How to properly tension the chain on a STIHL chainsaw

Tension Algorithm

Before tensioning the chain on the chainsaw, you must turn off the engine of the unit, or disconnect it from the mains if it is an electric saw. Do not adjust or replace the saw blade while it is hot. If this is done, the metal will shrink after cooling and the tension will be too great, which can lead to increased stress on the engine and deformation of the tire.

The chain tensioner is located on the right side of the machine, under the cover, in the place where the clutch brake is installed and the bar mount is located. On Husqwarna, STIHL, Poulan and Partner chainsaws, the external tensioner looks like an ordinary bolt.

So, in order to adjust the chain element of the apparatus, you need to perform the following steps.

• Loosen the nuts on the right side cover slightly so that the tire is not skewed.
• Insert a screwdriver into the tensioner adjusting bolt and turn it to the right (clockwise). From these actions, the tire will begin to move, and the chain will be tensioned. If you rotate the bolt to the left (counterclockwise), then the chain links will relax.
• Next, you should tighten the chain to a state so that it does not sag and dangle.
• Check the tension of the element: grasp the cutter link approximately in the center of the bar and pull it down with a slight force. The chain should be taut, have elasticity, and the shank of the cutting link should fit into the groove of the bar by about 1/3 of its height.

On a Makita electric saw, the tension adjuster is designed in such a way that it can be turned without the use of any tools. Turning it clockwise will tighten the chain, if you turn the adjuster in the opposite direction, the tension of the chain element will loosen.

Chain tension

To check the tension, you must first release the brake. Then pull off the chain in the middle of the headset, normally the shanks should not protrude more than 2/3 of the height. It is recommended to scroll it manually. do not jam and slip too fast. If necessary, tighten the nut on the protective cap.

Installing and checking the tension of the chain on the bar is an important process in the operation of any chainsaw. The work is easy to do on your own. Regular tool maintenance avoids injury and reduced productivity, even when working with dense woods.

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How the chainsaw chain is lubricated?

During the operation of the garden tool, the chainsaw lubricant is distributed not only to the tire, but also to the chain used for cutting. As soon as the grease hits the standard tire, the used saw element starts to move, initially equipped with holes or small inconspicuous grooves. During normal operation of the garden tool, with an increase in the speed of its motor, the lubrication system increases the speed of the oil along the tire.

Some saws are branded with separate adjusting mechanisms, the main purpose of which is to give operators the ability to adjust the amount of oil required to lubricate the headset. This feature saves lubrication, reduces blade slippage and prevents premature wear on the saw blades.

Quite often, novice fellers do not know how to lubricate the needle bearing of a chainsaw. Oils from the Husqvarna and STIHL brands are best suited for this purpose. It is quite easy to add oil to lubricate this element. To do this, you will initially need an ordinary syringe, which will help you quickly fill the product without spilling it, and preventing dust from getting into it.

Troubleshooting muffler problems

If at low speeds the engine of the chainsaw works normally, but at high speeds it starts to stall and smoke, the problem may be hidden in the muffler.

To check the quality of its work, you should do:

• dismantling (with the obligatory closing of the outlet);
• disassembly (if the muffler is collapsible);
• cleaning from carbon deposits using special detergents or dry method;
• drying (using a hair dryer);
• reassembly and assembly.

Dry cleaning without respiratory protection is not recommended. The carcinogens present in the soot will be released into the surrounding atmosphere as dust, which is extremely hazardous to health if inhaled.

To prevent clogging of the muffler during the operation of the chainsaw, you should carefully monitor the composition of the fuel mixture and the quality of its components.

How to shorten your chainsaw chain

Let’s describe the process using a list of tools:

Chapter 5: Adjusting Your Chainsaw’s Chain Tension

• Sewing off the rivet head with emery. In this case, care should be taken to ensure that adjacent links are not damaged. This is the first option.
• The second option is to remove the rivet with an angle grinder. The process is similar to the previous one. carefully remove the cap with an abrasive or emery wheel, without hooking adjacent.
• The third option is to use a hammer and chisel, having previously clamped the product in a vice.

