Chainsaw Not Cutting Straight: Tips from a Professional

Everybody knows that a chainsaw is an excellent tool for garden owners, woodworkers, and foresters due to its strength and versatility. A well-sharpened chain can help it cut through different types of trees and wood in a matter of seconds. But an ill-maintained bar and chain could result in getting an angled cut than a straight one. I have encountered this problem more than once and will help with why it happens and how to fix it.

Chainsaw not cutting straight:

In general, there are several reasons why a chainsaw is not cutting straight. The chain is not sharpened on both sides, the chain’s tension isn’t adequate. The chain’s thickness is less than the groove’s width. As a result, it doesn’t stay vertical in the groove and cuts at an angle. The bar’s groove may have worn out. The bar rails may be uneven. This causes the chain to rest on the side instead of being vertical.

To better understand the problem and solve it, I will further look into the different causes.

Why does my chainsaw not cut straight?

If a chainsaw cuts at an angle rather than cutting straight, then the problem most certainly lies in the guide bar and chain assembly. The chain might not be sharpened, or the bar’s grooves might be loose. There can be various causes to it. And the bottom line is that the bar and chain aren’t properly looked after. Being a chainsaw professional, I can list down four different reasons that are causing this problem with your chainsaw:

● Reason 1. Chain is not sharpened properly:

It would be best if you begin fixing the issue by checking your chain’s condition first. If the chain isn’t sharpened properly, one side of it has longer teeth than the other. Your chainsaw will most certainly cut at an angle. Sharpening the chain properly would eliminate this problem. As a preventative measure, you should equally sharpen all your chain’s cutter teeth always. Such a condition is also caused when the chain hits a rock abruptly while running. The impact could damage the blades of one side of the chain.

● Reason 2. Chain is loose:

Sometimes the chain is too loosely fitted on the bar and flips on the side, thus cutting at an angle. Most chainsaws now come with a tension adjustment feature that automatically tightens the chain around the bar. Make sure you use it to adjust the chain’s tension so that it becomes snuggly fitted on the bar.

● Reason 3. Chain width is too thin:

The chain has shark tooth-shaped drivers who fit into the groove of the bar. If the chain’s drivers’ thickness is less than the bar’s groove’s thickness, the chain will wiggle in the groove instead of being properly fit. Due to this, it would shift sideways while cutting, thereby giving an angled cut. To check if your chain width matches that of the groove, try to flop your chain sideways. If it moves back and forth quite easily, your chain thickness is slightly less than that of the bar’s groove.

● Reason 4. Bar’s groove is worn out:

In some cases, the chain still flops sideways despite its width being equal to the bar’s groove. This occurs when the guide bar’s groove has worn out after continued use. The groove’s width slightly becomes more than its original width. This usually happens because of repeated impacts being taken by the bar while cutting. As a result, the chain wiggles in the groove and doesn’t cut straight.

● Reason 5. Bar’s rails are uneven:

The two edges that form the bar’s groove are known as rails. These rails support the chain on both sides and keep it vertical. Sometimes, the rails wear out due to fatigue, and as a result, one of the rails becomes higher than the other. Due to this, the chain rests on the lower rail and naturally becomes angled. This is another common reason behind chainsaws not cutting straight.

How do you fix a chainsaw that won’t cut straight?

Now we have looked at the various reasons why a chainsaw is not cutting straight. We will look at how to fix this issue:

● Fix 1. How do you sharpen a chainsaw that cuts crooked:

Before sharpening your chain, you need to inspect the chain links and the cutter teeth to verify if it’s a problem or not. Each cutter tooth has a small line on it which can help you to compare their heights. The line sets a lower limit for the height beyond which the cutter cannot be sharpened.

