It is important to properly tension your chainsaw’s chain. A stretched chain can cause a variety of problems including reduced cutting speed, increased vibration, and shorter chain life.
This article will discuss the importance to keep your chainsaw chain tensioned properly and how to fix a stretched Chainsaw Chain.
How To Identify A Stretched Chain
There are two types of chainsaw chains: stretch and standard. Standard chains have a fixed length. Stretch chains can be shortened or extended to meet the needs of the user.
The drive link is a good way to determine if you have a stretch or standard chain. The drive link on a standard chain will be bent, while that of a stretch chain will be straight.
It is best to get it checked by a professional if you aren’t sure what type of chain it is. The saw can be seriously damaged if the chain is stretched. It should be repaired as soon as possible.
What You Need To Do To Fix A Chainsaw’s Chain
It is important to keep your chainsaw’s blade sharp and properly lubricated. These are five things to do when you want to fix your chainsaw chain.
- Use a solvent to clean the chain.
- Examine the chain for damage and wear.
- With a chainsaw file, you can file the teeth.
- All traces of lubricant should be wiped away.
- NOTE: Lubricant must always be reapplied on a clean surface.
How To Make A Stretched Chainsaw Chain Last Longer And Perform Better
Your most valuable piece of equipment is your chainsaw chain. A stretched chainsaw can make it difficult to use and cause damage to your saw and the wood that you are cutting. This is a step-by–step guide to how to fix a damaged chainsaw chain.
Step 1 – Untighten The Chain Tensioner
Too loose a chainsaw chain can lead to a variety of problems. The most common is the chain slipping off the saw. To fix this problem, you need to loosen your chain tensioner. This is an easy process that you can do with a wrench.
Step 2 – Remove The Chain From The Bar
There are several ways to get a chainsaw from a bar. A chain breaker is the most popular tool. The tool includes two metal plates that fit around your chain and two bolts that secure the chain to the bar.
A hammer and chisel are another way to remove a chainsaw’s chain. The chisel should be pressed hard enough to get between the bar and the chainsaw.
Step 3 – Inspect The Chain For Damages
It is important to inspect your chainsaw for damage after every use if you are using it frequently. You can get damaged links, nicks and burrs.
You will need to repair any damage you find before you can use the chainsaw again. Here’s how you do it.
- Use a degreaser to clean the chain.
- Examine the chain for any damage.
- Repair any damage you find.
- If your chainsaw is damaged, replace it.
However, damage to a chainsaw may be hard to spot. Spray some degreaser onto the bar, then hit it with your hammer to check for damage.
Our guide, Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Durl So Quickly might be of interest to you.
4: Replace The Damaged Chain
It is necessary to replace your chainsaw chain if it has become too stretched. It is easy to do this with just a few tools. First, remove the bar from your chainsaw.
Next, remove the cover with a screwdriver. Next, remove the chain cover and use a chain breaker to break it. Then, assemble the chainsaw again and replace the chain.
Step 5 – Reinstall The Chain
A chainsaw chain that has become stretched should be replaced. This step-by-step guide will show you how to replace the chain on your chainsaw.
Take out the old chain first, then place the new one in its place. Next, attach the tensioner to your chainsaw and ensure that it is secure. Next, attach the bar cover again and turn on your chainsaw.
Step 6 – Tighten The Tensioner
Too loose a chainsaw can cause it to bind or jump while you are cutting. This can make it difficult to control, and could also lead to the chain coming off the bar.
Most chainsaws can be tightened by turning the adjustment screw using a screwdriver.
These Are The Quick Tips To Get The Perfect Cut With A Stretched Chainsaw Chain
It is important to maintain the tension of your chainsaw so the blade does not become stuck. Too tight a chain can cause damage to the teeth and pinch the links. Excessive wear to your engine and transmission can also result from a stretched chain. These are some quick tips to fix a stretched chain.
1. You must ensure that the saw is correctly tensioned. Your chain could break if it is too tensioned.
2. When cutting large chunks of wood, be careful. When cutting large pieces of wood from one piece of stock, a stretched chain is more likely to snap under stress.
3. When filing or sanding the teeth of your chainsaw blade, it is a good idea to use a wire brush or bar instead of your fingers. This will prevent the chain from stretching further and will keep it from prematurely wearing.
4. You should make sure that your chainsaw is in good condition and well-oiled. You can have it checked by a professional if you aren’t sure.
5. When sharpening your chainsaw chain, be patient
Our article How to Cut Down a Small Tree With a Chainsaw is available.
How To Repair A Chainsaw Chain That Has Been Stretched Too Much
You will need to repair your chainsaw chain if it has become too stretched. These are the steps you need to follow to repair a damaged chainsaw chain.
1) Find the area that is damaged on the chain. It will be located near the end of the chain, where it has been stretched the longest.
2) Remove any damaged links using a pair of scissors. You will need a smooth surface to work on so make sure all the links have been removed.
Place one end of the new chain link on top of the area that is damaged and then press it in place using your pliers. You should trim all edges so there are no exposed metal edges.
4) Use your screwdriver and hammer to secure the new link.
5) Carefully tap the new link in place with your screwdriver and hammer.
Final Thought
There are many reasons a chainsaw chain could become stretched. To maintain safety and performance, it is important to learn how to fix a stretched chainsaw.
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