How to pull the chain on a Makita chainsaw. How to properly tension the chainsaw chain

So, in the previous article we found out how great it is when your chain is well-groomed and you do not lubricate it with tar. But here's what to do when you walked into the garage, cast a fleeting glance at the chain ... and it sagged?

Chain slack is a direct result of chain wear. Oil seals get tired, pins and bushings wear out.

The allowable chain slack for different classes of motorcycles differs from each other. Therefore, it makes sense to look at the technical manuals, but the average sag for sportbikes is from 15 to 25mm, for road bikes it ranges from 30-45 mm, and on enduro, for example, within a radius of 50-55mm.

You can find out such information not only from manuals, but also from stickers on a motorcycle, if your mastodon, of course, has not lost them over the years.

For example, after lubricating the chain, you have a wheel hanging, the motorcycle is in neutral, if the wheel is spinning with an equal tension, then everything is fine. But for those who like to drive pedestrians on the rear wheel, uneven tension will be an unexpected gift.

If the chain is still in acceptable condition, then it is adjusted from the position of the least sagging, but if the client is rather dead, then it is time to choose a replacement. Yes, you can get confused, shorten the chain, but is it worth it if, after such an execution, the chain completes its resource in a week?

Moreover, if you are removing the chain to replace links, the presence of a lock or riveting on it is a very important factor. The latch on the chain is much less secure. The rivet cannot be removed so easily.

The most common way to adjust chain tension is to increase the distance between the wheel axle and the gearbox. For this, there are specialized holes on the pendulum with marks on both sides.

Initially, it is necessary to loosen the nut or bolts, and only then take up the movement along the axis in the slots of the pendulum. The labels on both sides MUST match. If they do not match, this is the first sign that the wheel is not aligned.

After aligning and adjusting the chain tension in this way, tighten the nuts in reverse order... Particularly scrupulous mechanics, in addition to simple keys, use a torque wrench so that the tension is 100% the same on both sides.

If you do not have such lotions, then it is enough to tighten the nuts one by one with even force: on one side half a turn, on the other side the same half turn and so on in a circle.

If you have one at home, then you should know that it requires special care. It is necessary to periodically clean and 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 falls off at high speeds.

Chainsaw device features

The main part of the gasoline saw is engine... In most modern devices, the engine is single-cylinder. Air cooling, two-stroke piston system.
Oil in these types of engines is added directly to gasoline, and all due to the fact that the fuel is constantly flushing the crankcase. The oil-to-gasoline ratio varies from 1:20 to 1:50 depending on the manufacturer of the chainsaw.

The air filter on gasoline saws plays at least important role... He needs regular cleaning... If the filter is heavily contaminated, dust from it will fall directly into the piston system, leading to engine damage.

If the filter is clogged, the saw will lose speed and the engine will overheat, which can burn the piston rings.

Did you know? The beginning of the production of gasoline saws is considered the end of the 1920s. The first chainsaws were produced by Stihl.


The starter on gasoline saws is a rope with a handle that you pull on to activate the motor. When you pull on the rope, the teeth catch on the ratchet, and the flywheel starts to spin.

Many people complain that they have to pull the rope for a long time to ignite the engine. It depends on whether the carburetor is correctly aligned. If the carburetor produces the correct oil-gasoline mixture, then there should be no problems.

Main working mechanism- a tire with a chain.

The chain consists of three types of teeth: leading, cutting and connecting. They are riveted together. The cutting teeth are located on two sides: to the right and to the left.

Chains are divided into two types: high profile and low profile. The first type includes chains, in which the teeth are located with a large gap, the second - with a smaller gap. Chains can also vary in shank thickness and link length.
The chainsaw chain is attached to a rail that guides it into right side... The end of the tire has a specific groove that holds the links and allows the chain to rotate. A driven sprocket is located at the front of the tire. The chain together with the bar is called a headset, since they are detachable parts of the chainsaw.

Important! If the carburetor is not adjusted correctly, you will have to pull the starter rope for a long time when starting the saw motor.

The gasoline saw has an automatic chain lubrication system. The tire supplies oil, which is then absorbed by the sawdust. If the saw is idling, the oil supply stops.

Why the chain flies, we find out the reasons

If you wondered why the chain on your chainsaw flies, then there is some kind of malfunction in the mechanism. Exists three main reasons This malfunction: improper operation of the bar, chain stretch and a loose driven sprocket. Let's take a closer look at each of the possible causes of breakdown.

