If you are trying to figure out how to put a chain on a chainsaw, we have everything you need in this article.
Firstly, it goes without saying that the invention of the chainsaw has made woodcutting an effortless chore. However, every machine has setbacks and a chainsaw is no exception.
If you’ve been using this machine for some time, you might already encounter several issues too. That said, one thing is more common among others and it’s the falling off the chain from the bar.
Therefore, knowing how to replace the chain correctly is a significant part of owning a chainsaw.
It will boost mental satisfaction as well, knowing that you could save some money and hassle in the long run.
Putting the Chain Back on A Chainsaw: Can You Do It Yourself?
As the chain comes off from the bar one question has to come to our mind, “can I replace the chain on a chainsaw myself?” Well, this thing is common when you are repairing or fixing any tool since nobody is born a tech-man of every equipment. And, there is the question of cost-benefit too.
That said, sometimes you are left with no better option than to call a professional that demands having a degree of expertise or prior knowledge to repair.
However, that should not be the case in terms of replacing the chain on a chainsaw. Most of the time, it’s just a simple five-minute task given that you know how to put a chain back on a chainsaw. Cheer up! Because that’s what we’ll be discussing today.
Tools You Will Need
Adjusting the chain back on the bar doesn’t require you to get fancy. It only takes some basic tools to be around and you’ll be up for the task.
The list will look like this anyway:
- Leather glove
- Paintbrush
- Bar wrench
- Screwdriver
- Grease oil
How to Put A Chain Back on An Electric Chainsaw?
We ‘re going to break the entire process into seven easy steps below. Don’t get puzzled though. Just give your attention to it and by the end, you’ll be surprised how simple it is.
Without further ado, let’s go for it!
- Step-1: Ensuring Safety
Working with power tools often involves dealing with sharp edges, which in this case could be chainsaw bars or blade teeth. Therefore, you should ensure safety before jumping into the task and avoid the element of risk beforehand. We prefer wearing a pair of leather hand gloves for this.
Also, make sure the machine plug is not in so that you’re safe from a sudden catastrophe.
- Step-2: Cleaning Sawdust
We’ll begin the process by wiping off the sawdust exposed over the chainsaw. You can use a paintbrush to do the cleaning. Also, check around the bar for tiny particles and scrub them off. This step is important given that it makes the job much simpler later on.
- Step-3: Removing the Nuts
Next, you have to unscrew the bar nuts and tension screw using a bar wrench. First, loosen the upper bolt and uncover the plastic housing. Then remove the nut holding the saw bar. You can use the slotted end of your wrench to handle this bottom nut.
When you’re finished with these nuts, move on to the tension screw located at the bottom side of the bar. Loosen the screw and relieve the tension from the bar.
- Step-4: Cleaning the Internal Parts
As you get rid of the plastic hatch cover, use your paintbrush and wipe out the dust on the clutch area of the chainsaw. Oil the internal parts and clean them up. In addition, you can grease the chain before placing it back on the bar.
- Step-5: Securing the Chain to Its Bay
It’s time to put the bar on. Slide the guide bar hole in-line to the blade tension stud. Now, grab your chain and align it around the sprocket and the bar.
One thing you must remember is when you are looking at it from the side and front view everything has to turn clockwise including the clutch, the sprocket, and the chain.
- Step-6: Repositioning the Nuts
Now reposition the plastic housing in its place and hand-tightened all the previously loosened screws and nuts. You should not tighten them up too far yet.
Grab a screwdriver and turn the tension screw to get the blade at the right tension. Check whether you can lift the chain up to ¼ inch so that it’s not too tight to rotate during the cutting jobs.
Finally, take the bar wrench again and secure all the nuts and screws firmly. This is to ensure that they do not slip off easily and cause an operational hazard as a consequence.
- Step-7: Ending with a Functional Test
Before you start the chainsaw recheck all the nuts and screws once again. As you are confirmed seeing all of them tightened properly, simply start your chainsaw, and run it for a few minutes. Turn it off and observe the chain tension.
Repeat the same process and compare the tension with the previous one. If the chain gets loosen, readjust it, and redo the test.
However, if you don’t spot a significant change then it is ready to tackle the woodcutting jobs. Now, watch a short video on it.
Reasons a Chain Pops Out from Chainsaw Bar
A saw chain any type of saw could get stuck out due to some common reasons despite that you’ve bought the best machine. They might include but not limited to:
- Overheating
With continuous use, the machine gets overheated causing the chain length to increase. Perhaps this could explain why the chain is popping off the bar.
- Improper Tension
Too much slack on the chain causes it to jump the bar while you operate. This could happen when the chainsaw is working for a long period but the chain tension is not tested and adjusted accordingly.
- Unstable Screw
There are nuts on the guide bar to fix the chain and a tension screw at the base to adjust the tension. Over time these nuts might get unstable and thus fail to hold the chain on its respective position.
- Wood Jam
If you do not properly clean or maintain the chainsaw, wood chips can find their way into the chain, causing it to jam and slip off eventually.
- Lack of Lubrication
Bar oil helps the chain to move freely and keeps it cool. Thus, improper lube increases the chain friction and hence the risk of it coming off the bar.
With that being said, you can fix the chain back on the bar irrespective of these reasons, and reclaim our chainsaw in a convenient process.
Wrapping Up
Coming to the end of this article, we believe you have gained useful insights into how to put a chain on a chainsaw. We tried to make it easier for you by putting together all the information regarding replacing the chain on a chainsaw here.
The process is straightforward indeed and anyone with little practice can do it, leaving behind the need to visit a repairman now and then or claim a replacement for such a bare issue.
About Author
