Your chainsaw chain keeps tightening because the tensioner is not adjusted properly. This can be a dangerous situation, as a too-tight chain can cause the saw to kickback and injure the operator. To prevent this, it’s important to know how to properly adjust the chain tensioner.
In this article, I’ll explain what the chain tensioner is and how to adjust it. I’ll also provide some tips on how to keep your chainsaw chain in good condition. So if you’re having trouble with a tight chain, read on for help!
Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Keep Tightening
Chainsaw Chain Keeps Tightening
There are a few reasons why your chainsaw chain might be tightening.
The chain is too tight:
The chain should be loose enough to move up and down the bar without binding. If the chain is too tight, it will bind on the bar and cause the chain to tighten.
The bar is bent:
If the bar is bent, it will cause the chain to bind and tighten.
The chain is worn out:
A worn-out chain will stretch and become loose, which can cause it to tighten.
The sprocket is worn out:
A worn-out sprocket will cause the chain to bind and tighten.
To fix a chainsaw chain that keeps tightening, you will need to identify the cause of the problem and take the necessary steps to correct it.
Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Keep Tightening?
What Causes a Chainsaw Chain to Tighten?
There are a few things that can cause a chainsaw chain to tighten.
Improper tensioning:
If the chain is not properly tensioned, it will tend to tighten as it wears. This is because the chain is constantly stretching as it is used, and if it is not properly tensioned, the stretching will cause it to become tighter.
A worn chain sprocket:
The chain sprocket is the part of the chainsaw that the chain rides on. If the sprocket is worn, it will not be able to properly guide the chain, and this can cause the chain to tighten.
A worn chain guide bar:
The chain guide bar is the part of the chainsaw that the chain rides on. If the guide bar is worn, it will not be able to properly guide the chain, and this can cause the chain to tighten.
A dirty chainsaw:
If the chainsaw is not properly cleaned and maintained, it can cause the chain to tighten. This is because dirt and debris can build up on the chain and chain sprocket, and this can interfere with the proper operation of the chain.
How to Prevent a Chainsaw Chain from Tightening
There are a few things you can do to prevent a chainsaw chain from tightening.
Properly tension the chain:
The chain should be properly tensioned so that it is snug against the chain guide bar, but not so tight that it is difficult to turn the chainsaw.
Replace worn chain sprockets and guide bars:
If the chain sprocket or guide bar is worn, it should be replaced. This will help to ensure that the chain is properly guided and that it does not tighten.
Clean the chainsaw regularly:
The chainsaw should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and debris. This will help to prevent the chain from becoming tight.
What to Do if Your Chainsaw Chain Keeps Tightening
If your chainsaw chain keeps tightening, there are a few things you can do.
Check the tension of the chain:
If the chain is not properly tensioned, it will tend to tighten as it wears. You can check the tension of the chain by following the instructions in your chainsaw owner’s manual.
Replace worn chain sprockets and guide bars:
If the chain sprocket or guide bar is worn, it should be replaced. This will help to ensure that the chain is properly guided and that it does not tighten.
Clean the chainsaw regularly:
The chainsaw should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and debris. This will help to prevent the chain from becoming tight.
If you have tried these steps and your chainsaw chain is still tightening, you may need to take it to a qualified chainsaw repair technician.
Also Read THis: Why Does My Chainsaw Keep Getting Loose
FAQs: Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Keep Tightening?
Why is my chainsaw chain getting tighter?
There are a few reasons why your chainsaw chain might be getting tighter.
The chain is too tight: If the chain is too tight, it will put more strain on the engine and cause it to work harder. This can lead to the chain breaking or the engine overheating.
The chain is worn out: As the chain wears out, it will stretch and become looser. This can cause the chain to come off the sprockets, which can be dangerous.
The chain oil is too thick: If the chain oil is too thick, it can cause the chain to become sticky and difficult to move. This can lead to the chain getting tighter.
The chain oil is too thin: If the chain oil is too thin, it will not provide enough lubrication and the chain will wear out faster. This can also lead to the chain getting tighter.
How can I stop my chainsaw chain from getting tighter?
There are a few things you can do to stop your chainsaw chain from getting tighter.
Check the chain tension regularly: The chain should be tight enough to stay on the sprockets, but not so tight that it is difficult to move.
Replace the chain if it is worn out: A worn-out chain will stretch and become looser. This can cause the chain to come off the sprockets, which can be dangerous.
Use the correct chain oil: The chain oil should be the correct thickness for your chainsaw. A thick chain oil will make the chain sticky and difficult to move, while a thin chain oil will not provide enough lubrication.
Clean the chainsaw regularly: A dirty chainsaw can cause the chain to become tighter. Make sure to clean the chainsaw after each use.
What happens if my chainsaw chain gets too tight?
If your chainsaw chain gets too tight, it can cause a number of problems.
The chain can break: A chain that is too tight is under more stress and is more likely to break.
The engine can overheat: A chain that is too tight puts more strain on the engine, which can cause it to overheat.
The chain can come off the sprockets: A chain that is too tight can come off the sprockets, which can be dangerous.
How do I loosen my chainsaw chain?
To loosen your chainsaw chain, you will need to:
1. Turn off the chainsaw and disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Locate the chain tensioner. The chain tensioner is usually located on the side of the chainsaw.
3. Use the chain tensioner to loosen the chain. Turn the chain tensioner clockwise to loosen the chain.
4. Reattach the spark plug wire.
5. Start the chainsaw and check the chain tension. The chain should be tight enough to stay on the sprockets, but not so tight that it is difficult to move.
How do I prevent my chainsaw chain from getting too tight?
To prevent your chainsaw chain from getting too tight, you can:
Check the chain tension regularly: The chain should be tight enough to stay on the sprockets, but not so tight that it is difficult to move.
Replace the chain if it is worn out: A worn-out chain will stretch and become looser. This can cause the chain to come off the sprockets, which can be dangerous.
Use the correct chain oil: The chain oil should be the correct thickness for your chainsaw. A thick chain oil will make the chain sticky and difficult to move, while a thin chain oil will not provide enough lubrication.
Clean the chainsaw regularly: A dirty chainsaw can cause the chain to become tighter. Make sure to clean the chainsaw after each use.