Why Won’t My Chainsaw Chain Move?

Your Chainsaw Chain Won’t Move Here’s Why and How to Fix It

Your chainsaw is one of the most important tools in your arsenal, but it can be frustrating when it doesn’t work properly. A chainsaw chain that won’t move is a common problem, but it’s usually easy to fix. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most common reasons why your chainsaw chain won’t move and how to fix each problem.

We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent this problem from happening in the future. So if your chainsaw chain is stuck, read on for help!

Why Won’T My Chainsaw Chain Move

Why Won’t My Chainsaw Chain Move?

There are a few reasons why your chainsaw chain might not be moving.

The chain is too tight:
If the chain is too tight, it will bind against the bar and not be able to move. To check the chain tension, use a chain tension gauge. The chain should be tight enough so that it doesn’t fall off the bar, but not so tight that it binds.

The chain is dull:
A dull chain will not be able to cut through wood effectively and will eventually bind against the bar. To sharpen the chain, use a chainsaw file.

The bar is worn:
A worn bar will not be able to support the chain properly and will eventually cause the chain to bind. To replace the bar, use a bar that is the same size and type as the original bar.

The sprockets are worn:
Worn sprockets will not be able to drive the chain properly and will eventually cause the chain to bind. To replace the sprockets, use sprockets that are the same size and type as the original sprockets.

Why Won’t My Chainsaw Chain Move?

There Are a Few Possible Causes

There are a few possible causes for a chainsaw chain that won’t move. Here are some of the most common:

The chain is too tight:
If the chain is too tight, it will bind against the bar and prevent it from moving. To check the chain tension, release the chain tensioner and allow the chain to droop. The chain should be just tight enough to stay on the bar without falling off.

The chain is too loose:
If the chain is too loose, it will come off the bar easily and could cause a safety hazard. To check the chain tension, tighten the chain tensioner until the chain is snug against the bar.

The bar is bent:
If the bar is bent, it will cause the chain to bind against the bar and prevent it from moving. To check the bar for bends, sight down the bar from the front and back. The bar should be straight.

The chain is dull:
A dull chain will not be able to cut through wood effectively and will cause the saw to bog down. To check the chain for sharpness, run your fingernail along the teeth. If the teeth are sharp, you will be able to feel a burr. If the teeth are dull, you will not be able to feel a burr.

The sprocket is worn out:
The sprocket is the gear that drives the chain. If the sprocket is worn out, it will not be able to grip the chain properly and will cause the chain to slip. To check the sprocket for wear, look for teeth that are missing or damaged.

The clutch is not engaging:
The clutch is a mechanism that engages the chain when the saw is turned on. If the clutch is not engaging, the chain will not move. To check the clutch, turn the saw on and try to move the chain by hand. If the chain does not move, the clutch is not engaging.

How to Fix a Chainsaw Chain That Won’t Move

Once you have identified the cause of the problem, you can fix it by following these steps:

If the chain is too tight, loosen the chain tensioner until the chain is just tight enough to stay on the bar:

If the chain is too loose, tighten the chain tensioner until the chain is snug against the bar:

If the bar is bent, straighten it by using a bar bender:

If the chain is dull, sharpen it using a chainsaw file:

If the sprocket is worn out, replace it with a new sprocket:

If the clutch is not engaging, repair or replace the clutch:

Preventing Chainsaw Chain Problems

You can prevent chainsaw chain problems by following these tips:

Keep the chain properly tensioned:
A properly tensioned chain will not bind against the bar and will not come off the bar easily.

Sharpen the chain regularly:
A sharp chain will cut through wood more effectively and will not bog down the saw.

Inspect the bar and sprocket regularly for wear and damage:
Replace the bar and sprocket if they are worn out or damaged.

Store the chainsaw in a cool, dry place:
Storing the chainsaw in a cool, dry place will help to prevent rust and corrosion.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your chainsaw chain in good working order and prevent problems from occurring.

Also Read: Why Won’T My Chainsaw Chain Tighten

FAQs about Chainsaw Chain Not Moving

Why won’t my chainsaw chain move?

There are a few reasons why your chainsaw chain might not be moving. Here are some of the most common causes:

The chain is too tight: If the chain is too tight, it will not be able to move freely around the bar. To check the chain tension, follow the instructions in your chainsaw owner’s manual.

The chain is too loose: If the chain is too loose, it will not be able to grip the wood properly and will likely come off the bar. To check the chain tension, follow the instructions in your chainsaw owner’s manual.

The chain is dull: A dull chain will not be able to cut through wood effectively and will likely cause the saw to stall. To sharpen the chain, use a chainsaw sharpening file or take it to a qualified chainsaw service center.

The bar is damaged: If the bar is damaged, it will not be able to support the chain properly and will likely cause the chain to come off. To check the bar for damage, look for cracks or other signs of wear. If you find any damage, replace the bar.

The sprocket is damaged: The sprocket is the part of the chainsaw that drives the chain. If the sprocket is damaged, it will not be able to turn the chain and the chain will not move. To check the sprocket for damage, look for cracks or other signs of wear. If you find any damage, replace the sprocket.

How do I fix a chainsaw chain that won’t move?

Once you have identified the cause of the problem, you can fix the chainsaw chain by following these steps:

1. Loosen the chain tension: If the chain is too tight, loosen it until it can move freely around the bar.
2. Sharpen the chain: If the chain is dull, sharpen it using a chainsaw sharpening file or take it to a qualified chainsaw service center.
3. Inspect the bar for damage: If the bar is damaged, replace it.
4. Inspect the sprocket for damage: If the sprocket is damaged, replace it.
5. Retighten the chain tension: Once you have fixed the problem, retighten the chain tension until it is snug but not too tight.

What should I do if my chainsaw chain keeps coming off?

If your chainsaw chain keeps coming off, there are a few things you can check:

The chain is too loose: If the chain is too loose, it will be more likely to come off the bar. To check the chain tension, follow the instructions in your chainsaw owner’s manual.

The bar is damaged: If the bar is damaged, it will not be able to support the chain properly and the chain will be more likely to come off. To check the bar for damage, look for cracks or other signs of wear. If you find any damage, replace the bar.

The sprocket is damaged: The sprocket is the part of the chainsaw that drives the chain. If the sprocket is damaged, it will not be able to turn the chain and the chain will be more likely to come off. To check the sprocket for damage, look for cracks or other signs of wear. If you find any damage, replace the sprocket.

The chain is not lubricated properly: A properly lubricated chain will be less likely to come off the bar. To lubricate the chain, apply a light coat of chainsaw oil to the chain and bar before each use.

How can I prevent my chainsaw chain from coming off?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your chainsaw chain from coming off:

Keep the chain tensioned properly: A properly tensioned chain will be less likely to come off the bar. To check the chain tension, follow the instructions in your chainsaw owner’s manual.

Inspect the bar and sprocket regularly for damage: If the bar or sprocket is damaged, it will not be able to support the chain properly and the chain will be more likely to come off. To check the bar and sprocket for damage, look for cracks or other signs of wear. If you find any damage, replace the bar or sprocket.

Lubricate the chain regularly: A properly lubricated chain will be less likely to come off the bar. To lubricate the chain, apply a light coat of chainsaw oil to the chain and bar before each use.

Use the correct type of chain for your chainsaw: Not all chainsaw chains are created equal. Make sure you are using