The chain on a chainsaw moves in a circular motion around the blade. The blade is the sprocket that drives the chain, and it must be correctly positioned for the chain to function correctly. Depending on the model, the chain usually shoots out from the left side of the saw.
Make sure to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct way to attach the chain and keep it in place. It is important to ensure that the chain is on correctly, as a loose chain can cause significant damage to the saw and your project.
Always ensure that the chain and blade are in proper alignment and securely tightened before attempting to use the saw.
How do you tell if a chain is backwards on a chainsaw?
One way to tell if a chain is backwards on a chainsaw is to pull the starter cord. When the chain is installed correctly, the links will turn in a counterclockwise direction. If the chain is installed backwards, the links will spin in a clockwise direction.
Another way to tell if the chain is backwards is to take a closer look at the individual links. When installed correctly, the drive links will have a right-handed design or a circular “V” shape and the raker links will have a left-handed design or a circular “^” shape.
If the links are in the opposite configuration, the chain is installed backwards. Finally, you can measure the length of the cutting edge using a ruler. If the length along the cutting edge from the nose tip to the tail is larger than the cutting edge from the tail to the nose, this indicates that the chain is installed backwards.
What happens if put chainsaw chain backwards?
If you put the chainsaw chain on backward, the teeth of the saw will be grabbing the wood instead of cutting it. The saw won’t be able to cut effectively, if at all. It can also be dangerous as the saw can kick back, causing the saw to be thrown back towards the user.
Furthermore, the backward direction won’t sharpen the teeth on the chain and it can actually lead to excessive wear on the chain or the guide bar and the chain can break due to the excessive strain. You should always make sure to install the chainsaw chain in the proper direction in order to ensure effective cutting and for safety reasons.
Can you put the chain on a chainsaw the wrong way?
Yes, it is possible to put a chain on a chainsaw the wrong way. Depending on the chainsaw and chain, there are several points to check to ensure the chain is on correctly. First, make sure the cutting teeth of the chain are facing the correct direction.
If the teeth are facing the wrong direction, the chain won’t cut properly. Additionally, always make sure the drive links are in the correct grooves in the bar. If the drive links don’t fit perfectly in the grooves of the bar, the chain can come off or not cut properly.
Lastly, always confirm the bolts and nuts are tight and secure. If the chain isn’t properly attached, it may come off the saw and cause injury.
Why is my brand new chainsaw not cutting?
There are several possible reasons why your brand new chainsaw is not cutting.
The most common problem is that the chain may not be properly tensioned. The chain should be tensioned to the manufacturer’s recommended tension and adjusted only after consulting the instruction manual.
If the chain is too loose, it will not cut properly and can cause a kickback when in operation.
A dull chain can also cause difficulty in cutting. The chain should be sharpened and maintained with a flat file guide and adjusted as necessary to keep it in proper condition.
Fuel can also be an issue, as fuel that has been left in the chainsaw for too long may not ignite properly, preventing the engine from running at its full horsepower. Additionally, the proper fuel / oil mixture ratio is important and must be maintained in order to keep the chain from becoming dry and dull.
Finally, the wrong chain speed can cause cutting problems, as the chain should be set to the recommended chain speed for your particular model. A chain that is running too slow or too fast can cause the saw to jam, seize, or slip excessively.
If all of the above fails, it is a good idea to take the saw to an authorized service center and have them check it out to make sure it is operating correctly.
Why does the chain keep popping off the chainsaw?
It could be due to a problem with the chain tension. Inadequate tension is a common cause for chainsaw chains coming off. If the chain is too loose, it can fly off the bar as it rotates. In this case, the tensioner should be adjusted so that the chain is slightly snug.
Other potential causes include having a damaged bar or chain, a lack of bar oil, improper blade angle, or an obstructed spark plug. Damage to either the bar or chain could lead to the bar not properly gripping the chain.
Without bar oil, the chain and bar will quickly overheat and the chain may pop off. If the angle of the blade isn’t correct, it can create additional wear on the chain, leading to it coming off. And finally, an obstructed spark plug may cause the chain to come off.
Make sure the spark plug is always clean so that the engine is running properly.
Do you sharpen both sides of a chainsaw chain?
Yes, you should sharpen both sides of a chainsaw chain. It is important to sharpen the “primary side” (the top side of the cutting tooth) and the “secondary side” (the side below the top of the cutting tooth).
