How To Change A Chainsaw Chain

We all want the best cutting results, and it is only possible with a good chainsaw chain. Continuous use of a chain makes it dull and corrodes the sharp teeth making them dead as hell.

To get the maximum out of your favorite chainsaw and make wood cutting easier, a replacement of the old chain will get back its aggressive youth.

In this article, we provide you with the most useful guide on how to successfully replace your chainsaw chain, so the operation of your saw can be as good as expected.

How To Change A Chainsaw Chain

To do the job correctly, you need to ensure that all the steps are duly completed. But before we delve into the steps, here is something you should know.

When to Change the Chainsaw Chain?

Have you noticed those little teeth missing on your chainsaw chain?

If yes, it is time to replace it. Another reason for chain replacement is when you see that the sharpness is not as good as usual.

When all these reasons accumulate, you need to consider proper replacement.

Sometimes, we can sharpen the teeth on the chain, but it is only a temporary solution. No doubt, the best chain is a brand new chain. There’s no question about it.

With that fact in mind, we need to consider changing of the chainsaw chain.

How to Replace a Chainsaw Chain | Step by Step Guide

Here are the necessary steps you need to follow to carry away the changing task properly. Follow the instructions and see how easy the process can be.

1. Unscrew the Nuts

The first step is equally important as the last one. In this case, you need to use a screwdriver and little force. Take a look at the side of your chainsaw where you can notice a guide bar side panel.

In most situations, the panels are tightened with two nuts. You need to loosen them adequately because the old chain needs to be taken out.

Make sure that you unscrew the nuts so that you can access the panels. Use some force and remove the nuts, so you can move further with the procedure.

2. Release the Old Chain

At this phase, you have nuts unscrewed, and the side panels are removed. Another thing you need to do is unlocking the brake where the old chain is attached.

Unlock it carefully to release the chain. Then, pull away the chainsaw bar and remove the drive links.

At this point, you can release the old chain from the bar. The chain will slip out of the bar, and you can move to the next step.

3. Prepare for Installation

Take a look at the inside part of the bar where you can notice a tensioning screw. That is the screw that you need to untie a little bit.

Use an adequate screwdriver and loosen the screw in slight motions. This will make the installation of a new chain much more accessible.

4. Install a New Chain

Now, you have everything prepared for the installation of your new chain. Fitting a chainsaw chain is an easy part. If you follow the instructions you will find out how to fit a chainsaw chain.

Pay attention to drive links and sprockets. Drive links are the parts of the chain, and all of these need to be completely attached to the sprockets on the saw bar. In this case, you have to make sure that each placement is correctly done.

We assume that you ordered the right chain that perfectly corresponds to your saw bar. It is the most critical detail here nonetheless.

If everything seems okay, you can thread the new chainsaw chain around the bar. Once the chain is on the bar, and all the drive links are placed into sprockets, move further to ensure proper installation.

5. Align the Bar

Here, you must ensure that the chain is tightened correctly. Take the chainsaw bar and pull it away from the chainsaw base. It will tighten the chain properly. Use some tension and ensure the chain is placed firmly.

At this point, you have the chain attached to the bar, and everything is easier now.

You have probably placed the chain in the right position, and the final touch is there to ensure everything is secured properly.

6. Tighten the Tensioning Screw

Do you remember the tensioning screw from the first step? Well. It’s time to tighten it back. Use the screwdriver and tighten it firmly now when you have the new chain placed.

It will ensure proper operation of the chain, especially in heavy-duty applications when you need to cut more woods than usual. Screws are there to hold everything in proper position.

7. Put the Side Plates Back

Those side plates need to be placed back as well. Put them back and tighten the nuts with some force. The side plates will protect the chain in wood cutting processes, so you can be sure that everything is safe there.

Now, you have a completely new chainset on your chainsaw bar, and you can go and take a new wood cutting project on your own.

The chain will last for many cuttings, and your new equipment will be the sharpest companion in each project.

Safety Precautions During the Course

Make sure that you undertake some safety precautions when you learn how to change a chainsaw chain. These steps can save you a lot of time and effort. More importantly, it could save you from unexpected injuries and bad scenarios.

In order to make sure that you do the job properly, make these actions and protect yourself. Undertake precautions like;

Bottom line

Hopefully, now you know how to replace chainsaw chain in the best manner. With the instructions you have here, the process is much more convenient.

Saw chain replacement and proper chainsaw operation might be the best move to ensure that your wood cutting machine works properly. Sometimes, only one simple thing like a new chain can elevate your productivity by huge pixels.

Each wood cutting project will be much better when you replace the chain. You can finally cut as many woods as you require while maintaining the highest cutting quality.

Jake Leach

Jake Leach, a gardening power tools researcher, resides in the USA together with his loved ones. In childhood, he saw his dad perform gardening staff all day long. After Jake was 25, he wished to help his dad by discovering what tools could make gardening simpler. From then, he is currently performing his research and discovering what tools may be the very best for any job that is gardening. He is now 30 and expert enough to look for the best gardening tools available on the market.