How to tension the chain on a Makita electric saw

Chain tension

The chain of the chainsaw, together with the guide bar, during operation experience the greatest stress, unlike other parts of the chainsaw. Over time, it lengthens in size due to boring gaps in the connecting links. This process occurs completely with any type of chain, therefore, when operating a chainsaw, you need to sometimes look at the correct chain tension and its wear.

  • the length of her life;
  • safety of felling or breaking up timber;
  • internal combustion engine resource.

makita uc3541a corded chainsaw simple maintenance tips (tightening the chain)

If the chain is overtightened, the efficiency of the sawing work decreases, the motor and gearbox are exposed to excessive loads. The guide rail gets very hot due to excessive friction, the operating mode of the chainsaw goes into overspending of the fuel consistency.

When to tighten the chain

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

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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.

tension, chain, makita, electric

How to quickly and correctly tension the chain on an electric saw

A simple way to tension the saw chain if the chain is not already tensioned using the tensioner. Additional information on sawing, cutting and storing firewood.

How to properly install a chain on an electric saw

The procedure for installing a new chain has some peculiarities, depending on the type of tension on a particular tool.

On tools with lateral tension, proceed as follows:

  • Release the brake. This is achieved by pulling on the protective strip until it clicks.
  • Loosen the tension. To do this, turn the tensioning screw with a screwdriver, after which the clamping nut will begin to rotate freely.
  • Lift up the cover, under which the saw elements are located. To remove the chain, it must be removed from the sprocket guides (at the same time, the guide bar is dismantled). If this cannot be done, loosen the tensioning screw even more.
  • It is more convenient to start the installation of a new component from the top of the tire. It is put on over the sprocket, after which the tire can be inserted back, focusing on the guides.
  • A tension screw is used to tighten the chain: it should sag slightly.
  • The final clamping of the nut is carried out after replacing the protective cover.

Important! This type of adjustment is equipped with such inexpensive models as ELITECH CHAIN ​​2000 C40 or STIHL MSE 220 C. Despite some difficulty in replacement, these systems are famous for their greater reliability compared to keyless chucks.

The sequence for installing a new chain on tools with “quick tension”:

  • The first step is to remove the saw from the brake.
  • Open the nut handle until it stops.
  • The purpose of the wing nut in such structures is not only to fix the shield, but also to clamp the guide rail. You need to rotate the nut counterclockwise.
  • After removing the protective casing from the sprocket, you need to move the tire in the opposite direction. This will allow the old chain to be dismantled. The driven sprocket is freed from it first.
  • When refueling a new product, they also start with an asterisk. At this stage, it is important to understand the direction of installation: at the bottom of the tire, its cutting edge should “look” into the tool body.
  • Tension is set by adjusting the guide.
  • After installing the sprocket cover, the fastening nut must be tightened, but not clamped.
  • The wing nut is screwed in by hand at the very end of the procedure, following the tension wheel.

How the saw chain is lubricated?

For the lubrication of the saw bodies, a separate system is provided in the design of any household electric saw, the basis of which is a pump. During operation, it creates the pressure required to pump oil from the reservoir into the grooves provided in the guide. From there, oil flows into separate grooves or holes located in the cutting teeth of the chain.

In order to prevent dry cutting of the electric saw, you need to constantly monitor the volume of oil in the tank. If necessary, the operator must top up the consumed amount of fluid.

A breakdown of the pump becomes the cause of typical malfunctions. The most common of these is a situation in which the chain on an electric saw is not lubricated. In this case, the owner of the electric saw must immediately replace the pump by cleaning the place of its installation in the garden tool device.

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The chain saw should only be lubricated with a specialized oil. Garden equipment manufacturers prohibit the use of transmission fluids and waste fluids. They quickly clog the pump of the lubrication system, which leads to overheating and breakdown.

It is best to use specialized oils from STIHL, Husqvarna, Ravenol, Liqui Moly and Motul to lubricate the cutting attachment of an electric saw. They stand out for their high adhesion, biodegradability, and the ability to protect cutting bodies from wear and corrosion. Oils of these brands work well in wide temperature ranges and are not afraid of high air humidity.

The procedure for cutting a log.

  • From a common heap I choose a log that is not jammed or crushed.
  • I drop it to the ground.
  • I bring one edge of the log onto the bench, and then the other.

