How to tension the chain of a chainsaw?

Tensioning the chain of a chainsaw allows you to have a particularly effective tool for cutting the wood in your garden. To carry out basic or more advanced maintenance work, it is essential that the chain of the Bosh, Makita or Stihl chainsaw you are using is tensioned in the right way. It is a way of maintaining your equipment in order to prolong its life and prevent it from overheating unnecessarily due to bad tension. In addition, it can cause the chain to jump and thus waste time when performing a cutting job.

to tighten the chain of a chainsaw

Why tighten the chain of a chainsaw?

When you use the chain more or less intensively, it is because you need to make precise cuts of branches and trunks. But with the wear and tear of it combined with the dirt and the various wood chips, a bad tension can then appear. As soon as the chain of a chainsaw no longer touches the bottom of the bar, it is absolutely necessary to tighten it. But before discovering our guide to perform this operation, you should know that when the chain of a chainsaw starts to heat up, it relaxes naturally. This is why it is necessary to tighten the chain of a chainsaw when it has been able to relax by heating. Based on this principle, if you have tensioned the chain of a chainsaw while it was running, remember to release it as soon as the chain begins to cool. If, unfortunately, you engage with too much tension, this could damage the crankshaft bearing as well as the guide of your chainsaw.

Tension the chain of a chainsaw with the quick tensioner

The tensioner is an important mechanical part which makes it easy to tension the chain of a chainsaw. This is a perfectly valid procedure for many brands such as Ryobi or Hyundai. To carry out this operation, you simply have to switch off your engine and release the chain brake. Next, it will be necessary to unscrew the screws and nuts necessary to lift the chain guide. Then you will be able to adjust the tension of your chainsaw by simply using the clamping screw. Remember to distribute the tension properly and tighten the clamp nut properly, then lower the chain guide. Systematically check the chain tension by wearing gloves, this will prevent cuts.

Tension the chain of a chainsaw with the side tensioner

Another essential step is to tighten the chain of a chainsaw at the side tensioner. However, not all chainsaw models are equipped with this element. If this is the case with your chainsaw, simply turn off your machine again to work safely and then access the chain brake you are about to release. As for the previous step, you will have to unscrew the screws and the various fixing nuts necessary so that you can lift the chain guide again. Not surprisingly, you will be able to adjust the tension simply by using the tightening screw provided for this purpose. It is necessary to distribute the tension as it should and then to tighten the fixing nut. The penultimate step is to simply lower the chain guide again and check the chain tension you just changed again. As in the previous step, we always advise you to work with safety gloves so as not to injure yourself with one of the mechanical parts of the chainsaw.

Tension the chain of a chainsaw with the front tensioner

Although the procedure remains the same compared to the various elements that we have described previously, few chainsaw models have a front tensioner. However, if this is the case, you will have to follow the procedure that we are going to describe to you, but if you have the slightest doubt, do not forget to refer to your user manual.

Cut off your equipment completely before attempting to tension a chainsaw chain. If it is an electric chainsaw, remove the plug directly for safety. Then you will be able to release the chain brake by simply pulling the handle provided for this purpose in your direction. This will allow you directly to unscrew the fixing nuts with one or two turns which are more than enough. Then lift the chain guide to tighten the screw provided to change the chain tension. You just need to slide it or pull it to distribute the tension evenly. Then reattach the fixing nut, replace the chain guide and check the tension again before using your appliance.

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