The Chainsaw Chain Tension Problem? Here’s What to Do

Too tight chain tension prevents chain rotation and drives the chainsaw to heat up. Too loose tension means more kickback or causes the chain to fall off the guide bar. But why these chain tension problems arise?

The most common reasons behind a Chainsaw chain tension problem are:

• if the chain & bar are not set properly
• Incorrect Chain tension
• An improper or faulty setting between the Guide bar & chain
• Shallow Bar rails or damaged Guide Bar
• Faulty oiler assembly

Keep reading the article to learn more details about fixing the chainsaw chain tension problem.

What Causes the Chain Tension Problem on A Chainsaw?

Chain coming off the chainsaw guide bar or the chain won’t tighten enough even after several tries are the two most common chain tension-related scenarios that most chainsaw users witness.

The chainsaw chain tends to come off its place or the guide bar repeatedly when it becomes too loose, and there is more than enough slack on the chain after tensioning.

Mainly, your chain can come loose when you have not set it properly, and it happens when you fail to tighten the chain tension accurately.

Even incorrect setting between the guide bar and the chain makes tightening the chain tension task more difficult.

If built up or external debris damage the bar or its functional ability, you will also see that the chain is not staying tight in its position or coming off the bar. Even due to lack of lubrication on the bar & chain, similar problem can arise.

When the tension is set too tight on the chainsaw chain, it prevents the chainsaw from turning or moving the chain smoothly. Sometimes the chain completely stops rotating.

8 Steps to Troubleshoot the Chainsaw Chain Tension Problems: 

Here is the easiest way to fix the chain tension problem. So, read and follow the instructions thoroughly _

Things Required to adjust the Chain Tension on Your Chainsaw:

Tools

A Bar Wrench

A Screwdriver

Pair of Protective googles & Safety Gloves

Step 1- Inspect Whether the Bar Rails are Shallow or the Bar has Worn Out:

As soon you notice that the chain on your chainsaw is not staying tight or coming off from its place, inspect the bar. Check whether there’s any presence of built-up debris around the guide bar or if it has worn off.

Carefully check whether the rails are fine or shallow. If they look shallow, you have to replace the bar.

Step 2- Check the Chain Oiler’s Condition:

If the bar is in good condition, inspect whether the chain oiler is in good order or needs to be repaired. If it looks too bad, you have to replace the chain oiler assembly too.

Also, check if there are any broken teeth on your chain and if there are any broken teeth, you need to sharpen them accordingly.

Step 3- Make sure that your Chainsaw is Cold and Loosen up the Clutch cover Mounting Nuts:

Another way to fix the chain tension problem is to adjust the tension properly and to do so, ensure that the chainsaw has cooled off. Also, place the chain brake on the disengage position before starting the procedures.

First, use a wrench to loosen up the two mounting nuts on the clutch cover of your chainsaw.

Remember, you do not have to take these nuts entirely off.

Loosening those nuts up will allow the guide bar to move forward as well as move up & down while adjusting the chain tension.

Step 4- Locate the Chain Tension Adjusting Screw on your Chainsaw:

Next, you need to locate the tension-adjusting screw on your chainsaw.

On some chainsaws, the adjusting screw is on the inboard side.

But on some chainsaw models, the tensioning screw is on between the two clutch cover nuts.

Even if you own a STIHL Toolless or another brand’s toolless chainsaw, the adjusting screw might be on the top front area of the clutch cover.

Thus, find the adjusting screw first, and if you are a beginner or not sure, take help from your chainsaw’s user manual.

Step 5- Continue Holding the Bar up and Reach the Adjusting Screw:

Hold the bar up and keep holding the guide bar like that with one hand, while you reach the adjusting screw with another hand.

Step 6- Turn the Tension Adjusting Screw Clockwise:

Take a screwdriver and turn or rotate the adjusting screw clockwise. Now, do this in increments of a quarter turn and half a turn.

While turning the screw clockwise, keep an eye on the chain, and you will notice that the chain is gradually tightening up as you do that.

If the first attempts seem not enough, give it another quarter turn.

Step 7- Pull the Drive Links to check:

Then check the chain by pulling the drive links, and if the chain seems tight enough, your adjusting is done.

But if the chain still feels loose when you pull the underneath drive links, give a few quarters turns more until the chain feels turd enough.

Step 8- Tighten the Clutch cover Nuts Securely:

Once the adjustment is done, tighten the clutch cover mounting nuts while holding the bar still up.

Make sure the nuts are tightened evenly and securely.

Don’t overtighten them. Otherwise, you will strip the plastic part where the studs go into the body.

Now turn or rotate the chain to confirm that it is moving smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Verdict

Chainsaw users often complain about encountering chain tension problems, where they might notice difficulty in tightening the chain, or the chain might feel too loose and come off frequently.

These scenarios mainly arise when the chain on your chainsaw is not set correctly or tensioned accurately, and in such a situation, you need to know how to tension or adjust the chain tension properly.

The easiest way to perform the chain tension adjustment is discussed earlier in this article, so follow the instruction comprehensively.