models;

1.6 mm - used on professional chainsaws;
2.0 mm - industrial chain saws;

Other circuit parameters:

Profile. This refers to the height of the cutting edge of the chain above the bar. According to this indicator, saw chains are divided into two types: low-profile and high-profile. Low profile chains are safer to use, while high profile chains provide high performance. In addition, the chains are distributed according to the profile of the cutting teeth: semi-chisel, chisel, rounded and teeth with victorious soldering.

Cutting depth. In other words, the gap between the saw tooth and the stop. In household chainsaws, it is correct to use chains with a gap of 0.025″ and 0.03″. Chains up to 0.07″ are available on professional and industrial models.
Number of links. When choosing a chain for a chainsaw, be guided by the length of the bar. For example, if you have a household Chinese saw with a 14″ bar, you most likely need a 52 link chain.

Important! The correct selection of a chain for a chainsaw is carried out in accordance with the parameters specified in the instruction manual.

Causes of a circuit malfunction

Like any other part, the saw chain requires attention and proper maintenance. First of all, these words refer to the break-in period of the chainsaw and saw set. However, their serviceability should be monitored throughout the entire operational period.

The main causes of circuit failure:

Poor metal quality on budget models;
Operator's work style;
Wrong tension;
Malfunction or excessive wear of the drive sprocket;
Malfunctions in the automatic lubrication system;
Curvature, debris or other damage to the saw bar;
Use of poor quality materials;
Untimely sharpening of working edges;
The level of operational loads on the chainsaw;

All this can lead to rather sad circumstances, and significant expenses for the purchase of new spare parts and chainsaw repair:

Deterioration of operational capabilities and labor productivity;
Operator safety during sawing operations;
Premature wear of individual components and parts and the entire chainsaw;

Tire maintenance and operation

An important part in the saw chainsaw is the tire. It is from its serviceability, in many respects, the performance and quality of the device depends.

Premature tire wear is most often caused by improper operation of the automatic lubrication system. Strong friction occurs in the saw zone, which leads to heating and deformation of the metal. As a rule, the driven sprocket fails first. Also, to prevent premature wear, it is important to turn the tire over often - this contributes to the uniform erasure of the rollers of the driven sprocket.

Important: use a bar with the specifications specified by the manufacturer of your chain saw. This will extend the life of both the saw set itself and the entire benzo or electric saw.

The main tire malfunctions:

Deformation or damage to the tire body;
Erasure of teeth or complete failure of the driven sprocket;
Wear of the landing groove and shank;
Critical damage to oil supply channels;
Breakage or complete wear of the tensioner;

Do-it-yourself chain shortening

Like any other part, the chainsaw chain gradually wears out, and constant loads and work in different temperature conditions leads to its lengthening. In this case, it cannot be properly tensioned, it periodically flies off the tire. Is it possible to repair such a part at home. As practice shows, this does not require special devices, skills or high qualifications. However, you should take care of the presence of a vise, needle file, hammer, pliers and breakdown.

If you have all these tools, you can safely proceed with the disassembly:

Determine how much the chain length has increased;
We fix the chain in a vice;
We grind off the protruding heads of the rivets with a file or file, while trying not to touch the side parts of the links;
We dismantle the rivets using a breakdown or a release clamp;

Important: when disconnecting links, be sure to count the guides on the inside. There must be a match between them and the leading asterisk.

We remove the required number of links and connect the ends of the chain. For this we use old rivets;
We flare the rivet heads with light blows of the hammer;
With a file or needle file, we remove burrs and irregularities;

Important: the links can be riveted and riveted quickly enough, however, it should be remembered that after repair they will be weakened and will not be able to last for a long time.

Proper chain adjustment

The quality of the chainsaw largely depends on the correct adjustment and tension of the chain. If the chain is of normal length, then this process will not take much time and effort.

Important: during operation, the metal heats up and expands, which leads to an elongation of the chain. Periodically check the tension and correct it.

