How to Tension a Chainsaw Chain Correctly

VISUALLY EXPLAINED
For some FREE Printable Download help Leaflets: www.therepairs...
Properly tensioning your chainsaw chain ensures that it operates safely and efficiently. An overly tight or loose chain can lead to poor cutting performance, increased wear on the chain and bar, and even safety hazards. Let's walk through the steps to correctly tension a chainsaw chain:
1. Safety First:
Before working on your chainsaw, ensure it's turned off, and the engine is cool.
Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection, to prevent injury.
2. Release the Chain Brake:
If your chainsaw has a chain brake, release it to allow the chain to rotate freely.
3. Chain Inspection:
Examine the chain for any visible damage or wear, such as damaged or missing teeth.
Check for loose or damaged drive links.
4. Tension Adjustment:
Locate the chain tensioning mechanism, which is typically a screw or knob located near the chainsaw's guide bar.
Loosen the tensioning mechanism to release the tension on the chain.
5. Bar and Chain Alignment:
Check the alignment of the guide bar and the chain. They should be in proper alignment with each other.
6. Proper Tension:
The chain should sit snugly against the guide bar without sagging or binding.
Tension the chain until you can gently pull the bottom of the chain away from the bar by using a gloved hand.
Ensure that the chain still moves freely along the bar when you manually rotate it by hand.
7. Test the Tension:
Rotate the chain around the bar to check for any tight spots. The chain should move smoothly without binding.
8. Tighten the Tensioning Mechanism:
Once you achieve the correct tension, use the tensioning mechanism to lock it in place.
Make sure it's secure, but avoid over-tightening, which can cause damage.
9. Check the Chain Brake:
Engage the chain brake to lock the chain in place when not in use. It should engage smoothly without any resistance.
10. Final Inspection:
Double-check the chain tension and alignment after tightening the tensioning mechanism.
Ensure that the chain still moves freely along the bar without any binding.
11. Lubrication:
Don't forget to lubricate the chain with chain oil to ensure proper functioning and reduce friction during operation.
Conclusion:
Tensioning a chainsaw chain correctly is essential for safe and efficient cutting. Regularly inspect and adjust the chain tension to prevent excessive wear on the chain and guide bar, extend the life of your chainsaw, and enhance overall cutting performance. By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can maintain your chainsaw in top working condition.
Many thanks indeed. Craig Kirkman (Owner and Creator of The Repair Specialist Channel)
Please check out my amazon shop. I have recommended some useful items from Amazon below. I guarantee you that these items are the sorts of things I use on a daily basis so I know they are good. I have to be careful in recommending products because I have my name and credibility at stake. So I will only recommend good products. www.amazon.co....
#ChainsawMaintenance
#ChainsawChain
#ChainsawSafety
#ProperTension
#ChainsawTips
#ChainsawCare
#GuideBarAlignment
#OutdoorEquipment
#ChainsawOperation
#ChainsawSafetyTips
#ChainsawMaintenanceGuide
#ToolMaintenance
#ChainsawSafetyGear
#SafeChainsawUse
#ChainsawTensioning
#DIYChainsawMaintenance
#ChainsawPerformance
#SafetyFirst
#ChainsawTechniques
#ChainsawLubrication

[@hannahr.n.5791]

Its nice to find a video like this that simplifies what needs to be done. Thank-you!

[@theunknownandunsolved6963]

Man! I used this method to adjust my chain, it always would come lose doing the other way to adjust it. Using your method it cut great for over an hour and didn't come lose again! Thank you so much, ill use your method for now on.

[@thomascroy5998]

Very nicely done, you explained how and why in a brief and to the point way. Thanks!

[@steviepower9194]

Simple and straight to the point. Thank you

[@baggy-vitamin9166]

I have a Brak chainsaw and this happened today. Now I know how to adjust the chain, thanks a million.✌🏼

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much 👍👍👍

[@EternitySoundDesign]

Perfect adjustment tut. Short and sweet. One thing to note: do the adjustment with the brake off :)

[@wbhedrick]

Oooh, I'll try mine again.

[@samhale9493]

Amazing. A to the point video on this topic that actually helps. This is great, thank you

[@gumacanian4211]

Great info.straight to the point and clearly demonstrated..thank you.

[@MIOFTW]

Thanks, sir. Short and simple, excellent!

