How to properly install the chain on a STIHL chainsaw

Operating tips

It is not enough to know how the chain tightens on a chainsaw. You need to properly care for the saw, then you will extend the service life of not only the chain, but also the entire mechanism. Here are some tips for use:

  • Clean and lubricate the air filter regularly with oil. Replace the filter with a new one if necessary.
  • Before starting work, always check that all nuts and bolts are tightly tightened so that during operation the mechanism does not malfunction.
  • Regularly lubricate the bearings, and also do not forget about cleaning the spark plug from waste.
  • Lubricate the driven sprocket. And after using the chainsaw, do not forget to clean it.
  • Lubricate, sharpen and tighten the chain always on time, then there will be no problems with the bar and chain.

If you follow all of the above tips, your machine will last much longer than the warranty period.

Chain tension

There are two ways to stretch the chain: fast and frontal. It is best to stretch in the frontal way.

STIHL MS 251 chainsaw: Mounting the bar and chain, tensioning the saw chain

If you carry out a frontal tension, then you need to unscrew the nuts that hold the tire and lift it over the edge. With a special bolt on the right, you need to tighten the chain until an acceptable tension is obtained, and then raise the tire even higher and clamp it.

Important! It is worth remembering that only a cold chain can be pulled. If you pull the chains overheated after operation, then after cooling it can burst and damage the tire (according to the laws of physics, hot metal always expands).

If using the quick tightening method, first lift the wing nut handle and loosen it. Then tighten the chain tensioning screw clockwise as far as it will go. Then retighten the wing nut and lower the handle.

How to properly install the chain on a chainsaw

If you have a chainsaw at home, then you should know that it requires special care. It is necessary to periodically clean and sharpen the chains, clean the air filter, oil supply and tires. And, of course, you need to monitor the chain tension, since with a poor tension there is a risk not only to harm the saw, but also to your health if the chain flies off at high speeds.

Front chain tensioner

Now we will tell you how to install the chain with a front tensioner.

  • The individual components of the chainsaw: the engine block, the chain, the tire, the combination key, lay out on a surface covered with a soft rug.
  • As in the case of the side chain tensioner, we bring the motor unit to the vertical position and unscrew the nuts with the combined wrench. The chain sprocket cover can now be removed.
  • The chain tensioner must be turned to the left so that the clamping element moves back from the sprocket.
  • Next, we put the chain on the tire, starting from the top of the tire.
  • Turn the chain over so that the tire is completely placed on top of it.
  • We check that the chain is located on the bus correctly. It should be positioned so that the teeth on the top of the bar are facing forward.
  • Next, we take the chain and the bar, and put the chain on the sprocket, pushing the guide bar onto the bolts with a shoulder.
  • The sprocket cover must be put back on the engine block and the nuts tightened by hand. The bar and chain are now secured and the chain tension can be adjusted.
  • By turning the clamping screw to the right, the chain links enter the groove of the bar.
  • Lift the top up, turn the chain clamping screw a little more. As a result, the links must enter the groove.
  • Now you need to tighten the nuts with a combination wrench.
  • Checking the chain slack and finding the chain in the groove.
  • Next, we check if our chain is overtightened. To do this, release the chain brake, pull the chain along the mowing line of movement (do not forget about protective gloves). If the chain does not move, then it is necessary to unscrew the nuts again and repeat the above manipulations.
  • The saw is ready for use. It remains only to activate the chain brake.

Timely and correctly installed saw chain will help make the process of cutting wood fast and safe.

How to install a chainsaw cutter

After installing the chain, tighten it correctly and check the tension. Among the features of this moment, we note the following:

  • Pulling too tight will cause excessive stress, and the product may burst.
  • Insufficient tension leads to chain wear and many other problems.
properly, install, chain, stihl, chainsaw

Side chain tensioner

Consider the step-by-step installation instructions for the side chain tensioner.