By inspecting all your cutters, you can get the idea if all of them have the same height or not. If you notice a significant difference, consider sharpening the higher ones. To sharpen the chainsaw chain, you can follow the procedure below:

• Gather the needed tools: Before you begin, make sure you have all of the necessary tools on hand. A round file and a file guide are required for sharpening. To reduce the danger of injury, make sure the file includes a safety handle.
• Adjust the chainsaw bar: If possible, adjust your chainsaw bar on a bench before continuing. When opposed to manually holding the chainsaw, this makes filing much easier and more efficient. Ensure the bar’s longitudinal side is secured between the wise fixtures, with the cutter teeth’ top side visible above. Also, while the bar is fixed, your chain should move.
• File the cutter teeth: Using the round file positioned in the file guide, push firmly on the top surface of a cutter tooth at a 30–degree angle. After that, move it across the cutter by pressing it tightly. It is important to understand that the filing should only be done in one direction. Moving the file back and forth repeatedly will cause it to be damaged. When filing, push the file away from the saw and not towards it. Also, keep it pressed forcefully until you feel the metal peeling away from the surface. Repeat the process on the remaining cutter until they are all completely filed.
• File the depth gauges: While the cutter teeth are being filed, it is also critical to adjust the depth gauges so that we do not lose our cutting depth. Use a flat file and a depth gauge guide tool for this reason, and check that their top surface has been leveled according to the guide tool. Then, for the whole chain, repeat the operation.

● Fix 2. Tighten your chain:

If your saw still cuts crooked despite the chain being perfectly sharpened, consider checking your chain’s tension. If the chain sags unnecessarily, use the chain adjustment screw to tighten it. If it is still loose enough, you may need to break it open and remove a couple of links so that its length is short enough to fit snugly on the guide bar.a

● Fix 3. Find the chain with the right thickness:

Suppose you find out that your chain wiggles sideways in the bar’s groove. Consider checking its thickness and that of the guide bar’s groove. You can find out your groove’s thickness from the owner’s manual. Most chainsaw bars use chains having a thickness of 5/8^th of an inch. Using a steel ruler, you can check your chain’s thickness, and if it falls short of 5/8^th of an inch, you need to mount the correct chain on the guide bar.

● Fix 4. Flip the groove over:

When the chain still wiggles sideways despite being of the correct thickness. The guide bar is probably has worn out on one side. That side usually is the lower side which makes contact with the wood. It also makes sense as this side of the bar experiences the highest amount of fatigue and is most susceptible to wear.

A straightforward solution to this problem is to flip the bar over and remount the chain on it. Now the upper side of the bar, which has less wear, is on the lower side. Again, try to flop the chain sideways and notice if it still wiggles in the groove. You may notice that now on the lower side, it doesn’t wiggle much but does considerably on the upper side of the bar. That won’t matter to us since we are only concerned with the cutting side of the bar.

● Fix 5. Grind the uneven rails:

If the above steps still didn’t solve the problem, you might need to check your bar’s rails. If the rails seem uneven on inspection, such that one side stands higher than the other, you may need to grind it so that it evens out.

To grind your bar’s rails, I recommend using a powered grinding tool. By keeping it leveled, press it firmly against the grinder till metal has been removed from the higher rail and both rails stand even. If a grinder isn’t available for you, you can use a bench wise and a flat file to even out the rails.

Why does my chainsaw want to cut at an angle?

A chainsaw can cut at an angle due to several reasons:

• Incorrect chain thickness
• The dull chain on one side
• Worn out guide bar
• Uneven bar rails
• Bent guide bar

It is important to know that all the cutting teeth of a chainsaw need to be of equal height and properly sharpened. If the chain is dull on one side, it’s most likely to cut crooked. Also, the chain should be snugly fit in the groove to not tilt towards any side. If it does due to any reason (less thickness, worn-out bar), the chainsaw will cut at an angle.

Can you straighten a chainsaw bar?

If you can straighten a chainsaw bar depends on the bar’s type and the damage. In most cases, chainsaw bars that are bent can be straightened by employing a proper technique.