[@jaydorsett7143]

This man is a genius a fiddled with my chainsaw for 3 days now because the chain kept flying off. Because I couldn't get the tension right and he fixed it in 3 minutes.🎉🎉🎉

[@jjennings089]

Thank you much!!! I have always been unsure if I'm over tightening my chain.

[@elcidcampeador42]

Perfectly said and explained straight to the point very exact THANKS A BUNCH!!

[@broughlands3999]

Very useful video just in time for this seasons wood cutting...... good job fella cheers

[@bpekhoul]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much for the nice feedback. I really appreciate it. Craig

[@theunknownandunsolved6963]

Wow that does seem way easier! Thanks ill try this.

[@larryfitzpatrick3532]

Thanks for videos the best information I had for years

[@wbhedrick]

Instruction manuals don't give the help you do. Your instruction to tilt it was the step I was missing. I'll go try that. I have tightened my chain until I can't tighten it further. This step should . Thank you. Sunni

[@wbhedrick]

That didn't work. 😔 I have so much extra slack in my chain. I'll watch for help.

[@wbhedrick]

Had to purchase a new chain. 😏

[@timberray9572]

You should do a video on the benefits of light weight bars, I recently bought a new 20inch bar for my 272XP and I opted for the light Oregon bar. It doesnt just make the saw feel more nimble it also helps with heat dissipation.

[@G20-i2m]

Best video ! THANK YOU !!!

[@kyleirving5198]

Thank you,new to chainsaws but have a few laying around and KZbin has been my tutorials even for safety unfortunately,this was perfect I appreciate it

[@petercowan6361]

Thank you, very informative,

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you for the visit. Craig

[@xkaliba1751]

Excellent thanks for the vid absolutely solved my issue

[@danielkhan8260]

Beautiful video

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank for your nice feedback. I really appreciate it. Craig

[@pizzahutevo]

Thank you so much I just bought a house never turned wrench in my life I got trees thatneed to come down and I sure ain't paying somebody to do it

[@theunknownandunsolved6963]

Find someone to show you some basics, trees dont always do what you think they will, many injury's and deaths every year from them.

[@lourdessanchez7335]

Than you, thank you, thank you

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you 👍👍

[@user-iy5eu6vk2s]

Thanks❤

[@boxy-iq2sx]

Thank you

[@Dragon64646]

Thank you, man. Quick and easy explained. 😎

[@ZE308AC]

I really hope i could tighten the chain

[@seshachary5580]

VERY NICE THANKYOU REGARDS

[@abdiwahaabnoor5949]

great video

[@carlmcgoldrick7398]

Thanks mate!

[@Faruox]

GR8 THX

[@grahamlowe5297]

The adjuster screw has come off is there another method for titening chain please

[@sangholee1341]

tk u😄감사합니다

[@gavinelliot3564]

Piece of wood under front of bar/works everytime.to easy.

[@schreckpmc]

My chain saw chain won’t tighten. The bar is pulled all the way out. Humph.

[@glenspryszak6005]

Chain is too long....they do stretch with wear as the links wear out, or you have a couple links too many. Take it to a shop, have it examined and also check that your tensioner is properly working and clean, as it can jam up with wet oily shavings.... If the chain is in good shape, have them break the chain and take out a couple links....don't forget to turn the tensioner back too.

[@schreckpmc]

@@glenspryszak6005 thanks

[@jamilibrahim884]

Power tools must be dealt with respect. It is not a toy. I don't even let my wife handle it. Only people who are acquainted with tools should handle them.

[@reelgroovyfilms1]

Dig.

[@mrwizzardknight]

No using a chainsaw for me! :( I cut my hedge trimmer’s wire so I’ll only accidentally cut my leg or arm off using a chainsaw! :(

[@theunknownandunsolved6963]

That's why you use gas...no wires! 😁

[@mrwizzardknight]

@@theunknownandunsolved6963 Or cordless. Anyway! Obviously, you keep the chainsaw as far away from your inside line as possible. And you need all the very best projective gear too!

[@theunknownandunsolved6963]

@@mrwizzardknight i dont, lol i just keep control of the saw, had them kick back on me and everything, just got to keep control. Sure safety gear is definitely worth it... But you know... Lol

[@grahamlowe5297]

Tightening,,,,sorry.