  • As with the quick tensioner, the first step is to prepare the work surface on which we lay the block, combination wrench, bar and chain.
  • We bring the engine block to the vertical position and unscrew the nuts with a combined wrench. The chain sprocket cover can now be removed.
  • We turn the chain tensioner to the left so that the tensioning element comes into contact with the recess in the body.
  • Next, as with mounting with a quick tensioner, carefully place the chain on the bar. We start the process from the top of the tire. It is important to ensure that the chain is guided correctly. A prerequisite is the presence of gloves for protection when working with sharp chain cutters.
  • We turn the chain so that the tire is completely on the chain.
  • We re-check the accuracy of the location and direction of the chain. The cutter located on the top of the tire should be facing forward.
  • We put the chain in the assembly with the tire on the sprocket. In the process, the guide bar slides over the shoulder bolt.
  • We put the cover on the engine block and tighten the nuts. Now the chain with the bar is rigidly fixed and it is possible to adjust the chain tension.
  • If the chain is loose and slack, then its links will not be in the groove of the tire.
  • Next, we turn the chain clamping screw to such an extent that the chain sags quite a bit, and the links are located in the tire groove.
  • Raise the top of the tire up and slightly tighten the screw. The chain links must fit fully into the groove.
  • Tighten the nuts with the combination wrench.
  • We re-check the location of the chain in the groove. And we check that there is no sagging.
  • Next, we check if our chain is overtightened. To do this, release the chain brake, pull the chain along the mowing line of movement (do not forget about protective gloves). If the chain does not move, then it is necessary to unscrew the nuts again and repeat the above manipulations.
  • You can activate the chain brake and start the chainsaw.

How to put the chain on the chainsaw correctly: set which side to put on, direction of installation STIHL, Husqvarna, picture

The chain is an important element in the construction of a chainsaw. It is she who has the greatest load during work, so high-quality and systemic care is required. When using any model, it is important to know how to put on the chain correctly, to monitor its tension. If it is not secured correctly, there is a risk of stretching and coming out of the grooves. Reduced saw performance and increased risk of injury at high power.

How to put the chain on a chainsaw correctly: direction

When considering how to correctly put the chain on the chainsaw, we note that the modern version of the tool has a special setting wheel. Due to it, the procedure is greatly simplified. Among its features, we note the following points:

CHAIN REPLACEMENT on a Stihl chainsaw MS 250. How to

  • Considering how to properly put the chain on the chainsaw, we note that first you need to prepare a flat surface. This eliminates the possibility of damage to the tool. After that, the main part of the tool, the bar and the chain are laid out separately.
  • The next step is to remove the protection that is designed to protect the sprocket. In most cases, it is fixed with a conventional wing nut.
  • On the tire, the sprocket turns to the right until it stops. It is in this position that the tool is installed.
  • Then the chain is gradually superimposed on the fixing element. A fairly common question can be called which side this element is put on. Installation starts at the top, the chain is rotated so that the bar is on top. Such operations should be carried out exclusively with thick gloves that can withstand the impact of the cutting edge. The cutter on the end face must be facing forward.
  • Both elements are worn on an asterisk.
  • The next step is to reattach the chain sprocket cover. It is important to make sure that the pins line up with the holes. Improper fixation may cause rattling or other problems.
  • It is necessary to ensure that the guides fall into a special chute.
  • The state of the chain is checked visually after it is fixed.

The next step is to directly check to see if the chain has been overtightened. To do this, release the chain brake and pull it along the mowing line of movement. The check is carried out exclusively with special gloves.

In general, we can say that the procedure under consideration is quite simple to execute and does not require special tools to carry it out. However, not all chainsaws are as easy to maintain as stated above.

Fast chain tensioner

To install the chain, you need to use the setting wheel. At the same time, there is no need to use other tools.

  • Preparing the surface for work. It should be comfortable and level. In order not to spoil the surface and the instrument itself, we cover it with something soft, for example, a rug. now we lay out the tire, chain and engine block separately on the surface.
  • The next step is to open the wing nut, then remove the chain sprocket cover.
  • Turn the tensioning sprocket attached to the tire to the right until it stops.
  • Gradually lay the chain over the top of the bar, starting at the top of the bar. It is important to ensure that the chain is guided correctly. Don’t forget about protective gloves.
  • Now the chain must be turned over so that the bar is on top of the chain.
  • We re-check the accuracy of the location and direction of the chain. The cutter located on the top of the tire should be facing forward.
  • We put the chain in the assembly with the tire on the sprocket. In the process, the guide bar slides over the shoulder bolt.
  • Now we put the cover of the chain sprocket back on the motor block, while it is important to make sure that all the pins go into the corresponding holes. We turn the wing nut until the chain sprocket contacts the engine housing. The sprocket cover does not need to be fully tightened.
  • Next, in the direction of the top of the tire, turn the clamping screw. The drive chain links must fit into the tire groove.
  • We tighten the wing nut so that the chain sprocket cover fits snugly on the engine block. We close the wing nut until it is fixed.
  • We check visually so that the chain does not sag.
  • Next, we check if our chain is overtightened. To do this, release the chain brake, pull the chain along the mowing line of movement with your hand (do not forget about protective gloves).
  • After that the saw is ready for work and only the last step remains. activating the chain brake.

Thus, mounting the saw chain and bars with a quick chain tensioner has its clear advantages, namely that it is not difficult to tension the chain and does not require additional tools.

