How to Right a Chainsaw Chain Inside Out. What the pros say

If you’re a garden enthusiast or a professional arborist, a chainsaw might be one of your most productive tools. A proper functioning chainsaw needs maintenance of its parts. The chain, for example, requires sharpening, cleaning, and greasing after regular intervals. Most beginners experience a problem when disassembling a chain for maintenance and finding that it flips inside out. It becomes frustrating when you try to fix it on your own and do not manage. If you’re a beginner and looking for a solution, this blog will help you find a solution.     

How to right a chainsaw chain inside out:

• Step 1: Ensure you are wearing safety gloves while handling the chain with its sharp cutters.
• Step 2: Place the chain on a flat surface in the form of a single loop.
• Step 3: Hold the opposite ends of the loop and twist the chain outward.
• Step 4: Press the chain firmly and twist it until the inside part of the chain has flipped outward.

A chainsaw chain is similar to a bicycle chain, having links except that it comprises particular cutting teeth for sawing operations. In normal orientation, the cutter teeth lie on the outer part of the chain’s loop. The chain also consists of a particular type of shaped tabs that fit into the bar’s grooves. These shaped tabs lie inside the loop. When the chain is taken off for maintenance or stored separately, it flips, making the inner portion pointing outward. Unfortunately, you cannot fix this chain back on the bar since the cutter teeth don’t fit into the bar grooves.

I will explain in more detail how to righting a flipped chainsaw chain. And give some more chain-related tips and tricks that will help you solve these problems independently.

Fixing an Inside Out Chain:

A chainsaw’s chain might get disoriented while you’re oiling its links or sharpening the chain. As a result, the cutting teeth are flipped on the inside portion of the chain. And the shaped tabs that fit into the bar go outwards, contrary to the normal orientation. Fixing such a chain isn’t tricky and can be achieved by following the steps mentioned below.

● Step 1: Take safety precautions

Before starting any repair work, make sure you equip yourself with safety equipment to shield against any potential accident/injury. A chainsaw chain has sharp cutting teeth that might injure your fingers if not carefully deal with. Hence, you should be wearing work gloves while fixing the chain.

● Step 2: Orient the chain correctly

Place the inverted chain on a flat surface such as a working table. Lay it in the form of a single loop so that its cutting teeth are pointing inwards. Also, elongate the chain so that its straight sides are separated by about 6 inches.

● Step 3: Twist the chain

Hold the chain from two opposite ends while wearing work gloves. While holding, twist the chain sections so that the cutting teeth that point inward are rotated outward as their normal orientation.

● Step 4: Hold the chain tightly

Ensure the chain is held tightly so that cutting teeth do not turn inwards as you hold them. Instead, the teeth shall snap over the back to an outward position. The chain has been turned inside out in its actual configuration and can be installed back to the chainsaw bar.

Fixing an Entangled Chain:

Another problem which most users face is chain getting tangled into two separate loops. It might seem frustrating to untangle such a chain as the loops don’t seem to go away. But there’s an easy way to it which shall be explained in the steps mentioned below. So, if you face such a problem, be sure to check that procedure out.

● Step 1: Orient the chain correctly

Remove the chainsaw’s twisted chain. Hold the tangled chain with two opposing loops in the tangle, one in each hand. Allow the chain to hang straight down from those loops.

● Step 2: Widen the loops

Extend the diameter of the loops as much as possible while still holding them in both hands by picking up the slack from the hanging chain until each loop is about 3 inches wide.

● Step 3: Free the tangles by raising the chain

Raise the bottom of the dangling chain while holding the loops in your hands. Because chainsaw chains are rigid, the dangling lower half sticks out like a board until it reaches a vertical position. Thus, you may easily guide its movement by just grasping the loops with your hands.

When the chain’s lowest point points straight up, the loops in your hand shall be below it. Gravity will cause the chain’s lowest point to fall and slip past the loops, clearing the chain of tangles.

Related Questions

1. How to tell if a chainsaw chain is installed correctly?

The cutting teeth attached to every chainsaw chain constitute chainsaw blades. For any cutting operation, these teeth must be installed correctly. The cutting is done by the blades that sit on top of the chain. These razor-sharp blades cut into the wood with each revolution of the chain on the bar. To be correctly installed, these chains and blades must be mounted on the bar precisely.

