Yes, you can shorten a chainsaw chain if it becomes too stretched or if you’re fitting a shorter bar. Shortening a chainsaw chain safely involves careful measurement, precise cutting, and proper reassembly to ensure it functions correctly and safely. This process is a key part of chainsaw chain maintenance and can prevent issues that might otherwise lead to chainsaw chain replacement.
Chainsaw chains, like any mechanical component, experience wear and tear over time. One common issue that arises is a stretched chain, which can affect cutting performance and even damage your chainsaw bar and chain. Instead of immediately opting for a new chainsaw chain replacement, sometimes a simple adjustment—like shortening the existing chain—is all that’s needed. This not only saves money but also extends the life of your current chain. This guide will walk you through the steps involved in safely shortening a chainsaw chain, ensuring your equipment remains in optimal working condition. We’ll cover everything from the tools you’ll need to the precise techniques for successful chainsaw chain repair.
Image Source: i.ytimg.com
Why Shorten a Chainsaw Chain?
There are a few key reasons why you might need to shorten a chainsaw chain.
Chain Stretch
Over time, the metal components of a chainsaw chain, particularly the rivets and pins, wear down. This wear causes the chain to lengthen. While you can often manage minor stretch with chainsaw chain tensioning, a significantly stretched chain can cause problems. It won’t seat properly on the drive sprocket or guide bar, leading to poor cutting, excessive wear on the bar and chain, and potentially even the chain derailing, which is a dangerous situation. Shortening the chain removes the worn sections, restoring it to its intended length.
Changing Bar Length
Sometimes, you might decide to use a shorter guide bar on your chainsaw. Perhaps you want a lighter setup for limbing, or you’ve acquired a new bar that’s a different size. When you change the guide bar length, you also need to adjust the chain length to match. A chain that’s too long for a shorter bar will not engage correctly with the drive sprocket and will be impossible to tension properly, leading to inefficiency and rapid wear.
Repairing Damage
If a section of your chainsaw chain has been damaged—perhaps by hitting a rock or metal object—it might be more efficient to remove the damaged links rather than attempting a complex repair. This is especially true if the damage is significant. Shortening the chain to bypass the damaged area is a practical chainsaw chain repair solution.
Essential Tools for Shortening a Chainsaw Chain
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools to ensure a safe and efficient process. Having the right equipment makes chainsaw chain repair much simpler.
- Work Bench or Stable Surface: A flat, sturdy surface to hold your chain securely.
- Chain Breaker Tool: This specialized tool is designed to push out the rivets that hold the chain links together. It’s crucial for safely disassembling and reassembling the chain.
- Pliers (Needle-Nose and Standard): Useful for manipulating small parts and holding components.
- Vise or Clamp: To hold the chain breaker tool and the chain steady while you work.
- Measuring Tape or Ruler: For accurate measurement of the chain length.
- Gloves: To protect your hands from sharp edges and grease.
- Safety Glasses: Essential for protecting your eyes from flying metal fragments.
- New Rivet or Connecting Link (if applicable): Sometimes when shortening, you might need to use a specific connecting link to join the two ends of the chain.
- Chain File and Holder: While not directly for shortening, proper chainsaw filing and chainsaw sharpening are vital after any chain work to maintain cutting edges.
Steps to Safely Shorten a Chainsaw Chain
Shortening a chainsaw chain requires precision. Follow these steps carefully for a successful outcome.
Step 1: Assess the Chain and Determine the Required Length
Before you start breaking links, you need to know how much to shorten the chain.
- Inspect the Chain: Look for obvious signs of damage or excessive wear. If a section is badly damaged, that’s likely where you’ll want to make your cut.
- Measure: If you’re shortening due to stretch or fitting a new bar, measure the old chain or consult your new bar’s specifications to determine the ideal length. Chainsaw chains are measured by pitch, gauge, and the number of drive links. You can’t just randomly shorten a chain; you must remove full sets of links (a cutter, a tie strap, and a drive link).
Measuring Chainsaw Chain Length
Chainsaw chains are typically described by three key measurements:
- Pitch: The distance between the rivets, divided by two. This is usually expressed in inches (e.g., 3/8″, .325″).
- Gauge: The thickness of the drive links that fit into the guide bar groove. Also expressed in inches (e.g., .050″, .058″).
- Number of Drive Links: This is the most direct measurement for shortening. It’s simply the count of the drive links on the chain.