So, for riveting, it is necessary to put the connecting link on the chain, placing it with the open part, looking up, on the anvil. The top plate should be positioned on the rivet and gently tapped with a hammer. When the plate fits tightly, a core or barb is placed on the rivet, and they are struck sharply with a hammer. The process of riveting the second rivet takes place in a similar way. As soon as there is a thickening of the protruding part, it means that the procedure was successful and of high quality.

The process, with a certain skill and perseverance, should not cause any difficulties. In addition, the required tools for carrying out the chain shortening are in every home. There is little left to do. just do it.

STAR

You can “kill” three or even five new chains on an old sprocket. Therefore, always run the two chains alternately and your sprocket will wear evenly with each of the two chains. As a result, when the time comes, you will change two chains and a sprocket, as recommended by the manufacturer! Sprocket wear, at which it should be changed. this is when the furrow depth is more than 0.5 mm.

We usually cut with the bottom of the bar, i.e. wear and tear occurs mainly there. Therefore, remember to turn the tire over periodically. The best option is when you associate the moment of the tire overturning with the work done by the chain. For example, you can flip the bar every time you change / sharpen a dull chain. A tire is considered worn out when the groove flanges are worn out and the chain does not fully enter the tire. A bent tire should also be replaced. Even if you return it to its original position, you will not be able to restore the patency of the internal channels for oil supply.

Clean the saw, chain, bar grooves after each work. Check that the bar is not bent and that all cutting teeth are intact. Pay special attention to the cleanliness of the air filter and the slots adjacent to the filter (air enters through them!) And your equipment will serve you faithfully. And the replacement of the cutting headset according to the principle “four chains. two sprockets. one tire” will be carried out as if by itself.

What to turn on the chainsaw to tighten the chain?

In general, for all chainsaws, the procedure will look like this: loosen the fastening of the side cover and rotate the chain tensioner. But the cover mount and tensioner themselves may be different on different chainsaws.

The easiest option is a side cover attached with one or two nuts and a tensioner in the form of a screwdriver bolt (either slotted or Phillips). In this case, simply loosen the nuts and turn the bolt clockwise. The bolt can be located either on the side in the cover, or in the front. again in the side cover, or in the body of the chainsaw itself.

But there is also a keyless chain tension. this is when neither keys nor a screwdriver are required to loosen the fastening of the side cover and rotate the tensioner. These systems look different from different manufacturers. Below you can see in the pictures what they are, and what to twist.

How to properly put the chain and tire on the chainsaw: assembly

The procedure under consideration is quite simple. It is characterized by the following features:

• First, the chain brake is released.
• The tensioning screw is in close proximity to the tire.
• The next step is to pull the cutting element clockwise.
• If it is difficult to move the chain, then you have to loosen the fixing screw.

Modern designs of chainsaws greatly simplify such work. Therefore, you can do it yourself, even in the absence of special tools.

In 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 way to tension the chain of a STIHL chainsaw assumes the following: the tension wheel located on top must be turned all the way to the right, after lifting the wing nut handle 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 for chain tension, it is advisable to find instructions for the tuned model.

Tension Algorithm

Before tensioning the chain on the chainsaw, you must turn off the engine of the unit, or disconnect it from the mains if it is an electric saw. Do not adjust or replace the saw blade while it is hot. If this is done, the metal will shrink after cooling and the tension will be too great, which can lead to increased stress on the engine and deformation of the tire.

The chain tensioner is located on the right side of the machine, under the cover, in the place where the clutch brake is installed and the bar mount is located. On Husqwarna, STIHL, Poulan and Partner chainsaws, the external tensioner looks like an ordinary bolt.

So, in order to adjust the chain element of the apparatus, you need to perform the following steps.

