Chainsaw chain tension calm 180

Types of chains suitable for Calm MS 180:

Stihl Picco Micro Mini Comfort 3 Chain (PMMC3)

This chain from the manufacturer Stihl features reduced vibration. For a thin groove. Groove thickness 1.1.

Stihl Picco Micro Comfort 3 Chain (PMC3)

The most common chain for the Sthil (Calm) MS 180 chainsaw. Low vibration, good performance make it versatile.

Stihl Picco Duro Chain (PD3)

This chain features carbide links and a low profile. Built to withstand harsh conditions. 4 times longer between sharpening and much longer service life compared to standard chains.

Chainsaw Sthil MS 180 chain: types, sharpening, tension.

The Stihl MS180 chainsaw will fit 3/8 inch chains with a slot width (drive link thickness) of 1.3 mm. How to choose a chain for the most popular chainsaw in our country? It is worth proceeding from your needs. If you need a thin and high-quality cut and you have a tire with a 1.1 mm groove, then put PMMC3. The saw comes with a chain for a standard 35 cm bar marked PMC3. And if you need a chain with increased strength characteristics, then install the Picco Duro (PD3) chain on the standard bus

Stihl MS 180 chainsaw chains

One of the most frequent questions about the chain for the 180th Calm is: “The chain for the chainsaw is calm 180. how many links?” We asked, we answer))

Number of links:

  • 14 “(35 cm) bar. 50 links.
  • Bar 16 “(40 cm). 55 links.

Since the 180th Calm is the most popular chainsaw in our country, a great variety of chains are produced for it, respectively. Among this variety, there are also frankly unusable products and quite decent analogues.

The original chain from Stihl 50 links with a pitch of 3/8 on 07/11/2019 at retail costs 550 rubles.

How to pull the chain on a chainsaw calm 180

The correct chain tension on chainsaws is of great importance. It affects the service life of the cutting attachment and the entire chain saw. over, with a critically incorrect tension, it is simply impossible to work with a gasoline chain saw.

First of all, the Stihl chain tension is checked. If the chain sags (part of the internal teeth is visible), then it is necessary to tighten it. When relaxed, it will damage the bar and render the saw unusable. If the chain is motionless when the brake is released, it means that it is overtightened, respectively, it must be loosened.

If pulling doesn’t work

With the correct installation of the chain, there should be no sagging; when pulled, the teeth come out of the grooves no more than 4-6 mm. After work, roll it along the tire in the direction of rotation, the stroke should be smooth and light. If the tension correction does not help, the cause of the under tension may be due to the following factors:

  • incompatibility of the chain model (tooth pitch, length, size) and the saw headset of your chainsaw model;
  • failure of the guide sprockets;
  • breakage of the tensioner, adjusting screw;
  • lack of lubrication (the problem is solved by additional use of oil);
  • mechanical damage to the lower part of the teeth, grooves in the headset.

Figure 4. Excessive stretching

If you cannot achieve sufficient chain tension, the tool must never be used. You should check the compatibility of all components, if possible, contact the service center to eliminate the breakdown. Using a chainsaw without a high-quality setting can lead to dangerous consequences.

Chainsaw chain tension. Chainsaw maintenance. Part 5

Learn how to properly tension your chainsaw and the consequences of improper chain tension. Familiar.

The Shtil company suggests two possible options for chain tensioning of the chainsaw. fast and frontal. Both of them are used for improvement in the process of work. It should be noted that it is forbidden to pull on an overheated chain. According to the laws of physics, it will shrink after cooling down, and can burst from overtension or damage the tire.

With the frontal version, it is necessary to unscrew the nuts and lift the bar of the chainsaw, on which the chain is installed, by the edge. The bolt on the right must be turned with a screwdriver until the desired tension is obtained. Then the tire must be raised even higher and the nuts must be tightened back.
A quick version of the chain tensioning of the Stihl chainsaw assumes the following: the tension wheel located on top must be turned all the way to the right, after lifting the handle of the wing nut and loosening it. After the operation, the nut is tightened again and the handle is lowered. This concludes the procedure. Stihl chainsaw models have some differences in the rules of chain tension, it is advisable to find instructions for the customized model.

