Why is My Chainsaw Chain Getting So Tight?

Chainsaw Chain Keeps Getting Tight Why & What to Do

Your chainsaw is a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from cutting firewood to clearing brush. But when your chainsaw chain keeps getting tight, it can be a real pain. Not only can it make it difficult to use your chainsaw, but it can also be dangerous.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the reasons why your chainsaw chain might be getting tight and what you can do to fix it. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent your chainsaw chain from getting tight in the future.

Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Keep Getting Tight

There are a few reasons why your chainsaw chain might be getting tight.

The chain is too tight:
The most common reason for a chainsaw chain getting tight is that it is simply too tight. To check the chain tension, turn off the chainsaw and let it cool down. Then, use a chainsaw chain tension gauge to measure the tension. The tension should be between 20 and 30 pounds per inch. If the tension is too high, loosen the chain tensioner until the correct tension is achieved.

The chain is worn out:
Another reason for a chainsaw chain getting tight is that it is worn out. As the chain wears out, the links become stretched and the chain becomes looser. This can cause the chain to become too tight when you try to tighten it. If you think your chain is worn out, it is time to replace it.

The bar is bent:
A bent bar can also cause a chainsaw chain to get tight. If the bar is bent, the chain will not be able to move freely and will become tight. To check the bar for bends, lay the chainsaw flat on a table and look down the bar. If the bar is not straight, it needs to be straightened or replaced.

Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Keep Getting Tight?

What Causes a Chainsaw Chain to Get Tight?

There are a few reasons why your chainsaw chain might be getting tight.

Improper tensioning:
If the chain is not properly tensioned, it will become loose and then tight as it wears. To properly tension the chain, follow the instructions in your chainsaw’s owner’s manual.

A worn chain sprocket:
The chain sprocket is the part of the chainsaw that the chain rides on. If the sprocket is worn, it will not be able to properly grip the chain, which will cause the chain to become tight. To check the sprocket for wear, look for any teeth that are missing or damaged. If the sprocket is worn, you will need to replace it.

A dirty chain:
A dirty chain can cause it to become tight as the dirt builds up and causes the chain to bind. To clean the chain, use a soft brush and some chain cleaner.

A dull chain:
A dull chain will not be able to cut through wood as efficiently, which will cause it to become tight as it tries to force its way through the wood. To sharpen the chain, use a chainsaw chain sharpener.

How to Prevent a Chainsaw Chain from Getting Tight

To prevent your chainsaw chain from getting tight, you can take the following steps:

Properly tension the chain:
Make sure that the chain is properly tensioned according to the instructions in your chainsaw’s owner’s manual.

Inspect the chain sprocket for wear:
Check the chain sprocket for any missing or damaged teeth. If the sprocket is worn, replace it.

Clean the chain regularly:
Clean the chain regularly to remove any dirt or debris that could cause the chain to bind.

Sharpen the chain regularly:
Sharpen the chain regularly to keep it cutting efficiently.

By following these steps, you can help prevent your chainsaw chain from getting tight.

What to Do If Your Chainsaw Chain Gets Tight

If your chainsaw chain does get tight, you can try the following steps to fix it:

Loosen the chain tensioner:
Loosen the chain tensioner until the chain is loose enough to move freely.

Clean the chain:
Clean the chain to remove any dirt or debris that could be causing the chain to bind.

Sharpen the chain:
Sharpen the chain to keep it cutting efficiently.

Replace the chain sprocket:
If the chain sprocket is worn, replace it.

If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, you can take your chainsaw to a qualified repair shop.

Also Read: Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Keep Loosening

FAQs: Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Keep Getting Tight?

Why is my chainsaw chain getting tight?

There are a few reasons why your chainsaw chain might be getting tight.

The chain is too loose: If the chain is too loose, it will stretch and become tight over time. To fix this, you can tighten the chain according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The chain is worn out: As the chain wears out, it will stretch and become tight. To fix this, you can replace the chain with a new one.

The bar is bent: If the bar is bent, it will cause the chain to become tight. To fix this, you can straighten the bar or replace it with a new one.

The sprocket is worn out: The sprocket is the gear that drives the chain. If the sprocket is worn out, it will cause the chain to become tight. To fix this, you can replace the sprocket with a new one.

How can I prevent my chainsaw chain from getting tight?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your chainsaw chain from getting tight.

Tighten the chain regularly: Check the chain tension regularly and tighten it as needed.

Replace the chain when it is worn out: Worn out chains will stretch and become tight.

Straighten the bar if it is bent: A bent bar will cause the chain to become tight.

Replace the sprocket if it is worn out: A worn out sprocket will cause the chain to become tight.

What should I do if my chainsaw chain gets too tight?

If your chainsaw chain gets too tight, you can try to loosen it by following these steps:

1. Turn off the chainsaw and disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Use a chain wrench to loosen the chain tensioner.
3. Retighten the chain tensioner until the chain is loose enough to move freely.
4. Reattach the spark plug wire and start the chainsaw.

What are the safety risks of a chainsaw chain that is too tight?

A chainsaw chain that is too tight can be dangerous. If the chain is too tight, it can:

Cause the chain to jump off the bar.
Make it difficult to control the chainsaw.
Increase the risk of kickback.

How can I keep my chainsaw chain in good condition?

There are a few things you can do to keep your chainsaw chain in good condition.

Tighten the chain regularly: Check the chain tension regularly and tighten it as needed.

Lubricate the chain regularly: Lubricate the chain with a chainsaw chain oil according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Clean the chain regularly: Clean the chain with a soft brush to remove dirt and debris.

Inspect the chain regularly: Inspect the chain for wear and tear and replace it if necessary.

By following these tips, you can help keep your chainsaw chain in good condition and prevent it from becoming too tight.