Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Keep Spinning? (And How to Fix It)

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Updated in March 2025 | By John

Your chainsaw chain keeps spinning because the clutch is not disengaging. This can be a dangerous situation, as it can cause the chain to whip around and injure you. There are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem

Make sure that the chain brake is engaged.
Check the clutch adjustment.
Clean and lubricate the clutch.
Replace the clutch if necessary.

Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Keep Spinning

Why does my chainsaw chain keep spinning?

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

The chain brake is not engaged:
Make sure that the chain brake is engaged before starting the chainsaw.

The chain is too loose:
If the chain is too loose, it will be able to spin freely even when the chainsaw is not running. Tighten the chain according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The chain is worn out:
If the chain is worn out, it will not be able to grip the wood properly and will continue to spin even when the chainsaw is not running. Replace the chain with a new one.

The chainsaw is not properly lubricated:
If the chainsaw is not properly lubricated, the chain will not be able to move smoothly and will continue to spin even when the chainsaw is not running. Lubricate the chainsaw according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Keep Spinning?

What Causes a Chainsaw Chain to Keep Spinning?

There are a few different reasons why your chainsaw chain might keep spinning. Here are some of the most common causes:

The chain is too tight:
If the chain is too tight, it will not be able to move freely around the bar, and it will keep spinning even when you are not trying to cut anything. To fix this problem, you will need to loosen the chain tensioner.

The chain is too loose:
If the chain is too loose, it will be able to move freely around the bar, but it will not be able to grip the wood properly. This can cause the chain to skip and jump, which can be dangerous. To fix this problem, you will need to tighten the chain tensioner.

The bar is bent:
If the bar is bent, it will not be able to guide the chain properly, and the chain will keep spinning. To fix this problem, you will need to straighten the bar.

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 will keep spinning. To fix this problem, you will need to replace the sprocket.

The clutch is stuck:
The clutch is the part of the chainsaw that engages and disengages the chain. If the clutch is stuck, it will not be able to disengage the chain, and the chain will keep spinning. To fix this problem, you will need to repair or replace the clutch.

How to Fix a Chainsaw Chain That Keeps Spinning

Once you have determined the cause of the problem, you can fix it by following these steps:

1. Loosen the chain tensioner:
If the chain is too tight, loosen the chain tensioner until the chain is just loose enough to move freely around the bar.

2. Tighten the chain tensioner:
If the chain is too loose, tighten the chain tensioner until the chain is snug against the bar.3. Straighten the bar:
If the bar is bent, use a bar bender to straighten it.

4. Replace the sprocket:
If the sprocket is worn out, replace it with a new one.

5. Repair or replace the clutch:
If the clutch is stuck, repair or replace it.

Preventing Chainsaw Chain from Spinning

To prevent your chainsaw chain from spinning, you can take the following steps:

Keep the chain properly tensioned.
Make sure the bar is straight.
Replace the sprocket when it is worn out.
Repair or replace the clutch if it is stuck.
Avoid operating the chainsaw in wet conditions.
Use a sharp chain.
Keep the chain clean and lubricated.

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

Also Read THis: Why Does My Chainsaw Keep Bogging Down

FAQs: Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Keep Spinning?

Q: Why is my chainsaw chain still spinning when I let go of the trigger?

A: There are a few possible reasons why your chainsaw chain might keep spinning when you let go of the trigger.

  • The most common reason is that the chain brake is not engaged. Make sure that the chain brake is fully engaged before you start the chainsaw.
  • Another possibility is that the clutch is not disengaging properly. If the clutch is not disengaging, the chain will continue to spin even when you let go of the trigger.
  • Finally, it is also possible that there is a problem with the chainsaw’s engine. If the engine is not running properly, it may not be able to disengage the clutch properly.

Q: How do I stop my chainsaw chain from spinning when I let go of the trigger?

To stop your chainsaw chain from spinning when you let go of the trigger, you can do one of the following:

  • Engage the chain brake. This will physically stop the chain from spinning.
  • Disengage the clutch. This will allow the chain to stop spinning, but it will also make the chainsaw inoperable.
  • Turn off the engine. This will stop the engine and the chain will automatically stop spinning.

Q: What causes a chainsaw chain to keep spinning when it’s not supposed to?

There are a few different things that can cause a chainsaw chain to keep spinning when it’s not supposed to.

  • The most common cause is a problem with the chain brake. If the chain brake is not engaged properly, the chain will continue to spin even when the trigger is released.
  • Another possibility is that the clutch is not disengaging properly. If the clutch is not disengaging, the chain will continue to spin even when the engine is turned off.
  • Finally, it is also possible that there is a problem with the chainsaw’s engine. If the engine is not running properly, it may not be able to disengage the clutch properly.

Q: How can I fix a chainsaw chain that keeps spinning?

If your chainsaw chain keeps spinning, there are a few things you can do to fix it.

  • First, check to make sure that the chain brake is engaged properly. If it is not, engage the chain brake and try again.
  • If the chain brake is engaged properly and the chain is still spinning, check to see if the clutch is disengaging properly. If it is not, you may need to have the clutch repaired or replaced.
  • Finally, if the chain brake and the clutch are both working properly and the chain is still spinning, you may need to have the chainsaw’s engine repaired or replaced.

Q: What should I do if my chainsaw chain keeps spinning and I can’t stop it?

If your chainsaw chain keeps spinning and you can’t stop it, there are a few things you should do.

  • First, turn off the chainsaw’s engine.
  • Next, disengage the clutch.
  • Finally, engage the chain brake.

Once you have stopped the chain, you can then investigate the problem and try to fix it. If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, you should take the chainsaw to a qualified repair shop.

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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