How to tension the chain on a Stihl chainsaw

If a Stihl saw (Calm) fell into your hands, do not be afraid and nervous, because got one of the most reliable and high-quality options assembled from components created by one manufacturer at its own facilities.

Before pulling the chain on the Stihl chainsaw or checking the quality of the tension, it is imperative to wear protective gloves or gloves. This will not only protect your hands from cuts on sharp teeth, but also keep them clean, since machine oil is difficult to wash and wash.

Chainsaw chain tensioning algorithm

  • The chainsaw is placed in a comfortable position on a table or workbench.
  • Let go of the tire tightening, but not too much so that it does not wobble. On the contrary, if the release is insufficient, the tire remains pinched, and this can lead to a breakdown of the adjusting screw or mechanism.
  • The lower chain slack is clearly visible. Turning the adjusting screw (or the wheel for keyless systems) tightens the slack.
  • The tension force is checked. The correctness is determined manually. About the middle of the bar, use your fingers to pull on the chain with a little effort. It should protrude 3-5 mm from the groove. The chain guide segments that slide inside the bar groove during operation must under no circumstances protrude completely. Their lower part must remain in the guide groove.
  • The nut or wing is tightened.
  • The ease of movement of the chain along the groove is checked. She must walk both forward and backward. If with a little effort, this is acceptable. In operation, the tension will quickly loosen.
  • If the chain does not move by hand, the operation is repeated. The fastening nut is released and the tension is loosened.

An illustrative example of how the chain tension occurs on a chainsaw is presented in the following

How to tension the chain on a Stihl chainsaw

If a Stihl saw (Calm) fell into your hands, do not be afraid and nervous, because got one of the most reliable and high-quality options assembled from components created by one manufacturer at its own facilities.

Before pulling the chain on the Stihl chainsaw or checking the quality of the tension, it is imperative to wear protective gloves or gloves. This will not only protect your hands from cuts on sharp teeth, but also keep them clean, since machine oil is difficult to wash and wash.

Chainsaw chain tension. Chainsaw maintenance. Part 5

Learn how to properly tension your chainsaw chain and the consequences of improper chain tension. Familiar.

The Shtil company suggests two possible options for chain tensioning of the chainsaw. fast and frontal. Both are used for improvement in the process of work. It should be noted that it is forbidden to pull on an overheated chain. According to the laws of physics, it will shrink after cooling down, and can burst from overtension or damage the tire.

Why chain tension is necessary?

The chain performs two functions at once. it directly cuts the wood and fixes the tire, preventing its arbitrary movement. The correct position and tension of the chainsaw chain allows you to fully operate the tool, avoid dangerous injuries during work. If the saw head is installed incorrectly, it will easily fall off during sawing, injuring the operator. Even with a slight weakening, it gradually breaks the tire groove, which leads to the failure of the teeth of the driven sprocket.

In this case, excessive stress leads to an increase in the load on the rotor, a reduction in the saw’s service life. Therefore, it is important to regularly check the tension, if necessary, tighten the special mechanism on the tool body.

Important! Sagging can occur due to wear on parts. Usually this is the wear of the teeth of the sprockets, breakage of the outer edge of the tire groove.

How to check the correct tension?

To ventilate the quality of tension, you should gently pull it back in the middle of the tire.

The permissible level of exit of the tails of the cutting links should be no more than 2/3 of their length.

You can also determine the need for a tightening by the following criteria:

  • the appearance of a creak and rattle in the area where the main drive sprocket is located;
  • loosening the tightening of the protective mechanism, tire fasteners;
  • jamming when sawing, increased vibration and noise.

Chainsaw decreases productivity and increases operating time. Even when sawing soft wood, the chain starts to get stuck in the groove, the speed and smoothness of the movement are reduced.

