Chain Tension - It's Commonsense Maintenance Required

A chainsaw is usually a very durable machine. Some models more than others. One thing is for sure, with proper care and maintenance, a chainsaw can give many years of excellent service. Chainsaw manufacturers generally have user manuals that can be downloaded from their respective websites explaining in detail the proper care of a chainsaw.

If your chainsaw is not operating correcting, it may relate to poor chain tension. Check for proper adjustment and if the chain is too loose, it may result in poor cutting. Worse still, it could cause breakage. Adjusting the chain tension every time you use the chainsaw is regarded as good, safe practice.

Poor cutting can also be caused by the fact that the chain is not sharp enough. No problem. There are lots of chain sharpening tools available in power tool stores that you can use to correct this problem.

If the chain falls off, don't panic, you can repair it yourself quite easily. If this happens, remove the two nuts holding the sprocket cover.This will allow you to align the guide bar and chain. You may need to de-tension the chain before you can do that. After this is completed, replace the sprocket cover but don't tighten it completely. Adjust the chain tension first, then fully tighten the sprocket cover. Finally, check the chain tension carefully.

Chainsaw motors can survive the test of time with proper maintenance. Of course motors being motors can break down but if you do the right thing servicewise, you could consider yourself pretty unlucky for this to happen. You could attempt to repair the motor yourself and there are service manuals available. However, this is always risky, particularly if you are not technically efficient. Get your machine to a service dealer right away. Motor repairing requires good skills as well as some specialist tools. Unless motor repairing is a hobby for you, it might not be worth it.

I guess the bottomline is: perform regular maintenance checks on your chainsaw and you'll give yourself many years of service with it. It just makes sense.

For more on proper chainsaw maintenance, visit http://www.chainsawlife.com/Basic-Chainsaw-Maintenance.html