A chainsaw chain is a long piece of metal that connects the sprocket wheel to the teeth of the saw blade. They are designed to be replaced when they become too worn to be used. The length of the chain is measured from the centre of the sprocket wheel to the end of the chain. Sometimes it needs to shorten the chain when the chain gets loose. Here is a complete guide on How to shorten a chainsaw chain.

Why does it needed to shorten the chainsaw chain

Sometimes it needed to shorten the chainsaw chain because the chain gets loose. If it gets loose, you may be able to make the saw blade kick back or it can actually stop cutting. A loose chain is the most common reason for needing to shorten the chainsaw chain. In order to make the saw cut properly, it needs to be in line with the chain and not hanging off to one side. If the chain is too long, it can hang down and cause the saw to kick back. Maintaining alignment between the saw blade and chain is crucial.

Safety Tips

While shortening the chainsaw, you need to take care of your safety. You should take care of your safety while shortening the chainsaw chain. You need to confirm that you are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. It should include goggles and gloves. You can use a hand clamp to hold the chain in place. It will prevent you from accidentally pulling the chain. When you shorten the chainsaw chain, you should be careful to keep it from getting pulled off of the sprocket. The safety equipment will help you protect your hands and arms from being injured. If you are using a power chain puller, you should use it with caution.

How to shorten a chainsaw chain

Here is the step-by-step process of How to shorten a chainsaw chain

Step 1: 

Start with the chain that is attached to the motor sprocket. Pull back one tooth to the left. If you are shortening the chain that is attached to the right side, then you should pull back one tooth to the right. Remember to pull the teeth all the way back so that you are sure that you have shortened the chain.

Step 2:

Next, you should grab the teeth that are attached to the sprocket. You must use both hands. Place your thumbs in the middle of the teeth. Use your fingers to gently pull the teeth inwards. Make sure that you don’t pull too hard so that you don’t damage your saw blade. Once you have pulled the teeth back to the desired position, you will know whether or not you have shortened the chain correctly. You should continue pulling back the remaining teeth until you have shortened the chain completely.

Step 3:

It is time to put the chain on the sprocket. Make sure that you attach the chain to the sprocket properly. The chain will be broken if you make a mistake.

Conclusion

As you read the step-by-step procedure of chainsaw tightening, make sure that you do all the steps carefully. You should also practice the steps. Practice makes perfect, and practising your chainsaw chain shortening can help you learn the skill. Your chainsaw chain can be rapidly shortened if you carefully read and adhere to all of the directions.