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How To Take A Link Out Of A Chainsaw Chain: Easy DIY Guide
Can I take a link out of a chainsaw chain? Yes, you can take a link out of a chainsaw chain to shorten it if it has become stretched or damaged, or if you need to adjust its length for a specific saw. This guide will walk you through the process of safely and effectively removing a link.
Why You Might Need to Adjust Your Chainsaw Chain
Chainsaw chains are vital components of your cutting tool. Over time and with regular use, they can experience wear and tear. Several reasons might lead you to need to remove chain links:
- Stretching: Chains naturally stretch with use. If your chain becomes too loose even after adjusting the tensioner, removing a link can help.
- Damage: A single damaged link can compromise the entire chain. Replacing just the damaged link or removing it to shorten the chain can be a temporary fix.
- Incorrect Length: Sometimes, you might have a chain that’s slightly too long for your chainsaw bar.
- Sharpening Wear: As you sharpen your chain, the cutters get shorter, and the rivets can also wear. This can lead to a chain that’s effectively a bit longer than it should be for its original pitch.
Essential Tools for Chainsaw Chain Adjustment
Before you begin, gathering the right tools is crucial for a safe and successful repair. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you’ve started the job but can’t finish it due to missing equipment.
The Chainsaw Chain Breaker Tool: Your Best Friend
The most important tool you’ll need is a chainsaw chain breaker tool. This specialized device is designed to push out the pins that hold the links together without damaging the chain. While you might be tempted to improvise with a hammer and punch, this is highly discouraged as it can easily bend or break the chain links, rendering them unusable.
Other Helpful Tools
- Gloves: Protect your hands from sharp edges and grease.
- Safety Glasses: Always wear eye protection when working with tools and moving parts.
- Pliers: Needle-nose pliers can be helpful for holding small parts.
- Bench Vise or Clamp: To hold the chain securely while you work.
- Replacement Connecting Link (if needed): If you are repairing a broken chain, you might need a new connecting link to join the two ends.
- Measuring Tape: To ensure you’re shortening the chain accurately.
- A Rag: For cleaning up.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing a Chainsaw Chain Link
Follow these steps carefully to safely disassemble chainsaw chain sections and shorten chainsaw chain when needed.
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Safety Gear
- Find a clean, well-lit area to work.
- Lay down some cardboard or a drop cloth to catch any stray parts or grease.
- Put on your gloves and safety glasses.
Step 2: Identify the Link to Remove
- Carefully inspect your chainsaw chain. Look for the link that appears to be the issue, whether it’s damaged, stretched, or if you’re simply shortening the chain to a specific length.
- If you’re shortening the chain, measure it against the bar to determine how many links need to be removed. Remember that chains are typically measured by their “pitch” (the distance between drive links), and removing a link will usually mean removing a full set of drive link, tie strap, and cutter.
Step 3: Secure the Chain
- The best way to do this is to place the section of the chain you’ll be working on into a bench vise.
- Alternatively, you can use a sturdy clamp to hold the chain firmly against a workbench. The goal is to prevent the chain from moving while you apply pressure with the chain breaker tool.
Step 4: Position the Chain Breaker Tool
- Most chainsaw chain breaker tool models have a handle and a plunger.
- Align the plunger of the chain breaker tool with the pin of the link you want to remove. The pin is the small rivet that connects the two halves of a chain link. You’ll typically be pushing out a pin that connects a drive link to a tie strap.
Step 5: Drive Out the Pin
- Slowly and steadily turn the handle of the chain breaker tool. This will push the plunger into the pin.
- Apply consistent pressure. You should feel the pin begin to move.
- Crucially, do not push the pin completely out. You only need to push it far enough so that the link can be separated. If you push the pin all the way out, it can be very difficult to reinsert it correctly, especially if you intend to reassemble the chain. The pin should still be partially in the opposite link.
Step 6: Separate the Chain
- Once the pin is loosened, you should be able to gently pull the two sections of the chain apart. Use pliers if needed to help guide the separation.
- You have now successfully removed chain links from your chainsaw chain.
Step 7: Reassemble the Chain (If Shortening)
- If you are shortening the chain, you will now have two ends that need to be joined. This usually involves reattaching a drive link to a tie strap.
- You’ll need a new connecting rivet, often supplied with replacement chains or available as chainsaw chain parts.
- Position the two ends of the chain so that the connecting rivet can be inserted through the holes in the drive link and the tie strap.
- Place the chain back in the vise, aligning the hole where the new pin will go with the plunger of your chain breaker tool.
