Your Chainsaw Chain Won’t Move Here’s Why and How to Fix It
Your chainsaw is one of the most important tools in your arsenal, but it can be frustrating when it doesn’t work properly. If your chainsaw chain won’t move, there are a few possible causes. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most common reasons why your chainsaw chain might be stuck and how to fix it.
Why Won’T My Chain Move On My Chainsaw
There are a few reasons why the chain on your chainsaw might not be moving.
The chain is too tight:
If the chain is too tight, it will bind against the bar and not move. To check the chain tension, use a chainsaw chain tension gauge. The chain should have about 1/8 of play between the chain and the bar.
The chain is too loose:
If the chain is too loose, it will come off the bar and not move. To check the chain tension, use a chainsaw chain tension gauge. The chain should have about 1/8 of play between the chain and the bar.
The chain is damaged:
If the chain is damaged, it will not move properly. Check the chain for broken or missing links, and replace the chain if necessary.
The bar is damaged:
If the bar is damaged, it will not be able to hold the chain properly. Check the bar for cracks or other damage, and replace the bar if necessary.
The chainsaw is not getting enough oil:
If the chainsaw is not getting enough oil, the chain will become dry and will not move properly. Make sure the chainsaw is properly lubricated, and add oil to the chain oil reservoir as needed.
Why Won’t My Chain Move on My Chainsaw?
Possible Causes
There are a few possible reasons why your chainsaw chain might not be moving. Here are some of the most common:
The chain is too tight:
If the chain is too tight, it will not be able to move freely around the bar. To check the chain tension, use a chain tension gauge. If the chain is too tight, loosen the tensioner screw until the gauge indicates the proper tension.
The chain is too loose:
If the chain is too loose, it will jump off the bar. To check the chain tension, use a chain tension gauge. If the chain is too loose, tighten the tensioner screw until the gauge indicates the proper tension.
The bar is bent:
If the bar is bent, the chain will not be able to move smoothly around it. To check for a bent bar, sight down the bar from the front and back. If the bar is not straight, it will need to be straightened or replaced.
The sprocket is worn out:
The sprocket is the gear that drives the chain. If the sprocket is worn out, it will not be able to grip the chain properly and the chain will not move. To check the sprocket, look for wear marks on the teeth. If the teeth are worn down, the sprocket will need to be replaced.
The chain oiler is not working:
The chain oiler lubricates the chain and helps to keep it moving smoothly. If the chain oiler is not working, the chain will become dry and will not move as easily. To check the chain oiler, look for oil dripping from the oil hole in the bar. If no oil is dripping, the oiler may be clogged or broken and will need to be repaired or replaced.
How to Fix the Problem
Once you have identified the cause of the problem, you can fix it by following these steps:
If the chain is too tight, loosen the tensioner screw until the chain is properly tensioned:
If the chain is too loose, tighten the tensioner screw until the chain is properly tensioned:
If the bar is bent, straighten or replace it:
If the sprocket is worn out, replace it:
If the chain oiler is not working, clean or replace it:
After you have fixed the problem, test the chainsaw to make sure that the chain is moving freely. If the chain is still not moving, you may need to take the chainsaw to a qualified repair shop.
Preventative Maintenance
The best way to prevent problems with your chainsaw chain is to perform regular preventative maintenance. Here are some tips:
Tighten the chain regularly:
The chain should be checked and tightened every time you use the chainsaw.
Lubricate the chain regularly:
The chain should be lubricated every time you use the chainsaw.
Inspect the bar and sprocket regularly:
The bar and sprocket should be inspected for wear and damage every time you use the chainsaw.
Replace the chain and sprocket as needed:
The chain and sprocket should be replaced when they are worn out.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your chainsaw chain in good working order and prevent problems from occurring.
Also Read THis: Why Won’T My Chainsaw Blade Spin
FAQs: Why Won’t My Chain Move on My Chainsaw?
Why won’t my chainsaw chain move?
There are a few possible reasons why your chainsaw chain might not be moving. Here are some of the most common causes and how to fix them:
The chain is too tight: If the chain is too tight, it will not be able to move freely around the bar. To check the chain tension, hold the chainsaw with the chain off the ground and turn the engine on. The chain should move freely with just a slight amount of resistance. If the chain is too tight, loosen the chain tensioner until the chain moves freely.
The chain is too loose: If the chain is too loose, it will come off the bar. To check the chain tension, hold the chainsaw with the chain off the ground and turn the engine on. The chain should move freely with just a slight amount of resistance. If the chain is too loose, tighten the chain tensioner until the chain moves freely.
The chain is dirty or clogged: If the chain is dirty or clogged with sawdust, it will not be able to move freely around the bar. To clean the chain, remove it from the bar and wipe it down with a clean rag. If the chain is still clogged, you can try using a chain cleaner or degreaser.
The bar is damaged: If the bar is damaged, it will not be able to grip the chain properly. To check the bar, look for any cracks or chips. If the bar is damaged, you will need to replace it.
The sprocket is damaged: The sprocket is the part of the chainsaw that drives the chain. If the sprocket is damaged, it will not be able to turn the chain. To check the sprocket, look for any cracks or chips. If the sprocket is damaged, you will need to replace it.
How do I adjust the chain tension on my chainsaw?
To adjust the chain tension 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.
4. Turn the tensioner clockwise to tighten the chain or counterclockwise to loosen the chain.
5. Reattach the chain cover.
6. Start the chainsaw and test the chain tension.
The chain should move freely with just a slight amount of resistance. If the chain is too tight, it will not be able to move freely around the bar. If the chain is too loose, it will come off the bar.
How do I clean my chainsaw chain?
To clean your chainsaw chain, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the chainsaw and allow it to cool down.
2. Remove the chain cover.
3. Use a clean rag to wipe down the chain.
4. If the chain is still dirty, you can use a chain cleaner or degreaser.
5. Reattach the chain cover.
How do I replace my chainsaw chain?
To replace your chainsaw chain, 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 bar.
5. Install the new chain.
6. Reattach the chain cover.
How do I fix a damaged chainsaw bar?
If the bar on your chainsaw is damaged, you will need to replace it. To replace the bar, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the chainsaw and allow it to cool down.
2. Remove the chain cover.
3. Remove the old bar.
4. Align the new bar with the sprocket.
5. Install the new bar.
6. Reattach the chain cover.
You can find replacement chainsaw bars at most hardware stores.
