Why Won’t My Chainsaw Chain Move? 5 Common Causes and How to Fix Them

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

Your chainsaw is a powerful tool, but it can be frustrating when the chain won’t move. There are a few common reasons why this might happen, and in this blog post, we’ll take a look at each one in detail. We’ll also provide some tips on how to fix the problem so you can get back to cutting wood in no time.

Why Won’T The 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 up and not move smoothly. To check the chain tension, follow the instructions in your chainsaw owner’s manual.

The chain is too loose:
If the chain is too loose, it will come off the sprocket and not move at all. To check the chain tension, follow the instructions in your chainsaw owner’s manual.

The chainsaw is out of oil:
If the chainsaw is out of oil, the chain will not be lubricated and will quickly wear out. Check the oil level in your chainsaw and add oil as needed.

The chainsaw is not getting enough air:
If the chainsaw is not getting enough air, the engine will not run properly and the chain will not move. Clean the air filter and check the spark plug.

The chainsaw is not getting enough fuel:
If the chainsaw is not getting enough fuel, the engine will not run properly and the chain will not move. Check the fuel tank and make sure it is full.

Why Won’t the 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 prevent it from moving. To check the chain tension, use a chain-tension gauge. The gauge should read between 20 and 30 pounds of force. If the chain is too tight, loosen the tensioner screw until the gauge reads the correct amount of force.

The chain is too loose:
If the chain is too loose, it will jump off the bar and cause the chainsaw to stall. To check the chain tension, use a chain-tension gauge. The gauge should read between 20 and 30 pounds of force. If the chain is too loose, tighten the tensioner screw until the gauge reads the correct amount of force.

The bar is dirty:
If the bar is dirty, it can cause the chain to bind against the bar and prevent it from moving. To clean the bar, use a soft cloth and some solvent. Be sure to remove all of the dirt and debris from the bar.

The bar is worn out:
If the bar is worn out, it can cause the chain to bind against the bar and prevent it from moving. To check the bar, look for any deep scratches or gouges. If the bar is worn out, you will need to replace it.

The chain is worn out:
If the chain is worn out, it can cause the chain to bind against the bar and prevent it from moving. To check the chain, look for any missing or broken teeth. If the chain is worn out, you will need to replace it.

The chainsaw is out of oil:
If the chainsaw is out of oil, it can cause the chain to bind against the bar and prevent it from moving. To check the oil level, look at the oil level window on the chainsaw. The oil level should be between the full and add marks. If the oil level is low, add oil to the chainsaw until the level reaches the full mark.

How to Fix a Chainsaw Chain That Won’t Move

Once you have determined the reason why the chain on your chainsaw won’t move, you can fix it by following these steps:

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

2. Clean the bar:
Use a soft cloth and some solvent to clean the bar. Be sure to remove all of the dirt and debris from the bar.3. Inspect the bar:
Look for any deep scratches or gouges. If the bar is worn out, you will need to replace it.

4. Inspect the chain:
Look for any missing or broken teeth. If the chain is worn out, you will need to replace it.

5. Add oil to the chainsaw:
Check the oil level window on the chainsaw. The oil level should be between the full and add marks. If the oil level is low, add oil to the chainsaw until the level reaches the full mark.

Preventing Chainsaw Chain Problems

You can prevent chainsaw chain problems by following these tips:

Keep the chain tensioned properly:
The chain should be tight enough to prevent it from jumping off the bar, but not so tight that it binds against the bar.

Keep the bar clean:
A clean bar will help to prevent the chain from binding against the bar.

Inspect the bar and chain regularly:
Look for any deep scratches or gouges on the bar, and missing or broken teeth on the chain. If the bar or chain is worn out, replace it.

Add oil to the chainsaw regularly:
A properly lubricated chain will run smoother and last longer.

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

Also Read THis: Why Did My Dewalt Chainsaw Stop Working

FAQs: Why Won’t the Chain Move on My Chainsaw?

Why won’t the chain move on my chainsaw when I pull the starter cord?

There are a few possible reasons why the chain on your chainsaw won’t move when you pull the starter cord.

The chain brake is engaged: Make sure that the chain brake is disengaged before you try to start the chainsaw.

The clutch is not engaged: The clutch is a mechanism that connects the engine to the chain. If the clutch is not engaged, the chain will not move. To engage the clutch, pull the clutch lever towards you.

The chain is too tight: If the chain is too tight, it will not be able to move freely. To loosen the chain, use the chain tensioner to adjust the tension.

The chain is too loose: If the chain is too loose, it will come off the sprockets and will not be able to move. To tighten the chain, use the chain tensioner to adjust the tension.

The chainsaw is out of gas: If the chainsaw is out of gas, the engine will not start and the chain will not move. Make sure that the chainsaw is filled with gas before you try to start it.

Why won’t the chain move on my chainsaw when I push the throttle?

There are a few possible reasons why the chain on your chainsaw won’t move when you push the throttle.

The chain brake is engaged: Make sure that the chain brake is disengaged before you try to start the chainsaw.

The clutch is not engaged: The clutch is a mechanism that connects the engine to the chain. If the clutch is not engaged, the chain will not move. To engage the clutch, pull the clutch lever towards you.

The chainsaw is out of gas: If the chainsaw is out of gas, the engine will not start and the chain will not move. Make sure that the chainsaw is filled with gas before you try to start it.

The carburetor is dirty: If the carburetor is dirty, it will not be able to provide the engine with enough fuel. This can cause the engine to stall and the chain to stop moving. To clean the carburetor, you will need to remove it from the chainsaw and clean it with a carburetor cleaner.

The spark plug is bad: If the spark plug is bad, it will not be able to provide the engine with a spark. This can cause the engine to stall and the chain to stop moving. To replace the spark plug, you will need to remove the old spark plug and install a new one.

Why does the chain on my chainsaw keep coming off?

There are a few possible reasons why the chain on your chainsaw keeps coming off.

The chain is too tight: If the chain is too tight, it will be difficult to move and it will be more likely to come off. To loosen the chain, use the chain tensioner to adjust the tension.

The chain is too loose: If the chain is too loose, it will be able to move too freely and it will be more likely to come off. To tighten the chain, use the chain tensioner to adjust the tension.

The sprockets are worn out: If the sprockets are worn out, they will not be able to grip the chain properly and it will be more likely to come off. To replace the sprockets, you will need to remove the old sprockets and install new ones.

The chain guide bar is damaged: If the chain guide bar is damaged, it will not be able to guide the chain properly and it will be more likely to come off. To replace the chain guide bar, you will need to remove the old chain guide bar and install a new one.

How do I fix a chainsaw chain that is stuck?

If your chainsaw chain is stuck, there are a few things you can try to fix it.

Turn off the chainsaw and disconnect the spark plug wire: This will prevent the engine from starting and causing further damage.

Check the chain tension: If the chain is too tight, it may be stuck. To loosen the chain, use the chain tensioner to adjust the tension.

Clean the chain and bar: Dirt and debris can cause the chain to bind and become stuck. To clean the chain and bar, use a soft brush and a solvent such as mineral spirits or acetone.

Inspect the chain for damage: If the chain is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

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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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