How to tension the saw chain correctly?
Most of the Stihl chainsaws are equipped with a side chain tension screw, in order of course to make adjustments at once. For this purpose, turn off the engine of the chainsaw, and loosen the screws securing the side cover, see Fig. 1.

How to properly adjust the chain?

You can install the chain and adjust its voltage with your own hands, without contacting a service center, regardless of the class of the chainsaw, its age. Before starting work, each link should be completely checked, since the slack can also be associated with wear on the teeth or sprockets. Step-by-step algorithm for correct stretching of Shtil 180, Husqvarna, Champion, Partner and other models:

  • position the instrument on the table so that its headset is on top. Unscrew the threaded fasteners of the protective cover, dismantle the tire and thoroughly clean each element (it is convenient to use a vacuum cleaner or a compressed air cylinder);
  • determine the correct position of the chain. The teeth should be on top, going in the opposite direction from the body;
  • put it directly on the tire. Secure the bolt mechanism, make sure there is sufficient free play.
chainsaw, chain, tension, calm

Before looking for an answer to the question of how to pull the chain on a chainsaw, you should study what methods exist. There are two widespread methods of tension. fast and frontal. The first method involves the use of a tightening bolt. It must be tightened clockwise, at the end, be sure to check the wing nut and lower the handle.

Figure 3. A quick way to stretch

The frontal method is more complex, the main steps are:

  • unscrew the nuts with which the tire is fixed to the chainsaw. Loosen and slightly pull up on the edge of the headset;
  • tighten the adjusting screw to the desired level, fix the tire back with the nuts;
  • check the chain tension with your fingers, if necessary, tighten the nut.

Regardless of the characteristics of the tensioner, excessive tension of the chain must not be allowed. this is no less dangerous than loosening it. After installing and adjusting the saw unit, it is recommended to run the tool at idle speed. Carefully check the smooth movement of the chain, the presence of sagging and extraneous whistling sounds.

Important! When buying, you should specify the type of chain tension in a specific tool model. Check for the presence of a key to tighten the headset, it should always be included in the package.

Possible risks in case of uneven tension

Any changes to the saw head (sagging, broken teeth, overexertion) can lead to problems during operation. Risks of sagging tool operation:

  • decrease in productivity when sawing, felling wood;
  • the chain gets stuck in the groove, flies off the tire during starting;
  • breakage of the headset, damage to the guide sprockets;
  • high load on the rotor, reduced tool life;
  • getting serious injuries while working.

Before starting work, it is important to qualitatively check all moving mechanisms, the tightening of the adjusting bolt. Use a special oil for lubricating the teeth, saw headset. Adjusting the chain and cutting directly must be carried out in protective clothing, gloves and goggles must be worn to avoid injury.

The chainsaw headset is an important building block for productivity and quality of work. Before starting operation, check the tension, make sure it is correctly installed. The tension is adjusted using a special bolt or lever on the body. Sagging or excessive tension can lead to serious consequences. saw breakage, injury when cutting wood.

How to tension a chain on a chainsaw

STIHL ms 180c chain adjustment

The first thing a freshly baked chainsaw owner has to learn after researching the safety of working with a massive inventory is setting it up. The next thing that is done after reading the annotation is testing the work, and if the saw does not work correctly, then the possible reason for this is incorrect chain tension. Therefore, the question immediately arises. how to pull the chain on a chainsaw?

Usually, manufacturers indicate in the annotation to the chainsaw how to do this, but if for some reason it got lost, or the device went without it, for example, by inheritance, then the text below will help you find the right answer.

Chainsaw chain tension calm 180

Stihl’s tip. Tension your chain correctly!

Timely adjustment of the saw chain tension not only increases operator safety, but also prevents excessive sagging of the chain itself and its damage. Tensioning and adjusting the chain should be done differently prior to working when there is an obvious need to do so. At the time of the saw operation, the chain heats up evenly and non-linearly, in any case it stretches, requiring at times additional adjustment. Stihl produces preparatory stretching of its own chains during its production time, therefore, in due time they stretch very slowly.