– Step 1: Examine the cutting edges

Examine the tops of the blades to determine which direction the cutting edge is facing. Chainsaw chains revolve clockwise. Therefore the cutting edges on the top of the chain should be facing away from the engine and to the right.

– Step 2: Examine the guide link teeth

Examine your guide link teeth to ensure they are pointing in the right direction. When correctly mounted, the teeth on the top of the bar must be pointing to the right. They must be pointing to the left at the bottom of the bar, back towards the chainsaw drive sprocket.

– Step 3: Chain Rattle

When a chainsaw is fed to a piece of wood under power, an excessive chain rattle without any effective cutting is a strong sign that the blades are positioned backward. It is a situation in which the chainsaw must be turned off immediately, and the chain must be linked appropriately before any more cutting is done.

2. What happens if you put a chainsaw blade backward?

Chainsaw blades cut in a clockwise direction. Hence, the cutting blades should be aligned in that particular direction if the saw is to cut anything. If the chainsaw’s cutting blades (also known as cutter teeth) are installed backward, the chainsaw won’t cut anything.

To know if your blades are installed in a forward direction or backward, always check the direction of the cutting edge on top of your chainsaw. If the cutting edges face away from the engine when viewed from the top, they are installed correctly. If they face the engine, they are installed backward, and the saw won’t cut anything.

3. Why won’t my chainsaw cut right?

If your chainsaw isn’t cutting suitably, try troubleshooting with the steps mentioned below. In most cases, the solution to the problem lies in the following cases.

– Dull Cutting Chains:

One of the most frequent causes behind the below-par cutting performance is the chain’s condition. If it hasn’t been sharpened for over a year, the cutting teeth might have become too blunt to apply substantial pressure on the surfaces, resulting in the lackluster cutting performance. To fix this, try sharpening the chains or consider replacing them if they appear worn out.

– Incorrectly Mounted Chain:

If the cutting teeth of the chain don’t point in the correct direction, then the chain won’t cut anything. The correct direction means that when viewed from the top, the cutting edges of the teeth should be pointing away from the engine.

– Improper Chain Tension:

If the chain isn’t tight enough, it won’t apply enough pressure on the wood while rotating. Conversely, if the chain is too tight on the blade, it faces difficulty while rotating and does not cut anything. To check if the chain tension is sufficient, pull the chain slightly from the bar and release it. If it returns to its original position on the bar, then it has the correct tension. The chain tension can be tweaked by turning the adjustment screw on the bar.

– Worn Out Bar:

Another less common reason that causes the chain to cut improperly is a worn-out bar. Note that the chain should be able to slide freely across the bar. In addition, the bar should provide sufficient lubrication to the chain through bar oil to ensure smooth operation. If the bar seems bent, it might also produce cutting problems or no cutting at all.

3. How do I know if my chainsaw is sharp enough?

The easiest and most effective way of checking the sharpness of your chain is to examine the wood shavings produced during sawing. If the shavings comprise of wooden chips, then your chain doesn’t need any sharpening. However, if the shavings consist of sawdust only, you should know that the chain’s teeth chain has become dull, and the chain needs sharpening.

4. When can you no longer sharpen a chainsaw chain?

As you sharpen a chainsaw’s chain, both the cutting teeth and the depth gauge get lowered by a fraction of a millimeter. Therefore, if the chain has been sharpened several times, there might come a stage when the depth gauges can no longer be filed. This condition usually marks the end of your chain’s lifetime.

5. How often should I sharpen my chainsaw chain?

Chainsaw cutters are made to be sharpened almost 10 times during their lifetime. After that, they can’t be sharpened anymore and need replacement before the chainsaw can cut anything.

Regular Maintenance: The Key to Chainsaw Efficiency

• Chainsaw Chains: Components and Care

Chainsaw chains are intricate machines that do a lot of heavy lifting. It goes without saying that they should be sharpened and maintained regularly so as to ensure optimal function.

The chain typically consists of cutting teeth on the outer part and uniquely shaped tabs on the inner side. This arrangement enables the chain to cut effectively and to loop around the chainsaw guide bar securely.

• Disassembling and Troubleshooting: An Inside Out Chain

Every chainsaw operator will, at some point, remove the chain for maintenance or storage. In the process, it’s not uncommon for the chain to flip inside out, making reinstallation a confusing task.

