Chain For Chainsaw. Tension, Sharpening, Maintenance

Before starting work, an experienced owner of a chainsaw should check the state of chain tension, since not only the performance of the sawing process depends on its state, but also safety. Chainsaw tension plays an important role, and if it is not produced enough, then with a high probability the chain can fly off the tire or break. In the case of excessive constriction, increased pressure will be observed on the engine of the tool and, as a result, its rapid failure. In addition to its direct function. sawing wood, the chain holds the tire, which vibrates when the chainsaw is idling.

How to pull a chain on a chainsaw yourself?

To find out the degree of tension, just grab two fingers on the tooth of the chain located in the middle on top of the tire and pull it up. With proper adjustment, a third of its tail will be in the groove of the tire, and an excess or shortage of this indicator indicates the need for tuning. An important factor is the free movement of the chain without jamming in the tire, which can be checked by scrolling it in the tire.

When diagnosing the degree of chain tension of a chainsaw, it is worth observing safety precautions. In order to prevent damage to the fingers, you need to wear cotton gloves with a rubberized surface inside. All adjustment and adjustment work should be carried out with the engine turned off.

The process of adjusting the degree of tension is not time-consuming. It is enough just to learn a certain sequence of actions, having performed correctly which can achieve the optimal result. Before starting work, make sure that the saw motor is turned off and that it cannot be accidentally started. A strong sagging chain from the bottom indicates a significant weakening. Often this factor is key in diagnosing the state of tension.

Chain For Chainsaw. Tension, Sharpening, Maintenance

Chainsaw Chain Adjustment

The tensioning mechanism is located under the side cover of the drive sprocket for the chainsaw. Often, it is an ordinary bolt, when twisting which the chain loosens and vice versa, it stretches when it is twisted. Some models are equipped with a unique chain adjustment system, which does not involve the use of any bench tools.

To directly adjust the chain, you will need to loosen the screws that secure the bus to the main unit. To move the tire to or from the sprocket, use the adjusting screw. After finding the optimal chain tension of the chainsaw, tighten the bolts holding the tire and check the ease of moving it into the groove of the tire. In the case of proper adjustment, the chain will move smoothly without jerking.

It is important to remember that all manipulations with the chain should be carried out when it is completely cooled, since the metal tends to expand when heated and decrease in volume with decreasing temperature. Neglect of this factor can lead to warping and deformation of the chain.

How to sharpen a chain of a chainsaw yourself?

Undoubtedly, with proper operation and timely sharpening, the life of the chain increases several times. There are several main signs that govern the need for sharpening the chain:

  • increasing feed force during sawing;
  • small shavings of a darker color;
  • visual diagnostics.

The main elements of the cutting edge with signatures

Video: Chain For Chainsaw. Tension, Sharpening, Maintenance


To process the tooth, you need a round file, to which a holder is attached to indicate the correct sharpening. In order to sharpen the chain of the chainsaw, many fellers and owners of gas tools currently use machine tools or hand tools. Before starting work, it will not be superfluous to get acquainted with the structure of the teeth. Each of them consists of a top and side cutting edge. To give them optimal cutting properties, it is necessary to maintain the grinding angle set by the manufacturer. The rear corner of the upper cutting part is used for cutting into a tree and with its help chip cutting occurs. The limits of this angle range from 50 to 60 °, while the front is in the range of 60-85 °.

Key points of chainsaw sharpening

To determine the front and rear angles of the cutting edges, you can measure the distance from the top of the tooth to the guide rail. This parameter determines the sawing speed when working with softwood.

The distance between the cutting edge and the depth gauge

In order to establish the optimal thickness of the cut chips, it is recommended to set the distance of the depth gauge to within 0.5 to 0.8 mm. Otherwise, during the cutting process, there will be increased vibration on the hands of the feller and recoil. If the distance value is lower than the specified value, the performance of the chainsaw will drop significantly, which will lead to increased fuel consumption and intensive wear of the cutting edges.

Before sharpening the chain of the chainsaw at home, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the basic rules.

When working with a file, you need to remember that its upper edge should protrude 1/5 of the diameter of the upper part of the tooth.

The choice of a file depends on the pitch of the chain and on the performance of the cutting edges and for proper sharpening it is placed at 90 ° to the vertical and 30 ° (10 °) to the horizontal plane. Of course, accurately determining the angle of sharpening by eye is problematic, because experts recommend using special devices.

Step-by-step sharpening instructions

For ease of operation, you must first firmly fix the tire.

Sharpening a chainsaw with a round file with pliers

The movement of the tool along the edges should be smooth and performed on their own. In order to prevent intensive wear of one working part of the file for the chainsaw chain, it is necessary to turn it by 60-90 ° from time to time. In the process of sharpening, cutting edges of one direction are primarily processed. In order for all the teeth to have a more or less the same degree of sharpening, the reciprocating file should be made at a constant pressure.

Sketch template for sharpening chainsaw chains

To reduce the level of the depth of cut limiter, a special template is required, which is located in the slot of the chain. The tip protruding beyond the cuts is sawn off using an ordinary flat file. If the upper and lateral edges have lost their shape or touched the ground, then it is necessary to use a specialized electric or manual machine.

Chainsaw Chain Maintenance

The performance and durability of a chainsaw depends on the following factors:

  1. Compliance with the rules of operation of the unit;
  2. Timely sharpening of the cutting edges of the chain;
  3. Adjust the degree of tension.

General view of the chainsaw chain on the top of the tire

If the correct tension significantly affects the performance of the entire tool, then competent sharpening of the teeth. on productivity. Therefore, special attention must be paid to this moment. If the angle of sharpening the chain of the chainsaw is observed, then the cut is obtained not only faster, but also better. Manufacturers do not set specific standards for servicing the chain, but professionals advise performing this operation at least once per shift. Indeed, in the case of intensive sawing, the cutting edges are subjected to mechanical and high-temperature influences that have a negative effect on the metal.

The need to sharpen the chain can be determined by the "behavior" of the tire: when the edges wear, it will be "led away" to the side.

In addition, chip heterogeneity, i.e. it becomes smaller and takes on a darker shade.

With the correct sharpening of the chainsaw chain and regular checking of the tension state, the tool will serve you for many years.