Chainsaw chain tension. Chainsaw maintenance. Part 5

Learn how to properly tension your chainsaw chain and the consequences of improper chain tension. Familiar.

The Shtil company suggests two possible options for chain tensioning of the chainsaw. fast and frontal. Both are used for improvement in the process of work. It should be noted that it is forbidden to pull on an overheated chain. According to the laws of physics, it will shrink after cooling down, and can burst from overtension or damage the tire.

With the frontal version, it is necessary to unscrew the nuts and lift the bar of the chainsaw, on which the chain is installed, by the edge. The bolt on the right must be turned with a screwdriver until the desired tension is obtained. Then the tire must be raised even higher and the nuts must be tightened back.
A quick version of the chain tensioning of the Stihl chainsaw assumes the following: the tension wheel located on top must be turned all the way to the right, after lifting the handle of the wing nut and loosening it. After the operation, the nut is tightened again and the handle is lowered. This concludes the procedure. Stihl chainsaw models have some differences in the rules of chain tension, it is advisable to find instructions for the customized model.

Chainsaw chain tension calm 180

Regardless of the class of the chainsaw, the chain is weakened under the influence of intense regular loads. This can be determined by the appearance of characteristic gaps in the joints of the links, a change in the sound of work and an increase in vibration. You can tighten the tension of the saw headset yourself using a special mechanism. This avoids serious damage and injury while working with wood.

Why chain tension is necessary?

The chain performs two functions at once. it directly cuts the wood and fixes the tire, preventing its arbitrary movement. The correct position and tension of the chainsaw chain allows you to fully operate the tool, avoid dangerous injuries during work. If the saw head is installed incorrectly, it will easily fall off during sawing, injuring the operator. Even with a slight weakening, it gradually breaks the tire groove, which leads to the failure of the teeth of the driven sprocket.

In this case, excessive stress leads to an increase in the load on the rotor, a reduction in the saw’s service life. Therefore, it is important to regularly check the tension, if necessary, tighten the special mechanism on the tool body.

Important! Sagging can occur due to wear on parts. Usually this is the wear of the teeth of the sprockets, breakage of the outer edge of the tire groove.

Tensioner mechanisms

Depending on the design features of the tool, the tensioning mechanism of the headset may differ.

In budget models of chainsaws, a classic straight-threaded bolt is used to adjust the chain, which is located on the side of the body.

In this version, the package includes a special tightening wrench or there is an external slot for a slotted screwdriver.

All professional models are equipped with more convenient adjustment mechanisms. With the help of them, you can tighten the chain with one movement of the lever or by turning a special disc. Their design consists of a built-in tensioner, locking when turning is achieved by means of a lock nut. In some models, the adjustment is carried out by locking the tire in a certain position of the tool cover. Regardless of the method, the circuit voltage needs to be corrected only in a cold state. Hot chain tension causes sagging as it cools.

Chainsaw chain tensioning algorithm

  • The chainsaw is placed in a comfortable position on a table or workbench.
  • Let go of the tire tightening, but not too much so that it does not wobble. On the contrary, if the release is insufficient, the tire remains pinched, and this can lead to a breakdown of the adjusting screw or mechanism.
  • The lower chain slack is clearly visible. Turning the adjusting screw (or the wheel for keyless systems) tightens the slack.
  • The tension force is checked. The correctness is determined manually. About the middle of the bar, use your fingers to pull on the chain with a little effort. It should protrude 3-5 mm from the groove. The chain guide segments that slide inside the bar groove during operation must under no circumstances protrude completely. Their lower part must remain in the guide groove.
  • The nut or wing is tightened.
  • The ease of movement of the chain along the groove is checked. She must walk both forward and backward. If with a little effort, this is acceptable. In operation, the tension will quickly loosen.
  • If the chain does not move by hand, the operation is repeated. The fastening nut is released and the tension is loosened.

