If your chainsaw chain is too long, you can shorten it by removing one set of drive links and cutters. This process is crucial for maintaining proper chainsaw chain tension and ensuring safe and efficient operation. A loose chain can derail, damage your chainsaw, and cause serious injury.
Chainsaws are powerful tools, and their chains are designed to be a precise length for optimal cutting performance and safety. Over time, due to stretching or wear, a chainsaw chain length might become slightly longer than it should be. This can lead to a slack chain that jumps off the bar, a significant safety hazard. Thankfully, with a few basic tools and a bit of know-how, you can learn how to shorten a chainsaw chain effectively. This is a fundamental aspect of chainsaw chain maintenance that can save you money on premature chainsaw chain replacement and keep your saw running smoothly.
Why Your Chainsaw Chain Might Be Too Long
Several factors can contribute to a chainsaw chain becoming longer than its original specifications. Understanding these reasons helps in preventing premature wear and knowing when to intervene.
Wear and Stretching
The most common reason a chainsaw chain gets too long is simply wear. Each link in the chain is designed to pivot smoothly. As you cut, these pivot points experience friction and stress. This friction, combined with the forces exerted during cutting, causes the metal in the pivot points to wear down. This gradual wear leads to the chain becoming slightly longer. This lengthening is often referred to as chain stretch, though it’s more accurately a result of wear at the pin and rivet connections.
Improper Tensioning
Consistently running a chainsaw with insufficient chainsaw chain tension can accelerate wear. When a chain is too loose, it can bounce around on the guide bar. This bouncing causes excessive stress on the links and can lead to premature stretching and wear. Conversely, over-tightening can also cause issues, but it’s less likely to directly result in a chain that’s too long; instead, it can cause premature wear on the drive sprocket and bar.
Debris and Grit
Abrasive particles like dirt, sawdust, and grit can get into the chain’s pivot points. These particles act like sandpaper, grinding away at the metal in the links. This abrasive wear accelerates the process of the chain becoming longer. Proper cleaning and maintenance are vital to prevent this.
Hard Cutting Conditions
Cutting through very hard wood, frozen wood, or wood with embedded debris (like dirt or rocks) puts immense strain on the chainsaw chain. These conditions increase friction and impact, leading to faster wear and a greater tendency for the chain to lengthen.
Identifying a Chain That Needs Shortening
Recognizing the signs that your chainsaw chain is too long is the first step to addressing the problem. Ignoring these signs can lead to decreased cutting efficiency and increased risk of damage and injury.
Visual Inspection
One of the simplest ways to tell if your chain is too long is by visually inspecting it. Look for uneven gaps between the cutters or drive links. If you notice that the chain appears to sag significantly even after proper tensioning, it might be getting too long.
Tensioning Issues
If you find yourself constantly adjusting the chainsaw chain tension to keep it snug against the bar, and it quickly becomes loose again, it’s a strong indicator that the chain has stretched beyond its usable length. When you can pull the chain off the bottom of the bar at the center point, even after tightening, it’s a clear sign.
Cutting Performance Deterioration
A chain that is too long will often result in a noticeable decrease in cutting performance. You might find that the saw bogs down, doesn’t cut as cleanly, or requires more force to push through the wood. This is because the slack chain doesn’t engage the wood fibers efficiently.
Noise and Vibration
An excessively long or worn chain can produce unusual noises, such as rattling or slapping sounds, as it moves around the guide bar and drive sprocket. Increased vibration is another symptom of a chain that is no longer fitting the bar and sprocket correctly.
Tools Required for Shortening a Chainsaw Chain
Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary tools. Having the right equipment makes the job easier and safer.
- Chainsaw Chain Pliers: These specialized pliers are designed to hold the chain links securely and are essential for manipulating them.
- Chain Breaker Tool: A chain breaker is a crucial tool that allows you to push out the rivets connecting the chain links.
- Bench Vise or Clamp: To hold the chain securely while you work, a vise or a strong clamp is indispensable.