Straightening a kink from a bar can be a tricky job. If not done correctly, you might end up damaging your bar. I will help with some methods which have worked for a lot of other owners and me. Use the following procedure:

For solid bars:

Solid bars are made up of a single sheet of steel. These bars are useful in dealing with hard timber. To straighten the solid bars, you can follow the below procedure:

• Place the bar in a ‘press’: If a bar gets bent, the best way of straightening it without damaging its metallic structure is to apply a steady force large enough to straighten it slowly. I do not recommend using an impact force, as this may damage the bar’s rails. And the chainsaw wouldn’t fit in it. An arbor press or a hydraulic press are good options that can do this job for you.
  
  If a press isn’t available, you can use a bench wise and a 24″ pipe wrench to remove the kink. Just make sure it’s tightened enough between the vise grip thickness-wise.

• Hammer the bar: Once the kink has been removed, place the bar on a flat anvil. Use a 4-pound dead blow hammer to straighten it out completely. Avoid using a ball-peen hammer as it may dent the bar’s surface.
  
  If neither the vise grip nor a press machine is available, there is still an effective way of straightening your bar simply by using a dead blow hammer and a bar hook tool.

• Use a bar cleaner handle: A bar cleaner hook tool removes debris stuck in the bar’s rails. Its thickness is the same as the groove’s width. By placing this tool between the rails, you can hammer out the kink without damaging the rails. Make sure you use a dead blow hammer for this job.

For laminated bars:

Unlike solid bars, laminated bars use thin steel sheets riveted or welded with each other. Such bars are effective against kickbacks and provide good cutting control. Removing bends from a laminated bar is quite difficult. However, if the kink is not that significant, you can still give it a try. Just make sure that you have removed the kink using a press machine or a vise grip.

• Use rubber padding: Hammering a laminated bar can be tricky as it may further the damage to the bar. One method that has helped several users is placing rubber padding under the bar while hammering it with a dead blow hammer. The rubber would avoid causing damage to the bar due to the hammer blows.

If it still doesn’t straighten out completely, it is better to invest in a new guide bar of the correct size.

The Impact of Uneven Cutter Teeth

There is no denying it: uneven cutter teeth can significantly affect the accuracy of a chainsaw. The main reason behind the unevenness is typically an unexpected encounter with rocks, nails, or dirt.

These elements can cause extensive damage, particularly to one side of the chain, culminating in a chainsaw that does not cut straight.

• Loose Chainsaw Chain Effects

The effectiveness of a chainsaw, as well as its precision, largely depends on the chain’s fitting. Interestingly, a loose chainsaw chain can cause the tool to cut at an angle instead of straight.

It, therefore, stands to reason that ensuring your chainsaw chain is securely fitted on the chainsaw bar is imperative to achieve accurate and efficient operation.

• Chain Width and Groove Dynamics

The alignment of the chain width to the groove of the chainsaw bar is crucial. If the chain is thinner than the chainsaw bar’s groove, a slight wiggle can destabilize the chainsaw balance.

This results in the chainsaw shifting sideways during the cutting process, causing the chainsaw to veer away from a straight cut.

• Worn-out Grooves and their Influence

Worn-out grooves on the chainsaw bar can be detrimental to the quality of your cuts. Over time, these grooves can expand beyond their original width. When this happens, the chain gets the wiggle room it needs to dance around and cut at an angle, making it impossible for the chainsaw to cut straight.

• Uneven Bar Rails and Chainsaw Accuracy

The edges that form the bar groove, known as bar rails, play a significant role. Over time, it is not uncommon for one rail to become slightly higher than the other. This discrepancy results in the chain resting at an angle, a condition that can trigger a deviated cut.

• Sharpening the Chain for Straight Cuts

A dull chainsaw chain not only can make your job significantly laborious, but it can also negatively impact the chainsaw operation, leading to imprecise cuts. Therefore, properly sharpening the chain is an essential practice for ensuring your chainsaw cuts straight.

• Chainsaw Chain Tension Adjustment

It is equally important to keep tabs on the chainsaw chain’s tension. A chain that is either too loose or too tight can pose a risk to the straightness of the cuts. By adjusting the chainsaw chain’s tension, you’re essentially maintaining equilibrium which translates to accuracy in cuts.

