Your Chainsaw Chain Isn’t Moving? Here’s Why

Your Chainsaw Chain Won’t Move Here’s Why and What to Do

A chainsaw is a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from cutting down trees to trimming branches. But what happens when your chainsaw chain won’t move This can be a frustrating problem, but it’s usually easy to fix. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common reasons why a chainsaw chain won’t move and how to fix them.

Why Won’T The Chain Move On My Chainsaw

Your Chainsaw Chain Isn’t Moving? Here’s Why

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 loosen the chain, follow the instructions in your chainsaw owner’s manual.

The chain is too loose:
If the chain is too loose, it will come off the bar and not be able to move. To tighten the chain, 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 eventually stop moving. To sharpen the chain, use a chainsaw file or take it to a professional.

The bar is damaged:
If the bar is damaged, it will not be able to support the chain and will eventually cause the chain to stop moving. To replace the bar, follow the instructions in your chainsaw owner’s manual.

The sprockets are worn out:
If the sprockets are worn out, they will not be able to drive the chain and will eventually cause the chain to stop moving. To replace the sprockets, follow the instructions in your chainsaw owner’s manual.

Why Won’t the Chain Move on My Chainsaw?

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, hold the chainsaw with the bar parallel to the ground. The chain should be about 1/8 inch loose when you pull it up with your fingers. If it’s tighter than that, you’ll need to loosen it.

The chain is too loose:
If the chain is too loose, it will come off the bar and also prevent it from moving. To check the chain tension, hold the chainsaw with the bar parallel to the ground. The chain should be about 1/8 inch loose when you pull it up with your fingers. If it’s looser than that, you’ll need to tighten it.

The bar is bent:
If the bar is bent, it will cause the chain to bind and not move. To check the bar, look down the length of it. It should be straight. If it’s bent, you’ll need to replace it.

The sprocket is worn out:
The sprocket is the part of the chainsaw that drives the chain. If it’s worn out, it won’t be able to grip the chain properly and cause it to not move. To check the sprocket, look at it closely. It should have sharp teeth. If the teeth are worn down, you’ll need to replace the sprocket.

The clutch is stuck:
The clutch is the part of the chainsaw that engages the chain. If it’s stuck, it won’t be able to engage the chain and cause it to not move. To check the clutch, try to engage it by hand. If it doesn’t move, you’ll need to replace it.

How to Fix a Chainsaw Chain That Won’t Move

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

If the chain is too tight, loosen it by turning the tensioner screw clockwise:

If the chain is too loose, tighten it by turning the tensioner screw counterclockwise:

If the bar is bent, replace it:

If the sprocket is worn out, replace it:

If the clutch is stuck, replace it:

Once you’ve fixed the problem, test the chainsaw to make sure the chain is moving properly. If it’s still not moving, you may need to take it to a professional for further diagnosis and repair.

Preventing Chainsaw Chain Problems

You can prevent chainsaw chain problems by following these tips:

Keep the chain properly tensioned:

Inspect the chain regularly for wear and tear:

Replace the chain when it’s worn out:

Keep the bar and sprocket clean and free of debris:

Use the chainsaw for its intended purpose:

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

Also Read: Why Did My Dewalt Chainsaw Stop Working

FAQs: Why Won’t the Chain Move on My Chainsaw?

Why won’t the chain move on my chainsaw when I pull the starter rope?

There are a few possible reasons why the chain on your chainsaw won’t move when you pull the starter rope.

The chain brake is engaged: Make sure that the chain brake is disengaged before you try to start the chainsaw.

The clutch is slipping: If the clutch is slipping, the chain won’t move when you pull the starter rope. You can try tightening the clutch adjustment nut to fix this problem.

The chainsaw is out of gas: If the chainsaw is out of gas, the chain won’t move. Make sure that the chainsaw is filled with gas before you try to start it.

The spark plug is fouled: If the spark plug is fouled, the chainsaw won’t start. You can try cleaning the spark plug to fix this problem.

The carburetor is dirty: If the carburetor is dirty, the chainsaw won’t start. You can try cleaning the carburetor to fix this problem.

Why won’t the chain move on my chainsaw when I push the throttle?

There are a few possible reasons why the chain on your chainsaw won’t move when you push the throttle.

The chain brake is engaged: Make sure that the chain brake is disengaged before you try to start the chainsaw.

The clutch is slipping: If the clutch is slipping, the chain won’t move when you push the throttle. You can try tightening the clutch adjustment nut to fix this problem.

The chainsaw is out of gas: If the chainsaw is out of gas, the chain won’t move. Make sure that the chainsaw is filled with gas before you try to start it.

The spark plug is fouled: If the spark plug is fouled, the chainsaw won’t start. You can try cleaning the spark plug to fix this problem.

The carburetor is dirty: If the carburetor is dirty, the chainsaw won’t start. You can try cleaning the carburetor to fix this problem.

Why is the chain on my chainsaw loose?

There are a few possible reasons why the chain on your chainsaw is loose.

The chain tensioner is not adjusted properly: If the chain tensioner is not adjusted properly, the chain will be too loose. You can try adjusting the chain tensioner to fix this problem.

The chain is worn out: If the chain is worn out, it will become loose. You can try replacing the chain to fix this problem.

The sprockets are worn out: If the sprockets are worn out, the chain will become loose. You can try replacing the sprockets to fix this problem.

Why is the chain on my chainsaw too tight?

There are a few possible reasons why the chain on your chainsaw is too tight.

The chain tensioner is not adjusted properly: If the chain tensioner is not adjusted properly, the chain will be too tight. You can try adjusting the chain tensioner to fix this problem.

The chain is new: When a new chain is installed, it will be tighter than a worn-out chain. You can try running the chainsaw for a while to loosen the chain.

The sprockets are worn out: If the sprockets are worn out, the chain will become too tight. You can try replacing the sprockets to fix this problem.

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

There are a few things you can try to fix a chainsaw chain that won’t move.

Check the chain brake: Make sure that the chain brake is disengaged.

Check the clutch: If the clutch is slipping, you can try tightening the clutch adjustment nut.

Check the gas tank: Make sure that the chainsaw is filled with gas.

Check the spark plug: If the spark plug is fouled, you can try cleaning it.

Check the carburetor: If the carburetor is dirty, you can try cleaning it.

If you have tried all of these things and the chain still won’t move, you may need to take the chainsaw to a repair shop.