- Hammer: You’ll need a hammer to drive the pin out and back in with the chain breaker tool.
- Safety Glasses: Essential for protecting your eyes from flying metal fragments.
- Work Gloves: To protect your hands and improve grip.
- New Connecting Rivet (if needed): Sometimes, when shortening, you might need a new rivet if the original one is damaged or lost.
- Measuring Tape or Ruler: For ensuring the correct chainsaw chain length.
- Durable Work Surface: A workbench or a sturdy table to perform the task.
How to Cut a Chainsaw Chain: Step-by-Step Guide
The process of shortening a chainsaw chain involves removing a specific section. You need to remove one complete drive link and one cutter. This is the most common way to reduce chainsaw chain length by a specific pitch increment.
Step 1: Remove the Chain from the Saw
Safety first! Ensure the chainsaw is turned off and the spark plug wire is disconnected to prevent accidental starting. Carefully detach the chain from the guide bar.
Step 2: Position the Chain for Breaking
Lay the chainsaw chain flat on your work surface or secure it in a vise. You need to identify the link you want to remove. A typical chainsaw chain is made up of alternating drive links and cutter links. You’ll want to remove one full “set” which includes one drive link and one cutter. This set is what determines the chainsaw chain size and pitch.
Step 3: Use the Chain Breaker Tool
Place the chain breaker tool over the rivet of the link you intend to remove. Ensure the pin of the chain breaker tool is perfectly aligned with the center of the rivet. Slowly and steadily turn the handle of the chain breaker tool. This will exert pressure, pushing the rivet out of the link. Continue pushing the rivet until it is almost entirely out, but not completely. You want the link to remain attached to the adjacent one, just loosened. This makes it easier to handle.
Step 4: Remove the Unwanted Section
Once the rivet is partially out, you can often manually pull the unwanted section (the drive link and the cutter) away from the rest of the chain. If the rivet is stubborn, use the chain breaker tool to push it out completely.
Step 5: Reconnect the Chain
Now, you need to join the two remaining ends of the chain. This is where you’ll either reuse the original rivet (if it’s undamaged) or install a new one.
- Align the Ends: Bring the two ends of the chain together. The end you are keeping should have a drive link, and the other end should have the corresponding hole where the rivet will go.
- Insert the Rivet: Place the remaining part of the rivet (or a new rivet) into the hole.
- Use the Chain Breaker Tool: Position the chain breaker tool over the rivet. Align the tool so that the pin presses directly onto the center of the rivet.
- Drive the Rivet: Slowly turn the handle of the chain breaker tool. You are pushing the rivet back into place, rejoining the links. Continue until the rivet is flush with the surrounding links, creating a secure connection. The goal is to have the new connection feel as tight as the factory-made connections. You should not be able to wiggle the links at the repaired joint.
Step 6: Test the Connection
After you’ve driven the rivet back in, gently try to bend the chain at the newly connected point. It should move freely but without excessive play. Check that the link sits flush with the others and doesn’t protrude or feel stiff. A stiff link can cause problems.
Step 7: Reinstall and Tension the Chain
Once you are confident in the connection, reinstall the shortened chain onto your chainsaw’s guide bar. Adjust the chainsaw chain tension according to your chainsaw’s manual. A properly tensioned chain should be snug against the bar but still able to be pulled around by hand. It should have about 1/8 inch of “sag” when pulled away from the underside of the bar.
Factors to Consider When Shortening
While shortening a chainsaw chain is a viable solution, there are several important factors to keep in mind to ensure you do it correctly and safely.
Chain Pitch and Gauge
Chainsaw chains are manufactured with specific pitches (the distance between the drive links) and gauges (the thickness of the drive links that fit into the bar groove). When you shorten a chainsaw chain, you are removing a section that includes a drive link and a cutter, which represents a specific length of the chain. You cannot arbitrarily remove links. You must remove a complete drive link and cutter assembly to maintain the correct pitch. If you remove too much or too little, the chain will not function correctly on the drive sprocket or guide bar.