Please note that the stand should be slightly mixed from the center of the log towards the beginning of the cut.

  • We retreat about 30 cm from the edge and saw off the hemp (block) alternately on both sides, gradually moving towards the center.
  • The last cut will have to be done twice. First. to half and second. after turning over the remaining piece of the log, it is cut off completely.This is done so that the chain does not jam.

How to properly tension the chain on an electric saw

Setting the correct chain tension on the electric saw. The correct chain tension on an electric saw is essential. This allows for more productive wood cutting jobs and increases tool life. The following points should be considered when adjusting the chain tension. The chain should not sag and should not be too tight. To pull on chain, it is necessary: ​​1. Loosen the nut securing the guide bar with the chain. 2. Adjust the chain tension with the adjusting bolt. 3. Fix the guide bar in the acquired rational position with the securing nut. When working with a power tool, you need to keep in mind the safety rules and use protective accessories during work: gloves, goggles, etc. Partner for YouTube channel monetization:

Do-it-yourself saw blade update

To solve the problem of sharpening the chain, special devices are used. The work is carried out based on the particular configuration of the tooth. At one of the cutting edges, the upper part is slightly beveled at an angle, therefore, in the process of intensive work, the operator must carry out 2-3 sharpening of the tool.

The interaction of the cutting edge with the ground dulls it, and the chips change their size. The saw slides along the surface of the wood during work. The main sign of a blunt tool is an increase in the feed torque and the formation of small chips. When working with a blunt tool, the operator gets tired quickly, and the result of work does not change for the better.

To work on sharpening the teeth, prepare the tool:

  • flat file;
  • template;
  • sawdust cleaning hook;
  • holder.

Considering the contours of the tooth surface and the metal composition of the chain links, a round file is used for sharpening. How to choose a chain to and if you put 30-35 but the question is whether this or that chain will be on. The main prerequisite for a good result is the correct positioning of the file when sharpening the tooth. Its upper part rises above the edge of the tooth by 20% of the tool diameter. Hold the file at 90 ° vertically and 30 ° horizontally.

The holder is attached to the tooth, and the tool touches it tightly, allowing the file to be located at the height required for work.

Before starting work, you must fix the tire. The first movements with the file should be smooth, soft, with regular turns of the tool. First of all, the teeth are updated in one direction, and then the opposite elements should be sharpened.

It is necessary to evenly distribute the pressure on the teeth and make the same number of movements with the file.

The template is used to protect the depth gauge from grinding, which is placed in the slot when the additional element is applied. It is not allowed to replace the links during operation, otherwise there may be a violation in the functioning of the saw. Instructions on how to shorten the chainsaw chain with your own hands. Home conditions with a file. Set on the chain how to sharpen the chain. Tips on how to remove the rivets and put them back in place. The use of special sets allows for correct sharpening of the tool with uniform processing of the edges of the tooth.

The general scheme of the operation consists of several points:

  • fixing the chain brake;
  • mounting the tool according to the template;
  • designation of the first tooth;
  • direct process execution.

Correct installation of the chain on the wood cutting tool will prevent technological losses, make the whole work process safe, and allow you to cut wood for any purpose without any problems.

We Sharpen & Tighten Up Our Makita Chainsaw

Changing the chain

Firms that manufacture electric saws allow you to replace the chain yourself. Quite often, new models are supplied with special instructions for changing and repairing some parts. First of all, you need to start by purchasing a new chain.

The most popular design for cheap Makita saws is side-tensioned saws. In order to change the chain, it is necessary to perform the following operations one by one:

The chain must be tightened very easily and without jerking. It is finally possible to tighten it only after closing the plastic cover with a special screw and nut.

All Makita saw models are now equipped with wing nuts for easy tension adjustment

Because of this detail, changing the cutting element is now much faster, which is very important for increasing productivity. Release the brake, unscrew the wing nut and remove the protective cover

Having moved the bar a little, you need to remove the outdated chain. Then the purchased one is put on, the sprocket is installed in its place and the wing nut is tightened. The tension wheel turns to the desired direction and the wing nut is securely tightened.

How To Fit Your Chainsaw Correctly

Algorithm for sharpening chain teeth

Chains for electric and chainsaws, especially carbide-tipped, are usually sharpened on a specially designed machine. The latter has a sharpening disc and a turntable on which the equipment is attached.

