Stihl Chainsaw Brake Not Working: [Easy Troubleshooting]

A chainsaw brake that isn’t working properly can be a major safety hazard. It can also be incredibly frustrating and inconvenient. If you’re a chainsaw owner, you know how important it is to be able to quickly and easily stop the chain from moving. A malfunctioning brake can make this impossible, and it can lead to serious injuries.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot a Stihl chainsaw brake that isn’t working. I’ll explain the different causes of this problem and how to fix them. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to diagnose and resolve the issue quickly and easily, so you can get back to using your chainsaw safely and without frustration.

Most Common Reasons Why Stihl Chainsaw Brake Not Working

1. Insufficient Chain Tension

If the chain is not properly tensioned, it can slip on the bar and cause the brake to not engage. To check the chain tension, hold the chainsaw with the chain off the ground and pull up on the chain. There should be about 1/8 of play between the chain and the bar. If there is more than 1/8 of play, tighten the chain.

2. Worn Brake Pads

The brake pads on a chainsaw wear down over time and eventually need to be replaced. If the brake pads are worn, the brake will not be able to engage properly and the chain may not stop when you pull the trigger. To check the brake pads, remove the chain and look at the brake assembly. If the brake pads are thin or cracked, they need to be replaced.

3. Dirty Brake

If the brake is dirty, it can cause the brake to not engage properly. To clean the brake, remove the chain and use a clean rag to wipe off the brake assembly. Be sure to clean the area around the brake as well.

4. Faulty Brake Spring

The brake spring on a chainsaw helps to engage the brake. If the brake spring is broken or weak, the brake may not be able to engage properly. To check the brake spring, remove the chain and look at the brake assembly. If the brake spring is broken or damaged, it needs to be replaced.

5. Faulty Brake Lever

The brake lever on a chainsaw is what you use to engage the brake. If the brake lever is broken or damaged, the brake may not be able to engage properly. To check the brake lever, remove the chain and look at the brake assembly. If the brake lever is broken or damaged, it needs to be replaced.

Stihl Chainsaw Brake Not Working

What Could Be the Problem?

There are a few possible reasons why your Stihl chainsaw brake might not be working. Here are some of the most common causes:

The brake is out of adjustment. The brake is designed to engage when the chainsaw is not in use, so that the chain cannot move. If the brake is out of adjustment, it may not be able to engage properly, which could allow the chain to move when it shouldn’t.
The brake is worn out. The brake is a mechanical device, and like any other mechanical device, it can wear out over time. If the brake is worn out, it may not be able to engage properly, which could allow the chain to move when it shouldn’t.
The brake is damaged. The brake is a fairly simple device, but it can be damaged if it is dropped or struck. If the brake is damaged, it may not be able to engage properly, which could allow the chain to move when it shouldn’t.

How to Troubleshoot the Problem

To troubleshoot the problem with your Stihl chainsaw brake, you will need to first identify the cause of the problem. Here are some steps to help you troubleshoot the problem:

1. Check the brake adjustment. The brake is adjusted by a screw located on the side of the chainsaw. To check the adjustment, turn the screw clockwise to tighten the brake or counterclockwise to loosen it. The brake should be adjusted so that it engages when you squeeze the trigger on the chainsaw.
2. Inspect the brake for wear and damage. Look for any signs of wear or damage to the brake pads or the brake shoes. If the brake pads or the brake shoes are worn or damaged, they will need to be replaced.
3. Test the brake. Once you have adjusted the brake and inspected it for wear and damage, test the brake to make sure it is working properly. To test the brake, squeeze the trigger on the chainsaw and make sure the chain stops moving.

How to Fix the Problem

Once you have identified the cause of the problem with your Stihl chainsaw brake, you can fix the problem by following these steps:

1. Adjust the brake. If the brake is out of adjustment, you can adjust it by turning the screw located on the side of the chainsaw. Turn the screw clockwise to tighten the brake or counterclockwise to loosen it. The brake should be adjusted so that it engages when you squeeze the trigger on the chainsaw.
2. Replace the brake pads or the brake shoes. If the brake pads or the brake shoes are worn or damaged, you will need to replace them. To replace the brake pads or the brake shoes, follow the instructions in your chainsaw’s owner’s manual.

