Which side to put the chain on the chainsaw

Rules for replacing and tensioning the chain on the chainsaw

When considering how to correctly put the chain on the chainsaw, let us note the point that the modern version of the tool has a special setting wheel. It makes the procedure much easier. Among its peculiarities, we note the following points:

  • Looking at how to put the chain on the chainsaw correctly, we note that first you should prepare an even surface. This prevents the tool from being damaged. After that, the main part of the tool, the bar and the chain are laid out separately.
  • The next step is to remove the guard, which is designed to protect the sprocket. This is secured in most cases with a simple wing nut.
  • On the bar, the tensioning sprocket is turned to the right as far as it will go. It is in this position that the installation of the tool is carried out.
  • Then the chain is gradually slipped over the fixing element. A fairly common question is which side of the element is put. Installation begins with the top, the chain is rotated so that the bar is over. Only wear thick gloves that can withstand the blade. The cutter on the end face must be forward.
  • Both elements are put on the sprocket.
  • The next step is to reattach the chain sprocket cover. It is important to make sure that the pins are in line with the holes. A loose fit can lead to rattling or other problems.
  • It is necessary to make sure that the guides fall into the special groove.
  • Check visually the condition of the chain after locking it in place.

The next step is to directly check that the chain has not been overtightened. To do this, release the chain brake and pull it back in line. Check only with special gloves.

In general it can be said that the procedure under consideration is quite simple to perform and does not require special tools. However, not all chainsaws are as easy to service as the above.

Chain guide and which side of the chain to wear

A chainsaw chain, if you look closely, has the saw teeth pointing in one direction. That’s why the direction of the teeth on the guide bar is so easy to see: if you place the chain saw itself in the plane it is in when you work, the row of teeth on top of the guide bar should be pointing toward the end of the bar with its sharp edges. Whereas the row of teeth at the bottom of the chain saw should point in the opposite direction to the drive sprocket.

You can’t put the chain with the teeth facing inward against the grooves in the guide bar, it just won’t stay on the bar. That’s why it is necessary to put the chainsaw chain on the guide bar in such a way that guide lugs of the saw blade links are directed inside the guide bar.

Diagnostics and proper care of the chainsaw chain

The chainsaw‘s productivity depends on a number of factors:

If tensioning affects chainsaw performance, sharpening of the teeth affects cutting speed

That’s why it is important to pay special attention to it. A well-sharpened cut is much more efficient, precise and safer

there are no specific guidelines on how often a sharpening should be performed, but professional sawyers recommend it several times a day. This is because the teeth dull quite quickly through intensive cutting.

Most chain sharpening is measured on the basis of the chainsaw’s cutting performance. In addition, the tool needs sharpening when the guide bar starts to move sideways. Another measure of bluntness is the condition of the cuttings. Usually the chips are very uniform when properly sharpened. In such a case, sawdust is rectangular or square in shape. If the chain is blunt, dust will be in the chips, and sawdust will become similar to the shape of a needle from a simple hacksaw.

If you regularly check the tension in the chain and re-sharpen it in time, the chain saw will last a long time. Even hard wood is no problem at all when sawing.

If you are not experienced enough, it is advisable to call in a specialist. Professional woodturners determine the condition of a chainsaw and its components upon first inspection. They will determine how worn it is, whether the chain is too tight and the sharpness of the teeth.

The saw blade is badly worn

A bar lasts much longer than a chain. This does not mean, however, that you can use it forever and not have to worry about replacing it. It is customary to change the guide bar after 2-3 worn chains. Before replacing your chainsaw guide bar, you need to evaluate its technical condition. If your chainsaw is equipped with a Chinese-made guide bar, it will wear out sooner than the chain. If you find that the chain saw is cutting crooked wood, it is therefore necessary to have the guide bar checked.

To see if the bar is worn, remove it and inspect it. Wear is usually evident by shortening one of the beads. Sometimes it is very difficult to find visually, so a caliper should be used. A difference of a few tenths of a mm indicates that the tire needs to be replaced. There is also a simple way to check if the guide has worn down, using a square. To do it, the guide bar is placed on a flat surface with a straight edge at the side. If the top and bottom walls of the guide are in contact with the square, it is in good condition.

This is interesting! The only way to extend the life of a chainsaw guide is to periodically turn it upside down. To do this, always check that the tool is equipped with such a feature, as indicated by the corresponding markings on the headset.