Sharpening chains with your own hands requires a special tool that helps to withstand the required sharpening angles during this operation. You will also need to prepare two files: one with a flat profile, and the other with a round.

To sharpen the saw, follow these steps.

  • Clamp the implement tire in a vice.
  • First, the cutting edge of the teeth is straightened. Place the fixture on the rig as shown in the photo below.

With a round file, start moving it forward with light, smooth strokes. Their number should be the same for all incisors. Thus, sharpen all the teeth of the tooling (after one), then turn the template and carry out the same operation for every second non-sharpened cutter. After straightening the cutting edges of the cutters, it is necessary to grind off the cutting depth gauge slightly. Set the template as shown in the following photos.

The template has two holes, near which are the inscriptions “HARD” (hard) and “SOFT” (soft). Place the template on the stopper with the “HARD” hole if you want to cut hardwood. For cutting soft materials, the stopper is grinded through the “SOFT” hole.

A flat file is used to grind the stop.

Why do you need a chainsaw chain

The assortment of cutting tools is huge, so it is necessary to purchase the best specimens for comfortable work.

The chainsaw is used in construction, when harvesting wood, for the improvement of summer cottages and adjacent territories. It is a versatile chain tool powered by a two-phase motor. Its cutting part is represented by a chain connected in a ring. Often, to create a rounded shape, it is composed of links that have different shapes. The chain is fixed to a metal rail. Most models have a sprocket. The chain is part of the accessories for non-professional and special saws.

Professional wood saws are available with 3/8 ” and 0.404 ” chains.

For hobbyist tools, chains are used that have a pitch of 0.325 inches. Non-professional track dimensions reduce vibration, but also reduce tool power.

High quality wood cutters are available with 3/8 ” and 0.404 ” chains.

Since the caterpillar is the cutting part of the chainsaw, its selection and installation must be approached with all responsibility.

Features of the

Keep in mind that sharpening the chain of an electric saw should be done with the utmost care, if you are sure that a file and a couple of movements are enough to fix the cutting edge, this is not the case. You will need a set of at least four tools:

  • Caliber.
  • A flat file is used to change the parameters of the depth gauge.
  • Round file with reference lines.
  • Angle frame.

If you are in doubt about how to sharpen a chain on an electric saw, entrust it to professionals, but most users do not have any difficulties with this issue, since it is necessary to leave the chain on the bus, while fixing the bus itself with a vise, for reliable fixation and easy access to the links

Please note that the file diameter must match the teeth

Tensioning the chain when needed and how it is done

No slack is a sign of correct chain tension.

To check the chain tension, you need to pull the chain upwards, taking it by one of the teeth in the upper part located above the guide bar. If the chain tension is normal, then one third of the tail of the tooth will be in the groove of the chainsaw guide bar.

An increase in this value indicates that the saw chain is too tight, and a decrease indicates that there is too little tension. How to put the chain and tire on the chainsaw correctly! One of the most important indicators of chain tension is its free movement along the guide bar. For this purpose, it is required to turn the chain along the guide. it should move under light pressure.

Then, using protective gloves, turn the chain in the direction of travel. If the chain slackens too much, there will be a lot of slack on the back of the bar. How to properly put the chain on a Makita electric saw. How. It is this sign that indicates the need for tensioning the chain.

Chain tensioning is quick and easy.

After detecting sagging, it is necessary to loosen the nuts or screws, which, depending on the design of the unit, fix the guide rail. How to install the saw chain correctly? Any circuit on the device is a must. Installing a chain on a chainsaw, how to correctly and then put the chain on a chainsaw. Then, using the adjusting screw, the tire is moved forward, choosing the degree of tension. During the tensioning process, it is recommended to turn the saw element from time to time in order to select the optimal hinge play and control the smoothness of its movement along the guide rail. After adjustment, you need to tighten all fixing elements and restore the unit to work.

After correct adjustment, the movement should be uniform and without snacks; during the movement of the working element along the guide, a slight inertia should be maintained. Installing the chain on a chainsaw, how to tighten it correctly. If the tension is too strong, the movement is difficult, and when the impact is stopped, the working tool stops instantly. How to put the chain on a chainsaw correctly. How right. Hauling is much more harmful than not stretching. If a new chain is being installed, the tension should be minimal, since the hauling of the working element can lead to failure of the chainsaw guide.

