How to Put a New Chain on a Chainsaw

When the chain on a chainsaw is worn to the point where sharpening is no longer practical, it's time to replace it. The cutting edge of a chain is on the bottom of the guide bar. As the chain is pulled through the wood, the depth of the cut is determined by the built in cutting gauge. The cutter's edge enters the wood, causing the entire cutter to rock back and lift away from the bar as the top plate of each cutter link peels away the severed wood chips. The chips are discharged out the rear of the saw.

Instructions

1. Lubricate the chain thoroughly before installation. Many manufacturers recommend soaking the new chain overnight in 30 weight motor oil and wiping off the excess oil with a rag before putting it on the chainsaw. Another acceptable way of lubricating a new chain is to spray it generously with lubricating oil just before installation.

2. Loosen the two bolts holding the saw guard to the handle assembly. Remove the nuts and washers and remove the bolts. Loosen the chain by turning the adjusting screw counter clockwise until the chain has enough slack to slip it off the drive sprocket. Remove the guard, guide bar and chain as a unit from the body of the chainsaw.

3. Separate the saw guard from the guide bar and chain, then remove the chain from the guide bar. Notice that the guide bar has a channel all the way around the outer edge. The inside edge of the chain rides in this channel. This keeps the chain tracking properly on the chainsaw.

4. Install the new chain onto the guide bar, making sure the inside edge of the chain fits into the channel. Notice that the outside edge of the chain has hook shaped cutting blades, or cutters. The cutters on the top of the bar should face forward toward the front of the chainsaw, and those on the bottom of the bar will be facing the rear of the chainsaw.

5. Reattach the guard to the handle assembly and reinstall the bolts, nuts and washers. Slide the bar and chain into the handle assembly and slip the chain over the drive socket in the rear of the chainsaw so the tips of the sprocket fit into the spaces between the chain lengths. Slide the bar forward away from the handle assembly.

6. Turn the adjusting screw clockwise until the chain is snug against the bar. Don't over tighten the screw. If the chain is too tight against the bar, it will bind during operation.