It is also worth checking out … Craftsman chain saw model 358.351901 -- This is a new saw and the chain continually gets loose after I tighten it following manual instructions. You should not have to replace the chain each time it comes off. So use one hand to put the bar in and keep it straight, yet taught enough that the chain doesn’t fall off. The more you use a chain the longer it becomes. I repeated this for abot 8 times and give up. With Avalara CertCapture, you can add your tax exemption certificates to your Fix.com account to purchase tax-free! Otherwise, it doesn’t go in all the way and slips out the moment you srt tightening. Seating the bar properly made the experience so much better. To inspect your bar, remove the chain cover, chain and bar. In opening the cover to access the chain wheel, one of the parts fell off. Take it to a saw dealer and have them set up the saw correctly. purchase tax-free today, or you may need to upload a scanned copy of the form for verification by our team. The bar is not bent. For the mechanical part of it, the chain tension bolt/screw was tightened as much as I could and the same goes for the nut holding the bar onto the case. If after doing this the chain still keeps getting loose, make sure the chain oiler is working, and oil is getting on the chain. If after doing this the chain still keeps getting loose, make sure the chain oiler is working, and oil is getting on the chain. On a steel frame, this might only trash the paint. If you find one with a burr just file it so it fits again. Perform a Snap Test A quick way to measure the tension of a chainsaw chain is to perform what's known as a "snap test." I have flipped the bar like the manual says but the chain continues to come off after 3-4 logs. Adding a certificate takes only a few moments. The screw does tighten the chain, it’s just that it gets so full of crap that it doesn’t pull the bar anymore. We have received your CertCapture request form for . If the bar is worn down to the point where its rails have become shallow, the bar may need to be replaced altogether. If a chainsaw chain is allowed to become too loose, it can easily come off the bar during operation and create an … Terrible. It is therefore important to adjust the chain regularly to take up the slack. We see you're shipping to . If you don’t realize the chain has come off and you keep pedaling, especially with force, the chain can get badly jammed between the crankset and the frame or, worse, it can saw into the frame. I’ve had some close calls with a chainsaw recently. Adding a certificate takes only a few moments. That is what is supposed to adjust the bar. Poulan Pro 42cc 18" chainsaw blade keeps coming off! NOTE! Make sure that when you are tightening the chain that you hold up on the bar the entire time... 2. Should you need to upload, just click the "Import your copy of this document" link in the form. You also need to support the end of the bar while you tighten the nuts otherwise the bar falls slightly and loosens the chain. You’ll be able to see the adjuster screw and a brass colored little finger that moves back and forth when you adjust the screw. The chain is too loose. To begin, you need to log into or create an account with Fix.com. This is probably the most common reason that a chainsaw will start tight, and then get loose. Even though these posts are 11 years old, they helped me today, so I’m going to thank everyone. The more you use a chain the longer it becomes. A chainsaw has two filters to regulate air circulation and one to keep debris out of the fuel, and all of them need regular servicing. You do not want to screw around with a chain saw, bad things can result. It is a piece of crap and of poor design, but you can get it to work right. Strictly D-Fir, so the 18" bar doesn’t always reach half-way through. We will notify you via What has happened is that the adjuster got so full of crap, that it won’t go into the hole, so when you’re tightening, the adjuster just moves around. On aluminum or carbon frames it can saw into and damage the frame. You should see a flange or elbow or bit of metal that sticks out and mates with a slot in the bar itself. Undo the two bolts and take the plastic cover off. Yep. If the chain keeps losing tension within minutes of tightening, it is important that you take off the clutch cover and check to see if the guide bar is seated properly on the adjustment pin. It is therefore important to adjust the chain regularly to take up the slack. Use the paintbrush to brush off any sawdust or remaining pieces of wood. email once verification is done. To tension the chain loosen these 2 nuts a turn or so. When the chain is too loose, it's in danger of coming off completely and causing significant injury. Some chains can be repaired from this type of damage with a flat file. If the chain has jumped off a few times there may be damage to the bar or bent or damaged links in the chain. Moving the screw adjusts the flange in and out to make minor adjustments in tension to the chain. Before putting the chain back on, make sure to clean any debris from the bar and saw. The chain kept coming off and I tightened it several times. Need Help With Chainsaw: Chain Falling Off. To inspect the tensioner, remove the chain cover. I have a chain saw that keeps coming off after 4 to 5 cuts.Why? I'm