Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Keep Falling Off?

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

Your chainsaw chain blade keeps falling off because the chainsaw is not properly adjusted. A chainsaw chain is a loop of sharp metal teeth that rotates around a guide bar. The chain is driven by the engine and the guide bar keeps it from flying off. If the chain is too loose, it will fall off. If the chain is too tight, it will not be able to rotate properly and will damage the engine.

Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Blade Keep Falling

Why does my chainsaw chain blade keep falling?

There are a few reasons why your chainsaw chain blade might keep falling.

The chain is too loose:
If the chain is too loose, it will be able to fall off the sprockets. Check the owner’s manual for the correct chain tension.

The chain is worn out:
If the chain is worn out, it will be more likely to fall off the sprockets. Replace the chain if it is damaged or worn out.

The sprockets are worn out:
If the sprockets are worn out, they will not be able to grip the chain properly. Replace the sprockets if they are damaged or worn out.

The chainsaw is not properly lubricated:
If the chainsaw is not properly lubricated, the chain will not be able to move smoothly and it will be more likely to fall off the sprockets. Make sure to lubricate the chainsaw according to the owner’s manual.

Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Blade Keep Falling?

A Few Common Causes

There are a few common causes for a chainsaw chain blade to keep falling off. Here are a few of the most common:

Improper tensioning:

If the chain is too loose, it will be more likely to fall off. To check the tension, hold the chainsaw with the chain off the ground and pull on the chain with your hand. The chain should have about 1/8-inch of play. If it has more than that, tighten the chain.

Damaged or worn chain:

A damaged or worn chain can also cause it to fall off. If the chain is damaged, it will need to be replaced. If the chain is worn, it can be sharpened.

Incorrect sprocket alignment:

The sprockets on a chainsaw are responsible for driving the chain. If the sprockets are not aligned properly, it can cause the chain to fall off. To check the alignment, turn the chainsaw on and let it run for a few seconds. The chain should move smoothly and evenly around the sprockets. If it does not, the sprockets need to be aligned.

Worn or damaged guide bar:

The guide bar on a chainsaw is what the chain rides on. If the guide bar is worn or damaged, it can cause the chain to fall off. To check the guide bar, look for any damage or wear. If there is any damage, the guide bar will need to be replaced.

How to Fix a Chainsaw Chain Blade That Keeps Falling Off

Once you have identified the cause of the problem, you can fix it accordingly. Here are the steps on how to fix a chainsaw chain blade that keeps falling off:

1. Tighten the chain:

If the chain is too loose, tighten it until it has about 1/8-inch of play.

2. Replace the chain:

If the chain is damaged or worn, replace it with a new one.3. Align the sprockets:

If the sprockets are not aligned properly, align them so that the chain moves smoothly and evenly around them.

4. Replace the guide bar:

If the guide bar is worn or damaged, replace it with a new one.

By following these steps, you can fix a chainsaw chain blade that keeps falling off and get back to work quickly.

Preventing Chainsaw Chain Blade Problems

In addition to fixing a chainsaw chain blade that keeps falling off, you can also take steps to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips:

Tighten the chain regularly:

Check the chain tension regularly and tighten it as needed.

Inspect the chain regularly:

Inspect the chain regularly for damage or wear. Replace the chain if it is damaged or worn.

Align the sprockets regularly:

Align the sprockets regularly so that the chain moves smoothly and evenly around them.

Replace the guide bar regularly:

Replace the guide bar regularly if it is worn or damaged.

By following these tips, you can help prevent chainsaw chain blade problems and keep your chainsaw running smoothly.

Also Read THis: Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Keep Coming Loose So Fast

FAQs

Why does my chainsaw chain blade keep falling?

There are a few reasons why your chainsaw chain blade might keep falling. Here are the most common causes:

The chain is too loose: If the chain is too loose, it will not be able to stay on the guide bar properly and will fall off. 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 be difficult to turn the chainsaw and the chain may jump off the guide bar. To loosen the chain, follow the instructions in your chainsaw’s owner’s manual.

The guide bar is bent: If the guide bar is bent, it will not be able to hold the chain properly and the chain may fall off. To check if the guide bar is bent, look at it from the side. If it is bowed in or out, it needs to be replaced.

The chain is worn out: If the chain is worn out, it will not be able to stay on the guide bar properly and will fall off. To check if the chain is worn out, look at the teeth. If they are chipped or broken, the chain needs to be replaced.

The chainsaw is not properly maintained: If the chainsaw is not properly maintained, it will not be able to function properly and the chain may fall off. To maintain your chainsaw properly, follow the instructions in your chainsaw’s owner’s manual.

How do I tighten the chain on my chainsaw?

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

1. Turn off the chainsaw and allow it to cool down.
2. Remove the chain cover.
3. Locate the chain tensioner. It is usually a small screw or knob located near the front of the chainsaw.
4. Turn the chain tensioner clockwise to tighten the chain.
5. Reattach the chain cover.
6. Start the chainsaw and test the chain tension. The chain should be snug against the guide bar, but not so tight that it is difficult to turn the chainsaw.

How do I loosen the chain on my chainsaw?

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

1. Turn off the chainsaw and allow it to cool down.
2. Remove the chain cover.
3. Locate the chain tensioner. It is usually a small screw or knob located near the front of the chainsaw.
4. Turn the chain tensioner counterclockwise to loosen the chain.
5. Reattach the chain cover.
6. Start the chainsaw and test the chain tension. The chain should be snug against the guide bar, but not so tight that it is difficult to turn the chainsaw.

How do I check if the guide bar is bent?

To check if the guide bar is bent, look at it from the side. If it is bowed in or out, it needs to be replaced.

How do I replace the chain on my chainsaw?

To replace the chain on your chainsaw, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the chainsaw and allow it to cool down.
2. Remove the chain cover.
3. Remove the old chain.
4. Align the new chain with the guide bar.
5. Install the new chain.
6. Reattach the chain cover.
7. Start the chainsaw and test the chain.

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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