Wearing safety gloves for protection, one can easily fix this issue. Simply lay the inverted chain on a flat surface, holding it in a single loop. Twist the chain outward while maintaining a firm grip to snap the cutting teeth back to their correct position.

• Tangles and Knots: Rectifying A Double-Looped Chain

Another issue that many chainsaw users come across is a chain that’s entangled into two separate loops. Thankfully, the solution isn’t as complex as the problem may seem.

Begin by detaching the chain from the chainsaw, then hold the doubled loops in your hands. Gently widen both loops, raising the chain’s bottom to help separate the two loops.

• Chain Installation: Assurance and Validation

After any maintenance work, it’s crucial to confirm that the chainsaw chain is reinstalled correctly. One can do this by checking the orientation of the cutting edges and guiding link teeth. A backward-installed chain will not function well: it will lack efficiency and may not cut at all.

• Chainsaw Performance: Common Issues and Solutions

Common reasons for a chainsaw not delivering a satisfactory performance include dull cutting chains, incorrectly mounted chains, improper chain tension, and a worn-out guide bar. Implement a habit of assessing these elements routinely to avoid complacency.

For instance, the sharpness of the chainsaw chain can be evaluated by examining the wood shavings produced during a sawing operation. Wood shavings should be sizable and uniform, a sign of well-maintained, sharp chainsaw teeth.

• Chain Longevity: Replacement and Upkeep

A good chainsaw chain can typically be sharpened around 10 times before replacement becomes necessary. This ensures peak performance and limits the risk of damaging the chainsaw itself. I would recommend regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the longevity of your chainsaw.

For a comprehensive guide on chainsaw maintenance, you can visit this Oregon State University publication. Remember, a well-maintained chainsaw is not only more effective but also safer.

Do not ignore the warning signs of a faulty chainsaw chain – swift action could save you time and resources, and potentially even prevent serious accidents.

The key to mastering chainsaw operation lies in understanding the equipment, being alert to changes, and maintaining a regular upkeep schedule.

Importance of Safety Gloves with Chainsaws

It is imperative to note the importance of safety gloves when managing your chainsaw chain and its sharp cutters. Wearing safety gloves protects your hands when operating the chainsaw, preventing possible injuries that might arise from direct contact with the sharp chain cutters.

As an experienced chainsaw operator, I highly recommend making safety gloves part of your standard safety equipment.

• Proper Placement of Chainsaw Chain

When addressing chainsaw chain issues, it’s crucial to place your chain correctly. Ideally, the chain should be accurately set on a level surface, forming a simple loop. This configuration helps significantly when attempting to rectify a chainsaw chain that’s inside out.

• Handling the Chainsaw Chain

How you hold your chainsaw chain, especially during maintenance operations, contributes a lot to the machine’s performance. I suggest holding the chain firmly as you twist it, ensuring that the cutting edges snap over the back and position outward.

• The Risks of Improper Chainsaw Chain Installation

Installing your chainsaw chain inappropriately leads to inefficiencies. Incorrect placement means your chain won’t cut anything. Even a top-quality chainsaw chain won’t function if not installed correctly.

• Correct Chainsaw Chain Installation

In general, ensure that the cutting edge at the top of your chainsaw is facing away from the engine during installation. This strategic placement assures correct installation, enhancing your chainsaw’s cutting performance.

• Dealing with a Dull Chainsaw Chain

It is important to acknowledge that a dull chainsaw chain may not exert enough pressure on the wood while cutting. This scenario can significantly diminish the effectiveness of your chainsaw, wasting time and energy.

• Impact of Improper Chain Tension

Having worked with chainsaws for a significant period, I can confirm that improper chain tension can considerably affect the machine’s cutting performance. Ensure the tension is regularly checked and adjusted to attain optimized performance and safety.

• Regular Assessment and Adjustment of Chainsaw Chain Tension

It’s beneficial to routinely check and adjust the tension of the chainsaw chain during operation. This preventive measure enhances both chainsaw performance and operator safety.

• Advantages of Oregon Intenz Guide Bars

In my years of using chainsaws, Oregon Intenz guide bars have proven to be a great help. These guide bars have an integrated tensioning system that eradicates the need for tools. It’s definitely a handy feature for any chainsaw enthusiast.