holding off a 5 star rating primarily because the chain lubrication system is not automatic. A damaged bar or chain may cause the chain to come loose from the bar and can be very dangerous when operating the machine. Should you need to upload, just click the “Import your copy of this document” link in the form. Yes … Shagnasty is still a regular poster here and appears to be able to use both hands to do so … Congratulations … I have the electric version of that chainsaw and I love it to pieces … not a single issue with the carb in all these years !!! Then, the chain came off. Screw up bad enough and you will have to change your user name to “Lefty” or “Eileen”. Buy a Stihl. NOTE! Another way to keep the chain from coming off the inside of the chainset is to use a chain catcher. It is also worth checking out … Use your third hand to push down on the bar where the finger goes into the hole. These parts are easy to access, and it will be fairly noticeable if the tensioner is broken. Check the chain tension every time you refuel. How to Tighten the Chain on My Craftsman Chainsaw Model #358.341180. Pull the chain at the bottom and allow just 1/8 movement off the bar. 4. If the chain continues to turn even when it's not throttled, put on the safety brake and correct the problem. When the chain is tight to the point where you can only pick it up about 1/2" or so, tighten the nuts. Lesson learned - avoid cheap imitations! This may take a while. I have an electric chainsaw, model no. And use your chain break tool to push the pin out of the broken link. On a more positive chainsaw note, I bought one of these recently,worked great, first cutting after the first sharpening went very well. Old ad from Stihl had their logo with a dotted line around it. Have the screw attachment on the bar opened to max to keep chain tight, have also tried with small amount of slack, but all to no avail. I have basically been ignoring it completely until I took a look at it yesterday. Put the chain on the bar and put the bar over the bolts and the chain over the wheel that spins it. The chain … read more Replace the bar on the stud bolts, being sure the blade tension stud is in the bar's guide hole. A chain that's improperly adjusted can pull to one side. Because if you have to change a chain in the field, I can promise you you’ll face the same problem again, so you’ll need it to make sure everything is clean. You should always wear protective leather gloves when working with a chainsaw. 3) the chain might come of the blade. What do I do to keep chain tight? If you have items in your cart, they will be saved for your return. All of the safety advice given is excellent. You’ve got longer to learn to use one arm than I have.”. Also the chain gauge (ie. It has a container on top to put oil in I think. A damaged bar or chain may cause the chain to come loose from the bar and can be very dangerous when operating the machine. Yes, my uncle when he was about 70 was working with his son-in-law cutting some wood. Still not sure which part is broken? The chain tensioner must have that little lip or pin in the bar so it works. I call that a winner. Next, remove the tensioner itself and inspect the screw and tension gear. First off don’t use the saw with a chain that loose, personal injury could result. Hold the chain and bar together and place the chain around the sprocket. 2) the chain might snap. The outward pressure forces the clutch and chain to spin. First, they gave me instructions on how to tighten the chain. I must have been very tired when I typed this, let’s change that measurement to 1/16’-1/8". Yes … Shagnasty is still a regular poster here and appears to be able to use both hands to do so … Congratulations. Chainsaw chain tension should be checked and tightened often. Useless. with the saw laying down, loosen the nuts that hold the bar. Here is my normal chain attachment procedure: It seems taught enough when I do it. Even though I am fairly chainsaw ignorant, I am not inexperienced. The bar has a groove around its outer edge, and the chain has teeth that run slightly inside of the bar rails to keep the chain moving straight. I loosened the bar (unscrewed the two nuts), put the chain back on, ran it but it sounded very loose and then came off again. I have cut down hundreds of trees with only a few injuries and some loss of property (mainly insured luxury sedans owned by people I don’t like so no big whoop). Watch them while they do it and ask questions. … the chain kept falling off. A little tension is a good thing when it comes to chain saws. If the chain came off there may be burrs on the drive links (part that rides in the groove) and it won't go down all the way or if forced it binds and won't allow chain to turn.There needs to be some play in sprocket center so it turns on shaft. The chain keeps coming off my McCulloch electric chainsaw model MCC3516F. Then said “Cut this out, stick it on your saw and pretend it starts.”, My electric chainsaw starts every time … luckily all my cutting is within 50 feet of an appropriate electric outlet so my 50 foot 10-guage extension cord works fine …. The chain should never be allowed to sag from the bar, and should not be able to be pulled more than 1/2 and inch off of the bar at any time. Let's begin adding your tax exemption certificate(s) to your FIX