Bus problems

When there is a problem with the tire, almost always chain tension loosens... This problem usually occurs at the busbar attachment point.

This location is located in the groove between the outer plate, which is located on the chain guard and the inner plate, which is located on the motor housing. The casing together with the tire is fixed with a bolt. Such an attachment is referred to as an "engine assembly". The drive sprocket and tire mount are protected by special covers.

If the fixing bolts are loose, the bar starts to move or vibrate. If the tire is in good condition, then the chain tension should be normal. After stretching, she will walk for at least five working days without suspenders. Therefore, you need to carefully tighten the bolts that hold the tire.

To understand how to pull a chain on a chainsaw, first you need find and release the chain brake. The tensioning screw is next to the bar and is turned until the chain is pulled over the bar. Then pull the chain in a clockwise direction. If it does not move, then it must be slightly loosened by turning the tension screw in the opposite direction.

The chain is stretched

If you have a chain slack on a chainsaw, then this indicates a malfunction of some mechanism, one of the options is the wear of the chain itself.

Over time, the metal deforms and the chains become 0.5-1 cm longer. The best way to resolve this issue is to purchase new chain, but there is a way to return the old one to work. Experts say that this is very difficult and almost impossible, but we will tell you how you can do it at home.

For this we will need:

  • vice;
  • file;
  • electric welding machine (not needed in all cases);
  • hammer;
  • pliers;
  • beard.

A regular chainsaw chain is made of strong steel, so it is difficult to disconnect. You need to disconnect the chain on the inside of the rivet, which serves as a connecting mechanism.

To begin with, the chains need to be fixed in a vice, and then gradually grind off the protruding part. You need to grind with a file or file. It is not recommended to use a grinder, as there is a risk of damaging the lateral parts of the links. After sewing, the rivets are knocked out with a beard. A knocked-out rivet should not be thrown away. You may not be able to find a replacement for it. Manufacturers of gasoline saws do not produce individual parts for the chain, as they do not expect consumers to be able to repair the chain themselves. Most likely, you will not be able to make a new rivet yourself, so you will have to install the old one.

In order to shorten the chain, you need to split it in two places. But remember, what is the number of guides with inside the chains and spacing must match the drive sprocket.

Important! When welding the link, set the current to the minimum value. Pick up the electrode with the smallest diameter, so you don't hit the adjacent links.


After removing one or more of the links (depending on the degree of chain stretch), the chains can be connected. We connect to old rivets, while pressing them tightly on the sides.

Next, we need a welding machine. The rivet must be welded to the lateral parts of the link. After that, we grind off the excess that was formed during welding with a file. The chain can be considered healthy again.

Poor drive sprocket

One of possible options the dangling chain on your device - leading sprocket problem... Most often, everything happens due to the fact that the star is poorly fixed. Now we will tell you how to properly fix the star and then put the chain on the chainsaw.

First you need to remove the protective cover of the engine. Next, remove the protective cover of the spark plug, pull out the air filter. Then you need to unscrew the candle with a special key. A special stopper is placed in its place, which fixes the piston in a certain position. With a special wrench (you can use a universal wrench for a grinder), turn the clutch disc clockwise until the piston reaches the uppermost position. If you look into the hole of the plug, the piston should remain at the bottom. A thick rope can be used as a stopper; it is better to fold it several times. Once locked, you can clamp the drive sprocket by rotating the clutch disc counterclockwise.

Did you know? The Druzhba chainsaw got its name in honor of the three hundredth anniversary of the union of Ukraine with Russia in 1954.

After clamping, you need to do everything in the reverse order, that is, assemble the chainsaw. A chain is put on the tire; it must hit the drive sprocket that holds it. The tire is placed in special mounting holes and bolted. Then the defense is placed.

How to tension: installing the chainsaw cutting element

We have analyzed the main reasons for the sagging chain. How to install a chain on a chainsaw is described in the paragraph above. Now you need to properly tighten the chain, and check if it will overtighten.

Chain tension

You can pull the chains two ways: fast and frontal. It is best to stretch in the frontal way.

The chain transmission of a motorcycle, in contrast to the transmission of a car, requires periodic adjustment, which consists in changing the degree of tension. Tensioning eliminates transmission free play, which is usually followed by swipe, destroying the most important parts of the motorcycle. However, you need to understand that excessive tension will lead to rapid wear of the chain itself, since during the operation of the rear suspension it will stretch strongly, gradually losing its shape. Therefore, every motorcyclist should know about the procedure for performing such a procedure.

