How To Put On A Chainsaw Chain

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If your chainsaw isn’t cutting as well as it used to, it might be time to replace the chain. Replacing a chainsaw chain is a relatively easy task that can be done in a few minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

**Step 1: Safety First**
Before you start working on your chainsaw, make sure to take some safety precautions. Wear gloves and safety glasses, and make sure the chainsaw is unplugged.

**Step 2: Remove the Old Chain**
To remove the old chain, you’ll need to loosen the chain tensioner. On most chainsaws, the chain tensioner is located near the front of the saw. Once the chain tensioner is loose, you can remove the old chain by pulling it off the bar.

Assemble the Required Tools

Before you begin the process of putting on a chainsaw chain, it is crucial to gather the necessary tools and equipment. Having the right tools on hand will ensure a smooth and efficient installation process.

Essential Tools

Required Tool	Description
Wrench	A wrench is used to loosen and tighten the nuts that secure the chain to the bar. Choose a wrench that fits the size of the nuts on your chainsaw.
Screwdriver	A screwdriver is used to remove the cover plate that provides access to the chain. A Phillips head screwdriver is typically required for this purpose.
Chain Tensioner	A chain tensioner is a specialized tool used to adjust the tension of the chain. It consists of a hook that fits into the chain and a handle for tightening and loosening.

Additional Tools

In addition to the essential tools mentioned above, you may also find the following items helpful:

Safety gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges
Eye protection to prevent debris from entering your eyes
Work gloves for a better grip on the tools
Chain lubricant to keep the chain lubricated during use
Chain vise for holding the bar securely while working on the chain

Clean the Chainsaw and Guide Bar

Before handling the chain, thoroughly remove all dirt, debris, and oil residue from the chainsaw and guide bar. This will help prevent contaminants from getting into the new chain or damaging the saw’s components.

Detailed Cleaning Instructions:

Remove the Guide Bar: Loosen the nuts or bolts that hold the guide bar in place, and carefully remove the bar from the saw body.
Clean the Bar Grooves: Use a brush or cloth to clear away sawdust, chips, and any stuck-on debris from the bar grooves. This will ensure proper chain movement and reduce wear.
Wipe Down the Guide Bar: Wipe down the entire guide bar with a clean cloth or rag to remove any remaining dirt or oil. Pay particular attention to the bar rails and the sprocket tip, where the chain makes contact.
Clean the Saw Body: Brush away any debris from the clutch cover, chain tensioner, and other parts of the saw body. Use a degreaser or solvent to remove stubborn油脂or contaminants.
Air Dry: Allow all cleaned components to air dry completely before reassembling the saw and installing the new chain.

Identify the Chain Orientation

The next step is crucial, as you need to determine the correct orientation of the chain on the bar. Failure to do this properly could result in dangerous kickback or poor cutting performance. Chainsaw chains have cutter teeth alternating between two different shapes:

Left-hand cutters: These teeth slant towards the left.
Right-hand cutters: These teeth slant towards the right.

To ensure safe and effective operation, it’s important to align the orientation of the cutters with the direction of the chain’s rotation.

Left-Hand Drive (Standard)	Right-Hand Drive
– Cutter teeth face downward on the top of the bar – Nose sprocket rotates clockwise	– Cutter teeth face upward on the top of the bar – Nose sprocket rotates counterclockwise

By carefully inspecting the chain and aligning it correctly, you can prevent potential safety hazards while maximizing your chainsaw’s cutting efficiency.

Guide the Chain Onto the Guide Bar

Once the chain is positioned correctly on the bar, guide it onto the guide bar. Start by aligning the drive links with the sprocket on the chain drive at the bottom of the bar. Lift the chain onto the bar, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Ensure each drive link engages fully with the sprocket and that the cutters are facing the correct direction (usually marked on the chain with an arrow or “top” indication).

As you guide the chain onto the bar, ensure it is centered and not twisted or kinked. Check the chain tension as you work and adjust it if necessary. You want the chain to be loose enough to move freely without sagging but tight enough to prevent it from jumping off the bar during operation.

