A dull chain will make your chainsaw dangerous to use, partly because it’ll increase the wear and tear on other components. Yet, there are a number of reasons why the chain on your chainsaw can become blunt, such as cutting “dirty” sleepers through to placing it on the ground whilst it is still spinning.

If you have noticed the chain is no longer at its best, replacing it can keep you safe, save you money and what’s more it isn’t as time consuming as you may think.

As a rule of thumb the following steps should enable you to replace your chainsaw chain in a matter of minutes with little to no hassle, although the method may need to be altered depending on the chainsaw you have.

Remove Guide Bar Panel:

Before taking the guide bar panel off your appliance, check to see if the brake is attached to the side plate. If it is, place the brake into the unlocked position before removing the panel. Failing to place the brake into the unlocked position will make it difficult, if not impossible to reinstall later down the line.

With the brake in the unlocked position, undo the nuts holding the guide bar panel into place, before sliding the panel off.

Release Chain Tension:

Releasing the chain tension will make it easier for the chain to be removed. To release the chain tension, simply push the nose of the chainsaw’s bar towards the chainsaw.

Loosen Tightening Screw:

The tightening screw can be found on the inside of the guide bar, by loosening this you will make it easier to fit the new chain.

Remove Chain:

Once you’ve got enough slack in the chain, you’ll be able to remove it from the appliance. The best way to do this is to pull the drive links off the bar, before sliding the other end around the clutch drum.

Thread New Chain:

Thread your new chain onto the bar and around the clutch drum. During this step, you need to make sure the links are engaged in the sprocket.

Once the chain is properly threaded, put some tension into it by pulling the nose of the guide bar away from the chainsaw. You’ll also need to make sure to seat the guide onto the saw’s adjustment pin.

Replace Side Plate:

Replace the side plate and tighten the nuts slightly, but don’t fully tighten them until you have tightened the tension screw to get the correct tension for your chain. Once this has been achieved, fully tighten the side plate’s nuts.

Next time the chain on your chainsaw becomes blunt, follow these 6 easy steps and see how easy it is for you to replace the part yourself, for little outlay. In the meantime, to find out more on keeping your chainsaw and other garden appliances working to their full potential, enabling you to keep your garden in shape, visit the gardening section of our blog.

Tags: Chainsaw, Chainsaw Chain