Wear of the guide bar can be caused by the oil pump not working properly. If the oil supply is intermittently interrupted, there is correspondingly more friction and thus parts wear out more quickly. If the lubrication mechanism works properly, it multiplies the service life not only of the headset, but also of the tool as a whole.

Makita UC 3520A electric chainsaw Overview

My review of my Makita UC 3520A electric chainsaw. I partially disassemble the chainsaw cover,

The slide lever in front of the handle is a chain brake. Man throws a punch, he rests his hand on the flap, the motor stops. This is a backstop.

The Makita electric chainsaw has a motor overheat interlock, an on-off interlock. Smooth increase in starting current allows gradual increase in rpm, extending the life of all components.

Experts advise against buying a saw if it is not locked. This is the first indication that the model is fake.

has shown that Makita saws are at the top of the Yandex Market rankings based on user surveys and product purchases.

Teeth characteristic

Makita electric saw chain teeth have some differences that are worth considering when buying a chain for a specific application. The sliding surface and the inclination of the cutting edge form a front angle of 55-87 degrees. Adjust top blade angle only when sharpening. Any one of the links, its sharpness, and its value, can affect the performance of a Makita chain saw.

It is not acceptable to adjust the angles to any parameters, because there are approved standards that must be adhered to. And you should also consider the type of chain and its intended use. Rear sharpening angle should be 45 to 63 degrees. It is considered the main angle, but it is very difficult to measure. This can cause problems if the other angles are not respected.

Tooth Characteristics

Makita electric chainsaw teeth have some differences between them, which is worth considering when buying a chain for a particular type of work. The sliding surface and the slope of the cutting edge form a front angle of 55-87 degrees. Only correct the angle of the upper blade when sharpening. Any of the links, its sharpness and value, can affect the performance of a Makita chainsaw.

It is inadmissible to adjust the slope angles to any parameters, because there are approved standards that must be adhered to. And you should also consider the type of chain and its purpose. The back sharpening angle should be 45 to 63 degrees. It is considered the main angle, but is very difficult to measure. This can be problematic if the other angles are not observed.

Changing the chain

Companies that make electric saws allow you to change the chain yourself. Quite often new models are supplied with special instructions for changing and repairing certain parts. First of all, you need to start by buying a new chain.

The most popular design of cheap Makita saws can be considered side-tensioned electric saws. To change the chain, the following steps must be carried out in turn

  • Pull back the guard, and release the saw brake;
  • Using a screwdriver, turn the special tensioning screw, unscrew the nut, and reduce the tension;
  • Remove the cover of the electric saw;
  • the bar and chain are completely removed from the sprocket;
  • the obsolete chain is removed from the bar and a new one is inserted in its place;
  • the chain should be installed on the chainsaw only in the reverse order.

The chain must be tightened very lightly and without jerking. Do not tighten it definitively until the plastic cover is closed with the special screw and nut.

All Makita saw models are now equipped with wing nuts for easy tensioning adjustment. Because of this feature, changing cutting attachments is much faster and helps increase productivity. Release the brake, unscrew the wing nut and remove the protective cover. After pushing back the bar a little, the obsolete chain must be removed. Then you put on the sprocket you bought, put it in place, and tighten the wing nut. Turn the tensioning wheel to the desired side, and the wing nut is tightened securely.

If you need to shorten the chain

Often when working in the woods or on a remote construction site, you will not be able to find a replacement for a stretched chain. Assuming you have taken all the advice and convince yourself that it is necessary to shorten the chain, it is important to know the sequence of steps and possible ways of replacement.

They are not numerous and depend on how many links need to be removed and under what conditions the repair will be made.

This is important to know: a chainsaw chain consists of cutters and linking links, which are connected by rivets in the factory. Connect the shortened chain in the same way, but with homemade rivets.

Each link (the cutter and the links that connect them), have two of these rivets. If the nearby “native” connecting links are damaged, you can use elements from any other similar chain of any, even automotive, equipment. You just need to adjust the profile with a file, especially at the bottom, where it has a small groove.

We also suggest you read about the rules of electric welding for beginners in the following article:

It is easiest to take a long chain, in which you can easily remove several segments. This at least makes it possible to use the original links. They are removed with a hacksaw for metal, but it’s better to use an emery.

Initially it is necessary to grind off unnecessary rivets, and then to cut off unnecessary part. For this you need to pick up the rivets from the unnecessary links with a knife and beat them out with a homemade piercing pin.

