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The Daily Insight

How do you unfold a chainsaw chain?

Author

James Craig

Updated on March 13, 2026

Raise the lowest part of the dangling chain while continuing to hold the loops in your hands. Because chainsaw chains are stiff, the dangling, lowest part will poke straight out like a board until it reaches a vertical position. You can guide its movement easily by using only your hands' grasp on the loops.

Also to know is, do chainsaw chains have a master link?

Locate the master link that most manufacturers install to make removal of the chain a simple process. A visual inspection of the chain will reveal the master link due to its appearance that makes it stand out slightly from the other links.

Secondly, how tight should your chainsaw chain be? A properly-tensioned chainsaw chain should still be just a little loose on the chainsaw guide bar, but the chain needs to be tight enough that you can't pull the drive links out of the bar nose.

Hereof, can you stretch a chainsaw chain?

Final Thoughts. People often wonder if chainsaw chains can stretch because they can come loose. The fact is that they do stretch, but you can manage it by tightening them. When you go to use your chainsaw, you should check to see if the chain is the right tension.

Can a chainsaw chain be put on backwards?

When replacing the chain on your chainsaw is to make sure that the cutting part of your chain is facing the right direction. Unfortunately the chain will go on either way, but if you put it on backwards, it will not cut.

Related Question Answers

Which way should chainsaw teeth face?

The direction of the chainsaw blade is always the same regardless of the type or model of chainsaw. So the sharp edges of the blade should always face the clockwise direction. If you check from the top, you will notice that the sharp edges are facing the direction opposite the chainsaw body or motor.

Why does my chainsaw not cut?

The most common cause of a chainsaw that won't cut properly is a dull cutting chain. Try sharpening or replacing the chain. The chain may not have the proper amount of tension. If the chain is too tight, the chain may not rotate at the proper speed, causing the chain not to cut properly.

How do you untangle a thick chain?

Place the chain on a hard, smooth, nonporous surface, such as glass, if the straight pin trick doesn't work by itself. Apply a few drops of baby oil or mineral oil to the kinks, and repeat the pulling process with the pins. These oils lubricate the chain, helping ease out particularly stubborn kinks.

How do I stop my chainsaw from pinching?

To stop your chainsaw from getting stuck, make a cut on top of the log or tree that's preferably one-third of the log's diameter. Use your chainsaw to cut from the underside until you meet the initial top cut. Always stand on the side when cross-cutting to prevent injury.

How do you fix a pinched chainsaw bar?

To open pinched rails, mount the bar in a vice and gently tap on the bent rail with a hammer and punch. A flat-blade screwdriver is another tool that can be useful for prying open bent bar rails. Once you've got the pinch worked out, test your repair by placing the chain back in the groove.

Why does my chainsaw jump when cutting?

Improper Chain Tension

Too much slack in your chain can cause the saw blades to jump the bar. This is commonly referred to as throwing the chain. Place a dime between the chain and bar, then increase the tension until the chain is snug against the dime. Remove the dime and you're ready to cut.

Why does my saw get stuck?

The wood you are sawing is closing the kerf and pinching the blade, Your cut isn't straight, The set of the saw teeth is not large enough, so the kerf created by the blade isn't wide enough to allow the saw room to pass without undue friction, or.

How do you tension a chainsaw blade?

Loosen the bar nuts on the side of the chainsaw guide bar. Insert a screwdriver or chainsaw scrench into the Intenz slot of the guide bar. Turn the screwdriver or scrench clockwise to move the guide bar forward to proper chain tension. Perform a "snap" test to ensure proper saw chain tension.

Why won't my chainsaw chain tighten?

If you can't tighten the chain, you may not be implementing the proper tightening procedure. To adjust the chain, loosen the nuts that hold the guide bar in place. Attempting to turn the tension screw without loosening the nuts first may be the reason you can't tighten the chain.

Can you replace links in a chainsaw chain?

Insert the damaged link of the chain into the open space of the chain-breaking tool. Align the rivet of the link with the hole in the base of the chain-breaking tool and the anvil above it. Perform the same action on the other rivet in the link. Remove the link and discard it.

Why does my chainsaw chain dull so quickly?

If your chain dulls quickly, then it could be a couple of things. Check your user's manual to ensure that you are using the right sized file for your chain. Alternatively, you could be applying too much pressure when you file. This will create cutting edges that are too thin and dull quickly.

How do I stop my chainsaw chain from stretching?

The most important factor in preventing chain stretch is lubrication. If roller chains are poorly lubricated, stretching will take place very quickly. When a chain has elongated 3% of its original length, it must be replaced.

Why is my chainsaw smoking?

While a chain saw does produce some heat while in use, it should never overheat or begin smoking. The most likely causes of smoking and overheating are a lack of air and/or a lack of lubrication to the engine or the chain saw chain guide bar.

What causes a chain to stretch?

Its elongation is caused when material is removed from the pins and bushings. The individual joints in a roller chain articulate as they enter and leave the sprockets. This articulation results in wear on the pins and bushings. As material is worn away from these surfaces, the chain will gradually elongate.

What do numbers on chainsaw chain mean?

The numbers stamped on a chainsaw chain are an ID code used by the manufacturer to indicate the pitch and gauge measurements of the chain. Pitch and gauge are important dimensions which influence whether or not a chain is compatible with a chainsaw.