How to Put a Chain Back on an Electric Chainsaw? Step-by-step guide

How to Put a Chain Back on an Electric Chainsaw

Imagine finding yourself ready to cut through a particularly stubborn piece of wood, only to discover your chainsaw chain has dislodged. Suddenly, your productive day is hampered, and you stand there puzzling, your electric chainsaw rendered virtually useless.

After all, without the proper chain in place, your electric chainsaw won’t be able to cut through trees or branches. So, how to put a chain back on an electric chainsaw without any difficulty is a question arises:

The quick solution involves reattaching the chain to the guide bar and adjusting its tension. Ensure the chain teeth face the right direction, fit onto the sprocket, and are properly seated in the guide bar’s groove.

So, let’s delve deep into the article to understand how to put a chain back on an electric chainsaw through a step-by-step guide.

How to Put a Chain Back on an Electric Chainsaw? Step-by-Step Guide

Before we dive in, let’s remember: safety always comes first! Working with chainsaws can be risky. So, let’s talk about the crucial measurements that must be taken.

Tools Required for Working

Tools are needed to change the chain on an electric chainsaw. Here is a list of essential items that you’ll need:

  • Socket wrench
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Replacement chain
  • Chainsaw (necessary)
  • A bar and chain oil for lubrication.

Precautionary Measures for Safety

Before you start the process, some precautionary measures should be taken for safety and efficiency.

  • Wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles.
  • Make sure your saw is unplugged or turned off before beginning.
  • You can always refer to your chainsaw’s manufacturer’s manual for measuring the saw’s guide bar, gauge, and pitch.
  • The replacement chain must fit your guide bar. Keep in your mind that different bars need different chainsaws.
  • Ensure that all parts are dry before attempting installation.
  • If the chainsaw chain is dull, try to repair it first, and don’t go straight through the replacement option.

Now, let’s move straight through the step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Prepare Your Area

Find a flat, stable surface to work on. Spread a clean cloth or towel on the surface to catch any oil or small parts that might fall out during the process.

Step 2: Remove the Chainsaw Cover

Most electric chainsaws have a side cover that protects the chain and guide bar. Using your socket wrench, loosen the nuts on the cover. Be careful not to lose these nuts! Once loosened, remove the cover to expose the chain and guide bar.

Step 3: Position the Chain on the Guide Bar

Take your replacement chain and start positioning it around the guide bar. Ensure the chain’s sharpened links are facing forward on the top edge of the guide bar.

Step 4: Attach the Chain to the Sprocket

Now, fit the back end of your chain into the chainsaw’s sprocket. Ensure it fits securely and all the chain links are correctly seated in the sprocket.

Step 5: Check Chain Tension

Ensure that the chain is not too loose or too tight. You should be able to pull the chain slightly away from the guide bar, but it should snap back when released. If the tension is not right, adjust it by turning the tension screw, typically located near the base of the chainsaw.

Step 6: Replace the Side Cover

Once the chain is properly positioned and tensioned, replace the chainsaw’s side cover and tighten the nuts using the socket wrench.

Step 7: Test the Chainsaw

Once everything is back in place, it’s time to test your chainsaw. Turn it on and let it run without cutting anything for a moment. Listen for any unusual sounds and observe the chain’s motion. If everything seems normal, your chainsaw is ready for use.

Factors Affecting the Chain on a Worx Electric Chainsaw

Everything thing which got damaged has a fact behind it. The chain on a chainsaw will affect it as well. This is because of the following factors:

  • Improper Tensioning: This is a common issue that often occurs due to an overly loose or tight chain. Too much tension can cause the chain to jump off the sprocket, while too little tension can cause the chain to slip while cutting.
  • Incorrect Lubrication: Lack of proper lubrication will make the chain dry out quicker and wear out faster.
  • Dulling of the chain: Over time and with regular use, your chainsaw’s chain can become dull. This decreases the efficiency of your chainsaw and poses a significant safety risk – it might cause the chainsaw to “kick back”.
  • Damaged or worn-out sprocket: The sprocket, which guides the chain, could become damaged or worn out. This can also lead to problems with the chain.

How to Put the Chain Back on a Homelite Electric Chainsaw?