• Importance of Regular Bar Groove Cleaning

The chainsaw bar groove can, over time, accumulate dirt. If left unchecked, this debris interferes with the smooth operation of the chainsaw, thus affecting the efficiency of the tool. Regularly cleaning the bar groove is crucial if you wish to maintain straight cuts.

To boost your understanding of chainsaw maintenance, check this informative source from Pennsylvania State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

• Reasons and Solutions for a Chainsaw Cutting Crooked

– Common Chain Issues

One of the most frequent reasons for a chainsaw cutting crooked is a dull or damaged chain. This issue can occur if the chainsaw hits a rock or another hard object during operations, leading to one side of the chain becoming immediately dull. This, in turn, can cause the chainsaw to cut unevenly.

To mitigate this issue, regular maintenance of the chain is crucial. You can hand sharpen the chainsaw chain regularly to maintain its sharpness.

But, if the chain is severely damaged, you may need to use an electric bench grinder to repair it effectively. This repair method is particularly efficient in rectifying damaged chains, as it can restore the chain’s edges to their optimal cutting condition.

– Bar Conditions Affecting Chainsaw Cuts

Along with chain issues, a damaged or worn bar can also cause a chainsaw to cut crooked. Particular attention should be given to the bar rail and the bar’s groove.

By filing down the burr near the bar rail and removing any debris from the groove, the longevity and functionality of the bar can significantly increase.

Taking care of the sprocket tip of the bar is equally important. Proper lubrication of the sprocket tip can ensure smooth functioning and prevent any unnecessary wear and tear. Proactive measures such as flipping the bar can promote even wear and further reduce the chances of crooked cuts.

– Signs of Damage and Proper Lubrication

There are several signs that can indicate if your chainsaw is experiencing issues. For instance, smoke coming from the bar or chain while cutting can be a clear indication of a problem, often resulting from a dull chain or lack of bar and chain oil.

This issue is avoidable with regular chain sharpening and adequate lubrication. Ensuring that the chainsaw is properly lubricated is crucial. Keep an eye on the bar oil level and the bar oiler hole regularly.

The oiler hole can sometimes get obstructed with sawdust, affecting the lubrication process. Regular checks and cleanups can ensure that these parts are working as they should.

– Chainsaw Maintenance for Straight Cuts

Investing time in maintaining your chainsaw can lead to straight cuts and enhance the overall performance of the tool. By keeping the chain sharp, frequently checking and maintaining the bar, and ensuring proper lubrication, you can prevent your chainsaw from cutting crooked.

There are numerous resources available online that can guide you further in chainsaw maintenance. Websites like Oregon State University’s Extension Service offer extensive educational materials on this topic and can provide practical, hands-on tips to extend the life of your chainsaw.

Remember, a well-maintained chainsaw is not just more efficient; it is also safer to operate. By regularly checking chain sharpness, bar condition, and oil levels, you can expect smooth, straight cuts every time, ensuring a satisfying and productive experience with your chainsaw.

Chainsaw Maintenance: Avoiding Damage and Ensuring Smooth Operation

Chainsaws are handy and indispensable tools for DIY enthusiasts, construction professionals, and those in need of woodcutting tools.

However, maintaining the chainsaw in proper working condition can be a daunting task for many. Here’s a comprehensive guide on maintaining the chainsaw, preventing damage, and ensuring its smooth operation.

• Avoiding Chainsaw Damage

It’s key to utilize chainsaws properly to prolong their lifespan. One fundamental step is to prevent the chainsaw from hitting dirt or grinding into rocks. When a chainsaw comes into contact with these materials, it can harm the chain’s integrity and induce uneven wear.

Besides, uneven wear is not just about aesthetics; but it can also detrimentally affect the chainsaw’s performance. Nonetheless, avoiding these materials entirely might be next to impossible.

As an experienced chainsaw user, I recommend frequent checkups to ensure your chainsaw doesn’t take unnecessary beating.

• Sharpening the Chain

Sharpening the chain is an integral part of chainsaw maintenance. For inexperienced chainsaw users, using a file to sharpen the chain can be intimidating. However, a file with a guide can simplify the process and guard against uneven sharpening.

