Craftsman Chainsaw Tension Screw Not Working: [Causes & Proven Solutions]

As a chainsaw repair professional, I have seen firsthand the frustration and inconvenience that can be caused by a craftsman chainsaw tension screw that is not working properly.

A chainsaw is a powerful tool that can be dangerous if it is not functioning properly. A tension screw that is not working properly can cause the chain to come off the bar, which can lead to serious injury.

In this guide, I will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and repair a craftsman chainsaw tension screw that is not working properly. I will also provide tips on how to prevent this problem from happening in the future.

By following these steps, you can quickly and easily diagnose and resolve the issue, and get your chainsaw back up and running in no time.

Most Common Reasons Why Craftsman Chainsaw Tension Screw Not Working

Chainsaw Chain Too Tight

The most common reason for a craftsman chainsaw tension screw not working is that the chain is too tight.
When the chain is too tight, it can put strain on the tension screw and cause it to break.
To check if the chain is too tight, try to move the chain up and down with your hand. If the chain is difficult to move, it is too tight.
To loosen the chain, turn the tension screw counterclockwise.
Once the chain is loose enough to move easily, tighten the tension screw until the chain is snug against the bar.

Chainsaw Chain Too Loose

Another common reason for a craftsman chainsaw tension screw not working is that the chain is too loose.
When the chain is too loose, it can cause the saw to jump and make it difficult to control.
To check if the chain is too loose, try to pull the chain away from the bar. If the chain is able to move more than 1/4 inch, it is too loose.
To tighten the chain, turn the tension screw clockwise.
Once the chain is tight enough to stay against the bar, but not so tight that it is difficult to move, tighten the tension screw until it is snug.

Damaged Tension Screw

A damaged tension screw can also cause the craftsman chainsaw tension screw not to work.
The tension screw can be damaged if it is overtightened or if it is struck by a foreign object.
To check if the tension screw is damaged, try to turn it with a wrench. If the screw is difficult to turn or if it breaks, it needs to be replaced.
To replace the tension screw, remove the old screw and install a new one. Make sure that the new screw is the correct size and type for your chainsaw.

Clogged Oiler Hole

A clogged oiler hole can also cause the craftsman chainsaw tension screw not to work.
The oiler hole is located on the side of the chainsaw and it helps to lubricate the chain.
If the oiler hole is clogged, it can prevent oil from reaching the chain and cause the chain to become dry and worn out.
To check if the oiler hole is clogged, try to blow air through it. If air does not come out, the hole is clogged and needs to be cleaned.
To clean the oiler hole, use a small wire brush to remove any dirt or debris. Once the hole is clean, apply a few drops of oil to the chain.

How to Troubleshoot: Craftsman Chainsaw Tension Screw Not Working

The tension screw on a chainsaw is responsible for keeping the chain tight against the bar. If the tension screw is not working properly, it can cause the chain to come loose and damage the saw. There are a few things that can cause a chainsaw tension screw to stop working, and it’s important to be able to troubleshoot the problem so that you can fix it quickly and easily.

Symptoms of a Chainsaw Tension Screw Not Working

There are a few symptoms that you can look for to indicate that the tension screw on your chainsaw is not working properly. These include:

The chain is loose on the bar
The chain is slipping off the bar
The chain is making a lot of noise
The chain is not cutting through wood as well as it used to

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to troubleshoot the problem as soon as possible.

How to Troubleshoot a Chainsaw Tension Screw Not Working

To troubleshoot a chainsaw tension screw not working, you will need to:

1. Check the tension screw. The first thing you should do is check the tension screw to make sure that it is tight. If the screw is loose, tighten it until it is snug.
2. Check the chain. Next, you should check the chain to make sure that it is not damaged. If the chain is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
3. Check the bar. Finally, you should check the bar to make sure that it is not damaged. If the bar is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Once you have checked the tension screw, the chain, and the bar, you should be able to determine what is causing the problem. If the problem is with the tension screw, you can try tightening it again. If the problem is with the chain or the bar, you will need to replace them.

Preventing Chainsaw Tension Screw Problems

You can prevent chainsaw tension screw problems by following these tips:

Tighten the tension screw regularly. The tension screw should be tightened regularly to ensure that the chain is properly tensioned.
Inspect the chain and bar regularly. You should inspect the chain and bar regularly for damage. If you see any damage, replace the chain or bar as soon as possible.
Use the right oil. Using the right oil will help to keep the chain and bar lubricated and prevent wear and tear.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent chainsaw tension screw problems and keep your saw running smoothly.

FAQs: Craftsman Chainsaw Tension Screw Not Working

Why is my Craftsman chainsaw tension screw not working?

There are a few possible reasons why your Craftsman chainsaw tension screw might not be working. Here are a few of the most common:

The screw is stripped. If the screw is stripped, it will not be able to tighten or loosen the chain properly. You can try to repair the screw by using a thread repair kit, or you can replace the screw entirely.
The screw is stuck. If the screw is stuck, it may be difficult to turn. You can try to loosen the screw by applying penetrating oil to it and letting it sit for a few minutes. You can also try using a wrench or pliers to turn the screw.
The screw is not aligned properly. If the screw is not aligned properly, it will not be able to tighten or loosen the chain properly. You can try to realign the screw by using a screwdriver to turn it.
The chain is too tight. If the chain is too tight, it will put too much pressure on the screw and cause it to break. You can try to loosen the chain by turning the tension screw clockwise.

How do I fix a stripped Craftsman chainsaw tension screw?

If the screw is stripped, you can try to repair it by using a thread repair kit. Thread repair kits come with a small tube of adhesive and a set of metal threads. You can follow the instructions on the package to repair the screw.

If you are unable to repair the screw, you can replace it entirely. To replace the screw, you will need to remove the old screw and install the new one. You can find replacement screws at most hardware stores.

How do I loosen a stuck Craftsman chainsaw tension screw?

If the screw is stuck, you can try to loosen it by applying penetrating oil to it and letting it sit for a few minutes. You can also try using a wrench or pliers to turn the screw.

If you are unable to loosen the screw, you can try using a heat gun to warm up the screw. The heat will help to loosen the screw and make it easier to turn.

How do I realign a Craftsman chainsaw tension screw?

To realign a Craftsman chainsaw tension screw, you will need to use a screwdriver to turn the screw. Turn the screw clockwise to tighten the chain and counterclockwise to loosen the chain.

Once you have the chain properly aligned, you can tighten the screw to secure it in place.

How do I prevent my Craftsman chainsaw tension screw from breaking?

To prevent your Craftsman chainsaw tension screw from breaking, you can follow these tips:

Do not overtighten the chain. If the chain is too tight, it will put too much pressure on the screw and cause it to break.
Use a quality chain oil. A good chain oil will help to lubricate the chain and prevent it from rusting.
Clean the chain regularly. Cleaning the chain will help to remove dirt and debris that can damage the chain and the tension screw.
Inspect the chain and tension screw regularly. Inspecting the chain and tension screw regularly will help you to catch any problems early on and prevent them from becoming worse.

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