account. I am going to have to take a close look at how that chain tensioner works. Anyway, the chain kept falling off. A new chain will stretch rapidly and need repeated tightening. The bar has a groove around its outer edge, and the chain has teeth that run slightly inside of the bar rails to keep the chain moving straight. We explain simple steps for how to tension a chainsaw chain below. What do I do to keep chain tight? Lesson learned - avoid cheap imitations! If you have not yet done so, read the manual. While holding the chainsaw in one hand, grasp the chain along the top center … Chain slips off sprocket when under load. Not sure if I should mention the retail store. The most common is that it's too loose. Get shopping advice from experts, friends and the community! Why? A new saw chain has a running-in period during which you should check the tension more frequently. Put the chain on the bar and put the bar over the bolts and the chain over the wheel that spins it. Make sure that every drive link fits into the bar groove freely. To lubricate the chain you need to press a small bulb every so often. How can I put the chain back on and tighten the chain/adjust it? I too have a Poulan 18" chainsaw. They are to be taken very seriously! I was cutting a tree and suddenly, the chain came off. To do this, start by disconnecting the chainsaw's spark plug lead. The little nub that moves up and down via the screw was not seated in the hole on the chain bar. Get shopping advice from experts, friends and the community! Every link has two pins that are round in shape and attached to the other links of the chain.Keep eye on the broken link that is joined to the rest of the chain. This poses an extremely hazardous situation for the cutter should he fall or drop the chainsaw. I have processed literally hundreds of trees and wore my 14" one out. Sometimes you have to look kinda close, and clean things up a bit, but it is there. This is much more likely to be a shortcoming of the operator than the saw. Then you just need to pull your broken link from the pin and apart from it. Everything must match or the chain will have another good reason to come off the bar. Stihl chainsaw MS291 I had to remove the muffler and since reinstalling it has come loose a couple of times. Terrible. I’ll never buy anything but a Sthil. This one comes down to physics. I still have both arms and most digits (technically all of them). .050) must match the gauge of the bar groove (ie. There is an adjustment screw on the bar itself but it moves a piece that does not touch anything else. You didn't say why you are replacing the chain. A slack chain can jump off and cause serious or even fatal injury. Step 5: Pull the Broken Link off the Pin. Chainsaw Chain Keeps Coming Loose. If the bar is put on while any crap is on that screw or next to that finger, there isn’t a tight enough fit to make it so the finger moves the bar. I went to Poulan’s web site but it doesn’t seem to have that info. Line the chain back up on the bar. Correct Chainsaw Chain Tension And include from now until that wheeping cricket we call a chainsaw dies, a toothbrush in the case. You have to adjust the finger to just above loose when you put the bar back on. ... Can not keep chain from coming off. 358.34141. Chain continues to slip off sprocket and slides off bar when using. Any help is appreciated. I've tightened the chain numerous times and try to get the bar holder as tight as I can but it doesn't have a nut but instead uses a popup device that is hand tightened. Depending on the information that you enter, you may be able to add your tax exemption certificate immediately and This is particularly common when you store your chainsaw in cool temperatures. If your chain is tensioned too loose, you risk having it release from the guide bar during operation, which is very dangerous. It worked o.k. If the chain keeps getting caught, you are either using the wrong pitch or you are trying to cut trees that are too small in diameter for a chainsaw. Using the 1/2-inch chainsaw wrench, loosen the two bar nuts. You should get some chainsaw safety training. If your chain is thrown due to it being loose the drive sprocket usually burrs up the drive links. How to Put a Chain Back on a Chainsaw To reattach your chain, remove the front panel and take the bar and chain off. 050). You may need to back the tensioner off a bit before everything fits toghether, get the bar on, tighten the bar just a little, and then tighten the chain and finnaly, tighten the bar. Here is a link to chainsaw maintenance (look near the bottom for chain tension). Check the chain tension every time you refuel. 