A file guide will help you sharpen the cutters at the correct angle, ensuring each cutter is sharpened uniformly, thus avoiding lopsided sharpening. One of the best practices I’ve learned over the years is to always use a file guide, regardless of your experience level.

• Professional Sharpening or Replacement

Its crucial to closely examine the chain for wear differences, chips, or breaks. If these signs are noticeable, your chain may need professional intervention.

A chainsaw maintenance professional can sharpen the chainsaw more efficiently or even suggest a replacement if the chain’s condition is beyond repair. It could save you from unnecessary hassle and potential accidents while trying to fix the chain yourself.

• Balancing Wear on the Chainsaw Bar

An often overlooked yet vital aspect of chainsaw maintenance is the wear on its bar. Experienced users can flip the bar regularly to balance the wear on the edges.

However, it is helpful to note that both edges should show even signs of wear. If one edge is more worn than the other, it is a sign that the chainsaw is not being used evenly.

• Leveraging Filing Tools

There’s an array of filing tools available in the market that can be handy for chainsaw maintenance. Pferds edge sharpener tool, for instance, can level the bar’s edges. A leveled chainsaw bar promotes smoother operation and possibly extends the life of your chainsaw.

• Consistent Chainsaw Bar Flipping

Consistent bar flipping isn’t only a practice for experienced users but should be an integral part of any chainsaw user’s routine. Every time the chainsaw is refueled, the bar should be flipped.

Doing this helps in even spreading of the wear on the bar and is an extremely useful habit for extending the lifespan of your chainsaw.

• Cleaning Bar Groove and Oil Hole

Maintaining cleanliness with your chainsaw bar groove and oil hole is imperative. This can be achieved by using a gauge tool to get rid of the accumulated dirt. This can keep the chain running smoothly and prevent it from smoking and overheating – signs of poor chainsaw maintenance.

A well-maintained chainsaw not only assures smoother operation but also extends the lifespan of your tool, ultimately saving you money on replacement costs in the long run. Regular maintenance also helps prevent unnecessary accidents and ensures you get optimal performance from your chainsaw.

– Importance of Straight Cutting in Chainsaw Operation

The correct use of a chainsaw can drastically enhance its performance and longevity. On top of that, it can keep you safe from potential mishaps.

An important aspect of ensuring all these is a dedicated focus on properly starting and finishing the cut in a straight line. Doing so assists in avoiding undue wearing of the chainsaw guide bar rails and prevents warping of the guide bar itself.

– Hazards of Accidental Contact with Foreign Objects

Chainsaws are designed to cut through wood easily but when they unexpectedly collide with materials such as stones or metals, it results in uneven wear of the left and right chain teeth. This uneven wear can further compromise the efficacy and safety of the chainsaw’s operation, thus needing to be avoided.

– Causes of Crooked Cutting

Inefficient chainsaw operation can also be attributed to crooked cutting. This can happen for several reasons. For instance, when the chain teeth have not been effectively sharpened along one side or if the sharpening angle is not consistent, it leads to an irregular cut.

Also, disproportionate wear of the guide bar rails and a wide track for the chain in the guide bar due to wear or mismatched components can produce a crooked cut.

– Importance of Routine Sharpening

To ensure the chainsaw performs smoothly, the chain needs regular attention. Make it a habit to use a round file to sharpen the chain, making certain that every tooth is sharpened correctly and has an identical length and sharpening angle.

If you observe a specific issue like asymmetrical sharpening, it needs special attention immediately.

– Necessary Chain Maintenance

Along with sharpening, continuous inspection and adjustment of the chain tension is vital for a straight cut. Regular lubrication of the guide bar and the chain also helps in optimizing chainsaw functionality. You can also flip the guide bar from time to time to distribute wear evenly.

– Guide Bar Maintenance

Over time, the guide bar rails require maintenance. Grinding these rails with a flat file or seeking professional assistance at a service center is a good way to maintain the guide bar.

