How Does A Chain Go On A Chainsaw: Step-by-Step

So, how does a chain go on a chainsaw? Putting a new chain on your chainsaw is a straightforward process if you follow a few key steps. It involves removing the old chain and bar, fitting the new chainsaw chain onto the bar, and then mounting the bar and chain assembly back onto the chainsaw. This guide will walk you through each stage of the chainsaw chain installation process.

Preparing Your Chainsaw for a New Chain

Before you can begin fitting the chainsaw chain, it’s crucial to prepare your chainsaw safely. This involves ensuring the saw is completely powered down and that you have all the necessary tools and the correct new chainsaw cutting chain.

Essential Tools for Chainsaw Chain Installation

Gathering the right tools makes the job much easier. You’ll typically need:

Gloves: To protect your hands from sharp edges and oil.
Scrench or Socket Wrench Set: Most chainsaws use specific bolt sizes for the bar nuts.
Screwdriver: Often a flathead screwdriver is needed for adjusting chain tension.
Wire Brush or Compressed Air: For cleaning debris from the bar and clutch cover area.
Bar Groove Cleaner: A specialized tool to remove sawdust and oil buildup from the bar groove.
New Chainsaw Chain: Make sure it matches your chainsaw’s specifications.
Owner’s Manual: Always a good reference for your specific chainsaw model.

Safety First: Disconnecting Power

The absolute first step is to ensure the chainsaw is safe to handle.

Disengage the Chain Brake: Push the chain brake lever forward until it clicks. This prevents the chain from moving accidentally.
Turn Off the Chainsaw: If it’s a gasoline-powered saw, ensure the engine is completely off. For electric or battery-powered saws, disconnect the power source (unplug from the wall or remove the battery).

Removing the Old Chainsaw Chain and Bar

Now that your chainsaw is safely prepared, you can proceed with removing the old components. This is the first part of the chainsaw chain replacement process.

Accessing the Bar and Chain Assembly

Most chainsaws have a clutch cover that protects the chain and bar.

Locate Bar Nuts: On the side of the chainsaw where the bar attaches, you’ll see two or three nuts holding the clutch cover and the bar in place.
Loosen Bar Nuts: Use your scrench or socket wrench to loosen these nuts. Don’t remove them completely just yet; loosen them enough to allow the clutch cover to be removed.

Removing the Clutch Cover and Old Chain

With the nuts loosened, you can now take off the clutch cover.

Remove Clutch Cover: Carefully slide the clutch cover off. Sometimes, a tension adjustment screw might be integrated into the cover or a separate knob. If you have a separate tension adjustment, you might need to loosen it slightly to help remove the cover.
Slide Off the Bar: Once the cover is off, the bar will be loose. You can now slide the bar forward, away from the chainsaw’s drive sprocket, to free the old chain. Be careful, as the old chain may still be oily and sharp.

Cleaning the Bar and Drive Sprocket Area

Before fitting the new chainsaw chain, take a moment to clean the area.

Clean Bar Grooves: Use a wire brush or a bar groove cleaner to remove any sawdust, oil, and debris from the groove of the bar. A clean groove ensures proper chain movement and lubrication.
Check Drive Sprocket: Inspect the drive sprocket for wear. If the teeth are very worn or pointed, it may need replacing, which is a more involved repair. For now, ensure there’s no debris stuck between the sprocket teeth.

Fitting the New Chainsaw Chain onto the Bar

This is where the actual fitting chainsaw chain process begins. It’s vital to ensure the chain is oriented correctly.

Orienting the Chainsaw Cutting Chain

Chainsaw chains have a specific direction of travel. The cutters should be angled to move forward, towards the tip of the bar, when the saw is running.

Identify Cutter Direction: Look at the cutters on your new chain. Most cutters have a “shoulder” or a leading edge that points forward.
Align with Bar: Place the chain onto the bar, making sure the cutters face the correct direction. The teeth on the bottom of the bar should be angled so that they push into the wood as the saw cuts. The teeth on the top of the bar are usually chisel-shaped and will be the cutting edge.

Threading the Chain Through the Bar

The chain needs to be threaded through the bar groove and around the nose sprocket.

Place Chain on Bar: Lay the chain loosely into the groove of the chainsaw bar.
Loop Around Nose Sprocket: Guide the chain around the sprocket at the tip of the bar. Make sure the drive links of the chain sit correctly in the bar groove.

Mounting the Chainsaw Bar and Chain Assembly

Now you’ll reassemble the bar and chain onto the chainsaw body.

Attaching the Bar and Chain to the Chainsaw

This step brings everything back together.

Position the Bar: Slide the nose of the bar back towards the chainsaw body. The drive links of the chain should fit into the drive sprocket. This can sometimes be tricky; you might need to gently rotate the sprocket with your finger or a screwdriver to help the chain engage.
Align Bar Mount Holes: Ensure the mounting holes on the chainsaw bar align with the studs on the chainsaw body.

