Craftsman Chainsaw Tension Screw Not Working

As a chainsaw repair professional, I have seen my fair share of chainsaws with tension screws that don’t work. This is a common problem that can be frustrating and inconvenient for chainsaw owners. Not only does it make it difficult to use the chainsaw, but it can also be dangerous. If the chain is not properly tensioned, it can come off the saw and cause injury.

The good news is that this is a relatively easy problem to fix. In most cases, you can resolve the issue by following a few simple steps. In this guide, I will walk you through the process of troubleshooting and repairing a craftsman chainsaw tension screw that is not working. I will also provide some tips on how to prevent this problem from happening in the future.

Why Craftsman Chainsaw Tension Screw Not Working

Chainsaw Chain Too Tight

The most common reason for a chainsaw tension screw not working is that the chain is too tight. When the chain is too tight, it can put pressure on the tension screw and cause it to become stuck.
To fix this problem, you will need to loosen the chain until it is just snug against the bar. You can do this by turning the tension screw counterclockwise.
Once the chain is loose, you can try tightening the tension screw again. If it still does not work, you may need to replace the tension screw.

Chainsaw Chain Too Loose

Another common reason for a chainsaw tension screw not working is that the chain is too loose. When the chain is too loose, it can cause the tension screw to come loose.
To fix this problem, you will need to tighten the chain until it is snug against the bar. You can do this by turning the tension screw clockwise.
Once the chain is tight, you can try tightening the tension screw again. If it still does not work, you may need to replace the tension screw.

Chainsaw Chain Damaged

A damaged chainsaw chain can also cause the tension screw not to work. If the chain is damaged, it can cause the tension screw to become stuck or stripped.
To fix this problem, you will need to replace the chainsaw chain.

Chainsaw Bar Damaged

A damaged chainsaw bar can also cause the tension screw not to work. If the bar is damaged, it can cause the tension screw to become stuck or stripped.
To fix this problem, you will need to replace the chainsaw bar.

Chainsaw Tension Screw Damaged

Finally, the tension screw itself can become damaged. If the tension screw is damaged, it will not be able to hold the chain tight.
To fix this problem, you will need to replace the tension screw.

How to Troubleshoot: Craftsman Chainsaw Tension Screw Not Working

Symptoms of a Craftsman Chainsaw Tension Screw Not Working

There are a few symptoms that can indicate that the tension screw on your Craftsman chainsaw is not working properly. These include:

The chain is loose and slipping off the guide bar.
The chain is too tight and difficult to turn.
The chain is making a loud noise when it is running.
The chain is not cutting through wood as well as it used to.

How to Troubleshoot a Craftsman Chainsaw Tension Screw Not Working

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to troubleshoot the problem as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your chainsaw. Here are a few steps to help you troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check the tension screw. The first thing you should do is check the tension screw to make sure it is properly tightened. To do this, locate the tension screw on the side of the chainsaw near the guide bar. Use a wrench to turn the screw clockwise until it is snug against the guide bar.
2. Check the chain. Once you have tightened the tension screw, check the chain to make sure it is properly aligned on the guide bar. The chain should be tight enough to stay on the guide bar, but not so tight that it is difficult to turn. If the chain is too loose, you will need to tighten it further. If the chain is too tight, you will need to loosen it slightly.
3. Check the guide bar. The guide bar is the metal bar that the chain rides on. If the guide bar is bent or damaged, it can cause the chain to slip off. To check the guide bar, look for any bends or damage. If you find any damage, you will need to replace the guide bar.
4. Check the chain sprocket. The chain sprocket is the gear that the chain rides on. If the chain sprocket is worn or damaged, it can cause the chain to slip off. To check the chain sprocket, look for any wear or damage. If you find any damage, you will need to replace the chain sprocket.