Also, periodic replacements of the chain, guide bar, and sprocket are recommended for superior chainsaw performance. Here’s a general rule: replace the sprocket with every second chain replacement and the guide bar with every fourth chain replacement.

– Overarching Need for Proper Maintenance

All of these maintenance tips serve more than just efficiency. Consistent check on these areas ensures the safety of the chainsaw operation.

Proper maintenance coupled with adherence to safety guidelines is the key to using a chainsaw effectively. Here is a useful link from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (a .gov website) that features comprehensive info on chain saw maintenance and safety measures.

– The Significance of Safety Rules

Always remember, chainsaws are powerful equipment. The mismanaged operation can lead to drastic accidents. Hence, following safety rules is crucial for not only maintaining the effectiveness of the chainsaw but also for keeping the operation hazard-free.

Speaking from experience, a well-maintained chainsaw not only makes the job easier but also adds a layer of safety to the entire operation.

Unequal Top Plate Length and Angles: A Common Culprit of Crooked Cuts

Unequal top plate length and angles have the potential to sabotage the uniformity of cuts produced by your chainsaw. As per my experience, this discrepancy remains one of the main factors causing crooked cuts.

It’s essential to ensure that the top plate length and the angles on your chainsaw’s cutting teeth are equal. This is to maintain the balance during the cutting process. You can check this by visual inspection or using specialized measuring tools.

If you find yourself facing uneven cuts often, an unequal top plate length and angles should be one of the first things to check. For more information on this topic, Oregon State University’s extension service offers a wealth of resources.

• The Impact of Incorrect Depth Gauge Settings on Cut Quality

Another cause of crooked cuts in chainsaw operations is incorrect depth gauge settings. The depth gauge, also known as the raker, controls how deep the cutters can penetrate the wood. When incorrectly set, it’s likely to lead to uneven cuts.

It’s necessary to adjust the depth gauge settings appropriately, depending on the type and condition of the wood you’re cutting.

Keep in mind that softer wood requires a higher setting, while harder wood necessitates a lower setting, and always remember to make sure that the settings are uniform across all cutters.

• Uneven Cutter Lengths: Implications for Cutting Precision

Uneven cutter lengths, similar to unequal top plate lengths and angles, pose a risk to the straightness of cuts. Each cutter on the chain must be of the same length. The difference in length may cause the chainsaw to veer off to one side, resulting in a crooked cut.

Regularly inspect your chainsaw’s cutters for evenness, especially after sharpening. Keep them uniform to avoid this issue.

• How Worn-out Bar Rails or Grooves Influence Cutting Straightness

The functionality of worn-out bar rails or grooves is another factor to consider in preventing crooked cuts. They guide the chainsaw chain, but when worn out, the chain might not run straight. This could be due to dirt, sawdust buildup, or just simply due to wear and tear over time.

Regular cleaning and maintenance are required to keep the bar rails and grooves in peak condition. Replacement may be necessary when they’re worn beyond repair.

• The Role of Regular Sharpening And Maintenance in Avoiding Crooked Cuts

Never underestimate the value of regular sharpening and maintenance. These procedures play a significant role in maintaining the cutting precision of your chainsaw. Remember, a dull chain or uneven sharpness among the cutters can lead your cuts astray.

Adopt a regular sharpening schedule and stick to it. Don’t forget a thorough inspection and maintenance routine as well. This will ensure that your chainsaw performs optimally.

• Flipping the Bar Regularly: A Practical Tip to Prevent Crooked Cuts

Last but not least, here’s a simple yet effective tip: flipping the bar regularly. This practice promotes even wear, extending the lifespan of the bar and maintaining uniformity in the cuts.

It’s all down to the way chainsaws work; they tend to wear down one side of the bar more than the other. By flipping the bar regularly, you balance out this wear, helping your chainsaw cut straighter and last longer.

Overall, identifying and rectifying the common causes of crooked cuts can significantly improve your chainsaw’s performance. A well-maintained and properly adjusted chainsaw is not only efficient but safer to use.