What happens if a chainsaw chain breaks?
Well, you’ve come to the right place because that’s exactly what I’ll be going over in this post, so let’s get straight into it!
What happens if a chainsaw chain breaks?
If you’re worried about the chain flying at you, then don’t. It’s less likely for a chainsaw chain to shoot like a missile.
So, what happens when the chainsaw chain breaks?
Well, there is more than one possible outcome to that. Most of the time, the chainsaw chain is simply stuck in the tree trunk or branch you’re cutting.
While other times, the chain would just flail and drop on the ground. The last possible outcome is when the chain jams in the drive sprocket and breaks.
In all three of these situations, the chain ends up becoming unusable. So, if you find yourself in a similar scenario do not try to fit the chain in the chainsaw again.
What can a used chainsaw chain be used for?
Chainsaw or axe?
Should you let a chainsaw warm up?
What will cause a chain to break?
For those that just bought their first chainsaw and are worried if the chain will suddenly break during the task, don’t stress. Chainsaw chain breaking is not a common occurrence. But when it does happen there are one of the following reasons behind it.
1. Most of the time it’s really difficult to notice if the tree trunk has any foreign object stuck to it. Unfortunately, when it comes to a chainsaw, running the blade on a stone or metal piece can be the death of your chain.
On top of that, when amateurs are cutting through the trunk, they often touch the blade to the ground. This can also be a cause of the breaking of the chainsaw chain.
2. Another cause of chainsaw chain breaking is simply using the chainsaw while the tension of the chain is not adjusted properly. A too loose or too tight chain can cause it to break.
3. Every product you own or any item, in general, comes with an expiration date (or life expectancy). The date for chainsaw chains is 5-years. After you use a chainsaw chain for 5 years, it might get blunt and become prone to breaking.
What should I do to prevent the chain from breaking?
Now you know what causes the chainsaw chain to break. This means it’s the right time to learn a few tips and tricks to prevent it from happening to you.
You must’ve gotten an idea about the precautions you should take. But the following mentioned below will act as a savior for your chainsaw chain.
1. To prevent a chainsaw chain from breaking, don’t touch the running chainsaw blade on metal or stone. But what if you’re unaware of a foreign object, such as stone in the tree trunk? Well, there is a trick for this.
I have noticed that if I accidentally ever touch a stone or metal object with my chainsaw blade, the blade starts sparkling. Hence, if you ever see sparkles when cutting a tree trunk, stop the chainsaw and investigate.
2. Sometimes the chain can break when there isn’t any stone or metal on the site. The actual culprit here is none other than a too loose or too tight chain itself.
To prevent the chain from breaking, always check the tension in the chain and adjust it before cutting the wood.
3. Lastly, if your chain is older than that, then there is a chance it might break on any upcoming day. As I said earlier, on average, chainsaw chains have a life expectancy of 5-years. So, the last precaution you should take is to change the old chain when it has reached its limit.
Would the bar be damaged after the chain breaks?
No, the majority of times, the breaking of the chain does not damage the chainsaw bar. However, ill practices, such as poor chain tension and lack of lubrication can cause harm to the chainsaw bar.
How would I install a new chain?
If your chainsaw chain broke, then to use it in the future it’s important to install a new and functioning chain. The following are the steps you can follow to change your chainsaw chain.
1. Unscrew the nuts of the chainsaw guide bar side panel and then proceed to remove it.
2. Now, release the chain tension and remove it. By pulling the nose of the chainsaw bar you can loosen up the old chain. After the old chain is loose, carefully pull the guide bar’s side links. Now slip the chain over the clutch drum and remove it.
3. Loosen the tensioning screw first. Then thread the new chain. Be sure that the drive links are engaging in the sprocket.
4. Now align the guide bar and pull it to put some tension. Make sure to seat the guide bar onto the adjustment pin.
5. Finish the process by reinstalling the side panel and adjusting the chain tension.
