How to Repair a Chain Saw Chain

Chain saws are a great tool for all sorts of tasks. Whether you are looking to cut up some brush from around the yard or need to cut down a tree, your chain saw can do the job. Wear and tear on chain saws can lead to the need for repairs to the chain.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver or rivet punch
• Chain sharpener
• Chain saw chain mender
• Safety equipment

Chain Saw Repair

1. Determine if the chain saw chain should be repaired or replaced. Some chain saw models recommend replacement of the chain if there are any problems instead of repairing it.

2. Whether you want to replace or repair the chain, you should first start by removing the old chain. You will have to loosen some screws or rivets on the chain saw chain. Some chains have a master chain that must be taken out to remove the chain from the bar, and with other chains you just can pick one chain and remove it. Take special care not to hurt your body with the sharp chain.

3. If you have decided to repair the chain, you can sharpen the chain with a chain sharpener; remove additional chains using the rivet punch or screwdriver if the chain has stretched; adjust the links in the chain; or replace damaged links in the chain saw chain.

4. At this point, the replacement or repaired chain can be placed back on the saw. Be sure to align the saw links with the saw bar, ensure that the chain is installed in the correct direction, that the chain is being lubricated, and that it has the correct tension.

5. Now that the chain is repaired or replaced and correctly installed on the saw bar, you can put on your protective equipment, start up the chain saw and begin cutting again.

Tips & Warnings

• Try using a hard grip when working on your chain saw. You need to be careful your grip is not too hard, however. With a strong grip you may be able to bend back a bent chain or undo other severe chain saw damage.
• When working with your chain saw chain, you are going to want to be extremely careful. Not only can chain saw chains create extreme damage when working properly, they can be very difficult to work with when damaged. Also, take caution whenever you are working on a chain in a hot environment, as the metal may burn skin to chain contact.