Craftsman Chainsaw Tightening Not Working? Here’s the Fix!

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

Craftsman Chainsaw Tightening Not Working

As a chainsaw repair professional, I have seen firsthand the frustration and inconvenience that can be caused by a chainsaw that won’t tighten. This is a common problem that can have a number of causes, from a simple loose nut to a more serious mechanical issue.

In this guide, I will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot a chainsaw that won’t tighten. I will start by explaining the different causes of this problem and then provide specific instructions on how to diagnose and resolve each one. By the end of this guide, you will be able to quickly and easily identify the cause of your chainsaw’s problem and get it back up and running in no time.

Chainsaw tightening not working troubleshooting guide

A chainsaw that won’t tighten can be a major inconvenience. It can prevent you from using your chainsaw to cut wood, which can be frustrating and even dangerous. There are a number of different reasons why a chainsaw might not tighten, but most of them are relatively easy to fix.

In this guide, I will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot a chainsaw that won’t tighten. I will start by explaining the different causes of this problem and then provide specific instructions on how to diagnose and resolve each one. By the end of this guide, you will be able to quickly and easily identify the cause of your chainsaw’s problem and get it back up and running in no time.

Why Craftsman Chainsaw Tightening Not Working

Chainsaw Chain Tightening Not Working: Reasons and Causes

Loose or damaged chain sprocket. The chain sprocket is the gear that the chain rides on. If it is loose or damaged, it can cause the chain to slip and not tighten properly.
Dirty or worn-out chain. A dirty or worn-out chain can also cause it to slip and not tighten properly.
Incorrect tensioning procedure. If the chain is not tensioned properly, it can cause it to slip and not tighten properly.
Defective chainsaw. In some cases, the problem may be with the chainsaw itself. If the chainsaw is defective, it may not be able to tighten the chain properly.

How to Fix a Chainsaw Chain Tightening Problem

To fix a chainsaw chain tightening problem, you will need to identify the cause of the problem and then take the necessary steps to fix it.

If the chain sprocket is loose or damaged, you will need to tighten it or replace it.
If the chain is dirty or worn-out, you will need to clean it or replace it.
If the chain is not tensioned properly, you will need to adjust the tension.
If the chainsaw is defective, you will need to have it repaired or replaced.

Preventing Chainsaw Chain Tightening Problems

You can prevent chainsaw chain tightening problems by taking the following steps:

Keep the chain sprocket clean and lubricated.
Inspect the chain regularly for wear and tear.
Adjust the chain tension regularly.
Use the chainsaw according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Craftsman Chainsaw Tightening Not Working

Symptoms

There are a few symptoms that may indicate that your Craftsman chainsaw tightening is not working properly. These include:

The chain is not staying tight on the bar.
The chain is slipping off the bar.
The chain is making a rattling noise.
The chain is jumping off the bar.

Causes

There are a number of potential causes for a Craftsman chainsaw tightening not working properly. These include:

A worn-out chain tensioner.
A loose or damaged chain.
A dirty or damaged bar.
A bent or damaged chain sprocket.

Solutions

The solution to a Craftsman chainsaw tightening not working properly will depend on the specific cause of the problem. Here are some possible solutions:

Replace the chain tensioner. If the chain tensioner is worn out, it will not be able to properly tighten the chain. You can usually find replacement chain tensioners at your local hardware store.
Tighten the chain. If the chain is loose, it will not stay tight on the bar. You can tighten the chain by turning the tensioning screw clockwise.
Clean the bar. If the bar is dirty, it will not be able to grip the chain properly. You can clean the bar by using a soft cloth and some solvent.
Replace the chain sprocket. If the chain sprocket is bent or damaged, it will not be able to properly drive the chain. You can usually find replacement chain sprockets at your local hardware store.

Prevention

You can help prevent problems with your Craftsman chainsaw tightening by following these tips:

Keep the chain clean and lubricated. A clean and lubricated chain will be less likely to slip off the bar.
Inspect the chain regularly. Inspect the chain for wear and damage regularly and replace it as needed.
Tighten the chain regularly. Tighten the chain regularly to ensure that it is properly secured to the bar.

Conclusion

If your Craftsman chainsaw tightening is not working properly, you can usually fix the problem by following the steps outlined in this article. If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, you can take your chainsaw to a qualified technician for repairs.

FAQs: Craftsman Chainsaw Tightening Not Working

Why is my Craftsman chainsaw tightening not working?

There are a few possible reasons why your Craftsman chainsaw tightening not working.

The chain is too loose. If the chain is too loose, it will not be able to tighten properly. To tighten the chain, follow the instructions in your chainsaw’s owner’s manual.
The chain is too tight. If the chain is too tight, it will not be able to move freely and will cause the chainsaw to stall. To loosen the chain, follow the instructions in your chainsaw’s owner’s manual.
The chain oiler is not working properly. The chain oiler is responsible for keeping the chain lubricated. If the chain oiler is not working properly, the chain will become dry and will not be able to move freely. To check the chain oiler, follow the instructions in your chainsaw’s owner’s manual.
The bar is bent. If the bar is bent, it will not be able to hold the chain properly. To check the bar, look for any bends or kinks. If the bar is bent, you will need to replace it.
The sprocket is worn out. The sprocket is the part of the chainsaw that the chain rides on. If the sprocket is worn out, it will not be able to grip the chain properly. To check the sprocket, look for any signs of wear or damage. If the sprocket is worn out, you will need to replace it.

How do I tighten the chain on my Craftsman chainsaw?

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

1. Turn off the chainsaw and allow it to cool down.
2. Remove the chain guard.
3. Locate the chain tensioner.
4. Use the chain tensioner to tighten the chain until it is snug against the bar.
5. Reattach the chain guard.

How do I loosen the chain on my Craftsman chainsaw?

To loosen the chain on your Craftsman chainsaw, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the chainsaw and allow it to cool down.
2. Remove the chain guard.
3. Locate the chain tensioner.
4. Use the chain tensioner to loosen the chain until it is loose enough to move freely.
5. Reattach the chain guard.

How do I check the chain oiler on my Craftsman chainsaw?

To check the chain oiler on your Craftsman chainsaw, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the chainsaw and allow it to cool down.
2. Remove the chain guard.
3. Locate the chain oiler.
4. Look for any signs of oil leaking from the oiler.
5. If you see any oil leaking, you will need to replace the oiler.

How do I replace the bar on my Craftsman chainsaw?

To replace the bar on your Craftsman chainsaw, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the chainsaw and allow it to cool down.
2. Remove the chain guard.
3. Remove the chain.
4. Remove the bar nuts.
5. Remove the bar.
6. Install the new bar.
7. Install the bar nuts.
8. Reattach the chain.
9. Reattach the chain guard.

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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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