• Loosen the nuts on the right side cover slightly so that the tire is not skewed.
• Insert a screwdriver into the tensioner adjusting bolt and turn it to the right (clockwise). From these actions, the tire will begin to move, and the chain will be tensioned. If you rotate the bolt to the left (counterclockwise), then the chain links will relax.
• Next, you should tighten the chain to a state so that it does not sag and dangle.
• Check the tension of the element: grasp the cutter link approximately in the center of the bar and pull it down with a slight force. The chain should be taut, have elasticity, and the shank of the cutting link should fit into the groove of the bar by about 1/3 of its height.

On a Makita electric saw, the tension adjuster is designed in such a way that it can be turned without the use of any tools. Turning it clockwise will tighten the chain, if you turn the adjuster in the opposite direction, the tension of the chain element will loosen.

Chainsaw chain tension. Chainsaw maintenance. Part 5

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

STIHL offers two options for chain tensioning. 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.

Chainsaw saw element replacement

If you need to replace the chain on the chainsaw, then follow these steps.

• Remove the cover covering the sprocket. To do this, most often it is necessary to unscrew the fastening nuts.
• Having unscrewed the fasteners, remove the cover that covers the clutch with an asterisk.
• Grasp the bar with your hand and push it towards the sprocket to loosen the chain.
• Remove the chain element from the drive sprocket.
• Now you need to install the chain on the chainsaw. Take a new saw blade and slide it onto the drive sprocket first.
• Then you need to put the chain on the bus, placing the element in its groove around the entire perimeter. It is important that the links fit properly onto the driven sprocket on top of the tire. When installing, pay attention to the direction of the cutting links. They should be directed away from the unit, on the top of the tire.
• Run the bar in the opposite direction to the engine to tighten the chain a little.
• After laying the saw element, before putting the cover back in place, it is necessary to align the screw, through which the tension is adjusted, with the adjuster located behind the bar. Only then can you put on the cover and screw the nuts slightly. Next, insert a screwdriver into the adjusting screw and apply the final tension. How the correct chain tension is made was described above.
• Raise the bar slightly and tighten the nuts, thus securing it. It is important not to overdo it and not to rip the thread.

How to remove a rivet

To change the elements of the chain or shorten it, you will need to separate the links as follows. Fix the chain element in a vise and grind off the rivets, namely their protruding parts. To do this, you can use a file or file. Take care not to grind the side of the link.

It is not recommended to use an angle grinder, since there is a risk of overheating the links, which will lead to a change in the physical properties of the metal.

Using a beard (as it looks like, shown in the photo below), knock out a rivet.

There is another option for separating the links. To do this, you do not need to grind the heads of the rivets. Place the link, namely its rivet, over a hole in the metal or over the slightly parted jaws of the vise. Next, you should put a locksmith’s barb on the rivet head and hit it several times with a hammer.

Continue knocking out both rivets alternately as they are firmly secured by the opposite side of the link. Gradually, the rivets will begin to come out of the top of the link, and it will come loose.

The advantage of this method is that the rivets can be reused as they do not grind.

The first step is to check the tension of the STIHL chain. 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, then it is overtightened, respectively, it must be loosened.

How to tension the chain on a STIHL chainsaw

If a STIHL (STIHL) saw falls 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.

Always wear protective gloves or gloves before tensioning the chain on your STIHL chainsaw or checking the tension. 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.

Chain tension

Chain tension adjustment is carried out:

• when installing the chain on a chainsaw after sharpening;
• when the tension is released during the operation of the chainsaw;
• when replacing a worn out or broken chain with a new one.

The chain is tensioned with a special screw. Most often, for convenience, it is placed on the side surface. The tension force is adjusted empirically. The normal position of the chain is determined by the bar, while the lower part of the chain cannot have a gap, since it should not sag.

The degree of tension is determined manually. with a hand wearing a protective glove, the chain is scrolled. With the normal arrangement of the chain in the tire, the movement of the cutting tool should be carried out freely, without much effort.