An illustrative example of how the chain tension occurs on a chainsaw is presented in the following

Why is the chain loosening on a chainsaw

The chain tension on all chainsaws is constantly weakening. There are several physical and mechanical reasons for this.

  • The chain is connected from many links, which are held together by bushings through the holes. Even with the most accurate factory fit, there is play between the bushings and the holes, otherwise the chain will not fold into an ellipse. During operation, all the backlashes are pulled in one direction, which leads to an increase in length. Even a micron backlash of 52 or more links in total leads to tangible values.
  • Under loads, especially strong, the plate elements of the entire chain can stretch.
  • Gradual chain slack occurs when parts are worn out. The teeth of the driving and driven sprockets, the outer edge of the tire groove are erased. Sprockets decrease in diameter, the tire becomes shorter.
  • When heated, metal not only expands, but also lengthens. During operation, the heated chain becomes slightly longer and sags.

STIHL MS 180 chainsaw: Mounting the bar and chain, tensioning the saw chain

When to tighten the chain

It is absolutely unacceptable to work with a strongly sagging chain.

The chain “jumping” during sawing can break the groove of the bar, disable the teeth of the driven sprocket.

A loose chain can damage parts of the mechanism. But the most dangerous thing is operator injury. Despite the brake and catcher, a loose chain can whip in an unpredictable trajectory, which is extremely dangerous.

The tension must be checked before starting work. During operation, the critical attenuation can be determined by two signs:

  • the chainsaw starts jumping and twitching in the hands;
  • the sound of work changes, a metallic ringing appears, a knock.

In this case, turn off the engine and check the tension.

Step-by-step instructions: how to properly tension the chain on a chainsaw?

Regardless of the class of the chainsaw, the chain is weakened under the influence of intense regular loads. This can be determined by the appearance of characteristic gaps in the joints of the links, a change in the sound of work and an increase in vibration. You can tighten the tension of the saw headset yourself using a special mechanism. This avoids serious damage and injury while working with wood.

STIHL MS 180 C-BE chainsaw: Mounting the bar and chain, tensioning the saw chain

  • Why chain tension is necessary?
  • How to check the correct tension?
  • Tensioner mechanisms
  • How to properly adjust the chain?
  • If pulling doesn’t work
  • Possible risks in case of uneven tension

Why chain tension is necessary?

The chain performs two functions at once. it directly cuts the wood and fixes the tire, preventing its arbitrary movement. The correct position and tension of the chainsaw chain allows you to fully operate the tool, avoid dangerous injuries during work. If the saw head is installed incorrectly, it will easily fall off during sawing, injuring the operator. Even with a slight weakening, it gradually breaks the tire groove, which leads to the failure of the teeth of the driven sprocket.

In this case, excessive stress leads to an increase in the load on the rotor, a reduction in the saw’s service life. Therefore, it is important to regularly check the tension, if necessary, tighten the special mechanism on the tool body.

Important! Sagging can occur due to wear on parts. Usually this is the wear of the teeth of the sprockets, breakage of the outer edge of the tire groove.

How to properly adjust the chain?

You can install the chain and adjust its voltage with your own hands, without contacting a service center, regardless of the class of the chainsaw, its age. Before starting work, each link should be completely checked, since the slack can also be associated with wear on the teeth or sprockets. Step-by-step algorithm for correct stretching of Shtil 180, Husqvarna, Champion, Partner and other models:

  • position the instrument on the table so that its headset is on top. Unscrew the threaded fasteners of the protective cover, dismantle the tire and thoroughly clean each element (it is convenient to use a vacuum cleaner or a compressed air cylinder);
  • determine the correct position of the chain. The teeth should be on top, going in the opposite direction from the body;
  • put it directly on the tire. Secure the bolt mechanism, make sure there is sufficient free play.

Before looking for an answer to the question of how to pull the chain on a chainsaw, you should study what methods exist. There are two widespread methods of tension. fast and frontal. The first method involves the use of a tightening bolt. It must be tightened clockwise, at the end, be sure to check the wing nut and lower the handle.