Preventing Craftsman Chainsaw Tension Screw Problems

There are a few things you can do to help prevent Craftsman chainsaw tension screw problems:

Tighten the tension screw regularly. The tension screw should be tightened regularly to ensure that the chain is properly aligned and that it is not too loose or too tight.
Inspect the chain and guide bar regularly. Inspect the chain and guide bar regularly for any signs of wear or damage. If you find any damage, you should replace the chain or guide bar as soon as possible.
Use a quality chain oil. Using a quality chain oil will help to lubricate the chain and guide bar and prevent wear and tear.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent Craftsman chainsaw tension screw problems and keep your chainsaw running smoothly.

Additional Resources

[Chainsaw Tension Screw Replacement Guide](https://www.chainsawjournal.com/chainsaw-tension-screw-replacement-guide/)
[How to Inspect and Replace a Chainsaw Chain](https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/inspect-and-replace-a-chainsaw-chain-591470)
[How to Lubricate a Chainsaw Chain](https://www.hunker.com/13422797/how-to-lubricate-a-chainsaw-chain)

FAQs: Craftsman Chainsaw Tension Screw Not Working

Why is my Craftsman chainsaw tension screw not working?

There are a few possible reasons why your Craftsman chainsaw tension screw may not be working. Here are some of the most common causes:

The screw is dirty or damaged. If the screw is dirty or damaged, it may not be able to grip the chain properly. To clean the screw, use a small brush to remove any dirt or debris. If the screw is damaged, you will need to replace it.
The screw is not tightened enough. If the screw is not tightened enough, it will not be able to hold the chain in place. To tighten the screw, use a wrench or pliers. Make sure that the screw is snug, but not so tight that it damages the chain.
The screw is too tight. If the screw is too tight, it can damage the chain. To loosen the screw, use a wrench or pliers. Make sure that the screw is loose enough to allow the chain to move freely.
The chain is too loose. If the chain is too loose, it will not be able to stay in place. To tighten the chain, use the tensioning knob on the chainsaw. Make sure that the chain is tight enough to stay in place, but not so tight that it is difficult to move.

How do I fix my Craftsman chainsaw tension screw?

To fix your Craftsman chainsaw tension screw, you will need to identify the cause of the problem and take the appropriate steps to fix it. Here are some steps to help you troubleshoot the problem:

1. Check the screw for damage. If the screw is dirty or damaged, you will need to clean or replace it.
2. Check the tightness of the screw. If the screw is not tightened enough, tighten it until it is snug. If the screw is too tight, loosen it until it is loose enough to allow the chain to move freely.
3. Check the chain for tightness. If the chain is too loose, tighten it using the tensioning knob on the chainsaw. If the chain is too tight, loosen it until it is loose enough to move freely.

Once you have identified and fixed the problem, your Craftsman chainsaw tension screw should be working properly again.

What happens if I don’t tighten the tension screw on my Craftsman chainsaw?

If you do not tighten the tension screw on your Craftsman chainsaw, the chain may come loose and cause damage to the chainsaw or to yourself. The chain is under a lot of tension, and if it is not properly tightened, it can fly off the chainsaw and cause serious injury.

To avoid this, make sure that you tighten the tension screw on your Craftsman chainsaw before using it. You should also check the tension of the chain regularly and tighten it as needed.

What happens if I tighten the tension screw on my Craftsman chainsaw too much?

If you tighten the tension screw on your Craftsman chainsaw too much, the chain may become too tight and difficult to move. This can damage the chain and make it difficult to use the chainsaw.

To avoid this, make sure that you only tighten the tension screw until the chain is snug. You should not tighten the screw so much that it is difficult to move the chain.

How often should I tighten the tension screw on my Craftsman chainsaw?

You should check the tension of the chain on your Craftsman chainsaw regularly and tighten it as needed. The frequency with which you need to tighten the screw will depend on how often you use the chainsaw and how hard you use it.

As a general rule, you should check the tension of the chain every time you use the chainsaw. If the chain is loose, tighten it until it is snug. If the chain is too tight, loosen it until it is loose enough to move freely.

Next Post to Read: Dewalt 20V Chainsaw Not Working