Tensioning the Chain

Once the chain is guided onto the bar, tension it properly. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific tension requirements of your chainsaw model. Generally, you’ll want the chain to be snug but not too tight. A properly tensioned chain will have minimal slack but still be able to be moved easily by hand.

To tension the chain, use the tension adjustment screw or lever on the top of the machine. Tighten the screw or lever until the chain reaches the desired tension and then secure it in place. Be sure to double-check the tension and adjust it further if needed.

Too Loose	Correct	Too Tight
Chain sags and can jump off the bar	Chain should have minimal slack and move freely	Chain binds and can cause damage to the bar or chain

Engage the Chain on the Sprocket

With the guide bar reattached, it’s time to engage the chain on the sprocket. This involves carefully placing the chain over the sprocket and making sure it is seated properly.

To do this:

Hold the guide bar in your left hand and the chain in your right hand.
Position the chain over the nose of the guide bar, with the cutting teeth facing toward the front of the saw.
Place the chain on the sprocket and rotate the sprocket by hand to engage the chain.
Ensure that the chain is sitting evenly on the sprocket and that it is not twisted or tangled.
Slowly pull the chain along the guide bar until it reaches the far end.

Tip: If you are having trouble getting the chain to seat properly, try applying a small amount of lubricant to the sprocket and chain.


Step 1: Position the chain over the nose of the guide bar.
Step 2: Place the chain on the sprocket.
Step 3: Rotate the sprocket to engage the chain.
Step 4: Pull the chain along the guide bar.

Check Chain Lubrication

To ensure optimal performance and extend the life of your chainsaw chain, it is crucial to check the chain lubrication system before each use. Follow these steps to verify proper lubrication:

Safety First: Always switch off the chainsaw and unplug it from the power source before checking lubrication.
Inspect Oil Reservoir: Locate the oil reservoir on your chainsaw and check the oil level. If the oil level is low or empty, fill it with high-quality chainsaw oil.
Lubrication Bar: Turn the chainsaw on its side so that the lubrication bar is facing upwards.
Run Chain: Run the chainsaw for a few seconds. If oil droplets are visible on the lubrication bar, it indicates that the lubrication system is functioning properly.
Absence of Oil: If no oil droplets are visible, clean the oil injection port using a wire brush or compressed air. If the issue persists, consult your chainsaw user manual or a qualified technician.
Lubrication Frequency: Check chain lubrication every few hours of use or more frequently if the chainsaw is operating under heavy loads or in dry conditions.

NOTE: Chain lubrication helps keep the chain sharp, reduce friction, and prevent premature wear. Regular lubrication will significantly extend the chain’s lifespan and ensure efficient cutting performance.

Table: Chain Lubrication Indicators

Indicator	Lubrication Status
Oil droplets visible on lubrication bar	Proper lubrication
No oil droplets visible on lubrication bar	Lack of lubrication

By following these steps and regularly checking chain lubrication, you can maintain optimal chainsaw performance and safety.

Secure the Chain Guard

Before proceeding with the chain installation, it is crucial to ensure the safety of the chainsaw by securing its chain guard. This protective cover prevents accidental contact with the sharp chain during operation. To secure it properly:

Identify the chain guard’s mounting mechanism. Some chainsaws use a lever, while others utilize bolts or screws to secure the guard.
Locate the designated mounting points on the chainsaw’s housing. These points will typically align with corresponding holes or grooves on the chain guard.
Carefully align the chain guard with the mounting points and ensure it fits snugly. Avoid forcing the guard into place, as this could damage the guard or the chainsaw.
Secure the guard using the appropriate method. If it utilizes a lever, firmly push it down until it locks into place. If it uses bolts or screws, tighten them securely using a suitable tool.
Double-check the security of the chain guard by gently tugging on it. It should not move or loosen easily.