The tightening process looks quite simple and takes several minutes:

Loosen the nuts on the protective roof;
Adjusting screw correct tension;

Important: A properly tensioned chain moves easily along the bar with a little hand effort, without making extraneous sounds and without stopping. At the same time, with the correct tension, the links should not sag.

Tighten the nuts and check the tension, correct if necessary;

Video review

Overview of chain shortening

An overview of how to properly rivet and rivet connecting links

The operation of a chainsaw requires not only knowledge and experience, but also special care. Each time before using the tool, it is necessary to inspect its technical condition. It is especially important to know how to tension the chain on a chainsaw, and what is needed for this. If you do not check the degree of tension of the clutch mechanism, then during operation the product may fly off or break, causing serious harm to health.

Why does the chain need to be tightened?

The drive mechanism of chainsaws is a two-stroke internal combustion engine, presented in the form of a single cylinder. The main working mechanism is the chain together with the bus. The tire is a guiding device along which the cutting element moves. The chain is based on teeth, which are divided into leading, cutting and connecting.

Loose product on the tool

During the operation of the chainsaw, the chain heats up. This is a negative phenomenon that reduces the life of the product. To avoid rapid wear of the cutting elements, the design of the chainsaw provides for the supply of oil, which simultaneously cools the device and lubricates the mechanism.

A stretched chain can fly off the tire at any time, which will lead to the most unpleasant consequences. In order not to risk your health, you need to know how to properly tension the chain on chainsaws. Moreover, not only gasoline units, but also electric saws need tension.

Tension mechanisms

Before you learn how to properly tension a chainsaw chain, you need to understand the mechanisms for performing this task. Tension adjustment is carried out using the classic version, presented in the form of a bolted connection.

Adjustment mechanisms

Professional chainsaws have adjustment mechanisms that allow you to adjust by moving the lever or turning the dials. If tensioners are used for tensioning, then the degree of screwing is fixed with special locknuts.

The chain must be tensioned to a certain point. It must not be overtightened, as this will lead to its premature rupture, and it must not be left weakened. Adjustment procedures should be carried out exclusively on the tool in a cooled state. When the tool is hot, the chain is stretched, so the adjustment process will not be correct.

Tension process

The negative consequences of improper adjustment include excessive overheating. With strong overheating, the links wear out faster, the teeth become dull, stretching occurs, which ultimately ends in the need to purchase a new part.

How to put a chain on a chainsaw and adjust

Now let's figure out how chains are tensioned on chainsaws, and how this procedure is performed correctly. The adjustment procedure is not difficult at all, and the looseness check should be performed every time the tool is used. If you hold the chainsaw in your hands for the first time, then it is important to carry out the first adjustment according to the instructions:

Initially, the old mechanism is dismantled, which has stretched and is no longer subject to tension
The tool is laid on its side so that the tire is at the top
Two nut fasteners are unscrewed, after which the protective lining is dismantled
The tire is removed along with the old tenacious. Tires should also be replaced when the groove depth decreases. Usually they last at least 2-3 chain replacements, but it all depends on the quality of the product.
A new chain is put on the tire, only it is important to position it correctly. The pointed teeth on top of the bar must be on the opposite side of the tool
When the chain is installed on the chainsaw, you can put the tire in place, fixing it with adjusting nuts

Unscrewing the nuts to access the screw

This completes the replacement process, and it remains to perform the tension procedure. There are two ways to do this, which are called frontal and fast. The frontal method is the most relevant, and is performed as follows:

The tire fastening nuts are loosened, after which the last part rises over the edge
With the help of the adjusting screw, the chain is tensioned to the desired parameter.
The nuts clamp the tire in the installed position
Manual tension check

The fast method is less relevant, and is often only used on tools with new chains and bars. The principle of quick adjustment is based on loosening the wing nut. In this case, the tensioning mechanism screw is tightened to the stop in the direction of clockwise movement. The wing nut is tightened at the end of the work, after which the handle must be lowered. How chain tension is carried out on chainsaws is shown in the video material.