When you shorten a chain, you must remove an equal number of drive links from each side. This means you’ll be removing a full set of links: a cutter, a tie strap, and a drive link.
Step 2: Position the Chain in the Chain Breaker Tool
This is where the specialized tools come into play.
- Align: Place the section of the chain you want to break into the chain breaker tool. The rivet you intend to push out should align with the tool’s push rod.
- Secure: Clamp the tool or place it in a vise so that the chain and tool are held firmly. This prevents movement and ensures the push rod makes direct contact with the rivet.
Step 3: Break the Chain
This step requires steady pressure.
- Engage the Screw: Slowly turn the handle of the chain breaker tool. This advances the push rod.
-
Push the Rivet: Continue turning until the push rod completely pushes the rivet out of the chain link. Be careful not to push it all the way out if you intend to reattach the chain later with a new connecting link; you just want to separate the two parts. If you are removing a damaged section, you will push the rivet out completely.
- Important Note: For chainsaw chain repair where you need to rejoin the chain, you will only push the rivet partially out from one side, just enough to separate the links. For removing a section permanently, you push the rivet all the way out.
Step 4: Remove the Unwanted Section
Once the chain is broken at the desired point, remove the excess links.
- Discard: Properly dispose of the removed section of the chain.
- Prepare for Rejoining: Ensure the remaining ends of the chain are clean and free of debris.
Step 5: Rejoin the Chain
This is the most critical part of shortening a chainsaw chain and requires precision for proper chainsaw chain maintenance.
Method 1: Using a Connecting Link
Many chains use specialized connecting links for joining. These often have a tie strap on one side and a rivet on the other, or two separate pieces that interlock.
- Position: Bring the two ends of the shortened chain together.
- Insert Connecting Link: Slide the drive links of one end of the chain onto the posts of the connecting link. Then, slide the drive links of the other end onto the other side of the connecting link. Ensure the connecting link is oriented correctly according to its design.
- Secure the Link: If the connecting link has a rivet, use your chain breaker tool again to carefully push the rivet into place, securing the link. If it’s a clip-on type, ensure it snaps securely.
Method 2: Re-riveting (Less Common for Home Use)
For some chains, you might be able to push the rivet back into place. However, this is often difficult to do correctly without specialized equipment and can compromise the chain’s strength. It’s generally recommended to use a proper connecting link for safety and durability.
Step 6: Check and Adjust Chain Tension
After shortening and rejoining the chain, it’s crucial to check the chainsaw chain tensioning.
- Fit the Chain: Place the shortened chain back onto the chainsaw bar and sprocket.
- Initial Tension: Use the chainsaw’s tensioning mechanism (usually a knob or screw) to take up the slack.
- The “Snug but Movable” Test: The chain should be snug against the bottom of the guide bar, but you should still be able to move it around by hand with some effort. If it’s too loose, it can derail. If it’s too tight, it will cause excessive wear and bind the engine.
- Check Engagement: Ensure the drive links fully engage with the sprocket and the tie straps sit correctly on the bar.
Step 7: Test the Chain
Before you start cutting wood, test your work.
- Idle Test: Start the chainsaw and let it idle. The chain should not move on its own. If it moves, the chain is too loose.
- Brief Cut: Make a short test cut on a piece of scrap wood. Listen for any unusual noises. The chain should cut smoothly.
- Re-tension if Necessary: If the chain feels too loose after the test cut, adjust the tension again.
Chainsaw Chain Maintenance Beyond Shortening
Shortening a chain is just one aspect of keeping your saw running well. Regular chainsaw chain maintenance is key.
Chainsaw Sharpening
A sharp chain cuts efficiently and safely. Dull chains require more force, leading to fatigue and potentially dangerous kickback. Regularly sharpen your chain using the correct size file for your chain’s pitch. This is often done during chainsaw filing.
Chainsaw Bar Maintenance
Don’t forget the guide bar!
- Lubrication: Ensure the bar and chain are properly lubricated. The oil hole on the bar should not be blocked.
- Groove Cleaning: Keep the groove in the guide bar clean. Debris can prevent proper lubrication and cause the chain to bind.
- Rotation: Rotate the guide bar periodically to ensure even wear on both sides.
Chain Tensioning
As mentioned, proper chainsaw chain tensioning is vital. Check it frequently, especially when the chain is new or after a lot of use.
When to Consider Chainsaw Chain Replacement
While shortening can extend a chain’s life, there are times when chainsaw chain replacement is the only safe and practical option.