Note: when adjusting the chain tension, the brake must be in a free state. unlocked.

Advice: when using the saw in winter conditions, the tension must be carried out on a heated saw. the metal elements expand from the temperature rise and the chain can sag. At the end of the work, the tension should be loosened. during cooling, an excessive load may occur from the contraction of the metal during the cooling process.

Carburetor setting

The carburetor is one of the components that ensure the stable operation of the chainsaw. The speed of the speed set, the output power, the uniformity of cutting depends on it.

Adjustment of the unit is reduced to setting the minimum and maximum revolutions of the internal combustion engine, as well as setting the idle speed. This is done independently or with the help of a professional master.

With a properly adjusted, clean carburetor, the engine will:

• immobility of the chain in idle mode;
• smooth and fast set of speed of the chainsaw engine;
• during operation, the gasoline unit sounds like a 4-stroke engine.

Chainsaw tuning work

Chainsaw adjustment work is divided into two groups:

• setting up individual nodes;
• preventive tool maintenance.

Chain lubrication mechanism

For stable operation, the chain must be lubricated with oil. This role is played by a special unit. the lubrication mechanism. During operation, interruptions in its operation may occur:

• lack of oil in the reservoir, as a result of which a small amount of lubricant will flow to the chain. it is necessary to replenish the oil level;
• clogging of the outlet channels. it is required to clean and replace the filter;
• small diameter of the outlet opening is adjusted with a special screw.

During normal operation of the chain lubrication system, traces of oil can be seen if you bring a working saw to a light, uncontaminated surface, for example, to a fresh cut of a tree (stump).

The amount of oil supplied to the chain depends on the operating conditions. With dense, sticky or damp wood, the oil consumption should be higher. Dry material will require less lubricating fluid.

Chain selection

A Husqvarna chainsaw’s performance and service life depend not only on the ability to tension the links, but also on whether it is suitable for a particular brand of machine. This detail differs according to several criteria:

• step;
• thickness;
• cutting depth;
• the length of the chain and the number of its teeth.

The pitch value is the main parameter for the chain, on the basis of which this part is selected. Its meaning is determined by the gap between the tails. Common options: 0.325, 0.375, 0.404 inches. You can find out which type is needed for a particular saw by reading the instructions. The smaller the step, the less power should be in the mechanism to which it should be pulled.

A large step affects the “aggressiveness” of the tool, that is, the cutting links penetrate the wood more strongly, and therefore the worker is required to hold the Druzhba chainsaw more tightly. The 0.325 chain is very common among household and semi-professional mechanisms. It can be pulled on Druzhba chainsaws with a power equal to 3 hp. This chain is best for sawing small trees and construction work.

The designation of the number 0.375 is rare, since the marking for the convenience of buyers has been replaced with the value 3/8, because 75 and 25 are easy to confuse if the purchase is made by a non-professional. The power of a Goodluck chainsaw, for example, should be 4 hp. Otherwise, the instrument may deteriorate.

Links with a pitch of 0.404 can only be pulled on professional mechanisms with a power of more than 5 hp.

The principle of the chainsaw

The main internal combustion engine is started by means of a starter. The engine speed is controlled via the carburetor, which in turn is controlled by the accelerator. Upon reaching a certain number of revolutions, the automatic clutch begins to transfer torque to the chain.

To obtain more power and speed, more fuel is supplied through the carburetor via the accelerator. This is important during the sawing process, as the power of the cutting tool will be directed towards the wood.

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.

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 and avoid dangerous injuries during operation. 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 sprocket teeth, 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 of ​​the location of the main driving sprocket;
• 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 cutting 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 between 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. It is necessary to 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.

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.

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 tensioning for STIHL 180, Husqvarna, Champion, Partner and other models:

• place 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 common 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.

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:

How To Adjust Your STIHL Saw Chain

• 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. breakage of the saw, injury when cutting wood.