Cutting down trees can be a difficult and dangerous process if you don’t have the right equipment.
A chainsaw is essential for any tree-cutting job, but if your chainsaw isn’t properly maintained or has been used incorrectly, it could cause problems while you’re cutting.
Learning to troubleshoot common chainsaw issues can save time and energy when you’re trying to get a job done quickly.
Chainsaw Cutting Problems
Chainsaws can have a wide range of problems ranging from not starting to not cutting well. Let’s look at some of the problems in more detail.
Chainsaw Won’t Start
If your chainsaw won’t start, the first thing you should check is the air filter. If it is clogged with dirt or debris, it can prevent the engine from getting enough air and make starting difficult. Clean out any debris and replace the filter if necessary.
You should also check the spark plug for signs of wear and tear or corrosion. If it looks damaged, replace it with a new one.
Another possible reason why a chainsaw won’t start is if there is not enough fuel in the tank.
Fill up your tank, then try starting again – if that still doesn’t work, then you should check to see if there is an issue with the carburetor or fuel line.
You should also check your battery if you have an electric chainsaw. If you owned it a long time and it’s old or dead, replace it before attempting to start your saw again.
Jammed Chain
Another common problem with chainsaws is that they can become jammed when cutting through large pieces of wood or branches that are too thick for the blade.
If this happens to you, turn off the power immediately and inspect the blade carefully for anything that might be blocking it. Once you have cleared away any debris, make sure the chain tension is correctly adjusted before turning on the power again.
It’s also important to use lubricant on your chain after every few cuts in order to reduce friction and minimize wear and tear on both your blade and saw motor.
Clogged or dull chainsaw blades
If your chainsaw blade is becoming clogged or dull, you may need to replace the blade entirely.
A dull blade will cause wood fibers to tear instead of cut cleanly; inspect your blade visually for signs of wear such as nicks and gouges in order to determine whether sharpening or replacing is necessary.
First, make sure that there isn’t a larger problem with your chainsaw motor or engine that is causing the blade to get clogged – if you suspect this may be the case, call a professional to inspect your saw and make any necessary repairs.
If the blade is just dirty or dull, you can easily replace it with a new one. Remove the chain cover and make sure that the chain is not too tight or too loose, then remove any remaining oil with a cloth. Finally, attach the new blade and tighten it securely.
Uneven Cut
A well-known frustrating problem with chainsaws is when you get an uneven cut. This can happen if there are chips stuck in between two teeth of your saw blade, which makes it hard for them to move through wood smoothly.
If this happens, use a chainsaw file or diamond stone to make sure all teeth are sharpened evenly so they move through wood without any interruption or resistance.
If you notice that you still keep getting an uneven cut despite sharpening all your teeth evenly, consider replacing your blade altogether as it may have become too worn out over time.
Chainsaw Stops Running Mid-Cut
If your chainsaw suddenly stops running mid-cut, one of two things is likely happening – either the chain has become too loose and needs to be tightened or the chain has become too tight and needs to be loosened.
The chain should be at a tension that allows it to move freely around the bar without coming off completely when pulled gently by hand. To adjust this tension, use a wrench on the side of the saw where there is an adjusting screw – turn clockwise to tighten and counterclockwise to loosen until desired tension is achieved.
If your chain is too tight, this can also cause it to break or snap while you are using your chainsaw, so it’s important to make sure the chain is adjusted correctly.
Final Thoughts
No matter how experienced you are in using a chainsaw, problems can still arise unexpectedly while cutting down trees or branches in your yard or garden area.
Troubleshooting common chainsaw problems can be done quickly and easily by following any of the steps outlined above – all of which can help ensure optimal performance when using your chainsaw.
Knowing what common chainsaw problems exist – as well as how best to fix them – is essential for ensuring that tasks involving a chainsaw run smoothly and safely every time.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to identify any potential problems quickly and get back to cutting with confidence.