How to check the correct tension

The adjustment process is not difficult. However, the effectiveness of the tool, as well as the service life of its components, depends on the correct implementation of this procedure. To make sure that the chain is properly tensioned, a number of the following steps should be taken:

Moving the chain by hand should be easy and free
Grasp the product at the top of the tire, then pull it up. The optimal stretch value is 2/3 of the output of the chain leg (shank)
When moving the product along the tire, there should be no extraneous noise and creaking

Location of the adjusting screw

Why does the chain need to be tightened?

Loose product on the tool

Tension mechanisms

Adjustment mechanisms

Tension process

How to put a chain on a chainsaw and adjust

Initially, the old mechanism is dismantled, which has stretched and is no longer subject to tension
The tool is laid on its side so that the tire is at the top
Two nut fasteners are unscrewed, after which the protective lining is dismantled
The tire is removed along with the old tenacious. Tires should also be replaced when the groove depth decreases. Usually they last at least 2-3 chain replacements, but it all depends on the quality of the product.
A new chain is put on the tire, only it is important to position it correctly. The pointed teeth on top of the bar must be on the opposite side of the tool
When the chain is installed on the chainsaw, you can put the tire in place, fixing it with adjusting nuts

Unscrewing the nuts to access the screw

The tire fastening nuts are loosened, after which the last part rises over the edge
With the help of the adjusting screw, the chain is tensioned to the desired parameter.
The nuts clamp the tire in the installed position
Manual tension check

How to check the correct tension

Moving the chain by hand should be easy and free
Grasp the product at the top of the tire, then pull it up. The optimal stretch value is 2/3 of the output of the chain leg (shank)
When moving the product along the tire, there should be no extraneous noise and creaking

Location of the adjusting screw

Reading 6 min. Published on 04.07.2019

Regardless of the class of chainsaw, under the influence of intense regular loads, the chain weakens. This can be determined by the appearance of characteristic gaps in the joints of the links, a change in the sound of work and an increase in vibration. You can tighten the tension of the saw set yourself using a special mechanism. This avoids serious damage and injury while working with wood.

Why is chain tension necessary?

The chain performs two functions at once - it directly cuts the wood and fixes the tire, preventing its arbitrary movement. The correct position and tension of the chainsaw chain allows you to fully operate the tool, to avoid dangerous injuries during operation. If the saw set is not installed correctly, it will easily fly off during sawing, injuring the operator. Even with a slight weakening, it gradually breaks the groove of the tire, which leads to the failure of the teeth of the driven sprocket.

In this case, excessive voltage leads to an increase in the load on the rotor, reducing the service life of the saw. Therefore, it is important to regularly check the tension, if necessary, tighten the special mechanism on the tool body.

Important! Sagging can occur due to worn parts. Usually this is the wear of the sprocket teeth, the breakage of the outer edge of the tire groove.

How to check the correct tension?

Figure 1 - How to check chain tension

To ventilate the quality of the tension, you should gently pull it in the middle of the tire.

The permissible level of the output of the tails of the cutting links should be no more than 2/3 of their length.

You can determine the need for a tightening by the following signs:

the appearance of a creak and rattle in the area where the main drive sprocket is located;
loosening of the tightening of the protective mechanism, tire fasteners;
jamming when sawing, increased vibration and noise.

The chainsaw has reduced productivity and increased operating time. Even when sawing soft woods, the chain begins to get stuck in the groove, speed and smoothness decrease.

Tensioner mechanisms

Picture 2 - Tension mechanisms

Depending on the design features of the instrument, the headset tension mechanism may differ.

In budget models of chainsaws, a classic straight-threaded bolt is used to adjust the chain, which is located on the side of the body.

In this version, a special tightening key is included in the package or there is an external slot for a slotted screwdriver.

