If you’ve ever used a chainsaw, you know how important it is to have a properly functioning chain. A loose chain can cause serious injury and can damage the saw itself.
If you notice that your new chainsaw chain keeps coming off, it’s important to know what’s causing this. There are a few common reasons why this might be happening, such as wear and tear on the chain, improper tension in the chain, or rust on the chain.
Let’s look in more detail at some possible reasons why this might be happening.
Incorrect Installation
One of the main reasons that your chainsaw chain might keep coming off is incorrect installation. This includes not installing the chain properly or using the wrong size for your saw.
When you need to install a new chain, you should make sure that it fits snugly around the bar and that all links are secure on both sides. If the fit isn’t tight enough, the chain won’t stay on during operation.
You also need to make sure that when you are replacing an old chain with a new one, they are both compatible with each other. Many saws have specific chains designed for them, and using the wrong chain can result in it coming loose during use.
Wear and Tear
Another common reason that your chainsaw chain can come off during use is wear and tear on the chain itself. Over time, the links on the chain can become bent or warped, which can cause it to come loose.
One of the main ways that a chain will wear over time is by coming into contact with hard objects, such as rocks or trees. Even if you own a chainsaw made using high-quality steel, repeated contact with hard things can cause it to bend and warp over time.
If you notice that your chainsaw chain is misaligned, warping, or bending, you should consider replacing it with a new one. This will help ensure that it stays on during operation and doesn’t result in injury to you or damage to your saw.
Chain Tension Too Loose or Too Tight
Another common reason why your new chainsaw chain keeps coming off is that the tension is either too loose or too tight.
You want to make sure that your saw’s tension is just right so that your cutting results are consistent and efficient. The correct tension for your saw will depend on its size and type.
As a rule of thumb, if you can pull up the chain off the guide bar without any effort, then it’s likely too loose. Similarly, if it takes too much force to lift up the end of the bar, then it’s probably too tight.
If you are unsure what the proper tension for your saw should be, you should consult the manual that came with it. This will help ensure that you are able to properly maintain your chainsaw and prevent your new chain from coming off.
Bar Clamp Not Secure Enough
Another possible cause of your chainsaw chain coming off could be due to an improperly secured bar clamp (also known as a “bar nut”). This part holds together two pieces of metal within which the chain runs around and keeps them in place while cutting wood or other materials.
If this clamp isn’t tightened down properly with an appropriate torque wrench setting, it can allow for slack in which the chain can slip out during operation – which leads to frequent stoppages as you have to reattach the chain after every few cuts.
To prevent this from happening again in the future, make sure that you tighten down your saw’s bar nut before using it each time. This will help ensure that it stays secure during operation and prevents your new chainsaw chain from coming off.
Chain Catcher Not Secured Properly
Another overlooked cause of your chainsaw chain coming off could be the improper attachment of the chain catcher. This is a small piece that catches the chain should it pop off of the bar and prevent it from coming into contact with your hands or body.
If this piece of metal isn’t attached correctly, it can easily come loose during operation and allow the chain to pop off of the bar.
To prevent this from happening, you should check the chain catcher is properly secured before starting up your chainsaw. This will help ensure that it stays in place during use and prevents your new chain from coming off.
Final Thoughts
If your new chainsaw chain keeps coming off when using it, there’s likely one (or more) of several causes behind this issue – incorrect installation, incorrect tensioning/tightening/loosening of either saw parts or its cutting components like bars and clamps – all of which can easily be resolved with a few minor adjustments.
To prevent this from happening again, it is important to always ensure that your chainsaw fits properly and is tensioned correctly before using it. You should also regularly inspect the chain for any signs of wear or damage on a regular basis, and replace it as needed.
This will help ensure that your chainsaw chain stays secure and prevents injuries or damage to you, your saw, or the material being cut. With proper care and maintenance, you can use your new chainsaw with confidence and get the most out of it for years to come.
