As a child, I had always been afraid of power tools, and I never learned to use them.
I was never able to get over my fear of having such powerful equipment in my hand. My father was determined to teach me, but even someone as curious as myself couldn’t conjure up enough courage.
Then last summer, my husband asked me to bring out the chainsaw for cutting a bad branch near the window. However, he got called over to our neighbors and entrusted me to saw the branch. I was left all by myself, and to further compound problems, I saw the chain was undone, with no idea how to fix it.
When my husband returned, he was surprised to see me standing there helpless. But being the gentle individual that he is, he readily offered to help me. Now, all that remained was to put my fears aside, but it’s harder said than done for a retired school teacher.
Nevertheless, I learned how to fix the chainsaw, and buoyed by my recent exploits, I’ve decided to help others get over similar fears. Hi! I’m Stacy Smith, and today I’ll be talking about how to put a chain on a chainsaw.
Let’s cut to the chase, and begin!
Fitting The Chain To The Chainsaw
Why Does The Chain Come Off?
It’s essential to know why the chain is likely to come off in the first place. While there are many reasons why it could happen, I’ve narrowed down the most common among them.
You need to keep in mind that it might be prone to overheating if you use your chainsaw continuously. When that happens, the length of the chain undergoes an increase, causing it to fall out of place. Moreover, if you’re engaged in any prolonged activity, you should stop in between to tighten the chain tension.
If you neglect the tension, it again causes the chain to lose shape and fall out. Apart from that, you’ve to be vigilant when operating it on a stout branch or log that isn’t easy to cut. The strength of the log may cause the machine to jam, thereby eventually leading to the chain coming out of the seam.
It also warrants regular maintenance, and you need to inspect various components, especially the screws. They play an essential role in holding the chain together, and after prolonged use, tend to come loose. So, if you find the chain coming undone, start by tightening the screws.
Things To Consider
Having talked about why the chain falls off, I’ll discuss what you need to do to remedy the situation. For starters, you’ll need to take the necessary precaution since you’re dealing with heavy machinery. Ensure you always wear gloves and don full-sleeve shirts for added safety.
Next, take the chain and saw to an open area, away from obstacles of any sort. Doing so will allow you to keep track of all the components as you disassemble the various parts one by one. Although losing a screw may not seem like a big deal, it’ll stall work, and you’ll have to pay extra to get them replaced.
In that regard, you can use cardboard or newspaper and place the tiny parts and tools on it. It’s not full-proof, but at least you’ll know where you’re keeping everything. Meanwhile, please remember to switch off the machine before you begin fixing the chain and turn the blade away from you.
In this way, the engine will be in your direction, which makes work more manageable. You’ll also need a ½-inch wrench, drift, and hammer for the primary procedure, along with oil and brush to clean up the unit.
Steps To Follow
All that remains is for you to put the chain back on the saw. Hence, follow the steps mentioned below.
Step 1
First and foremost, you must remove the bar screws and housing, for which you’ll need the wrench. Use it to remove the nuts from the upper and lower part of the chain. Then move onto reducing the screw tension, and to do so, you’ll have to use the slotted end of the wrench. Finally, round off the process by taking out the plastic housing along with the bar nuts.
Step 2
After the chain and the plastic hatch cover are loose enough, you need to give the components a thorough cleaning. I realize it might not be possible to clean everything but try to cover as much as you can for the best results.
In that regard, using a paintbrush helps remove tiny dust particles, while oil helps to spruce up the individual components. Also, before attaching the chain, please remember to grease it for a smooth experience.
Step 3
Now comes the tricky part, which is putting the chain back in place. Here, you need to ensure that the chain is secured to the sprocket, which will make it more manageable to align it with the grooves. Along with that, the tension stud and the guide hole must line up as well.
You need to check the tension in the chain and make sure it isn’t over or under tightened. Therefore, pull on the chain until you get the required tension, and don’t compromise as it might cause the chain to fall out again.
Once you’re satisfied, you can attach the plastic housing and hand-tighten the screws. However, I recommend you check the tension and guarantee it isn’t slacking before tightening the nuts all the way through. It’ll permit you to tinker with the chain tension screw if you aren’t satisfied with the tautness.
Finally, use the wrench to complete the tightening process, so the nuts and screws remain bolted while at work.
Final Words
And there you have it, folks! I’ve completed my guide, and hopefully, you’ve realized that putting the chain back onto a chainsaw isn’t complicated.
Just ensure you take the necessary precautions and be determined to overcome your fear. Rest assured, once you learn to do things by yourself, you’ll feel like a whole new person.
That’s all the time I have. Take care and see you soon.