Joining a new chain, you have to make a homemade riveting of the links. The rivets themselves can be bought in a store, but if they are not available, use steel wire or, better yet, a short bolt with a flat head. Riveting is done on a rigid base (metal workbench or vise). Slide the rivets one after the other through the elements of the future rivets, and use a hammer to flatten them on the opposite side.

You may also be interested in sharpening the chainsaw chain with your own hands. Read about types and features of modern chainsaws here.

And in this article you can learn how to repair a STIHL 180 chain saw.

What to do if the chain slackens

If the chain sags, there is a risk of injury to the operator. because the saw blade can break or just come off the guide sprockets. Of course modern chain saws have safety and emergency stop systems, but these systems don’t always work properly.

It is important not to install on a chainsaw chain with defective or damaged saw links, in addition to the danger of breaking at any time, such a chain will grind the guide bar grooves, which will lead to its warping, uneven cutting and failure of the guide bar.

Which can cause the chain to sag during even a short period of use?

  • There can be problems with the guide bar. Sometimes because of operator negligence or because of excessive wear of the threads of the fixing bolts in the area where the guide bar is fastened, vibration may arise which causes looseness of the chain tension. Check condition of fixing bolts and if necessary replace them with new ones. When the screws are tightened enough, these problems do not occur.
  • All chainsaws can wear out over time if handled carefully enough. Trying to repair or remanufacture a chain from several parts is a futile attempt. If a chain headset is stretched due to natural causes, it is best to buy a new one.
  • Sprocket is misaligned. Sprocket teeth may sag due to misalignment. If this happens, it is best to take your chain saw to a service center for repair and adjustment of the drive sprocket position. To fix the drive sprocket in the correct position is quite difficult, because you have to dismantle many small parts, remove the guide bar, and then assemble everything in the reverse order.

Step-by-step installation procedure

Not all modern chainsaws are equipped with a setting wheel, which makes the installation procedure of the saw blade much easier. Systems with a setting wheel among domestic chainsaws are generally rare. That’s why it’s important to know the process and the chain installation sequence on the chain saw.

The main points to pay attention to are:

  • Prepare a flat surface on which you will assemble the chain and guide bar. This will minimize the chance of damage to the chain saw or loss of small parts. Lay the guide bar on the prepared surface and the chain next to it in parallel.
  • Remove the sprocket protection, on modern chainsaws it is enough to unscrew the wing nut, on older models, you may need a socket wrench of appropriate size.
  • At the base of the guide bar, turn the tensioning sprocket all the way to the right. This is the only position for installing the chain.
  • Then the chain is slipped one chain link at a time onto the mounting slot of the guide bar. Install the chain from the top of the guide bar, gradually turning it so that the bar is always on top and the chain is always on the bottom, this allows the chain to be tightened at all times and to fit into the groove of the guide bar without any problem. When you do this, be sure to wear thick protective gloves, because your fingers will be touching the cutting edge. If you look from above, the cutter is always facing forward toward the end of the guide bar.
  • Slide both bar and chain onto the drive sprocket.
  • Screw the sprocket cover into place. Make sure that all mounting pins are in line with the holes. Improper installation with a skew or not all the way may be the cause of extraneous noise, rattling.
  • Make sure that the guides “fit” into the special mounting trough.
  • After installing, check that the chain is locked in position on the chainsaw and guide bar. Everything must be securely fastened without backlash.

An important point is the amount of tension in the chain after installation. Adjusting the correct tension is very simple and takes no more than 3 minutes. You should first loosen the nuts on the protective cap. Use the freely rotating adjusting screw to catch the correct tension, so that the chain does not pull away from the edge of the guide bar more than 3 to 5 mm.

Now you just tighten the nuts and check the tension. If you need to readjust, you can do it all over again.

When the chain is in use, the friction forces cause the chain metal to become very hot and expand, and the length of the chain increases. It is therefore important to regularly check the tension and adjust it in time.

How to install the bar and chain on a chainsaw, see the following video, which provides a clear algorithm of actions:

How to change the chain on a chainsaw

At the moment there are a lot of chainsaw chain on the market. First you need to know what size fits specifically on your chainsaw and do not make a mistake in buying. The second step is to put it on the chain saw correctly. It is a somewhat time-consuming process, but if you know how to put and adjust the chain on the saw bar without the help of others, the conscientious owner should have no problems. We have tried to outline in detail the process of chain saw blade installation on a chainsaw.