DIY chain shortening

Like any other part, the chainsaw chain gradually wears out, and constant loads and work in different temperature conditions leads to its lengthening. In this case, it is impossible to tighten it correctly; it periodically flies off the tire. Is it possible to repair such a part at home. As practice shows, this does not require special devices, skills or high qualifications. However, you should take care of the presence of a vice, file, hammer, pliers and breakdown.

If you have all these tools, you can safely start disassembling:

  • Determine how much the chain length has increased;
  • We fix the chain in a vice;
  • With a file or a file we grind off the protruding heads of the rivets, while trying not to touch the lateral parts of the links;
  • We dismantle the rivets using a breakdown or a squeeze clamp;

Important: when separating the links, be sure to count the guides on the inside. There must be a match between them and the leading asterisk.

  • We remove the required number of links and connect the ends of the chain. For this we use old rivets;
  • Flare the rivet heads with light hammer blows;
  • We remove burrs and irregularities with a file or a file;

Important: the links can be riveted and riveted quite quickly, however, it should be remembered that after repair they will be weakened and will not be able to serve for a long time.

Maintenance and operation of the tire

An important part in the chainsaw saw is the tire. It is on its serviceability that, in many respects, the performance and quality of the device depends.

Premature tire wear, most often due to improper operation of the automatic lubrication system. There is strong friction in the saw area, which leads to heating and deformation of the metal. As a rule, the driven sprocket is the first to fail. Also, to prevent premature wear, it is important to flip the tire more often. this contributes to uniform wear of the rollers of the driven sprocket.

Important: Use a bar with the parameters specified by the manufacturer of your chainsaw. This will extend the service life of both the saw headset itself and the entire gasoline or electric saw.

How to properly install a chain on an electric saw

The procedure for installing a new chain has some peculiarities, depending on the type of tension on a particular tool.

On tools with lateral tension, proceed as follows:

  • Release the brake. This is achieved by pulling on the protective strip until it clicks.
  • Loosen the tension. To do this, turn the tensioning screw with a screwdriver, after which the clamping nut will begin to rotate freely.
  • Lift up the cover, under which the saw elements are located. To remove the chain, it must be removed from the sprocket guides (at the same time, the guide bar is dismantled). If this cannot be done, loosen the tensioning screw even more.
  • It is more convenient to start the installation of a new component from the top of the tire. It is put on over the sprocket, after which the tire can be inserted back, focusing on the guides.
  • A tension screw is used to tighten the chain: it should sag slightly.
  • The final clamping of the nut is carried out after replacing the protective cover.

The sequence for installing a new chain on tools with “quick tension”:

  • The first step is to remove the saw from the brake.
  • Open the nut handle until it stops.
  • The purpose of the wing nut in such structures is not only to fix the shield, but also to clamp the guide rail. You need to rotate the nut counterclockwise.
  • After removing the protective casing from the sprocket, you need to move the tire in the opposite direction. This will allow the old chain to be dismantled. The driven sprocket is freed from it first.
  • When refueling a new product, they also start with an asterisk. At this stage, it is important to understand the direction of installation: at the bottom of the tire, its cutting edge should “look” into the tool body.
  • Tension is set by adjusting the guide.
  • After installing the sprocket cover, the fastening nut must be tightened, but not clamped.
  • The wing nut is screwed in by hand at the very end of the procedure, following the tension wheel.

Alternative stand for cutting logs.

The other day I needed to cut about 7 cubes of wood, i.e. cut into hemp. It is clear that the volume of work is impressive and you cannot do without a special stand. From the beginning I wanted to make a universal goat, but then I changed my mind.

The main reason for my rejection of this venture was that I alone could not put a heavy log on the box. And I didn’t really want to do it. And here, for my luck, an ordinary small bench with dimensions 550 × 340 × 240 mm turned up.

Before using the bench, I reinforced it with braces on both sides. I turned it over and that’s it, the stand is ready.

Main characteristics

Despite its low cost, the chain plays an essential role in the operation of a chainsaw. Not only its performance, but also the safety of other nodes largely depends on how correctly it is sharpened and stretched.

