Putting a chain on a chainsaw may seem like a straightforward process, but is it as easy as most people assume? Well, honestly speaking it can be a struggle if you don’t know where to start. This article is meant to provide a guide on how to put a chain on a chainsaw correctly.
Let’s say you’re working on a piece of wood and the chain falls apart suddenly, what will you do? How will you set the blade in the right direction? How about the right tension degree to make sure the chainsaw works effectively?
There are a lot of things to consider when putting a chain on a chainsaw, and you’ll find all that here. Knowing which way to put a chain on a chainsaw properly will save you both time and money from hiring someone to do it for you.
List of Contents
How do you put a chain on a chain saw the right way?
Before you can start putting back a fallen chain from a chainsaw, you need to ensure you have a spacious working space. Also, wear protective gloves. Not to mention, make sure you have the right tools, including a wrench or a screwdriver, to repair the chain.
Remove and clean the chain and bar
To remove the bar and chain from the chainsaw, unscrew the bolt and nuts using a socket wrench. Once you’ve done that, you can separate the chain and bar from the chainsaw and the housing of the chainsaw.
If there are any wood debris on the chain and bar, you should clean the parts before putting them back on. You can use a brush to remove the debris and dust then wipe it clean with a cloth.
Putting the chain on the chainsaw
The first thing you need to do is place the chainsaw on a surface facing the right direction. To do so, put the chain before you with the teeth facing away from you. Otherwise, you can loosely place the bar and chain on the chainsaw then move the chain in a clockwise manner.
Next, set the chain on the sprocket, which will allow you to align the grooves correctly along the bar. Also, make sure the tension stud is in line with the guide hole.
Setting the chain correctly
With the chain and bar mounted on the chainsaw, and the parts in the correct position, its time to reconfigure the chainsaw as it’s supposed to be. Tightening the chain whilst pulling on the nose of the guide bar, adjust the tension screw to the desired tension level. Put back the housing of the saw as well as the nuts and screws in the right holes.
Tighten the nuts and screws lightly, and make sure that the tension on the chain is set correctly before fully tightening them. If the tension is not right, readjust the tension screw as needed. Finally, tighten the nuts and screws appropriately as required with the housing plate installed in the right place.
How long should it take to replace a chainsaw?
There’s no optimum time limit for when to replace a chainsaw. However, you will notice a few telltale signs that will prompt you to repair or replace your chain. If the chainsaw has lost its power to function properly or it keeps jamming while you working, it might be time to replace that chainsaw. Also, a sagging saw is not a good sign, and in due time, it is likely to fall off.
To avoid unnecessary interruptions while working with your chainsaw, make sure you regularly inspect it and the vitality of the working parts. Regular maintenance of the chainsaw will help it last longer and you can be sure you’ll always notice when something is going wrong.
Sharpening the chainsaw
The ability of your chain to work efficiently is dependent on how sharp the teeth are. Several factors cause the wearing out of the chain’s teeth including the type of raw material you’re working on. Working with a dull chain means increased friction which in turn causes the bar and chain to overheat. That can make the chain stretch out, which eventually leads to a sagged chain.
You can sharpen the chainsaw as often as you’d like. If need be, as you’re replacing or repairing the chain, you can sharpen it before putting it back. To avoid uneven sharpening, make sure all the cutters on the chainsaw are at the same level.
Safety to adhere to measures while using a chainsaw
Chainsaw accidents are a rather common occurrence with thousands being injured yearly. There are various safety regulations that as a chainsaw operator you need to observe. First and foremost, you need to know how to use the chainsaw in the right manner. How to start the chainsaw, hold it appropriately, and even understand how the chainsaw functions.
Before using a chainsaw, make sure you get the right training on operating the machine. Alternatively, read carefully through the manual and get as much knowledge on operating a chainsaw as possible. Also, be aware of any hazards you’re likely to encounter and how to handle them. Not to mention, always make sure you wear protective gear while operating with a chainsaw. Prevention is better than cure, and if there’s any way possible you can avoid a chainsaw injury, you should take it.
Conclusion
It is crucial that when you purchase a chainsaw, you not only learn how to operate it but also be in a position to service it yourself. While professional assistance is necessary, in some instances, self-servicing is much faster and cheaper. Needless to say, isn’t it cooler to be able to change the chain or oil on the chainsaw.
Putting on a chainsaw is a simple process but can be challenging if you don’t know how to do so correctly. I hope the next time your chain is loose or has completely fallen off, and you need to repair it this guide will be of great help.
