Why Do Pawls Keep Breaking in Stihl Chainsaws?

Stihl Chainsaw Pawls Keep Breaking Why & What to Do

Stihl chainsaws are known for their power and durability, but one common problem that can occur is a broken pawl. Pawls are small, spring-loaded levers that engage and disengage the clutch, allowing the chain to move. When a pawl breaks, it can prevent the chain from moving, making the chainsaw useless.

There are a few reasons why pawls can break on Stihl chainsaws. One common cause is overloading the chainsaw. When you put too much strain on the chainsaw, it can cause the pawls to wear out prematurely. Another cause is improper maintenance. If you don’t clean and lubricate your chainsaw regularly, it can cause the pawls to become dry and brittle, which makes them more likely to break. Finally, pawls can also break if they are struck by a foreign object. If you hit a rock or other hard object with your chainsaw, it can damage the pawls and cause them to break.

If you think that your Stihl chainsaw’s pawls are broken, you should take it to a qualified repair technician. They will be able to diagnose the problem and replace the pawls if necessary.

Why Do Pawls Keep Breaking In Stihl Chainsaws

Pawls on Stihl chainsaws break due to a number of reasons, including:

Improper lubrication:

The pawls are a critical part of the chainsaw’s clutch mechanism, and they need to be properly lubricated in order to function properly. If the chainsaw is not lubricated regularly, the pawls will become dry and worn, and they will eventually break.

Overloading the chainsaw:

The pawls are designed to engage and disengage the clutch under heavy load. However, if the chainsaw is overloaded, the pawls will be forced to work harder than they are designed to, and they will eventually break.

Improper maintenance:

The pawls are a wear item, and they will eventually need to be replaced. However, if the chainsaw is not properly maintained, the pawls will wear out more quickly, and they will be more likely to break.

To prevent pawls from breaking on your Stihl chainsaw, make sure to:

Lubricate the chainsaw regularly.
Avoid overloading the chainsaw.
Properly maintain the chainsaw.

Why Do Pawls Keep Breaking in Stihl Chainsaws?

What is a Pawl?

A pawl is a small, spring-loaded lever that engages with a gear to prevent it from turning in the opposite direction. In a chainsaw, the pawl engages with the clutch drum to prevent the chain from moving backwards when the saw is not in use.

Why Do Pawls Break?

There are a few reasons why pawls can break in chainsaws.

Improper lubrication:
The pawl is a critical part of the chainsaw’s operation, and it needs to be properly lubricated to function properly. If the pawl is not lubricated, it will wear out faster and eventually break.

Overloading the chainsaw:
The pawl is designed to handle a certain amount of force. If you overload the chainsaw, the pawl can be damaged or broken.

Damage from impact:
The pawl can be damaged if it is struck by a foreign object, such as a rock or a piece of wood.

Corrosion:
The pawl can corrode if it is not properly maintained. Corrosion can weaken the pawl and make it more likely to break.

How to Prevent Pawl Failure

There are a few things you can do to prevent pawl failure in your chainsaw.

Lubricate the pawl regularly:
This will help to keep it in good condition and prevent it from wearing out.

Do not overload the chainsaw:
The pawl is not designed to handle excessive force.

Avoid striking the pawl with foreign objects:
This can damage the pawl and make it more likely to break.

Maintain your chainsaw properly:
This includes cleaning and inspecting the pawl regularly, and replacing it if it is damaged or worn out.

What to Do If Your Pawl Breaks

If your pawl breaks, you will need to have it repaired or replaced. You can do this yourself if you are familiar with chainsaw maintenance, or you can take your chainsaw to a qualified repair shop.

Replacing a pawl is a relatively simple procedure, but it is important to make sure that the new pawl is the correct size and type for your chainsaw. If you are not sure what size or type of pawl you need, you can consult your chainsaw owner’s manual or a qualified repair shop.

Also Read: Why Does Chainsaw Keep Stalling

FAQs: Why Do Pawls Keep Breaking in Stihl Chainsaws?

What is a pawl?

A pawl is a small, spring-loaded lever that engages with a ratchet to prevent the chain from moving backward.

Why do pawls break in Stihl chainsaws?

There are a few reasons why pawls can break in Stihl chainsaws.

Improper lubrication: If the chain is not properly lubricated, it can cause the pawl to wear out prematurely.

Overloading the chainsaw: If the chainsaw is overloaded, it can cause the pawl to become damaged.

Incorrect chain tension: If the chain is not properly tensioned, it can cause the pawl to become misaligned and break.

Damaged pawl: If the pawl is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

How can I prevent pawls from breaking in my Stihl chainsaw?

There are a few things you can do to prevent pawls from breaking in your Stihl chainsaw.

Lubricate the chain regularly: Make sure to lubricate the chain regularly to prevent it from becoming dry and worn out.

Don’t overload the chainsaw: Don’t overload the chainsaw, as this can cause the pawl to become damaged.

Check the chain tension: Make sure the chain is properly tensioned. If the chain is too loose, it can cause the pawl to become misaligned and break.

Replace damaged pawls: If the pawl is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

What should I do if a pawl breaks in my Stihl chainsaw?

If a pawl breaks in your Stihl chainsaw, you will need to replace it. You can purchase a replacement pawl from your local Stihl dealer.

How much does it cost to replace a pawl in a Stihl chainsaw?

The cost of replacing a pawl in a Stihl chainsaw will vary depending on the model of the chainsaw and the cost of the replacement pawl. However, you can expect to pay around $10-$20 for a replacement pawl.