Examination

First, it is worth determining whether your chain needs tension - for this you need to take a control measurement. Place the motorcycle on the sidestand, removing the saddlebags and other foreign objects from the motorcycle. As a tool, you should take a tape measure, a ruler or a sufficiently large caliper. Make sure there is no load on the suspension and start measuring.

Very often the question arises, how should the chain be tensioned in order to avoid accelerated wear of the motorcycle components? It is best to check the instruction manual developed by the motorcycle manufacturer, since for a specific vehicle the normative indicator can be individual. If this is not possible, you should use the averaged values ​​equal to:

  • 15-25 mm;
  • 30-45 mm for domestic technology and mid-range road bikes;
  • 35-50 mm with a large engine displacement;
  • 50-60 mm and off-road vehicles.

When checking, you may find that the actual figure is out of range. In this case, it is necessary to urgently tighten the chain in order to avoid damage to the motorcycle in the near future. In addition, it is worth performing another check, assessing the technical condition of the chain. Gradually scrolling the rear wheel, determine the degree of sagging at each of its points - if this indicator differs significantly, the part urgently needs to be replaced. If your chain is very stretched, but you need to get to a store or service center, then for adjustment you need to choose a position with minimal slack.

Tension

There are two main mechanisms for regulating chain slack, which are used by different manufacturers. The complexity of the procedure in both cases will be approximately the same, but it is worth paying attention to the main recommendations related to tension. From correct execution such an operation will depend on the durability of the transmission as well as other critical components of the motorcycle.

Longitudinal movement

Most often, there is a system with longitudinal slots in the pendulum - they allow you to move the axis by adjusting the distance between it and the gearbox shaft. To get the job done, you need two keys - 17 * 19 and 13 * 14. After placing the motorcycle on the centerstand or suspension, unscrew the wheel shaft fasteners with a large key - this will significantly loosen it, which is necessary condition to adjust the tension. Next, you need to pick up a smaller wrench and unscrew the locknuts on both sides of the wheel.

Now you will need to learn how to tension the chain - there are adjusting bolts on both sides that move the wheel along the slot. Too much tension on one side can skew the wheel, requiring the rear swingarm to be completely disassembled. Therefore, experts recommend turning the bolts alternately, making 1-2 turns. Do not forget to periodically check the tension of the chain by pulling it with your finger - you can overdo it, which will make you spend a lot of time finding the right position. Some motorcycles use special tensioners - to set the optimal position, they need to be moved with a screwdriver or simply moved by hand.

When you find the optimal position rear wheel, it will be necessary to fix it, excluding further movement. First, the locknuts are tightened, and only then the axis of the motorcycle is fixed. Check carefully to ensure that all connections are as tight as possible and do not allow the wheel to move. Then re-measure the tension and try how the motorcycle behaves on the move.

Eccentric mechanism

Some manufacturers suggest using a more sophisticated but reliable eccentric mechanism. It is absolutely not difficult to work with it, but you will need more skill than in the option described above. Most often, the eccentric mechanism is used to regulate the chain tension in one-sided cantilever pendulums, although there are exceptions.

It is very important to know how to make the correct adjustment - you do not need to unscrew the bolts or locknuts for this. Only a large hexagon needs to be prepared from the tools - its size is determined by each manufacturer individually and may differ depending on the specific model of motor vehicles. By turning the adjusting screw, you move the axle along the eccentrically drilled hole, changing the degree of its tension.

Unfortunately, we often have to deal with cases of oxidation of the adjusting mechanism - especially if the motorcycle was operated in a maritime climate. In this case, you have to use brute force. To turn the hex, hit it with a rubber or wooden mallet. Be careful, as too strong a blow can break the threads of the mechanism, after which you will have to repair the pendulum.

Additional actions

If you know how to tighten a motorcycle chain, you can check the condition of the sprockets and other transmission parts. If signs of significant wear are detected, they should be changed immediately, since breakdowns of this type seriously affect the reliability and durability of the transmission of motor vehicles. If you find that the chain is severely stretched, it is better to get rid of it right away - especially if you like to ride at high speed or perform stunts, dumping the motorcycle onto the rear wheel.

