How To Shorten Chainsaw Chain Without Tool Easy

Can you shorten a chainsaw chain without a special tool? Yes, you can shorten a chainsaw chain without a dedicated chain breaker tool by using common household items, though it requires patience and care. This guide will walk you through methods for achieving this DIY chainsaw chain repair when a chain breaker tool alternative is needed.

A chainsaw chain is a vital part of your tool, helping you cut wood efficiently. Sometimes, your chain might stretch, or you might need to adjust it for a different bar. Shortening a chainsaw chain means removing one or more drive links. When you don’t have a chain breaker tool, you need to be resourceful. This guide focuses on how to shorten chainsaw chain without breaker, using readily available items. We’ll explore various techniques, from using a file to shorten chainsaw chain to more improvised methods.

Why Shorten a Chainsaw Chain?

There are a few common reasons why you might need to shorten your chainsaw chain:

Wear and Tear: Over time, chains can stretch. This stretching can make it difficult to maintain proper tension, affecting cutting performance and potentially damaging your chainsaw.
Bar Length Changes: If you switch to a shorter guide bar, your existing chain will be too long for the new bar.
Skip Tooth Chains: If you have a skip tooth chainsaw chain shortening is often part of maintenance as these chains have wider gaps between cutters.
Emergency Repairs: In a situation where your chain is too loose and you lack the proper tools, knowing how to shorten it can be a lifesaver.

Essential Safety Precautions

Before attempting any DIY chainsaw chain repair, safety is paramount. Working with chainsaw chains involves sharp metal and the potential for injury. Always:

Wear Safety Gear: This includes thick gloves, eye protection (safety glasses or a face shield), and sturdy clothing.
Work in a Well-Lit Area: You need to see clearly what you are doing.
Secure the Chain: Ensure the chain is stable and won’t move unexpectedly while you’re working on it.
Be Patient: Rushing can lead to mistakes and injuries.

Method 1: Using a File and Hammer (The Most Common DIY Approach)

This method is probably the most accessible chain breaker tool alternative. It involves carefully breaking the chain at a specific point.

What You’ll Need:

A Sturdy Hammer: A ball-peen hammer or a good quality claw hammer will work.
A Metal Punch or a Sturdy Nail: The punch should be smaller than the rivet you need to push out. A thick nail with a flat head can also serve as a punch to shorten chainsaw chain.
A Vise (Optional but Highly Recommended): This will help hold the chain steady. If you don’t have a vise, you’ll need to find a very stable surface.
Pliers: For gripping and maneuvering the chain.
A File: A metal file is crucial for preparing the rivets.

Steps to Shorten Chainsaw Chain Without a Breaker:

Identify the Link to Remove: Look at your chainsaw chain. Chains are made of repeating sets of links: cutter, tie strap, rivet, tie strap, cutter, tie strap, rivet, and so on. To shorten the chain, you need to remove a complete set of drive links and cutters. Identify which link you need to remove to achieve the desired length. Remember, a chainsaw chain is essentially a loop, so removing one drive link on one side requires removing the corresponding drive link on the other side.
Position the Chain: Place the section of the chain you want to break over a sturdy surface, like an anvil or a piece of hard metal, with the rivet you intend to remove positioned on top. If you have a vise, clamp the chain securely, ensuring the rivet is exposed and easily accessible.
Prepare the Rivet (Using the File): This is a crucial step. The rivets that hold the chain links together have a small dome or head. You need to carefully use your file to flatten or slightly grind down the head of the rivet you want to remove. Do this gently. The goal is to weaken the rivet without damaging the surrounding metal too much. This step is key for the file to shorten chainsaw chain and prepare it for breaking. You are essentially making it easier for the punch to do its job.
Punch Out the Rivet: Place the tip of your punch (or nail) directly on the center of the flattened rivet head. With your hammer, strike the punch sharply and firmly. The goal is to push the rivet out of its housing. You might need several solid strikes. If the rivet is stubborn, you might need to refile its head and try again. This is where the file and hammer chainsaw chain method comes into play. It’s about controlled force.
Separate the Links: Once the rivet is sufficiently pushed out, you should be able to separate the unwanted section of the chain. You will be cutting chainsaw chain links at this stage, effectively.
Prepare the New End: Now you have a chain with an open end. You need to reattach the remaining section. You’ll notice that the rivet is pushed out, leaving the two halves of the link connected by the inner plates. You need to carefully remove these inner plates and the remaining part of the rivet from the chain end you are keeping. You can use your punch and hammer again, or pliers, to carefully pry these apart.
Reconnect the Chain: Take a new connecting link (often provided with replacement chains or you might need to salvage one from an old chain). Position the two ends of the chain you want to join together. Slide the new connecting link’s pins into the holes of the remaining drive links and tie straps.
Secure the New Rivet: You need to “re-rivet” the connecting link. This is the trickiest part without a proper chain breaker. You’ll likely need your punch and hammer again. Carefully align the punch with the pin of the new connecting link and gently tap it until it’s secure. The goal is to spread the pin slightly, locking the link in place. Don’t over-hammer, or you could damage the new link or the chain. This requires a delicate touch, similar to when cutting chainsaw chain links was first done by the manufacturer.
Check for Smoothness: After rejoining, flex the chain at the new connection point. It should move freely. If it’s stiff, you might have hammered the rivet too hard, or the link is slightly misaligned. You may need to gently tap it with the hammer and punch to loosen it up.

