Why is My Chain Not Fitting My Chainsaw?
Chainsaws are great for any gardener and homeowner, assisting with a wide variety of tasks. While they're simple to use, there's a lot to learn about your chainsaw, such as why your chain won't fit your chainsaw.
If the chain saw chain length, drive links, gauge, and spacing do not match your chain saw, the chain will not fit on the guide bar. The measurements for these are printed on your chainsaw blade or written in your chainsaw manual. They will match the specific chain length for your chainsaw.
Let's talk a little more about how to attach a chain to a chainsaw.
Why is My Chain Not Fitting My Chainsaw?
There are a number of reasons why your chainsaw chain may not fit your chainsaw, including the wrong chain size or a worn chain. We'll quickly list the possible reasons why your chainsaw chain won't fit your saw.
The first thing to consider is that you grabbed the wrong size chain for your chainsaw bar. Each chain comes with a specific pitch, gauge, and drive link size that needs to be matched to your chainsaw. The measurements needed for your chainsaw can be found in the owner's manual, sometimes stamped on the saw blade. To check that your chainsaw chain meets these measurements, you can measure the chain yourself. We'll walk you through measuring these aspects below.
If your chain used to fit on your chainsaw but is now falling off the blade, there are several reasons why this could be the case. This includes worn sprockets and/or chainsaw bars. This reduces tension in the chain and causes it to unwind from the bar. You may have set the chain tension wrong in the first place - another reason why the chainsaw chain won't fit. Always check that you've properly tensioned your chainsaw chain before deciding if it's the wrong size chainsaw chain entirely.
Sometimes there is no quick fix DIY solution, such as a worn bar heel causing your chain not to fit/stay on the chainsaw bar. The heel of the lever is located near the machine drive sprocket. As the heel of the chainsaw bar wears down, the chainsaw slot becomes less effective, extending the distance the chain must travel. This causes the chain to separate from the bar. Such problems are best resolved through a chainsaw repair service.
How to Install a Chain on a Chainsaw?
All chainsaws should have a list of specifications in the manual regarding the size of the chainsaw and chain. This should include the necessary spacing, gauge, and drive linkage for your particular chainsaw. To make sure your chain will fit your chainsaw, you can measure the chain itself and see if the results meet the chainsaw's specifications.
The first step is to measure the pitch of the chain. To do this, choose any three consecutive rivets and measure the distance between them. Rivets are studs that hold links together. Measure from the first stud to the third, then divide the length by two. This gives you the magnitude of the pitch.
To measure the gauge on a chainsaw chain, you only need to measure the thickness of the drive link. You want to measure the portion of the drive link that fits into the guide rod groove. Accurately measuring gauges with a tape measure is very difficult, which is why vernier calipers are recommended for this task. This measurement is important because if the gauge is too large, it won't fit into the groove in the chainsaw bar.
Your chainsaw bar will also have room for a certain number of drive links, which is why you have to measure those links on your chainsaw chain. This task is easier than others. The drive links are the teeth on the bottom of the chain (you can also find gauges here). All you need to do is count how many points there are. Then compile the drive link number with pitch and gauge and you know how long the chain is. Compare these to your chainsaw's measurement guide and you can find and fit the proper chain to your saw blade.
If you're looking for a new chain and want to make sure it fits, we've got all the information you need! Each of the large range of saw chains we sell will tell you the proper blade length and the number of drive links. So you'll always know exactly how your new chain will fit.
Do All Chains Fit All Chainsaws?
You can mix chainsaw chain brands and chainsaws. Provided the chain has the correct pitch, gauge, and drive link size to fit the chainsaw bar.
If you're holding a chain that's too small for the chainsaw, the chain won't wrap properly around the sprockets and chain. This breaks the chain tension and increases the risk of the chain coming out of the groove.
If you think your chainsaw chain needs a specific brand, check the brains of the chains currently on your chainsaw. You can do this by looking at the links on the chain. Usually, the brand produced by the chain will have some labels.
Remember to always check the size of your chainsaw bar and chain to make sure they fit properly. Not all chains are suitable for your chainsaw, and the wrong chain can increase your safety risk while using the chainsaw.
Why is My Chain Constantly Falling off My Chainsaw?
There are two main things that can cause a chainsaw chain to come off the chainsaw. One is chain tension and the other is bar condition.
Chain Tension Causing the Chain to Come off the Chainsaw
The first thing to check is the chain tension on the saw. Different tensioning systems are possible. But most chainsaws use a spring to keep pressure on the blade and hold it tightly to the blade. However, for this system to work properly, you need to lubricate it. It is recommended to apply stick oil every time you oil your chainsaw. Without proper lubrication, the chain will not run tight and well on the chainsaw. This causes it to slide off. Make sure the chain tension and oil application are correct to prevent this from happening.
Chainsaw Blade Condition
If the tensioning system is working but the chain is still not set, you may need to replace the handlebars. Over time, even high-quality gold bars can wear out. This can make it harder for the chain to stay in place and stay tight. If the bar is worn, you can replace it with a new one or have it reshaped by a professional. A new or repaired bar will help lock your chainsaw chain in place and allow you to continue working with the equipment safely.
If you are looking for a new chain that perfectly matches your chainsaw, you can browse our product list or contact us. As a professional custom garden tool spare parts manufacturer, HUSTIL provides VIP users with a full range of accessories search and query, garden tool accessories replacement, and after-sales service. After more than 10 years of strict screening, we now have more than 300 mature supply chain factories for production; meanwhile, we are an accessories manufacturer with 19 years of experience.