Check stretch

It is important to check the degree of tension in a timely manner. As previously noted, the cutting edge can quickly wear out when slack or tightly pulled. The work on checking the condition of the circuit is carried out as follows:

  • To begin with, the brake system is turned off.
  • With gloves, the chain on the bar is held by hand.
  • If it goes to the right and does not sag, then everything is fine.
  • If it passes end-to-end, then the tension should be slightly relaxed, since there is a possibility of rupture at the time of operation.

Correct use of the chainsaw will significantly extend its service life. The main recommendations are as follows:

  • The spark plug should be cleaned from time to time to ensure an easy start. Over time, carbon deposits may appear on the surface, which significantly complicates the procedure for igniting the fuel mixture.
  • The bearings are lubricated regularly. For this, a special substance or engine oil is used. If the device is run dry, then there is a possibility of significant wear. Adding lubricant solves quite a few problems.
  • The air filter must be regularly lubricated, in some cases it is lubricated with oil. If necessary, the filter is replaced with a new one. Do not forget that the filter element excludes the possibility of contamination entering the cylinder block.
  • Before direct work, attention is paid to ensure that all fixing elements are well tightened. To do this, you have to carry out a visual inspection every time before using the chainsaw.
  • The driven sprocket must also be permanently lubricated. In addition, there is a possibility of clogging. Otherwise, the element wears out quickly.
  • The chain should be sharpened and coated with oil periodically. Operation with significant defects is not recommended, as this significantly increases the degree of wear.

we note that it is necessary to carry out timely maintenance, since otherwise even a high-quality tool will not serve for a long period. In some cases, you have to take the saw to special firms that provide appropriate services.

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Innovative types of chainsaws enable their owners to get the job done without much effort. The work will be done superbly and in the shortest possible time if you install the chain on the chainsaw in a timely manner and with high quality.

STIHL Chainsaw HOW TO: Chain Replacement. MS251C

Before proceeding with the assembly of the chainsaw, it is necessary to check the presence of all components. It is also important to observe safety precautions and be sure to wear gloves for protection. This is a prerequisite for any contact with the saw chain, as there is a risk of injury from the chain teeth.

Saws come with a quick chain tensioner, side tensioner and front chain tensioner.

Following the step-by-step instructions, we prepare the saw for work.

How to install a chainsaw cutter

After installing the chain, tighten it correctly and check the tension. Among the features of this moment, we note the following:

  • Pulling too tight will cause excessive stress, and the product may burst.
  • Insufficient tension leads to chain wear and many other problems.

In general, we can say that there are practically no problems with fixing an unworn product.

Chain direction and which side to wear

A chainsaw chain, if you look closely, has saw teeth pointing to one side. Therefore, it is very easy to determine the correct direction of the saw teeth on the guide bar: if you place the chainsaw itself in the plane in which it is in operation, then the row of teeth located on top of the guide bar with sharp edges should be directed to the end of the bar. While, the row of teeth, which is located at the bottom of the chainsaw, with sharp edges should point in the opposite direction, towards the drive sprocket.

It will not work to put the chain with its teeth inward to the grooves in the guide bar, it simply will not stick to the bar. Therefore, you need to put the chainsaw chain on the bar so that the guide ears of the saw blade links are directed towards the inside of the guide bar.

Circuit voltage

Stretching can be done using two methods: fast and frontal. If stretch is used, then the installation of the chain on the chainsaw is carried out as follows:

  • The nuts are unscrewed.
  • The tire is held and lifted from the edge.
  • There is a special bolt that is used to tension the chain.
  • The tire is lifted to eliminate the possibility of sagging of the web.

It is quite simple to perform such work, it requires a small set of tools.

The quick method is to lift the wing nut handle and loosen it, the screw is turned clockwise, then the wing nut is also tightened and the handle is released.

The clockwise chain tension is carried out in the case when there is not a lot of free time. The chain screw is securely fixed to eliminate the likelihood of rattling at the time of operation.

Chain tension

The chain of the chainsaw together with the guide bar is subjected to the greatest stress during operation, unlike other parts of the chainsaw. Over time, it lengthens in size due to boring gaps in the connecting links. This process occurs with absolutely any type of chain, therefore, when using a chainsaw, it is necessary to periodically monitor the correct tension of the chain and its wear.

  • the length of her life;
  • safety of felling or timber breaking;
  • internal combustion engine resource.

If the chain is overtightened, the efficiency of the sawing work decreases, and the motor and transmission are subjected to increased loads. The guide bar heats up a lot due to increased friction, the operating mode of the chainsaw goes into excessive consumption of the fuel mixture.