- Carefully turn the handle of the chain breaker tool to push the new pin into place. Again, you want to push it in far enough to secure the connection but not so far that it’s flush with the surface of the link, which can cause binding. It should feel snug and secure.
Step 8: Test the Connection
- Gently flex the newly connected link. It should move freely but feel firm.
- Ensure the pin is seated correctly and not sticking out excessively.
Step 9: Reinstall and Tension the Chain
- Once you’ve successfully adjusted the length, reinstall the chain onto your chainsaw.
- Properly tension the chain according to your chainsaw’s manual. An improperly tensioned chain can be dangerous and cause damage to your saw.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
When working with chainsaw chain repair, it’s easy to make mistakes if you’re not careful. Here are some common issues and how to prevent them:
- Damaging the Pin: Pushing the pin completely out is a frequent error. This can make it nearly impossible to re-stake it securely, leading to a weak link. Always aim to loosen the pin, not remove it entirely, unless you are replacing a link with a new one and have a proper staking tool.
- Incorrect Link Removal: Chains are designed with specific components. You typically remove a full set: a drive link, a tie strap, and the rivets holding them. Removing just half a link will break the chain’s intended structure.
- Over-Tensioning/Under-Tensioning: After any adjustment, proper chain tension is critical. Too tight and you’ll cause excessive wear on your bar and chain. Too loose and you risk the chain coming off, which is extremely dangerous.
- Using the Wrong Tools: As mentioned, a proper chain breaker tool is essential. Trying to force pins with hammers and punches is a recipe for disaster and can damage chainsaw chain parts.
When to Consider a Full Chainsaw Chain Replacement
While it’s possible to remove chain links for minor adjustments, there are times when a full chainsaw chain replacement is the safer and more effective option.
- Extensive Damage: If your chain has multiple damaged links, is severely stretched, or has suffered significant wear from chainsaw chain cutting through abrasive materials, it’s best to replace the entire chain.
- Compromised Rivets: If the rivets holding the chain together are worn or damaged, it’s a sign of overall chain fatigue.
- Unknown History: If you’ve acquired a used chainsaw and the chain’s condition is uncertain, starting with a new chain is a good preventative measure.
- Pitch Mismatch: If you need a chain for a different pitch saw, you’ll need a completely new chain, not just an adjustment.
Maintaining Your Chainsaw Chain for Longevity
Proper chainsaw chain maintenance is key to extending its life and ensuring safe operation. Regularly performing these tasks can reduce the need for link removal or replacement:
- Keep it Sharp: A sharp chain cuts efficiently, requiring less force and reducing wear on the engine and the chain itself. Learn how to sharpen your chain or take it to a professional.
- Correct Tension: Regularly check and adjust chain tension. A good rule of thumb is that the chain should be snug on the bar, but you should still be able to pull it around the bar by hand (with gloves on, of course!). It should sag slightly at the bottom.
- Lubrication: Ensure your chainsaw’s automatic oiler is working correctly and that the chain is adequately lubricated during use. This reduces friction and heat, prolonging the life of the chain and bar.
- Cleaning: After each use, clean debris, sawdust, and sap from your chain and bar. This prevents buildup that can hinder lubrication and increase wear.
- Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect your chain for any signs of damage, stretching, or wear. Look for stretched or bent links, dull cutters, and loose rivets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How often should I check my chainsaw chain tension?
A: You should check your chain tension before each use and after the chain has been on the saw for a short period, as new chains can stretch. It’s also a good habit to check it periodically during extended use. - Q: Can I reuse a pin that I pushed out?
A: It’s generally not recommended to reuse a pin that has been pushed out and reinserted, especially if you’re trying to repair a broken link. For optimal safety and chain integrity, it’s best to use a new rivet when rejoining chain sections. - Q: What is “chain pitch”?
A: Chain pitch refers to the distance between the drive links of a chainsaw chain. It’s usually measured as the distance between three rivets divided by two, and then expressed in inches (e.g., 3/8″ or .325″). It’s critical that your chain pitch matches your chainsaw bar. - Q: My chain seems loose, but the tensioner won’t tighten it enough. What’s wrong?
A: This is a common sign that your chain has stretched beyond its usable limit and may need to have a link removed or replaced, or it might be time for a full chainsaw chain replacement. - Q: Is removing a link considered a permanent repair?
A: Removing a link is a way to adjust the length of a chain, which can be necessary due to stretching or minor damage. However, if the chain is significantly worn or damaged in multiple places, a full replacement is the better long-term solution.
By following these steps and understanding the importance of proper tools and maintenance, you can effectively adjust your chainsaw chain and keep your equipment running smoothly and safely. Remember, when in doubt, always consult your chainsaw’s manual or seek professional assistance.