How Tight Should the Chain Be On A Chainsaw?

No matter what high-end chainsaw you have, it can deliver poor performance due to a lack of the right tension. Inaccurate saw chain tension can ruin the project, injure the operator, and damage the chainsaw completely. So, how tight should the chain be on a chainsaw? 

Proper tension means the chain should be a bit loose on the guide bar but not too loose to allow the dragging of the drive links.

Read on to briefly understand the proper tension of the saw’s chain, and how to check the tension and tighten it appropriately.

How Tight Should the Chain Be On A Chainsaw?

Though enthusiasts of woodworkers eventually realize it, the proper chain tension is a major concern for a starter. Whether the chain is over-tightened or loose enough, both bring undesirable consequences.

For example, a too-tight chain makes it difficult for a saw to cut through, while a too-loose chain delivers poor performance.

As a result, a woodworker should tighten the chain so that it can be lifted 1/8 inch off the bar.However, the chain shouldn’t be loose enough to allow pulling out the bar nose’s drive links.

It may take a bit of practice to set the perfect tension, but any starter can gain this skill eventually. Wondering how often should tighten the chainsaw chain? 

If your woodworking or forestry work lasts up to 4 hours, tighten the saw chain 2 to 3 times. Fortunately, it’s a simple and quick task as you can tighten the chain without disassembling the saw. Later, we’ll discuss it briefly.

How to Check The Chain’s Tension on A Chainsaw

You can apply two tests to determine if the chin is too loose or tight.

• Snap Test

Pull the chain away from the chainsaw as much as possible before releasing it. If the chain springs back or returns to a place, it means the chain has perfect tension.

Otherwise, you have to either lose the chain if you can’t drag it away or tighten it if the chain doesn’t snug back up.

• Pull Test

A pull test is preferable among woodworkers as it is both simple and effective. To do this test, gently pull away the chain from the guide rail by fixing your finger grip on it. 

Right-tensioned chain lifts away partially from the bar keeping the links intact. At a time, the drive links should drop out of the groove during the pull of the chain.

Tightening The Chain Properly on A Chainsaw

Apply these simple steps to ensure the right tension on the chainsaw’s chain to get the best performance out of it:

• Find Out the Tension Screw

The placement of the chainsaw’s tensioning screw varies based on the make and model of the saw. However, in most models, the chainsaw chain tension screw is placed on the side panel. 

You may find it between the bolts that keep the guide bar securely in place. You may also find the tensioning screw to the left of the bucking spikes or to the right of the guide bar.

Some of the latest chainsaws feature a built-in tension system that needs to be turned to adjust tension instead of tightening the chain.

• Get The Right Tool

Scrench is a versatile tool that works in most chainsaws. As mentioned earlier, a chainsaw with an integrated tension system doesn’t need this tool.

• Tighten The Chain

After locating the tension screw, hold the guide bar’s nose with one hand and rotate the tension screw using the other hand. Keep rotating the screw until the guide bar doesn’t hide the chain’s drive links completely. Remember, rotating the screw clockwise will tighten the chain, and rotating counterclockwise will loosen it.

After adjusting the chain tension, test it by applying either of those two methods to get the appropriate tension. If you can’t set the right amount of tension on the chain after trying a couple of times, it means you may be using the wrong sized chain.

If the chainsaw tension screw not working, it means the crew may damage or strip the chain and need replacement.

Video Of Tightening the Chain On A Chainsaw

Though you already understand how to apply proper tension on a chainsaw, watch the video for better convenience.

FAQs

• Should you over-tighten a saw chain?

The saw chain should have the right tension to get the best performance; neither too tight nor too loses. Over-tightening the chain will prevent it from smoothly performing and will cause a breakdown.

• Why does the chain keep coming loose on the chainsaw?

Possibly, the chain gets warm and expands. Due to using the chainsaw excessively, its metallic chain heats up and get bigger, eventually coming loose.

• Why does the chainsaw smoke during cutting?

Your chainsaw mat produces smoke during cutting due to using a dull chain as it needs extra pressure to cut through. The other potential reasons are lack of chain oil, lubricating oil, or other inferior types of oil.

Final Words

When planning to operate a chainsaw, understanding how tight should the chain be on a chainsaw is crucial. Otherwise, the chain may slip off during operation or damage the motor as well as the whole saw due to excess pressure.

Luckily, checking and adjusting the chain is straightforward, and you have already learned it briefly. Hope you can now tighten your saw chain appropriately to get the safest and best performance on your forestry, woodworking, or other projects.