Method 2: Using a Vise and a Strong Punch (More Controlled)

If you have a vise, this method offers more stability and control.

What You’ll Need:

A Bench Vise: A heavy-duty vise is ideal.
A Sturdy Metal Punch: A high-quality punch designed for metalwork is best.
A Hammer:
Pliers:
A File:

Steps:

Clamp the Chain: Securely clamp the chainsaw chain in the vise, with the rivet you want to remove positioned directly above a small opening or gap in the vise jaws (if possible) or a sturdy metal block placed underneath. This provides a solid base for punching.
Position the Punch: Place the tip of your punch on the center of the rivet head.
Hammer the Rivet: Using your hammer, strike the punch firmly to drive the rivet out. The vise provides a stable platform, making this process more efficient than on an unsecured surface. This is essentially a more controlled way to achieve the same goal as the file and hammer chainsaw chain method.
Remove Unwanted Links: Once the rivet is out, separate the chain. Remove the excess links and the inner plates from the end of the chain you intend to keep.
Reconnect and Re-rivet: Use a new connecting link and follow the same re-riveting procedure as described in Method 1, using your punch and hammer.

Method 3: Improvised Chainsaw Chain Shortening (Last Resort)

If you lack even a basic punch, you might be able to use a very sturdy bolt with a similarly sized head or a hardened nail, but this is riskier and requires more finesse. This is a true improvised chainsaw chain shortening technique.

What You’ll Need:

A Very Strong Bolt or Thick Nail: The head should be flat and sturdy.
A Hammer:
A Stable Surface:
Pliers:
A File:

Steps:

Prepare the Rivet: As before, use your file to flatten the head of the rivet.
Position and Strike: Place the bolt head or nail head onto the flattened rivet. Strike the bolt/nail head with your hammer to push the rivet out. Be extremely careful not to bend the bolt or nail, as this will make the process impossible. This is where a chain breaker tool alternative becomes very challenging.
Continue as Above: Proceed with separating the links and rejoining the chain using a connecting link and your punch to shorten chainsaw chain (which in this case, is the bolt or nail acting as a makeshift punch).

Important Considerations for Skip Tooth Chains

If you have a skip tooth chainsaw chain, shortening it follows the same principles. Skip tooth chains are designed with fewer drive links per foot, offering better chip clearance. When shortening them, ensure you maintain the correct pitch and drive link count for your saw and bar. The process of skip tooth chainsaw chain shortening is identical in terms of breaking and rejoining links.

Adjusting Chainsaw Chain Tension

After shortening a chain, it’s crucial to get the adjusting chainsaw chain tension correct. A chain that is too loose can derail, causing damage and injury. A chain that is too tight will put excessive strain on your saw’s components, leading to premature wear.

The “Sag” Test: When properly tensioned, the chain should sag slightly. You should be able to pull the chain around the bar by hand (with gloves on, of course). When you pull the chain down away from the bar, the drive links should not come completely free of the bar’s groove. There should be a slight bit of slack, usually about 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
Check After First Cuts: It’s common practice to check chain tension after the first few cuts, as new or re-tensioned chains can stretch a bit more initially.

When to Use a Professional Tool

While these DIY methods can get you out of a bind, they are not a substitute for a proper chain breaker tool. A dedicated tool is designed for the job and makes the process much safer, easier, and more precise. It ensures rivets are pushed out and re-peened correctly, which is vital for the longevity and safety of your chain. If you find yourself frequently working on chainsaw chains, investing in a proper chain breaker tool is highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I really shorten a chainsaw chain without a chain breaker tool?
- A: Yes, you can, but it requires patience, careful work, and the use of alternative tools like a hammer, punch, and file.
Q: What’s the best chain breaker tool alternative?
- A: The most common and effective alternative involves using a sturdy hammer, a metal punch (or thick nail), and a file to break and rejoin the chain links.
Q: How do I know which link to remove when shortening a chainsaw chain?
- A: You need to remove a complete set of drive links and cutters to maintain the correct chain pitch. Count the links to ensure you’re removing an even number of drive links on each side.
Q: Will shortening my chainsaw chain affect its performance?
- A: If done correctly, it shouldn’t negatively impact performance. However, improper re-riveting can lead to stiffness or breakage.
Q: Is it safe to re-rivet a chainsaw chain with a hammer and punch?
- A: It can be done, but it’s less safe and precise than using a specialized tool. Always wear safety gear and work carefully.
Q: What if my chain is a skip tooth chain? Can I still shorten it without a tool?
- A: Yes, the process for skip tooth chainsaw chain shortening is the same as for standard chains. You’ll still need to break and rejoin links.
Q: How do I properly adjust chainsaw chain tension after shortening it?
- A: Check for a slight sag. The chain should pull around by hand but not come completely free of the bar. Re-check tension after initial use.

By following these methods carefully, you can effectively shorten your chainsaw chain even when you don’t have the specialized tools. Remember, safety and precision are key to a successful DIY chainsaw chain repair.