Homelite chainsaws are quite easy to work with compared to other chainsaws. They are mainly used for homeowners but require regular maintenance. Following are the steps for putting the chain back:

  • Disconnect the power source to ensure safety.
  • Position the chain in a loop with the cutters facing the direction of rotation.
  • Align the drive links into the grooves on the chainsaw bar.
  • Fit the looped chain around the sprocket.
  • Place the bar flush with the chainsaw’s mounting surface.
  • Adjust the bar studs to align with the longer slot on the bar and ensure the tension pin is aligned with a pinhole.
  • Replace the chain cover and secure it with the lock knob.
  • Turn the tension knob clockwise to adjust the chain tension.
  • Before securing the chain cover knob, ensure no slack is left in the chain.
  • Test the chainsaw by connecting it to the power source, turning it on, and letting it run without cutting anything for a moment.

How to Put a Chain Back on Stihl Chainsaw?

Stihl saws are popular chainsaws that require regular maintenance to optimize performance. Following are the steps for putting the chain back on a Stihl Chainsaw:

  • Switch off the Stihl chainsaw and disengage the chain brake for safety.
  • Loosen the nuts on the sprocket cover by turning them anti-clockwise until the guide bar moves freely.
  • Locate the tension screw on the upper and lower sides of the sprocket cover, usually outside the guide bar.
  • Turn the tension screw clockwise to adjust the chain.
  • Adjust the chain until it securely fits on the guide bar’s bottom.
  • While adjusting, slightly raise the guide bar and tighten the nuts on the sprocket cover.
  • Test the chain’s tension to ensure smooth movement.

Electric Chainsaw vs. Gas-Powered Chainsaw

Choosing between an electric chainsaw and a gas-powered one boils down to your needs, preferences, and the nature of the tasks you need to perform.

Electric chainsaws, as we have seen, are popular among homeowners due to their eco-friendliness, quieter operation, and ease of maintenance. They are perfect for light tasks such as trimming, pruning, and cutting small trees.

On the other hand, gas-powered chainsaws offer more power and are ideal for heavy-duty tasks such as cutting down large trees and extensive woodcutting jobs. However, they are noisier, emit fumes, and require more maintenance, including regular oil changes and spark plug replacement.

The chain replacement process for both types can be similar. Both saws require regular chain maintenance, including proper tensioning, lubrication, and timely replacement when the chain becomes dull or damaged.

Final Thoughts: How to Put a Chain Back on an Electric Chainsaw?

Backing the old chain may be a difficult task to be fulfilled. After thoroughly completing the above-mentioned steps, you can easily place the chain back on an electric chainsaw. Putting a chain back on an electric chainsaw involves ensuring safety, correctly positioning the chain, adjusting its tension, and reinstalling the side cover.

Regular maintenance, including proper tensioning, lubrication, and timely replacement, is crucial to keep the chain saw functioning optimally.

FAQs

How to Put a Chain Back on Craftsman Chainsaw?

To put a chain back on a Craftsman chainsaw, remove the side cover, position the chain on the sprocket, adjust the chain’s tension, and reattach the side cover.

Why does the chain keep coming off a Husqvarna chainsaw?

The chain on a Husqvarna chainsaw may keep coming off due to improper tensioning, inadequate lubrication, or a worn-out sprocket.

What kind of oil does a Worx chainsaw take?

The Worx chainsaw oil can take any bar and chain oil available in most hardware stores or stores that sell chainsaws. If necessary, you may use any quality bar and chain oil or SAE 30 oil as an alternative. Always check the user manual for specific recommendations.

What is Worx 10″, 12″, and 14″ inch Chainsaw Chain?

The Worx 12-inch chainsaw chain is a replacement chain for the WG380 & WG381 12″ Cordless Chainsaws, comprising 45 links with a 3/8″ pitch. The Worx 14” electric chainsaw replacement chain is a chain for the WG305 14″ Electric Chainsaw and is comprised of 52 links with a 3/8″ pitch. The worx chainsaw chain 10″ is designed for use on the WG322, WG323 10″ Chainsaw and includes a 30 Day MBG.

How to fix Worx chainsaw?

To fix a Worx chainsaw, first, ensure that it is unplugged. Inspect and clean the chainsaw for any sawdust. Check the chain tension and adjust it if necessary. If the chain is damaged, replace it. Read the Worx electric chainsaw manual or contact a professional for more Worx electric chainsaw troubleshooting.

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