Number of Drive Links
The chainsaw chain length is ultimately determined by the number of drive links it possesses. Each chain manufacturer will specify the correct number of drive links for a given bar length and chain type. When shortening, you are essentially reducing this number. Ensure you are shortening it by an appropriate amount that makes sense for your chainsaw setup. For example, if a chain is supposed to have 72 drive links, and yours has 73, you’d remove one drive link and one cutter.
Wear on Other Components
When a chain stretches, it’s often a sign that other parts of the cutting system have also experienced wear. The drive sprocket, which engages the drive links, and the guide bar itself can also be worn. If your chain has stretched significantly, it’s wise to inspect the drive sprocket for worn teeth and the guide bar for damage or uneven wear. Replacing these components at the same time as shortening or replacing the chain is often recommended for optimal performance and longevity of your chainsaw.
When to Replace Instead of Shorten
While shortening a chain can be a temporary fix, it’s not always the best long-term solution. If your chain is old, heavily worn, has damaged cutters, or if you’ve already had to shorten it multiple times, it’s usually more economical and safer to opt for a new chainsaw chain replacement. A new chain will have all its cutting edges sharp and all its pivot points in good condition, ensuring optimal performance. Trying to salvage a severely worn chain by shortening it can lead to poor cutting and further damage to your saw.
Table: Common Chainsaw Chain Pitches and Gauges
Understanding these specifications is critical when working with chainsaw chains.
| Pitch (inches) | Gauge (inches) | Typical Saw Size (cc) |
|---|---|---|
| 3/8″ | 0.050″ | Medium to Large |
| 3/8″ | 0.058″ | Large |
| .325″ | 0.050″ | Small to Medium |
| .325″ | 0.058″ | Medium |
| 1/4″ | 0.050″ | Small (Specialty) |
Note: Always refer to your chainsaw manufacturer’s specifications for the correct chain pitch and gauge for your specific model.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful work, you might encounter a few problems. Here’s how to address them:
Stiff Link After Repair
If the chain feels stiff at the point where you replaced the rivet, it means the rivet has been driven too tightly. You may need to slightly loosen it by very carefully tapping the back of the rivet with the chain breaker tool and a hammer, or by slightly loosening the connection with the chain breaker tool itself. Then, try to flex the chain link back and forth to loosen it up. Be gentle; you don’t want to loosen it too much.
Rivet Won’t Drive In
Ensure the chain breaker tool is perfectly aligned with the center of the rivet. Also, check that you are using the correct size chain breaker for your chain. Sometimes, a bit of lubrication on the rivet can help.
Chain Still Loose After Shortening
If the chain remains loose even after you’ve removed a link, it’s possible that the chain has stretched significantly at multiple points, not just the one you fixed. In such cases, it’s often better to replace the chain entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I shorten my chainsaw chain myself?
A1: Yes, you can shorten a chainsaw chain yourself if you have the right tools (chain breaker, pliers, vise) and follow the correct procedure.
Q2: How often do I need to adjust chainsaw chain tension?
A2: You should check and adjust chainsaw chain tension before each use, and periodically during extended cutting sessions, especially in varying temperatures.
Q3: What happens if my chainsaw chain is too long?
A3: A chain that is too long will be slack. This can cause it to jump off the bar, leading to reduced cutting efficiency, damage to the saw, and serious injury.
Q4: Is it better to shorten a chain or buy a new one?
A4: Shortening is a temporary fix for a slightly stretched chain. If the chain is significantly worn, damaged, or has been shortened before, it’s generally better and safer to purchase a new chainsaw chain replacement.
Q5: How do I know if I have the correct chainsaw chain size?
A5: The correct chainsaw chain size is determined by its pitch and gauge, which must match your chainsaw’s guide bar and drive sprocket specifications. This information is usually found in your chainsaw’s owner’s manual.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently tackle the task of shortening your chainsaw chain, ensuring your equipment remains safe and effective for all your cutting needs. Remember that proper chainsaw chain maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your equipment and maintaining safety.