Preventing Future Problems

To prevent future problems with your Stihl chainsaw brake, you can take the following steps:

Keep the brake clean and lubricated. The brake is a mechanical device, and it needs to be kept clean and lubricated in order to work properly. To keep the brake clean, wipe it down with a dry cloth after each use. To lubricate the brake, apply a small amount of brake fluid to the brake pads.
Avoid dropping or striking the chainsaw. The brake is a fairly simple device, but it can be damaged if it is dropped or struck. To avoid damaging the brake, be careful not to drop or strike the chainsaw.
Have the chainsaw serviced regularly. Having your chainsaw serviced regularly will help to identify and fix any potential problems with the brake before they become serious. To have your chainsaw serviced, take it to a qualified chainsaw repair shop.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your Stihl chainsaw brake working properly and prevent future problems.

FAQs about Stihl Chainsaw Brake Not Working

Why is my Stihl chainsaw brake not working?

There are a few possible reasons why your Stihl chainsaw brake may not be working. Here are some of the most common causes:

The brake is not engaged. Make sure that the brake is engaged by pulling the lever on the front of the chainsaw.
The brake is worn out. The brake pads on your chainsaw can wear out over time, which will reduce their effectiveness. If you think the brake pads are worn out, you should have them replaced.
The brake cable is damaged. The brake cable is a metal cable that connects the brake lever to the brake mechanism. If the cable is damaged, it can prevent the brake from working properly. If you think the brake cable is damaged, you should have it replaced.
The brake mechanism is damaged. The brake mechanism is a series of gears and springs that work together to stop the chain from moving. If the brake mechanism is damaged, it can prevent the brake from working properly. If you think the brake mechanism is damaged, you should have it repaired or replaced.

How do I fix my Stihl chainsaw brake?

If your Stihl chainsaw brake is not working, you can try to fix it yourself or you can take it to a qualified service center. Here are some steps you can take to try to fix the brake yourself:

1. Check the brake lever. Make sure that the brake lever is engaged. If the lever is not engaged, the brake will not work.
2. Check the brake pads. If the brake pads are worn out, they will need to be replaced. You can check the brake pads by removing the chain cover. If the brake pads are worn down to the metal, they will need to be replaced.
3. Check the brake cable. If the brake cable is damaged, it will need to be replaced. You can check the brake cable by looking for any kinks or tears. If the cable is damaged, you will need to replace it.
4. Check the brake mechanism. If the brake mechanism is damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced. You can check the brake mechanism by looking for any broken gears or springs. If the mechanism is damaged, you will need to take the chainsaw to a qualified service center for repairs.

What should I do if I can’t fix my Stihl chainsaw brake?

If you can’t fix your Stihl chainsaw brake yourself, you should take it to a qualified service center. A qualified service center will be able to diagnose the problem and repair or replace the brake as needed.

How can I prevent my Stihl chainsaw brake from failing?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your Stihl chainsaw brake from failing. Here are some tips:

Engage the brake when you’re not using the chainsaw. This will help to prevent the brake from wearing out.
Inspect the brake pads regularly. If the brake pads are worn out, they will need to be replaced.
Keep the brake cable lubricated. A lubricated brake cable will work more smoothly and last longer.
Avoid using the chainsaw in harsh conditions. Harsh conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, can damage the brake.

What are the safety risks of using a Stihl chainsaw with a faulty brake?

A Stihl chainsaw with a faulty brake can be dangerous. If the brake does not work properly, the chain can continue to move even when the chainsaw is not in use. This can lead to serious injuries.

Here are some of the safety risks of using a Stihl chainsaw with a faulty brake:

The chain can come loose and strike the operator. This can cause serious injuries to the operator’s hands, arms, or face.
The chain can become entangled in clothing or other objects. This can also cause serious injuries.
The chain can cause damage to property. If the chain comes loose, it can damage objects in the vicinity of the chainsaw.

It is important to have the brake on your Stihl chainsaw checked and repaired regularly to ensure that it is working properly. If you have any questions about the brake on your Stihl chainsaw, you should contact a qualified service center.

Also Read: Stihl Chainsaw Chain Oil Not Working