Your chainsaw won’t cut straight You’re not alone. This is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, from dull blades to misaligned chains. But don’t worry, it’s usually an easy fix. In this article, I’ll explain why your chainsaw won’t cut straight and show you how to troubleshoot the problem and get your saw back up and running in no time.
Why Won’T My Chainsaw Cut Straight
There are a few reasons why your chainsaw might not be cutting straight.
The chain is dull:
A dull chain will not be able to cut through wood as effectively, and it will also cause the saw to wander.
The chain is too tight:
A tight chain will also cause the saw to wander.
The bar is bent:
A bent bar will prevent the chain from cutting straight.
The saw is not properly adjusted:
The saw may need to be adjusted to ensure that the chain is aligned properly with the bar.
If you are not sure what is causing the problem, it is best to take the saw to a professional for repair.
Why Won’t My Chainsaw Cut Straight?
There are a few reasons why your chainsaw might not be cutting straight.
The chain is dull:
A dull chain will not be able to cut through wood as effectively, and it will also cause the saw to wander. 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.
The chain is too loose:
A loose chain will also cause the saw to wander. To check if your chain is too loose, try to move it up and down with your hand. If it moves more than a few millimeters, it is too loose and needs to be tightened.
The chain is too tight:
A tight chain will also cause the saw to wander. To check if your chain is too tight, try to move it up and down with your hand. If it does not move at all, it is too tight and needs to be loosened.
The bar is bent:
A bent bar will cause the saw to wander. To check if your bar is bent, lay it flat on a table and look at it from the side. If it is not straight, it needs to be straightened.
The guide bar is worn:
A worn guide bar will cause the saw to wander. To check if your guide bar is worn, look at the edges of the bar. If they are rounded or uneven, the bar needs to be replaced.
The chain oil is low:
A chainsaw needs chain oil to lubricate the chain and keep it cool. If the chain oil is low, the chain will not be able to cut through wood as effectively, and it will also cause the saw to wander. To check if your chain oil is low, look at the oil level indicator on the saw. If the level is low, add more oil.
How to Fix a Chainsaw That Won’t Cut Straight
Once you have identified the reason why your chainsaw is not cutting straight, you can fix it by following these steps:
Sharpen the chain:
If the chain is dull, you can sharpen it using a chainsaw file. To do this, first remove the chain from the saw. Then, hold the file at a 45-degree angle to the chain and stroke it along the teeth. Repeat this process until all of the teeth are sharp.
Tighten or loosen the chain:
If the chain is too loose or too tight, you can adjust it using the chain tensioner. To do this, loosen the locknut on the chain tensioner and then turn the tensioner knob until the chain is snug against the bar. Tighten the locknut to secure the chain in place.
Straighten the bar:
If the bar is bent, you can straighten it using a bar bender. To do this, place the bar in the bar bender and then bend it until it is straight.
Replace the guide bar:
If the guide bar is worn, you can replace it with a new one. To do this, remove the old guide bar and then install the new one. Make sure that the new guide bar is the same size and type as the old one.
Add chain oil:
If the chain oil is low, you can add more oil to the saw. To do this, remove the oil cap and pour oil into the oil reservoir until it reaches the fill line. Replace the oil cap.
Also Read THis: Why Won’T My Chainsaw Idle
FAQs: Why Won’t My Chainsaw Cut Straight?
What is the most common reason why a chainsaw won’t cut straight?
The most common reason why a chainsaw won’t cut straight is that the chain is dull. A dull chain will cause the saw to wander and make it difficult to control. To fix this, you will need to sharpen the chain.
How do I sharpen a chainsaw chain?
There are a few different ways to sharpen a chainsaw chain. The most common way is to use a chainsaw file. To do this, you will need to remove the chain from the saw and then file each link of the chain in a specific pattern. You can find detailed instructions on how to sharpen a chainsaw chain online or in your chainsaw owner’s manual.
What else could be causing my chainsaw to not cut straight?
Other possible causes for a chainsaw not cutting straight include:
The chain is too loose or too tight.
The bar is bent.
The guide bar is worn out.
The carburetor is out of adjustment.
The chain oiler is not working properly.
How do I fix a chainsaw that is not cutting straight?
To fix a chainsaw that is not cutting straight, you will need to identify the cause of the problem and then take the necessary steps to correct it. If the chain is dull, you will need to sharpen it. If the chain is too loose or too tight, you will need to adjust it. If the bar is bent, you will need to replace it. If the guide bar is worn out, you will need to replace it. If the carburetor is out of adjustment, you will need to have it adjusted by a qualified technician. If the chain oiler is not working properly, you will need to clean it or replace it.
How can I prevent my chainsaw from not cutting straight in the future?
To prevent your chainsaw from not cutting straight in the future, you can:
Keep the chain sharp.
Keep the chain properly tensioned.
Inspect the bar and guide bar regularly for wear and tear.
Clean and maintain the carburetor regularly.
Keep the chain oiler filled with the correct type of oil.
