What is proper chainsaw chain tension?
Yes, a chainsaw chain should be snug but not overly tight. A correctly tensioned chain should be snug against the underside of the bar but still able to move easily when the chain brake is released. The chain should move around the guide bar without a problem but also fit snugly to the bottom of it. Try lifting the top part of the chain at the middle of the guide bar too; it shouldn’t lift more than around 5 mm.
What is the correct tension for a chainsaw chain?
Check correct tension The chain should not hang slack on the bottom of the bar. You should just be able to pull the chain around by hand with gloves on. If the chain won’t move, it’s too tight: Back off slightly. Clean the Chain and Guide Bar A high-quality resin solvent also does a good job here. Any ridges that have formed can be removed with a guide bar dressing tool. For optimal all-round protection, we recommend using a special STIHL cleaner.Every time you clean or replace a chain, flip the bar over. This will insure that normal wear occurs evenly on both sides of the bar. At the same time, run a flat file across the flat sides of the bar to remove any burrs or wire edges from the rails.
When to adjust chain tension?
It is normal for the chain to be tightened regularly to compensate for this wear. The chain tension should be adjusted when the saw chain no longer makes contact with the underside of the guide bar. Check the chain tension The chain should move around the guide bar without a problem but also fit snugly to the bottom of it. Try lifting the top part of the chain at the middle of the guide bar too; it shouldn’t lift more than around 5 mm.