In addition, with a planned chain tightening, it should also be cleaned and lubricated. It is better to use special agents in cans, which are supplied under high pressure - they effectively flush out all foreign deposits, and also penetrate into all internal parts of the chain transmission, contributing to its effective lubrication. The procedures are also performed with the rear of the motorcycle raised, which allows for quick wheel spin when needed. There are also special devices to clean the chain. The device is fixed on the transmission mechanism of the vehicle, after which it remains only to engage the first gear and ensure a continuous supply of cleaning agent into the receiving tube.

They are carried out approximately every 500-2000 kilometers, which ensures the reliability and durability of all mechanisms. Every time you clean and lubricate, it is worth checking the tension of the chain in order to exclude serious sagging. Experts say that, on average, a stretch has to be performed every 2-5 thousand kilometers, depending on the operating conditions of motor vehicles. It is worth completely changing the chain every 10-15 thousand kilometers, or more often with an aggressive driving style or with frequent off-road trips. Failure to meet these deadlines leads to accelerated wear of the transmission and the approach of expensive motorcycle repairs.

Professional approach

Many motorcyclists treat chain tensioning as a routine procedure, during which you can make significant tolerances and adjust the position of the rear wheel "by eye". Such an approach when setting the required chain tension is unacceptable - all operations must be performed as accurately and accurately as possible, using special tools. If you want to extend the life of the chain and avoid heavy wear on the transmission when using your motorcycle for extreme conditions, you should purchase a special laser gauge to set the optimal wheel position. In the most difficult cases, if you cannot understand the device of the adjusting mechanism or cannot loosen it, it is worth contacting the specialists of a motorcycle service station. They will carry out all the necessary work, providing you with a guarantee of the quality of the result and the reliability of the motorcycle.

A chainsaw, like any other tool, requires special care. In particular, a chainsaw element such as a chain or a cutting product needs care. The chain needs not only sharpening, but also the correct tension. How to tension the chain on a chainsaw, every tool owner should know.

A high speed of chain stretching is observed at the stage of its running. It was during this period that the grinding of the cutting element to the tire and the leading sprocket of the chainsaw is observed. During the running-in period, it is very important to regularly check the tension of the product, in otherwise it can fly off right during the operation of the instrument.

Some of the main reasons why a circuit fails include:

  • Poor quality product. Some manufacturers in China, in order to increase the demand for the product, resort to reducing the cost of products by making products from low-quality materials.
  • Lubrication dysfunction. If the lubricant is supplied to the chain and tire in an insignificant amount or does not come at all, then excessive overheating of the product leads to the fact that the metal begins to expand and loses its properties.
  • Inadequate lubricant quality. The use of mining leads to the fact that the chain quickly wears out and stretches, which is due to the content of metallic substances in the mining.
  • Poor quality of teeth sharpening. Using a cutter with blunt teeth will not only reduce tool performance, but will also cause the chain to stretch faster.

Screw location option

Professionals also put forward their opinion that the nature of the operation of the chainsaw affects the durability of replaceable elements. The negative consequences of incorrect chain adjustment also affect the accelerated stretching of the cutting element and its failure. If the product is overstretched, then labor productivity will be reduced, since the motor will experience excessive loads during operation. In addition, the chain will fit snugly against the tire, accelerating wear and tear. If the product is weakened, then at any moment it can fly off the tire or break. To work with the chainsaw was easy and smooth, it is necessary to check the tension of the cutting device, and the sharpening of the teeth with each refueling.

Tensioning mechanisms

The chain must be properly tensioned so that it can move freely on the bar by hand. To adjust the tension, the classic type of tensioner is used, which is used in budget-class tools. Such a tensioner is a threaded bolt and an adjusting component with a classic or lateral arrangement.

Quality models of chainsaws are equipped with adjusting mechanisms, with the help of which tension can be carried out with a single movement of the lever or by turning the adjusting dial. If a chain tensioner is used to tension the chain, the tightening torque is fixed with a lock nut. Otherwise, the chain tension is fixed by blocking the bar in a given position by installing the cover. Both methods allow you to fix the product securely in a given position.

Another option for the location of the adjustment screw

It's important to know! It is strictly forbidden to adjust the chain tension on the chainsaw when it is hot. The product must be refrigerated, otherwise the procedure will not be performed correctly.

It is necessary to learn in more detail how the chainsaw chain is properly tensioned, since this moment is very important, the performance of the tool and the safety of a person depend on it.