If one side is sharper than the other, the chain will be out of balance, which can cause the chainsaw to vibrate and create excessive wear and tear on the chainsaw’s parts. Both sides should be sharpened with the same angle.
When sharpening the primary side, use a standard flat file, while when sharpening the secondary side, use a round file. Make sure to apply an even, consistent pressure when sharpening the chainsaw chain.
Is it better to sharpen or replace a chainsaw chain?
It depends on the condition of the chainsaw chain. Generally speaking, it is better to sharpen a chainsaw chain if it is still in decent condition and has not become overly worn or damaged. You can sharpen a chainsaw chain with a round and flat file, as well as a depth gauge.
With the right tools, a chainsaw chain can be sharpened ready for use within ten minutes.
However, if the chainsaw chain is heavily worn and damaged then it is best to replace it. Over time chainsaw chains become more brittle and less effective. Attempting to sharpen a heavily worn or damaged chain could damage the bar and require it to be replaced as well.
Most modern chainsaw chains have indicators to show when replacement is necessary. It is also important to buy the correct size and style chainsaw chain when replacing an old one.
How long should a chainsaw chain last before sharpening?
The lifespan of a chainsaw chain before it needs sharpening will depend on how often it is being used and the type of material it is cutting. Generally, a chainsaw chain that is being used for occasional to light usage should be sharpened approximately every 10-20 hours of use.
For moderate to heavy use, a chainsaw chain should be sharpened at least every 5-10 hours of use. If a chain is mainly cutting hardwoods like oak, it may need more frequent sharpening even when used regularly.
When the chain dulls, it is time to sharpen it. To tell if your chain is dull, watch for signs of difficulty when cutting, including producing sawdust instead of chips when cutting and an increased amount of friction and vibration when cutting as these are all signs that the chain has become dull.
Additionally, if the center of the cut has become wider and rounded instead of having the typical V shape, then the chain needs to be sharpened.
Finally, if you want to extend the life of your chainsaw chain, it is important to keep the chain clean of debris and oils and to store the chainsaw in a safe, dry environment when not in use.
Why does my chainsaw chain dull so quickly?
Most commonly, a chain will become dull due to improper maintenance, such as not oiling properly or not keeping the chain blade sharp. Another reason can be due to the improper tension of the chain. If the tension is too great, the chain will prematurely become dull.
Additionally, overuse can also contribute to a chainsaw chain becoming dull quickly. Constant use of the saw can stress the chain, leading to shorter wear times. In some cases, the chainsaw chain may simply be of low quality, leading to it dulling more quickly than others.
Thus, when a chainsaw chain is dulling quickly, it’s important to inspect it to determine what the cause is. Taking good care of the chain, regularly checking and maintaining it, and only using it as intended can help prevent a chainsaw chain from becoming dull too quickly.
How do you know if chainsaw chain is on backwards?
The easiest way to tell if a chainsaw chain is on backwards is to look at the side of the chain that is in contact with the bar. If the teeth are facing away from the bar, this is the wrong direction and the chainsaw chain is on backwards.
Additionally, if you turn the chainsaw on, you’ll be able to hear if the chain is running in the correct direction – it should be running in the same direction as the arrow stamped onto the top of the chainsaw’s guide bar.
It’s important to make sure the chainsaw chain is properly mounted to the bar before you use it, as a chainsaw chain running in the wrong direction can break quickly, create more sawdust and kickback, and cause you to lose control of the saw.
Why is my chainsaw burning the wood?
There could be several reasons why your chainsaw is burning the wood when you use it. Firstly, it could be due to the tension of the chain. If the chain is not tensioned properly, it will heat up more quickly and cause more friction when it comes into contact with the wood.
This can cause the wood to burn. It could also be due to a dull chain. When a chain blade gets dull, it will struggle to make a clean cut, leading to more friction and heat build up again.
Another potential cause could be that the drive sprocket is worn, or the clutch on the saw is worn or damaged. This means that the chain is spinning faster than it should, creating a lot of heat and dragging along the wood and burning it.
Finally, the carburetor on the saw may need to be adjusted. If the carburetor delivers too much fuel, it will cause the saw to run hotter than it should, leading to burning wood.
In conclusion, it’s important to check the tension of the chain, sharpen the chain blades, check the drive sprocket and the clutch, and adjust the carburetor to ensure that your chainsaw is running correctly and not burning the wood.
