Chainsaws are essential tools for homeowners, professionals, and hobbyists alike. But what happens when your chainsaw won’t cut
A dull chain is the most common cause of a chainsaw that won’t cut. But there are other potential causes, such as a dirty or clogged bar oil filter, a damaged or worn chain, or a misaligned chain.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most common causes of a chainsaw that won’t cut and how to troubleshoot and fix the problem. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent your chainsaw from becoming dull in the first place.
So if your chainsaw is giving you trouble, read on for help!
Why Chainsaw Won’T Cut
Why a Chainsaw Won’t Cut
There are a few reasons why a chainsaw might not cut.
Dull chain:
The most common reason for a chainsaw not cutting is a dull chain. To check if your chain is dull, try to draw it across a piece of wood. If it skips or catches, it’s time to sharpen it.
Low oil level:
Another common reason for a chainsaw not cutting is low oil level. Make sure the oil level is between the full and add marks on the oil tank.
Clogged bar oil hole:
If the bar oil hole is clogged, the chain won’t be able to get enough oil and will quickly become dull. Clean the bar oil hole with a small brush or needle.
Damaged chain:
If the chain is damaged, it won’t be able to cut properly. Look for broken or missing links, kinks in the chain, or damage to the teeth. If the chain is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Misaligned chain:
If the chain is not aligned properly, it won’t be able to cut properly. Check the chain alignment by looking at the guide bar. The chain should be parallel to the guide bar. If the chain is not aligned properly, it will need to be adjusted.
Why Chainsaw Won’t Cut
1. Dull Chain
The most common reason why a chainsaw won’t cut is because the chain is dull. A dull chain will not be able to penetrate the wood properly, and will instead just rub against it, causing it to heat up and smoke. To check if your chain is dull, run your finger along the teeth. If they are smooth, the chain is dull and needs to be sharpened.
2. Low Chain Oil
Another common reason why a chainsaw won’t cut is because the chain oil level is low. Chain oil lubricates the chain and helps it to move smoothly through the wood. If the chain oil level is low, the chain will become hot and sticky, and will eventually seize up. To check the chain oil level, look at the sight glass on the side of the chainsaw. If the oil level is below the full mark, add more oil.
3. Clogged Bar Oiler
The bar oiler is responsible for delivering oil to the chain. If the bar oiler is clogged, the chain will not receive enough oil and will eventually become dull. To check if the bar oiler is clogged, remove the bar cover and look at the bar oiler hole. If there is a build-up of sawdust or other debris, clean it out with a small brush.
4. Misaligned Chain
If the chain is not properly aligned, it will not be able to cut properly. To check the chain alignment, look at the guide bar rails. The chain should be running parallel to the rails. If the chain is not parallel, adjust the chain tensioner until it is.
5. Worn Chain Brake
The chain brake is a safety feature that prevents the chain from moving when the chainsaw is not in use. If the chain brake is worn out, it will not be able to stop the chain from moving, and could cause serious injury. To check the chain brake, engage the brake and try to move the chain. If the chain moves, the brake is worn out and needs to be replaced.
6. Faulty Spark Plug
If the chainsaw is not starting, or is running rough, it could be because of a faulty spark plug. To check the spark plug, remove it from the chainsaw and look at the electrode. If the electrode is blackened or damaged, the spark plug needs to be replaced.
7. Clogged Air Filter
The air filter helps to keep dirt and debris out of the carburetor. If the air filter is clogged, it will restrict airflow to the carburetor, and could cause the chainsaw to run poorly or not start at all. To check the air filter, remove it from the chainsaw and look at it for signs of dirt or debris. If the air filter is dirty, clean it with a clean rag or replace it with a new one.
8. Bad Carburetor
If the chainsaw is running poorly or not starting at all, it could be because of a problem with the carburetor. The carburetor is responsible for mixing air and fuel in the correct proportions, and if it is not working properly, the chainsaw will not run properly. To troubleshoot a carburetor problem, you will need to take the chainsaw to a qualified technician.
9. Faulty Ignition Switch
If the chainsaw is not starting, or is starting but then immediately dies, it could be because of a faulty ignition switch. The ignition switch is responsible for sending power to the spark plug, and if it is not working properly, the chainsaw will not start. To check the ignition switch, use a multimeter to test for continuity between the switch and the spark plug. If there is no continuity, the ignition switch needs to be replaced.
10. Bad Battery
If the chainsaw is a battery-powered model, and it is not starting, it could be because of a bad battery. To check the battery, use a multimeter to test the voltage. If the voltage is below 12 volts, the battery needs to be replaced.
Also Read THis: Why Chainsaw Won’T Run
FAQs: Why Chainsaw Won’t Cut
Why won’t my chainsaw start?
Short answer: There are many possible reasons why a chainsaw won’t start, including:
Engine flooded. If the engine is flooded, it will not start because the spark plug is wet. To fix this, turn the chainsaw off and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, try starting it again.
Low fuel. If the chainsaw is out of fuel, it will not start. To fix this, add more fuel to the chainsaw.
Bad spark plug. If the spark plug is bad, it will not spark and the chainsaw will not start. To fix this, replace the spark plug.
Dirty air filter. If the air filter is dirty, it will restrict airflow to the engine and the chainsaw will not start. To fix this, clean or replace the air filter.
Bad carburetor. If the carburetor is bad, it will not deliver the correct fuel mixture to the engine and the chainsaw will not start. To fix this, have the carburetor repaired or replaced.
Why is my chainsaw cutting slowly?
Short answer: There are many possible reasons why a chainsaw is cutting slowly, including:
Dull chain. If the chain is dull, it will not cut as well. To fix this, sharpen the chain.
Wrong chain oil. If you are using the wrong type of chain oil, it can cause the chain to gum up and slow down. To fix this, use the correct type of chain oil.
Too much chain tension. If the chain is too tight, it will not cut as well. To fix this, loosen the chain tension.
Too little chain tension. If the chain is too loose, it will jump off the bar and slow down. To fix this, tighten the chain tension.
Chainsaw is overheating. If the chainsaw is overheating, it will slow down. To fix this, let the chainsaw cool down before continuing to use it.
Why is my chainsaw smoking?
Short answer: There are many possible reasons why a chainsaw is smoking, including:
Engine oil leaking into the cylinder. If engine oil is leaking into the cylinder, it will cause the engine to smoke. To fix this, tighten the oil drain bolt or replace the oil seal.
Chainsaw is running too rich. If the chainsaw is running too rich, it will cause the engine to smoke. To fix this, adjust the carburetor.
Chainsaw is overheating. If the chainsaw is overheating, it will smoke. To fix this, let the chainsaw cool down before continuing to use it.
Why is my chainsaw leaking gas?
Short answer: There are many possible reasons why a chainsaw is leaking gas, including:
Gas cap is not tightened properly. If the gas cap is not tightened properly, it can leak gas. To fix this, tighten the gas cap securely.
Fuel line is damaged. If the fuel line is damaged, it can leak gas. To fix this, replace the fuel line.
Carburetor is leaking. If the carburetor is leaking, it can leak gas. To fix this, have the carburetor repaired or replaced.
Why is my chainsaw making a loud noise?
Short answer: There are many possible reasons why a chainsaw is making a loud noise, including:
Dull chain. If the chain is dull, it will make a loud noise. To fix this, sharpen the chain.
Chainsaw is running too fast. If the chainsaw is running too fast, it will make a loud noise. To fix this, adjust the throttle.
Chainsaw is out of balance. If the chainsaw is out of balance, it will make a loud noise. To fix this, have the chainsaw balanced.