• Conclusion

Despite not having a formal start or ending, the key messages in this write-up are clear. Remember always to prioritize safety, handle your chainsaw chain correctly, adjust its tension regularly, and consider innovative products such as Oregon Intenz guide bars for efficient operation. Happy chainsaw use!

Maintaining Chainsaw Chains

Just like any other tool, chainsaw chains require regular maintenance to keep them functional. This includes tasks such as sharpening, cleaning, and greasing. By ensuring that your chainsaw chain is well-maintained, you are not only prolonging its lifespan but also ensuring it operates at peak efficiency.

• Disassembling Chainsaw Chains: A Beginner’s Challenge

If you’re new to using a chainsaw, disassembling the chain for maintenance can be a little tricky. However, with patience and practice, it can become a routine part of your maintenance schedule. The key is to understand the structure of the chainsaw chain and how it fits into the chainsaw.

• Understanding the Chainsaw Chain

A chainsaw chain bears similarities to a bicycle chain in its structure. However, it is designed with cutting teeth and shaped tabs to handle the tough task of cutting through wood.

Learning to identify these different parts is crucial to correctly maintaining and reassembling your chainsaw after disassembling it for maintenance.

• Reattaching an Inside Out Chainsaw Chain

Feeling confused about an inside-out chainsaw chain? You’re not alone. Many beginners find it challenging to reattach the chain to the bar in this situation.

To address this, wear safety gloves, place the chain on a flat surface in the form of a loop, give the chain an outward twist, and hold it tightly. This process should make the chain easy to reattach.

• Dealing with Chain Entanglements

Chains can often become entangled into two separate loops, causing operational hiccups and increased user frustration. To untangle such chains, carefully remove the chain, widen those loops, and elevate the bottom part of the chain. This should help free up those annoying tangles.

• Proper Chainsaw Chain Installation

Once the chain is ready, ensure it is installed correctly on your chainsaw. A proper installation is crucial for effective cutting.

The cutting edges of the chainsaw chain blades should face away from the engine and point to the right. Similarly, the guide link teeth should be directed properly, with the top teeth pointing right and the bottom ones to the left.

• Recognizing Chain Problems

If your chainsaw is not cutting as it should, it could be due to several issues. These could include dull chains, incorrectly mounted chains, improper chain tension, or a worn-out bar.

Also, if you notice excessive chain rattling without effective cutting, it’s a sign that the blades might be positioned backward, and the chain should be correctly linked.

• Assessing Chainsaw Chain Sharpness

The sharpness of the chainsaw chain influences its cutting efficiency, and one way to assess this is by examining the wood shavings produced during sawing.

Chains that are adequately sharp produce fine shavings. Remember that a chainsaw chain can be sharpened approximately 10 times before it will need to be replaced.

• Adjusting Chain Tension

Chain tension is an important aspect of chainsaw operation and should be adjusted before the chainsaw is used for cutting and during the break-in period of a new chain.

Before adjusting chain tension, ensure the chainsaw is turned off and the chain has stopped. Always wear gloves for safety when performing this operation.

To adjust chain tension on a gas chainsaw, follow these steps: loosen the bar-retaining nuts, hold the guide bar tip upright, and slowly turn the tensioning screw clockwise. The chain should snugly fit against the underside of the guide bar, indicating appropriate tension for a cold chain.

A warm chain, on the other hand, will require drive links hanging 1/16 of an inch out of the guide bar groove. Raise the tip of the guide bar and check the tension. Make further adjustments as required and tighten the retaining nuts while keeping the guide bar tip elevated. This ensures consistent tension.

• After-Use Chain Maintenance

After using the chainsaw, slightly loosen the chain to avoid any damage when it tightens as it cools down. Also, remember to flip the guide bar periodically when tightening the chain after use. This helps distribute wear and tear evenly, thus increasing the chain and bar’s lifespan.

It’s worth visiting some reputable websites like chainsaw.com to gather more insights on chainsaw maintenance and safety.

• Conclusion

Chainsaw chain maintenance might seem complex initially, but with the right understanding and practice, it becomes straightforward. Remember, a well-maintained chainsaw not only performs better but is also safer to use.

Conduct regular checks, sharpen and adjust the chain tension when necessary, and always follow safety measures while handling your chainsaw.