Installing the chain and adjusting its tension

The chain is technically easy to install and adjust. And it doesn't matter what class your instrument belongs to: household or professional. In order for the installation of the chain on the chainsaw to be successful and as correct as possible, it is recommended that the first manipulations be carried out according to the instructions below.

Initially, it is necessary to install a new chain on the tool, having previously dismantled the old element. The process of dismantling an old cutting product and installing a new one involves the following steps:

  1. To begin with, the chainsaw should be placed on the table, turning it so that the tire is at the top. After that, the threaded fasteners are unscrewed, after which the protective cover is removed, the tire is dismantled and the guides are cleaned from sawdust and dirt.
  2. After removing the old and worn-out product, it is necessary to determine how to correctly put the new element on the chainsaw. Determining the correct location of the product will not be difficult, since the pointed teeth should be on top in the opposite direction from the tool itself.
  3. After that, it is necessary to put the chain on the tire, and install the latter in place, fixing it with threaded fasteners. It is also important to make sure that the tensioning mechanism of the cutting device has sufficient free play.

After installing a new product, you will need to tighten it. This is done in two ways: fast or frontal. The most acceptable is the frontal method of tensioning the product. The tensioning process is carried out in the following sequence:

  1. The nuts are unscrewed, by means of which the tool bar is fixed. By slightly loosening the fastening nuts, it is necessary to lift the tire by the edge.
  2. The adjusting screw tightens the chain to the required value, after which the bar is fixed by tightening these nuts.
  3. Finally, check the tension.

A quick way to adjust the tension is to tighten the wing nut handle and then loosen it. After that, the tensioner screw is screwed in clockwise until it stops. Finally, the wing nut is tightened again and the handle is lowered.

Methods for checking the degree of tension

Checking the degree of tension is important point, as the consequences of incorrect adjustment can be fatal to the sawer. The quality of the chain tension adjustment can be determined by:

  1. When moving the product by hand, it should not jam or show signs of severity of its movement.
  2. The cutting element must be checked for looseness by grasping the link and trying to pull it up. The normal tension value should correspond to the exit of the shanks from the tire (in its middle) no more than 2/3.
  3. In the process of moving the device, there should be no squeaks and other extraneous noise.

In conclusion, it should be noted that you should never adjust the chain to hot, as this will certainly lead to a number negative consequences... As a result of such actions, it may be necessary to replace not only the tire and chain, but also the drive sprocket.

After you have worked with the chainsaw for a while, there will come a moment when the chain tension will loosen. This is due to its stretching and heating. Many do not know how to tighten the chain on a chainsaw, so they start looking for the answer in the instructions or on the Internet. Well, in this article you will learn how to do it correctly. The tension is approximately the same for any chainsaws: at least Stihl, at least Husqvarna, at least Champion, at least some other.

What to turn on the chainsaw to tighten the chain?

In general, for all chainsaws, the procedure will look like this: loosen the fastening of the side cover and rotate the chain tensioner. But the cover mount and tensioner themselves may be different on different chainsaws.

The simplest option is a side cover attached with one or two nuts and a tensioner in the form of a screwdriver bolt (either slotted or Phillips). In this case, simply loosen the nuts and turn the bolt clockwise. The bolt can be located either on the side in the cover, or in the front - again in the side cover, or in the body of the chainsaw itself.



But there is also a keyless chain tension - this is when neither keys nor a screwdriver are required to loosen the fastening of the side cover and rotate the tensioner. These systems look different from different manufacturers. Below you can see in the pictures what they are and what to twist.



How should the chain be tensioned on a chainsaw?

The rule of thumb for how the chain should be tensioned sounds like this: the chain should move freely along the tire, but not sag. A little more, a little less - it doesn't matter. The main thing is to walk freely and not sag. In this case, if you pull the chains from the tire, grabbing it in the middle of the tire, it should reach the height of the links entering the tire.


During operation, make sure that the chain does not sag. If you notice any slack, tighten immediately. And after work, it is better to loosen the chain. This must be done due to the fact that the chain heats up during operation and stretches (including because of this it has to be tightened), and then, cooling down, shrinks. As a result, it can tear itself, and spoil the tire, and take away the shaft bearing on which the drive sprocket is held.

Here are all the rules for tightening the chain on a chainsaw. Thank you for the attention!

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