Your Electric Chainsaw Chain Keeps Coming Off? Here’s Why

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

Have you ever been using your chainsaw and the chain suddenly comes off It’s a frustrating experience, but it’s also a common one. If you’re not careful, your chainsaw can come off the bar and fly into your body or someone else’s. That’s why it’s important to know how to prevent and fix this problem. In this blog post, I’ll discuss the causes of a chainsaw chain coming off and how to fix it. I’ll also provide some tips for preventing this problem from happening in the first place.

So Chain Keeps Coming Off Electric Chainsaw

Your Electric Chainsaw Chain Keeps Coming Off? Here’s Why

There are a few reasons why your electric chainsaw chain might keep coming off.

The chain is too loose:
Make sure the chain is properly tensioned before you start using your chainsaw.

The chain is worn out:
If the chain is old or damaged, it will not stay on the sprockets properly.

The sprockets are worn out:
If the sprockets are worn out, they will not grip the chain properly.

The bar is bent:
If the bar is bent, it will not align with the sprockets properly, which will cause the chain to come off.

To fix this problem, you will need to tighten the chain, replace the chain, replace the sprockets, or straighten the bar.

Chain Keeps Coming Off Electric Chainsaw

What Causes the Chain to Come Off?

There are a few possible reasons why the chain on your electric chainsaw might keep coming off.

Improper tensioning:
If the chain is too loose, it will be more likely to come off. To check the tension, grab the chain with your fingers and try to move it up and down. There should be a slight amount of resistance, but it shouldn’t be too difficult to move. If the chain is too loose, tighten it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Damaged chain:
A damaged chain can also come off easily. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as broken or missing links, kinks, or rust. If the chain is damaged, replace it with a new one.

Dirty bar:
A dirty bar can cause the chain to bind and come off. Make sure to clean the bar regularly with a soft cloth or brush.

Incorrect bar alignment:
The bar on your chainsaw should be aligned parallel to the blade. If the bar is misaligned, it can cause the chain to come off. To check the alignment, look at the bar from the side. The bar should be perfectly straight, with no gaps between the bar and the blade. If the bar is misaligned, adjust it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

How to Fix the Problem

Once you’ve identified the cause of the problem, you can fix it by following these steps:

1. Tighten the chain:
If the chain is too loose, tighten it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Replace the chain:
If the chain is damaged, replace it with a new one.3. Clean the bar:
Use a soft cloth or brush to clean the bar.

4. Align the bar:
Make sure the bar is parallel to the blade.

If you’re not comfortable fixing the problem yourself, you can take your chainsaw to a qualified repair shop.

Preventing the Problem from Happening Again

To prevent the chain from coming off again, you can take the following steps:

Tighten the chain regularly:
Check the chain tension every time you use your chainsaw. If the chain is too loose, tighten it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Inspect the chain regularly:
Look for signs of wear and tear, such as broken or missing links, kinks, or rust. If the chain is damaged, replace it with a new one.

Clean the bar regularly:
Use a soft cloth or brush to clean the bar after each use.

Align the bar regularly:
Make sure the bar is parallel to the blade.

By following these tips, you can help prevent the chain from coming off your electric chainsaw.

Also Read THis: Chain Keeps Coming Off Electric Chainsaws

FAQs: Chain keeps coming off electric chainsaw

Why does the chain keep coming off my electric chainsaw?

There are a few reasons why the chain on your electric chainsaw might keep coming off. Here are some of the most common causes:

The chain is too loose: If the chain is too loose, it will be more likely to come off. Make sure to tighten the chain according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The chain is too tight: If the chain is too tight, it will be difficult to turn the chainsaw and the chain may come off. Loosen the chain slightly until it is easy to turn the chainsaw.

The chain is dull: A dull chain will not grip the wood properly and is more likely to come off. Sharpen the chain regularly to keep it in good condition.

The bar is bent: If the bar is bent, it will not be able to hold the chain properly and the chain may come off. Straighten the bar or replace it if it is badly bent.

The sprocket is worn out: The sprocket is the part of the chainsaw that drives the chain. If the sprocket is worn out, it will not be able to grip the chain properly and the chain may come off. Replace the sprocket if it is worn out.

How do I tighten the chain on my electric chainsaw?

To tighten the chain on your electric chainsaw, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the chainsaw and disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Loosen the chain tensioner bolt.
3. Slide the chain tensioner up or down until the chain is tight enough to turn the chainsaw but not so tight that it is difficult to move.
4. Tighten the chain tensioner bolt.
5. Reattach the spark plug wire and start the chainsaw.

How do I sharpen the chain on my electric chainsaw?

To sharpen the chain on your electric chainsaw, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the chainsaw and disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Remove the chain from the chainsaw.
3. Use a chainsaw file to sharpen the teeth of the chain.
4. Reattach the chain to the chainsaw.
5. Start the chainsaw and test the chain to make sure it is sharp.

How do I tell if the bar is bent on my electric chainsaw?

To tell if the bar is bent on your electric chainsaw, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the chainsaw and disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Remove the chain from the chainsaw.
3. Inspect the bar for any bends or damage.
4. If the bar is bent, you will need to straighten it or replace it.

How do I replace the sprocket on my electric chainsaw?

To replace the sprocket on your electric chainsaw, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the chainsaw and disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Remove the chain from the chainsaw.
3. Remove the sprocket cover.
4. Remove the old sprocket.
5. Install the new sprocket.
6. Replace the sprocket cover.
7. Reattach the chain to the chainsaw.
8. Start the chainsaw and test it to make sure it is working properly.

About The Author

I am John, and I am the creator of this website. I have been in the woodworking industry for about 5 years. I developed my passion for DIY projects around the house when I was in high school. I have discovered a new appreciation for those who have the experience to pass along their expertise. They know what works best and are able to help others. I am proud to be among them.

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