Table of Contents
There are several reasons why your saw chain may be stretching. These include thermal expansion and friction, as well as wear and tear. In order to correct these problems, it is essential to properly tension your chain. Also, make sure to file off sharp edges and to lubricate the bar and chain.
Why Does My Saw Chain Stretch?
Sprocket or dull chain
One of the most common causes of saw chain stretch is the sprocket. A damaged sprocket will increase the chances of the chain wearing out faster. Another common cause of saw chain stretch is a dull chain. This will lower the performance of the saw. Additionally, it will cause more stress on other parts of the saw. This is because the chain does not naturally pull into the wood. In order to cut through wood, you must apply pressure to the chainsaw chain.
Other common causes of saw chain stretch include the links, rivets, and bar oil. If you have a manual for your chain, it’s easy to find it. You can also download a PDF of the manual from the manufacturer’s website. You can also find an online or printed manual of your saw’s chain and bar.
Friction and heat
Chainsaws are very dangerous tools, so it’s important to use them properly. If you don’t, you could damage the chain or cut yourself. If you are not careful, this can result in serious injury and even death. While chainsaw chains stretch due to friction and heat, you can minimize the problem by lubricating your saw with oil. Oil will dissipate the heat from the friction and reduce thermal expansion.
Mechanical issues
If you notice that your saw chain is stretching and is not able to cut the wood properly, you may be experiencing a mechanical issue with your saw. One of the most common mechanical issues is an insufficient amount of lubrication. Insufficient lubrication will cause the chain to smoke, which is a sign of a serious problem. To prevent this, you should check the oiling mechanism by removing the guide bar and inspecting the chain oil discharge slot. The chain oil discharge slot should be free of any clogs.
Damaged depth gauge
Another cause of saw chain stretch is a damaged depth gauge. This part of the chain controls the depth of the teeth while cutting. This part of the saw takes a beating and is prone to wear down. Eventually, it becomes too worn to be adjusted and you’ll have to replace the chainsaw chain.
Some other causes
If your chainsaw is showing signs of excessive wear, you might want to change the chain. There are many factors that can cause the chain to stretch, including low oil, hot chain, and different chain designs. This can all lead to the chain wearing out faster. You can avoid stretching your saw chain by keeping it sharp and clean.
The first thing you should check is the chain tension. If the chain is too loose, the saw will lose its cutting action and the saw will overheat. Alternatively, if the chain is too tight, it will get stuck on the saw, causing it to stretch. All chains stretch during use, but most of this stretching occurs during the first half hour of use. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended chain tension. Also, if your saw is new, you should check your sprocket for wear or damage.
Conclusion:
If you’re not careful with your saw, you can cause excessive wear and tear to your saw chain. Proper tensioning is essential and you should clean your chain frequently. If you’re experiencing saw chain stretch, it may be time to replace the chain. Also, make sure to lubricate the bar and chain regularly.