Figure 3. A quick way to stretch

The frontal method is more complex, the main steps are:

  • unscrew the nuts with which the tire is fixed to the chainsaw. Loosen and slightly pull up on the edge of the headset;
  • tighten the adjusting screw to the desired level, fix the tire back with the nuts;
  • check the chain tension with your fingers, if necessary, tighten the nut.

Regardless of the characteristics of the tensioner, excessive tension of the chain must not be allowed. this is no less dangerous than loosening it. After installing and adjusting the saw unit, it is recommended to run the tool at idle speed. Carefully check the smooth movement of the chain, the presence of sagging and extraneous whistling sounds.

Important! When buying, you should specify the type of chain tension in a specific tool model. Check for the presence of a key to tighten the headset, it should always be included in the package.

Tensioner mechanisms

Depending on the design features of the tool, the tensioning mechanism of the headset may differ.

In budget models of chainsaws, a classic straight-threaded bolt is used to adjust the chain, which is located on the side of the body.

In this version, the package includes a special tightening wrench or there is an external slot for a slotted screwdriver.

All professional models are equipped with more convenient adjustment mechanisms. With the help of them, you can tighten the chain with one movement of the lever or by turning a special disc. Their design consists of a built-in tensioner, locking when turning is achieved by means of a lock nut. In some models, the adjustment is carried out by locking the tire in a certain position of the tool cover. Regardless of the method, the circuit voltage needs to be corrected only in a cold state. Hot chain tension causes sagging as it cools.

How to check the correct tension?

To ventilate the quality of tension, you should gently pull it back in the middle of the tire.

The permissible level of exit of the tails of the cutting links should be no more than 2/3 of their length.

You can also determine the need for a tightening by the following criteria:

chainsaw, chain, tension, calm
  • the appearance of a creak and rattle in the area where the main drive sprocket is located;
  • loosening the tightening of the protective mechanism, tire fasteners;
  • jamming when sawing, increased vibration and noise.

Chainsaw decreases productivity and increases operating time. Even when sawing soft wood, the chain starts to get stuck in the groove, the speed and smoothness of the movement are reduced.

If pulling doesn’t work

With the correct installation of the chain, there should be no sagging; when pulled, the teeth come out of the grooves no more than 4-6 mm. After work, roll it along the tire in the direction of rotation, the stroke should be smooth and light. If the tension correction does not help, the cause of the under tension may be due to the following factors:

  • incompatibility of the chain model (tooth pitch, length, size) and the saw headset of your chainsaw model;
  • failure of the guide sprockets;
  • breakage of the tensioner, adjusting screw;
  • lack of lubrication (the problem is solved by additional use of oil);
  • mechanical damage to the lower part of the teeth, grooves in the headset.

Figure 4. Excessive stretching

If you cannot achieve sufficient chain tension, the tool must never be used. You should check the compatibility of all components, if possible, contact the service center to eliminate the breakdown. Using a chainsaw without a high-quality setting can lead to dangerous consequences.

Possible risks in case of uneven tension

Any changes to the saw head (sagging, broken teeth, overexertion) can lead to problems during operation. Risks of sagging tool operation:

  • decrease in productivity when sawing, felling wood;
  • the chain gets stuck in the groove, flies off the tire during starting;
  • breakage of the headset, damage to the guide sprockets;
  • high load on the rotor, reduced tool life;
  • getting serious injuries while working.

Before starting work, it is important to qualitatively check all moving mechanisms, the tightening of the adjusting bolt. Use a special oil for lubricating the teeth, saw headset. Adjusting the chain and cutting directly must be carried out in protective clothing, gloves and goggles must be worn to avoid injury.

The chainsaw headset is an important building block for productivity and quality of work. Before starting operation, check the tension, make sure it is correctly installed. The tension is adjusted using a special bolt or lever on the body. Sagging or excessive tension can lead to serious consequences. saw breakage, injury when cutting wood.