All professional models are equipped with more convenient adjustment mechanisms. With the help of them, you can tension the chain with one movement of the lever or by turning a special disk. Their design consists of a built-in tensioner, fixation during rotation is achieved by a lock nut. On some models, the adjustment is made by locking the tire in a certain position of the tool cover. Regardless of the method, the voltage of the circuit needs to be corrected only when it is cold. Tension on a hot chain causes slack as it cools.

How to properly adjust the chain?

You can install the chain and adjust its voltage with your own hands, without contacting a service center, regardless of the class of the chainsaw, its age. Before starting work, each link should be fully checked, as sagging may also be due to wear on the teeth or sprockets. Step-by-step algorithm for the correct tension of Stihl 180, Husqvarna, Champion, Partner and other models:

place the instrument on the table so that its headset is on top. Unscrew the threaded fasteners of the protective cover, dismantle the tire and thoroughly clean each element (it is convenient to use a vacuum cleaner or a compressed air cylinder);
determine the correct position of the chain. The teeth should be on top, go in the opposite direction from the body;
put it directly on the tire. Fix the bolt mechanism, make sure that there is sufficient free play.

Before looking for an answer to the question of how to pull a chain on a chainsaw, you should study what methods exist. Two methods of tension are common - fast and frontal. The first method involves the use of a tightening bolt. It must be tightened clockwise, at the end be sure to check the wing nut and lower the handle.

Figure 3 - Quick way to stretch

The frontal method is more complicated, the main steps are:

unscrew the nuts with which the tire is fixed on the chainsaw. Loosen and slightly pull up on the edge of the headset;
tighten with an adjusting screw to the desired level, fix the tire back with nuts;
check the tension of the chain with your fingers, if necessary, tighten the nut further.

Regardless of the characteristics of the tensioner, excessive tension on the chain should not be allowed - this is no less dangerous than weakening it. After installing and adjusting the saw mechanism, it is recommended to start the tool at idle. Carefully check the smooth movement of the chain, the presence of sagging and extraneous whistling sounds.

Important! When buying, you should specify the type of chain tension in a particular tool model. Check the presence of a key for tightening the headset, it should always be included in the package.

If tension doesn't help

With the correct installation of the chain, there should be no sagging; when pulling, the teeth go out of the grooves no more than 4-6 mm. After work, scroll it along the tire in the direction of rotation, the move should be smooth and easy. If tension correction does not help, the cause of insufficient tension may be due to the following factors:

incompatibility of the chain model (tooth pitch, length, size) and the saw set of your chainsaw model;
failure of the guide asterisks;
breakage of the tensioner, adjusting screw;
lack of lubrication (the problem is solved by additional use of oil);
mechanical damage to the lower part of the teeth, grooves in the headset.

Picture 4 - Excessive stretching

If it is not possible to achieve sufficient chain tension, the tool must absolutely not be operated. You should check the compatibility of all components, if possible, contact a service center to fix the breakdown. Using a chainsaw without proper tuning can lead to dangerous consequences.

Possible risks with uneven tension

Any changes to the saw set (sagging, broken teeth, overstressing) can lead to problems during operation. Risks of operating a tool with sagging:

decrease in productivity during sawing, felling;
the chain gets stuck in the groove, flies off the tire during start-up;
breakage of the headset, damage to the guide sprockets;
high load on the rotor, reduced tool life;
serious injury at work.

Before starting work, it is important to qualitatively check all moving mechanisms, the tightening of the adjusting bolt. Use a special oil to lubricate the teeth, saw set. Chain adjustment and sawing should be carried out in protective clothing, gloves and goggles should be worn to avoid injury.

The chainsaw headset is an important structural element responsible for productivity and quality of work. Before starting operation, check the tension, make sure it is correctly installed. The voltage is adjusted using a special bolt or lever on the body. Sagging or excessive tension can lead to serious consequences - saw breakage, injuries during cutting wood.