- Severely Worn Drive Sprocket: If the drive sprocket is worn down, it won’t properly engage with the chain, even a newly shortened or tensioned one.
- Multiple Damaged Links: If several links are damaged, or if the damage is very extensive, it might be safer and more economical to replace the entire chain.
- Worn Tie Straps or Cutter Teeth: If the tie straps (the parts that connect the cutters and drive links) are significantly worn, or if the cutter teeth are worn down to the depth gauges, it’s time for a new chain.
- Chain Won’t Hold Tension: If you’ve shortened the chain and it still won’t hold proper tension, it’s likely excessively stretched or worn.
- Stretched Rivet Holes: If the holes where the rivets sit are elongated, the chain is beyond repair.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced users can make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls when shortening a chainsaw chain:
- Inaccurate Measurement: Not measuring precisely can lead to a chain that’s still too long or too short, causing tensioning problems.
- Using the Wrong Tools: Attempting to break or rejoin a chain without a proper chain breaker tool can damage the chain and be unsafe.
- Not Pushing Rivets Completely (or Pushing Too Far): For removal, rivets must be pushed all the way out. For rejoining with a connecting link, you only want to partially dislodge a rivet. Pushing too far when rejoining can prevent the link from seating properly.
- Improper Rejoining: Failing to securely fasten the connecting link or re-riveting incorrectly will lead to chain failure.
- Ignoring Chain Tension: Failing to adjust chain tension after shortening will result in poor performance and potential damage.
- Not Checking for Smoothness: If the chain binds or is stiff after rejoining, it needs to be addressed before use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I shorten a chainsaw chain without a chain breaker tool?
A: It is highly not recommended to try and shorten a chainsaw chain without a proper chain breaker tool. Using hammers, pliers, or other makeshift tools can damage the chain links, compromise their structural integrity, and create a significant safety hazard. A chain breaker tool is designed to apply precise pressure to the rivets, allowing for clean breaks and reassembly.
Q2: How many links can I remove from a chainsaw chain?
A: You can remove as many full sets of links (cutter, tie strap, drive link) as needed to achieve the correct length for your bar or to remove damaged sections. However, remember that each time you shorten a chain, you are removing worn sections. If you have to remove a large portion of the chain, it might be more cost-effective and safer to opt for a chainsaw chain replacement.
Q3: Is it safe to rejoin a chainsaw chain using a regular link after breaking it?
A: No, you should not use a regular link. When shortening a chain, you will typically use a specialized connecting link designed for that purpose. These links have specific features to ensure they can be properly secured and maintain the chain’s strength and continuity.
Q4: What is “chain stretch” in a chainsaw?
A: Chain stretch refers to the gradual elongation of a chainsaw chain over time due to the wear on its rivets, pins, and the holes they pass through. This wear increases the distance between each link.
Q5: How often should I check my chainsaw chain tension?
A: It’s good practice to check your chainsaw chain tensioning every time you use the saw, especially when the chain is new or after prolonged use.
Q6: What does it mean if my chainsaw chain comes off the bar easily?
A: This is usually a sign of incorrect chain tensioning or a stretched chain. If the chain is too loose, it can derail. If it’s a worn chain, the drive links may not be seating properly in the bar groove or on the sprocket.
Q7: My chain seems stiff after I rejoined it. What should I do?
A: A stiff link usually indicates that the rivets on the connecting link were not pushed in evenly, or the link itself is not seated correctly. Gently try to work the link back and forth, or if necessary, use the chain breaker to slightly adjust the rivet. Ensure all links move freely. This is a crucial part of chainsaw chain repair.
Q8: Can I adjust my chainsaw chain without a file?
A: You can adjust the tension of your chainsaw chain using the tensioning knob or screw on the saw. However, chainsaw filing is a separate process for sharpening the cutting teeth, which requires specific files and a guide. You cannot sharpen a chain without the appropriate tools for chainsaw sharpening.
Q9: When should I consider chainsaw chain replacement over repair?
A: If your chain has multiple damaged links, severely worn cutter teeth, a worn drive sprocket, or if you find yourself constantly adjusting tension after shortening, it’s generally best to invest in chainsaw chain replacement. This ensures optimal safety and cutting performance.
By following these detailed steps and best practices, you can confidently and safely shorten your chainsaw chain, maintaining your equipment for efficient and reliable operation. Remember, proper chainsaw chain maintenance is key to longevity and safety.