We hope that after reading this article you will succeed the first time. But to minimize the occurrence of problems with the chainsaw and the chain in the future, do not forget the 3 main rules:

  • If the chain is worn and sagged. replace it with the newest;
  • If there is a vibration when sawing and the cut is not good. watch the chain tension on the chainsaw;
  • Never use defective or repaired by incomprehensible specialists saw blades, your health and the health of those around you is more important than small savings on the purchase of new and reliable chain.

The chain is stretched

If the chain is operated incorrectly or for a long time, it can be greatly stretched. This is because metal can deform over time. Too much wear and tear becomes a reason to purchase a new version, but it is possible to use the old one for a short period of time. It is possible to avoid rapid stretching only by following the recommendations of the operation. The work requires:

It is not difficult to put on the stretched version, but there are quite a few problems with restoration, because the metal is characterized by high strength. The basic elements are fastened with rivets. The work is carried out as follows:

  • The product is attached in cramped conditions.
  • If the work is done with an angle grinder, there is a chance that the surface will be damaged, as this tool is difficult to control.
  • After shredding, the rivets are knocked out. No need to throw it away because it can be reused.
  • Chain manufacturers do not make replacement parts that are required for maintenance.
  • It is possible to make a rivet with your own hands, but the work is quite difficult.
  • The product is divided into two parts. It is worth taking into account that the number and spacing of the guides should remain the same.

When dealing with long lengths, do not forget that a chain that is too short can no longer be tensioned. It is also not recommended to apply oil to the chainsaw chain.

Why does tool blunting happen?

Every chainsaw has a defined durability period. This is called the time from the beginning of work with a new tool, until it becomes inoperable.

Destruction or wear of cutting tools designed to work on wood occurs due to the effects of a set of forces arising in the process of cutting. One of the key ones is the friction force. Dulling of the saw chain is caused by prolonged use, improper use of the chain saw

The amount of wear can be defined as a measure of weight measured in milligrams. Wear is a parameter that shows the change in shape and size characteristics of a cutting blade. A change in geometric parameters that occurs during cutting and there is no linear wear is called blunting.

There are parameters, on the basis of which the decision about the possibility of further use of the tool is made

In particular, when examining the teeth of a saw chain, you should look at the edges of the front and back surfaces, the height of the blade, and the area of wear. If they are not in a satisfactory condition, it is time to sharpen the chain saw

Signs that the saw has lost its sharpness are as follows:

There are many chainsaw chain models on the market today. To begin with you need to know which size fits your chainsaw and you should not make a mistake when buying. The second step is to install it correctly on the chainsaw. This is a somewhat laborious process, but if you know how to dress and adjust the chain on the saw bar yourself, then the good owner should have no problems. We did our best to describe how to install the sawblade on your chainsaw in detail.

We hope that after reading this article you will be able to do it right the first time. But to minimize the appearance of problems with the chainsaw and chain in the future, do not forget the 3 basic rules:

  • If the chain is worn and sagging. replace it with a new one;
  • If you feel vibration and the cut is bad, check the chain tension on your chain saw;
  • Never use saw blades that are defective or repaired by dubious professionals, your health and the health of those around you are far more important than a small savings on the purchase of a new and reliable chain.

necessary equipment and tools for tightening the chain on a chain saw

In order to properly perform tensioning, you will need knowledge of some simple mechanisms and uncomplicated tools. On STIHL chain saws, tightening is easy with the integrated chain tensioner. This method is as simple as possible and is done very quickly. To tighten or adjust the degree of slack in the chain, the manufacturer recommends to do so:

  • Using the wing nut, unscrew the sprocket cover;
  • Rotating the adjusting wheel determines the required chain length, tightening it to the desired degree;
  • Replace the sprocket cover and fasten the chain to the bar.

If it is not possible to tighten the chain of a chainsaw with the built-in mechanism, use these tools (using a Sparky electric saw as an example):

  • angle grinder with metal disk;
  • Hexagon socket wrench, 5 mm in diameter;
  • a piece of wire;
  • a wooden stick or a strong chip;
  • flat screwdriver.

After de-energizing the electric saw, unscrew the screws with an allen key, remove the housing cover, unscrew the tension screw with a screwdriver and remove the stem nut. The side of the screw adjacent to the body of the saw is ground with a disk. Then the saw is assembled in the reverse order. The sawdust is needed to clean the housing from sawdust.