How to Replace a Chainsaw Chain in Simple and Easy Steps?

Richard McMann

Knowledge Based

replacing chainsaw chain in simple and easy stepsMaintaining a chainsaw’s chain is essential for its overall efficiency since it is its most prominent feature. Professional loggers quite often replace the chains of a chainsaw for this purpose.

It’s also a lot less expensive plus time-efficient to replace the chainsaw’s chain correctly. The replacement can also reduce the risk of injury when operating the chainsaw.

If you use an obsolete, rusted, or unfit chain, your engine will experience unwanted heating, and kickbacks can be fatal.

There appears to be a variety of options if you would want to replace your chainsaw’s chain. The edges may be dull or damaged. So maybe you would want to give complete maintenance and examination of the chainsaw to check if it is in order.

Alternatively, you might have to replace the chain to slice across various metals. On the other hand, you might want to keep the chainsaw away for the long term. Here is a procedure on how to replace a chainsaw chain in this article.

Instructions on How to Replace a Chainsaw Chain in 2024

Chainsaw chains can be changed easily, and these days, it is as easy as changing the oil in the engine. In addition, I have divided the procedure for replacing chain on a chainsaw into simple steps in order to make it a piece of cake. Despite the simplicity of the steps, even beginners in chainsaws can easily complete the process to replace it.

1. Disconnect the Chainsaw’s Chain Brakes

The chain guard is mounted to the side plate of various chainsaws including the gas, battery, electric, and mini tools. Due to the general chain brake, reinstalling the chainsaw will be tough if we do not remove it and separate the chain from the chainsaw. As a result, the chainsaw’s chain brake should be removed.

2. Detach the Chainsaw’s Side Plate

In order to obtain the chainsaw, we must first detach the side plate. The side plate is usually kept in position by two screws, which you can remove with a tool. Moreover, once reinstalling chains, maintain the disconnected screws in a container where you can find those.

3. Let go of the Energy

Start pulling the farthest end of the shaft away from the tool to remove chainsaw tension. As a result, the chain will loosen.

4. Disassociating the Chain

Gently pull the chainsaw chain just after the chain has become slack. If the chain is excessively rusted or tight, you should wear a glove when doing this step.

5. Make any necessary Adjustments to the Tensioning Screw

A Tensioning Screw can be found towards the bottom of the shaft. Gently unscrew it with a flathead screwdriver to enable the re-installation procedure much easier.

6. Putting The Chain Back On the Tool

To reconnect the chain:

  • Start by threading it through the back drum.
  • Twirl the chain ring to ensure that the driving connections are aligned with the chain ring.
  • See if the chain is rotating with the chain ring; if it isn’t, re-thread the chain with the clutch drum and reexamine.
  • Restore the original position of the shaft.

The guide bar must be aligned after the chain has been installed around it. After releasing the pressure on the shaft in step two, we should now return the guide bar to its initial position. When you’re done moving it back, ensure it’s seated in the chainsaw’s adjustment pin

7. Reconnect the Chainsaw’s Side Plate

After connecting the chain, return the side plate toward its initial location. Afterward, with the help of your hands, replace the bolts and screw them in. But be careful not to over tighten them, as we’ll really have to tension the chain first.

8. Re-tighten the Chain’s Tension

The tensioning nut positioned at the bottom of the chainsaw’s shaft has to be adjusted. To complete this step, tighten it back into place and check whether it is securely retaining the chain.

9. Pull the Chain Tighter

Once you’ve followed these instructions carefully, your chain is probably flexible at this stage. However, before you can even use your chainsaw, you’ll have to set this.

By using a screwdriver side, you can alter the tightness of your chainsaw chain.

A chainsaw’s pressure screw is usually found under one of two positions:

  • On the side of the chainsaw, near to the casing-holding screw.
  • Straight on the end of the bar that confronts the chainsaw’s body, across the front.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which way does the chain go on a chainsaw?

The chainsaw chain revolves clockwise; therefore, the sharp edge on the end of the chain must be leaning towards the motor and the right side. Ensure your guide connection blades are pointing in the right direction by inspecting them.

Read more about it in detail here!

Can you replace a chainsaw chain with any brand?

A variety of brands makes chainsaw chains and that not all versions are compatible among all manufacturers. If you want to change your chain with a different manufacturer, you’ll need to know the previous chain’s exact size, height, and pitching. Connecting the incorrect chain might lead to human harm or equipment failure.

Does gauge matter on chainsaw chains?

The chain gauge is one of the most fundamental parts. The breadth of a chainsaw chain’s driving links is measured in gauge. The section of the drive linkage that is put into the  guide bar is measured to get this figure. This dimension is crucial since this gauge of the chain must be equal to the gauge of your instrument.

Conclusion: How to Replace a Chainsaw Chain?

If you don’t have the necessary information, replacing the chain on a chainsaw might be difficult. Furthermore, a lack of expertise may result in damage due to erroneous handling.

This comprehensive instruction will assist you in successfully changing the chain. Fortunately, you now know replacing a chainsaw chain effectively. The procedure is considerably simpler now that you have this  replacement guide.

Restoration of the saw chain may be the greatest way of ensuring that your wood-cutting machine is in good working order. Perhaps a little change, such as a new chain, can improve your performance by hundreds of inches.

Richard McMann
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