How to properly tension the chain on an electric saw

Circuits are classified according to the following parameters:

  • Step. By this term, it is customary to mean the distance (measured in inches) between the first and third rivets, divided in half. Virtually all existing saw chains fall into five groups: ¼ “, 0.325”, 3/8 “, 0.404” and “. When choosing, you should take into account: the larger the step, the greater the performance, but at the same time the load on the engine increases significantly;
  • Drive link shank thickness. This refers to the depth of the tire’s groove, along which it moves during the sawing process. The deeper the fit, the less likely the chain will fly off the tire.

Recommendations: how to quickly pull a chain on an electric saw

A mobile device for cutting wood is an indispensable attribute of almost any summer cottage or private house. Electric saws are especially popular in this regard, making it possible to work both outdoors and indoors. In order for the tool to work efficiently and properly, from time to time it will be necessary to tighten or change its chain.

How to properly install a chain on an electric saw

The procedure for installing a new chain has some peculiarities, depending on the type of tension on a particular tool.

On tools with lateral tension, proceed as follows:

  • Release the brake. This is achieved by pulling on the protective strip until it clicks.
  • Loosen the tension. To do this, turn the tensioning screw with a screwdriver, after which the clamping nut will begin to rotate freely.
  • Lift up the cover, under which the saw elements are located. To remove the chain, it must be removed from the sprocket guides (at the same time, the guide bar is dismantled). If this cannot be done, loosen the tensioning screw even more.
  • It is more convenient to start the installation of a new component from the top of the tire. It is put on over the sprocket, after which the tire can be inserted back, focusing on the guides.
  • A tension screw is used to tighten the chain: it should sag slightly.
  • The final clamping of the nut is carried out after replacing the protective cover.

The sequence for installing a new chain on tools with “quick tension“:

  • The first step is to remove the saw from the brake.
  • Open the nut handle until it stops.
  • The purpose of the wing nut in such structures is not only to fix the shield, but also to clamp the guide rail. You need to rotate the nut counterclockwise.
  • After removing the protective casing from the sprocket, you need to move the tire in the opposite direction. This will allow the old chain to be dismantled. The driven sprocket is freed from it first.
  • When refueling a new product, they also start with an asterisk. At this stage, it is important to understand the direction of installation: at the bottom of the tire, its cutting edge should “look” into the tool body.
  • Tension is set by adjusting the guide.
  • After installing the sprocket cover, the fastening nut must be tightened, but not clamped.
  • The wing nut is screwed in by hand at the very end of the procedure, following the tension wheel.

Compatibility check

Usually the saw chain is changed in case of extreme wear, when sharpening or repairs are no longer useful.

  • When changing any part of the electric saw, it is advisable to buy a product from the same manufacturer as the tool itself. This guarantees the best fit.
  • It is important to consider the type of tasks to be solved. For heavy loads, 3/8-inch chains are available. If the saw is rarely used, 0.325 ” will suffice.
  • The angle of sharpening of the teeth is of great importance: it is more convenient to cut large volumes of dry wood with cutting edges with a sharpening angle of 30 degrees. For working with damp or frozen material, a sharpening of 10 degrees is more suitable. The same applies to longitudinal sawing. a small sharpening angle in such cases significantly reduces the degree of wear of the cutting device.
  • When choosing the length of the chain, you need to be guided by the dimensions of the tire.

Features of chain tension adjustment

During the operation of an electric saw, it is necessary to carefully monitor the degree of tension of its chain. The easiest way is to pull the chain tooth upwards (the top of the bar is selected for testing, approximately in the center). The normal tension level allows 1/3 of the point to remain inside the seat during tension (provided that the chain rotates freely by hand).

To adjust the chain tension in different models of Makita electric saws, tensioners in the form of a screw or wing nut can be used:

  • In the first case, you will need a screwdriver to tighten the tensioning screw: its rotation is allowed to be carried out with the side nuts relaxed. In the course of increasing the tension, it is necessary to turn the chain forward to eliminate the hinge backlash and check the smoothness of its movement.
  • On “quick pull” tools, the sprocket guard is secured with a wing nut. There is a special wheel under the cover: to tighten the chain it must be rotated to the right, to loosen it. to the left. This type of tensioner is more convenient, as it makes it possible to carry out the adjustment directly in the course of work.

It is not necessary to go to a service center to replace the chain on an electric saw or adjust its tension. These manipulations can be carried out independently, following the recommendations presented above.