Reinstalling the Clutch Cover

The clutch cover goes back on to secure the bar and chain.

Place Clutch Cover: Slide the clutch cover back into place over the bar and chain assembly. Make sure the chain is properly seated within the cover’s guiding features.
Install Bar Nuts: Screw the bar nuts back onto the studs. Tighten them only finger-tight for now.

Adjusting Chainsaw Chain Tension

Proper chain tension is critical for safe operation and the longevity of your chainsaw and its components. This is a vital part of chainsaw chain maintenance.

The Importance of Correct Tension

Too Loose: A loose chain can derail from the bar, posing a significant safety risk and potentially damaging the saw.
Too Tight: A chain that is too tight will bind and cause excessive wear on the drive sprocket, the bar, and the chain itself. It can also make the saw sluggish and increase fuel consumption.

How to Achieve the Right Tension

Most modern chainsaws have a chain tensioning mechanism, often a screw located on the side of the bar or integrated into the clutch cover.

Locate Tensioning Screw: This is usually a small screw near the front of the bar, accessed after removing the clutch cover.
Adjust Tension:
- Tighten: Turn the tensioning screw clockwise. This will pull the chain tighter.
- Loosen: Turn the tensioning screw counter-clockwise. This will loosen the chain.
Test Tension:
- The chain should be snug against the bar but still able to be moved by hand with some effort.
- Pull the chain around the bar. It should move smoothly without binding.
- A good test is to pull the chain away from the underside of the bar. It should lift off the bar by about 1/8 inch (3mm) and then snap back into place. If you can pull it completely off the bar, it’s too loose.

Securing the Bar Nuts

Once the chain tension is correct, you need to lock it in place.

Tighten Bar Nuts: Use your scrench or socket wrench to firmly tighten the bar nuts.
Re-check Tension: After tightening the bar nuts, it’s a good idea to re-check the chain tension. Sometimes, tightening the nuts can slightly alter the tension. Adjust if necessary.

Final Checks and Testing the New Chain

You’re almost done! A few final steps ensure everything is ready for use.

Lubrication System Check

Ensure Oil Flow: Before starting the saw, make sure the oiler is functioning. You can often test this by briefly running the chain at idle (with the bar and chain pointed away from anything flammable) and checking if a fine mist of oil sprays from the chain. This indicates the automatic oiler is working, which is crucial for chainsaw chain maintenance and lubrication.

Running the Chainsaw

Initial Run: Start the chainsaw. Let it run at idle for a minute or two.
Monitor Tension: After this initial run, turn off the chainsaw and re-check the chain tension. It’s common for a new chain to stretch slightly during its first few minutes of use. Adjust as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chainsaw Chain Installation

Here are some common questions about fitting a chainsaw chain.

What is the correct way to orient a chainsaw chain?

The cutting teeth on a chainsaw chain should always face forward, towards the tip of the chainsaw bar. This ensures the chain cuts effectively when the saw is running.

Can I use a chain from a different brand on my chainsaw?

While it’s possible if the specifications match (pitch, gauge, and drive link count), it’s always best to use a chain specifically designed for your chainsaw model. Using the wrong chain can cause damage and safety issues.

How often should I replace my chainsaw chain?

You should replace your chainsaw chain when the cutting teeth become significantly dull, chipped, or worn. You might also replace it if it stretches excessively or if you notice uneven wear. Regular chainsaw chain maintenance, like sharpening, can extend its life.

What does chainsaw pitch and gauge refer to?

Pitch: This is the distance between the drive links, measured from the first rivet to the third rivet, divided by two. It’s usually expressed as a fraction like 3/8″ or .325″.
Gauge: This is the thickness of the drive link, which fits into the groove of the bar. It’s typically measured in millimeters (e.g., 1.3mm or 1.6mm).

Matching the pitch and gauge of your new chain to your existing bar and sprocket is essential for proper function.

How tight should a chainsaw chain be?

A chainsaw chain should be snug enough that it doesn’t sag or come off the bar, but loose enough that you can still move it by hand with some effort. When pulled away from the underside of the bar, it should lift about 1/8 inch (3mm) and spring back. This is a key aspect of chainsaw chain tensioning.

My new chain seems too loose, what do I do?

After you’ve reinstalled the bar and chain and tightened the bar nuts, you’ll need to adjust the chain tensioning screw. Turn it clockwise to tighten the chain until it feels snug but still movable by hand. Then, re-tighten the bar nuts and re-check the tension. Remember, a new chain will often stretch a bit after the first few minutes of use, so re-checking and adjusting is normal.

By following these detailed steps, you can confidently perform a chainsaw chain replacement and ensure your saw is ready for any cutting task. Proper chainsaw chain maintenance, starting with correct installation, will keep your tool running smoothly and safely.