Additional Tips for Securing the Chain Guard:

Tip	Description
Use anti-seize lubricant	Applying a small amount of anti-seize lubricant to the bolts or screws before tightening can prevent them from rusting or seizing over time.
Check regularly	Periodically inspect the chain guard for signs of damage or loose mounting. Promptly address any issues to maintain optimal safety.

Verify Chain Tension

Proper chain tension is crucial for safe and efficient chainsaw operation. Follow these steps to ensure optimal tension:

1. Check the Chain Tension Level

Hold the chainsaw by its top handle and pull the starting cord a few times. The chain should move freely, but it should not be so loose that it sags or so tight that it binds when the bar is lifted.

2. Use the Tensioning Pin

The chainsaw will have a tensioning pin located near the guide bar. Turn the pin clockwise to tighten the chain and counterclockwise to loosen it.

3. Check the Deflection

With your fingers on the underside of the chain, midway between the guide bar tip and the drive sprocket, gently pull up on the chain. The ideal deflection should be 1/4 to 3/8 inch (6 to 9 mm). If the deflection is too much, the chain is too loose; if it’s too little, the chain is too tight.

4. Tighten or Loosen the Chain

If the chain is too loose or too tight, adjust the tensioning pin as follows:

Chain Too Loose	Chain Too Tight
Turn the tensioning pin counterclockwise	Turn the tensioning pin clockwise

5. Recheck the Deflection

Repeat step 3 to ensure the desired deflection has been achieved.

6. Tighten the Lock Nuts

Once the chain is tensioned correctly, tighten the lock nuts that secure the guide bar and tensioning pin.

7. Retighten After Break-In

Chains stretch during the break-in period, so it’s important to recheck the tension after about 15 minutes of operation. Adjust the tension as necessary to maintain the desired deflection.

8. Regular Tension Checks

Check the chain tension regularly, especially after prolonged use or after hitting hard objects. Loose chains can jump off the bar or cause the chainsaw to kickback, while tight chains can damage the chain, guide bar, or engine.

9. Use a Chain Tension Gauge

For more precise tension measurements, consider using a chain tension gauge. Place the gauge on the chain, halfway between the guide bar tip and the drive sprocket. The gauge will indicate the approximate tension level, guiding you toward the optimal range of 1/4 to 3/8 inch (6 to 9 mm) deflection.

Safety Precautions

When working with chainsaws, safety should always be the top priority. Here are some essential precautions to observe before attempting to put on a chainsaw chain:

1. Wear Proper Protective Gear

Always wear appropriate safety gear, including sturdy work boots, protective gloves, safety glasses, and earplugs or earmuffs.

2. Secure the Chainsaw

Before handling the chain, ensure the chainsaw is placed on a stable surface with the engine turned off and the spark plug disconnected to prevent accidental starts.

3. Inspect the Chain

Inspect the chain carefully before putting it on to ensure it is not damaged or excessively dull. Replace worn or damaged chains immediately.

4. Gather Necessary Tools

Assemble the tools needed for chain replacement, including a wrench, screwdriver, and a pair of work gloves.

5. Remove the Chain Cover

Locate the chain cover on the chainsaw and use the appropriate tool to remove it, exposing the bar and sprocket.

6. Clean the Bar and Sprocket

Use a brush or compressed air to remove any dirt, sawdust, or debris from the bar and sprocket.

7. Position the Chain on the Bar

Carefully align the chain with the groove in the bar and ensure that the cutting teeth are facing the correct direction.

8. Install the Chain

Wrap the chain around the bar and sprocket, ensuring that it fits snugly and is not loose or excessively tight.

9. Tighten the Chain

Adjust the chain tensioner according to the manufacturer’s instructions using the provided wrench. The chain should be tight enough to prevent it from sagging but not so tight that it binds.

10. Lubricate the Chain

Apply a suitable chain lubricant to the chain to reduce friction and extend its lifespan. Refer to the chainsaw manufacturer’s recommendations for the type and quantity of lubricant to use.