3. When you’re using your chainsaw, as the chain heats up, it will literally get larger. If you have not yet done so, read the manual. A chainsaw chain can come off for a number of reasons. If the chain itself has broken teeth or does not fit back into the rails once it has come off, it will likely need to be replaced. A slack chain can jump off and cause serious or even fatal injury. Word of caution: A friend of mine loaned us a chain saw he bought cheap. The chain will pull out of the bar by hand with just the tip of the bottom teeth showing if I pull. 1. Feed … I now have free space and lots of firewood. Screw up bad enough and you will have to change your user name to “Lefty” or “Eileen”. Craftsman chain saw model 358.351901 -- This is a new saw and the chain continually gets loose after I tighten it following manual instructions. Do not over or under tighten the chain or the housing as 1) you ill kill the chain. Good performing little saw. If the tensioner on your saw breaks, you may lose the ability to control the tension of the chain. If a chainsaw chain is allowed to become too loose, it can easily come off the bar during operation and create an unsafe situation for the user. Running a chainsaw with a blunt chain is one of the most damaging things you can do to a saw in normal usage. Thanks for all the help. It is important to ensure that the chain fits snugly inside of the bar and that the teeth that keep it from running off of the bar are not worn down too low. This is a question that I wish more hobby/ home owner chainsaw users would ask? If you look at the inboard side of the bar, there is a screw head. Here is my normal chain attachment procedure: Take off the nuts that hold the plate in place that covers the wheel that spins the chain. rotate the chain a little bit until you find some slack.take up the slack.still holding the tip of the bar up, tighten the bolt(s). There is an adjustment screw on the bar itself but it moves a piece that does not touch anything else. Turning this screw forces the bar forward tightening the chain. Torx head bolts, I'm guessing about 10mm Any help would be appreciated . I have recently got a small electric chainsaw. If the chain keeps losing tension within minutes of tightening, it is important that you take off the clutch cover and check to see if the guide bar is seated properly on the adjustment pin. The first hour or so it worked great . I can only get 5 - 20 log cuts out of it before the chain slips off. Thank you! for about 5 minutes and came off again. The tensioner may start moving freely if the screw becomes stripped. A chainsaw clutch uses centrifugal force to turn the chain. Can’t help but wonder if a critical piece is missing. If a new tensioner is required, refer to your user manual for the proper replacement part number. I took it apart and put the chain back on. Chainsaw Chain Keeps Coming Loose. Then, take the bar off.Clean the bar off, and you’ll see a channel and two small holes. Should be the next question. When the chain is tight to the point where you can only pick it up about 1/2" or so, tighten the nuts. I don’t own a Poulan, so all I can do is tell you how my McCullough works. Get shopping advice from experts, friends and the community! You will be taken through a CertCapture request form. If you are nbot seating the flange in the slot the bar can vibrate and throw the chain no matter how tight your nuts are. hold the tip of the bar and pull up while you turn the adjusting screw clockwise until the bottom of the chain touches the bottom of the bar. It is recommended to first get your chain to its proper tension before beginning to use the machine, and then checking every 20 minutes for the first hour of use. But, a loose chain is a pretty huge deal. Third check that the pitch of the chain matches the pitch of the bar, and is the same as the pitch of the drive sprocket. Chainsaw chains stretch during normal operation and begin to sag on a saw's guide bar. This can be especially troublesome in very hot or very cold climates, wher… Useless. Use your other hand to tighten the tow bolts on the plastic cover. Tensioner pin not set is common. A new saw chain has a running-in period during which you should check the tension more frequently. Verification is completed within 3 business days. The adjuster fits into one of those small holes. To inspect your bar, remove the chain cover, chain and bar. On my saw there are 2 nuts that hold the bar in place. We will notify you via email once verification is done. My first electric chain saw and it's a pleasure working with something so light that will still chew through some wood. A chain catcher is essentially an arm that acts as a barrier to the chain overshifting inwards. Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled. It got to the point where I had to tighten it after just 1 or 2 minutes of use, continuously. When metal gets warmer, it expands. To inspect your bar, remove the chain cover, chain and bar. Now that you have the bar off, look at where it connect. You do not want to screw around with a chain saw, bad things can result. If you see an error, try reloading the page. But, if you want a saw that starts every time in any type of condition/weather. If the chain does not oil, it may be clogged with wood shavings and dirt, or there may be a blockage in the line from the chain-oil tank to the bar. I have a Poulan Pro with an 18" bar and it cuts great as long as I can keep the chain on. Most of the time when a chain keeps coming off is due to one or more of the drive links in the chain having a burr on them. that should help. The rails around the perimeter of the bar should be clear of any debris. Throwing the chain that often can cause problems. The bar has a groove around its outer edge, and the chain has teeth that run slightly inside of the bar rails to keep the chain moving straight. The bar has a groove around its outer edge, and the chain has teeth that run slightly inside of the bar rails to keep the chain moving straight.