When working on big jobs such as clearing or felling trees, it is common for the chain on your chainsaw to become blunt over time. Operating a blunt chainsaw makes the task of cutting down trees more difficult and can be very dangerous. In these instances, it’s better to replace the chain on your chainsaw before pressing on with the task.
On request, Hirepool are happy to provide a replacement chain for your chainsaw when hiring. In this guide, we’ll cover how to safely change the chain on both Husqvarna and Stihl chainsaws. Let’s get started!
How to tell if your chainsaw chain needs to be replaced
Wondering how to tell if your chainsaw chain is sharp or blunt? There are a few signs to look for:
- The chainsaw does not cut smoothly through the wood. If your chainsaw is requiring extra effort to drive into the wood, it’s time to check the chain.
- Finer sawdust is produced when cutting against the grain, instead of large wood chips.
- Your saw is straining or producing smoke (fuelled models) even when the saw chain tension is correct and parts are oiled.
- Your chainsaw is producing uneven cuts by ‘pulling’ in one direction. This could be a sign that your chain has dull cutting teeth on one side.
- Your chainsaw shudders or bounces while cutting.
You will know you need to replace the chain when you notice any of these issues with your saw. If it’s is no longer efficiently cutting through wood, or the tooth on the chain appears rounded, it’s time to change your chain.
Safety gear and pre-start checks
Wear correct safety gear
Safety of utmost importance when handling your chainsaw. A blunt chainsaw can do as much harm as a sharp one, so remain alert and cautious when handling your saw.
Protective gloves
Wear thick protective gloves when handling your chainsaw chain, even if the chain is blunt.
Appropriate footwear
Ensure you are wearing protective footwear, preferably steel-capped with good ankle support.
Leg protection
If you are operating a chainsaw, protective chaps are recommended and available to hire from Hirepool.
Eye and hearing protection
We also recommended wearing safety glasses when changing your chainsaw chain. Ear protection is not needed when the saw is switched off, but necessary for operation.
For more safety information, check out Worksafe’s guide on safety with chainsaws.
Switch your chainsaw motor off
Before you replace your chain, ensuring the motor is switched off and the saw has had time to cool down.
IMG> Chainsaw diagram - like this one
How to replace a chain on a chainsaw
Step 1. Disengage the chain brake
First, disengage the chain brake by pulling the chain brake guard backwards towards the front/top handle.
A chainsaw's brake is sometimes attached to the guide bar side plate - which is most commonly seen on a Husqvarna chainsaw. It’s important to disengage the brake before you attempt to remove the side plate. Failure to do so will result in a difficult time when you need to put the cover back on the machine.
Step 2. Remove the side plate
To do this, unscrew the nuts holding the cover to the engine with a socket wrench. You can also use the combination wrench that Hirepool supplies with the saw. Once nuts are unscrewed, remove the cover to access the chain.
Some chainsaw models are equipped with ‘toolless tensioning’. This makes accessing the chain a breeze. To access the chain, simply lift the handle & turn counter-clockwise to loosen & remove the clutch cover.
Step 3. Loosen the chain and remove it from the bar
Loosen the chain tensioning screw on the engine body.
Typically, this is located on the opposite side of the bar from the cover or can sit between the two bar nut placements. To loosen, turn it counterclockwise as far as it will go. When there is enough slack in the chain, lift the chain off the sprocket and bar.
Step 4: Thread the chain in the correct direction [H3]
Before threading the new chain on the guide bar, ensure the chain is facing the right way. Yes, you can put a chainsaw chain on wrong! To avoid this mistake, check the tooth on the chain to make sure the sharp side of the tooth is pointing away from the chainsaw when you’re looking down. The cutting section of the blade should be facing away from you, travelling clockwise from the back of the chainsaw to the front tip.
If a chainsaw chain is backward, your saw will not cut through the wood. Additionally, the cutters will all be facing towards you instead of towards the object you are trying to cut!
Once you have your chain direction sorted, fit the chain first into the drive sprocket.
On a Husqurvana the chain sprocket will sit behind the clutch so it’s a little hard to see. The same principle to threading the chain can be used on a Stihl, however, the chain sprocket instead sits in front of the clutch.
Carefully lay the drive links of the chain into the groove of the guide bar, until the chain is sitting in.
Step 5: Adjust the chain and replace the side cover
To do this, turn the chain adjuster peg clockwise to slightly tighten the chain. Sometimes you may need to back off the chain adjuster peg a little, so the chain, bar and sprocket all fit into place. Once the chain is in place you can take the side cover and place it back on the body. Tighten up the bar nuts so they’re about a half a turn loose or finger tight.
Step 6: Tighten the chain
Once your chain, bar and sprocket are fitted together and back inside the chainsaw body, you need to tighten the chain. The chain is correctly tensioned when it does not sag from the underside of the bar, but can still be turned easily by hand.
To tension, the chain, hold up the bar tip slightly so most of the cutting is on the underside of your bar. Then take the bar spanner and place it into the adjuster peg. Tighten the chain until the slack is taken up and it appears to be sitting snug against the bar while the bar tip is raised.
Step 7: Give your chainsaw a final check
Turn the chain over, using your combi spanner to ensure the chain is not so tight that it can’t turn freely. Then simply tighten the bar nuts and you’re good to go!
As you cut with your chainsaw, your bar will naturally work its way up. Regardless of how tight the bar nuts are tightened, your chain will still lose tension and need to be checked frequently. Take time to tighten as you cut until the chain is run in.
And there you have it, a chainsaw with a fresh chain, ready to handle whatever job you want to do next. Still have a few chainsaw questions? Check out our full guide on everything you need to know about chainsaws before you begin. At Hirepool, we make chainsaw hire fast and convenient. We only stock professional-grade Husqvarna and Stihl chainsaws so you get a clean cut every time. Hire chainsaws and pruning saws from Hirepool now.
Other handy links:
