How to Adjust a Chainsaw Tension

Chainsaws are a modern day invention that allow you to quickly and relatively easily cut down or trim trees. A chainsaw works by running a chain of teeth along the length of a piece of metal known as the bar. The motor turns the chain and the user can then press the bar into the tree, allowing the chain's teeth to cut into the wood and clear the wood chips from the cutting path. Through all of this work, parts on the chain will loosen up and even the bar itself can loosen, causing a potentially dangerous situation in which the chain could slip off of the bar. Thus, it is vitally important to keep the chainsaw chain properly tensioned.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Chain oil
• Guide bar retaining nut wrench

1. Locate the guide bar retaining nuts on the side of the motor that holds the bar. Use the guide bar retaining nut wrench to loosen the two bolts mounting the bar to the motor.

2. Locate the chain tensioning screw on the front of the motor housing near the guide bar. Turn the screw clockwise to increase tension and counterclockwise to release tension. Tighten the chain until the chain moves freely along the length of the guide bar, but is tight on the curves of the bar.

3. Locate the oil holes on the lower portion of the guide arm and put a few drops of oil in the hole to increase the lubrication for the newly tightened chain. Use the guide bar retaining nut wrench to tighten the guide bar down again and then start the chainsaw and see how it runs.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear gloves when tightening, oiling or sharpening the chainsaw chain.