Chainsaw not cutting: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

The most common reason a chainsaw won't cut right is a dull chain. Try sharpening the cutting teeth or replacing the chain altogether. Blunt cutters are the number one issue making saws bind and cut poorly. Teeth naturally erode and get rounded off with extended use. Dull edges barely chip away material and get stuck in the cut. Sharpening restores the sharp precision ground profile on each tooth. Use a round file and file guide to recreate crisp 60-degree edges. Go tooth by tooth to resharpen the whole chain. This brings back clean, fast-cutting performance. If teeth are extremely worn down or damaged, a new chain is needed.

How to Replace a Chainsaw Cutting Chain

1. Remove chain cover. Unscrew the clutch cover screws and remove the chain cover to access the sprocket and bar.
2. Detach chain. Locate the chain tensioning screw and loosen it enough to detach the chain from the bar and sprocket.
3. Remove old chain. Slide the old chain off the guide bar. Examine the old chain for any signs of damage or excessive wear.
4. Install new chain. Use gloves and slide the new chain onto the guide bar, making sure the cutting edges face the right direction.
5. Attach chain. Fit the chain over the sprocket and into the guide bar groove. The drive links should align with the sprocket teeth.
6. Adjust tension. Tighten the chain tensioning screw until there is only a little sag in the cutting chain.
7. Replace cover. Put the chain cover back on and tighten all screws securely.
8. Lubricate chain. Apply lubricating oil liberally over the cutting chain before use.
9. Check operation. Start saw and test cut to verify smooth chain rotation and proper tension.

Repair Instructions:

The chain might not have the right tension. If the adjustment screw is too loose, the chain won't press on the wood enough to cut. But overtightening also prevents proper speed for cutting. To fix it, tighten or loosen the tension screw. Proper chain tension is crucial for good contact and movement. A loose chain can vibrate, skip, or derail during sawing. Tightening the screw pulls the guide bar tighter to prevent this. But an extremely tight chain is hard to turn and can wear bars faster. Find the sweet spot where the chain lightly bites the bar with pull, but still moves freely. Adjust the screw in small turns while checking sag and rotation. Tensioning takes some trial and error to dial in. But once set right, the chain should cut smoothly without issues.

How to Replace a Chainsaw Adjustment Screw

1. Identify adjustment screw. The screw adjusts chain tension, carburetor settings, or clutch. Refer to your manual to locate the specific screw.
2. Remove cover if needed. Take off chain cover or air filter cover to access the adjustment screw.
3. Back out old screw. Turn the old screw counter-clockwise to completely back it out and remove it from the chainsaw.
4. Examine threads. Inspect the threaded hole for any damage or debris. Clean threads as needed.
5. Install new screw. Thread the new adjustment screw into the hole by turning it clockwise. Go slowly to avoid cross-threading.
6. Adjust setting. Turn screw clockwise or counter-clockwise to set chain tension, carburetor mixture, clutch, etc. per instructions.
7. Test operation. Start the chainsaw and make test cuts to verify proper functioning. Fine tune the adjustment screw as needed.
8. Replace covers. Attach any clutch, sprocket or air filter covers removed earlier. Tighten screws securely.
9. Check periodically. Monitor the adjustment and reset as needed to account for chain stretch or wear over time.

Repair Instructions:

The chain bar could be bent or worn out. The chain needs to glide smoothly around the bar. If not, you may need a new bar. The bar is lubricated by chain oil from a tank. Remember to refill the oil each time you fill the gas. A damaged bar won't let the chain move freely during cutting. The chain should slide effortlessly along a straight, undamaged guide bar. Kinks, burrs, and rail wear prevent smooth travel. Listen for scraping or grinding noises during use. Visually inspect for damage or major wear too. Refilling the chain oil frequently also prevents bar damage. The oil keeps everything sliding properly under a load.

How to Replace a Chainsaw Chain Bar

1. Remove chain cover. Unscrew the chain cover screws and detach the cover to access the bar.
2. Loosen chain tension. Locate the chain tensioning screw and turn it counterclockwise to loosen the chain.
3. Remove chain. Slide the cutting chain off the old bar and set it aside.
4. Detach old bar. The bar is held on by nuts or clamps. Loosen them and carefully slide the bar off the mounts.
5. Install new bar. Place the new guide bar onto the bar mounts, aligning the holes.
6. Secure bar. Tighten down the nuts or clamps evenly to hold the new bar firmly in place.
7. Replace chain. Put the cutting chain back on the new bar, pulling it into the groove evenly.
8. Tension chain. Turn the chain tensioner clockwise until the chain is snug but still movable by hand.
9. Replace cover. Position the chain cover back on and tighten all the mounting screws.
10. Lubricate chain. Apply chain lubricant before use to prevent premature wear.

Repair Instructions:

The clutch pads grip the clutch drum to turn the chain. If the pads are worn down, the motor may run but not spin the chain. Make sure the chain brake lever is off first. If the brake is on, the chain can't move. But worn-out pads won't engage the drum to drive the chain, even with the brake disengaged. To fix, and replace the whole clutch assembly. Those pads have to clamp the drum strongly to drive the chain. Over time and use, the pads can get smooth and slip on the drum surface. Releasing the chain brake is step one, but worn pads will still fail to grip. Installing fresh new clutch parts ensures strong pad contact for rotation.

How to Replace a Chainsaw Clutch

1. Remove clutch cover. The clutch is located under the clutch cover on the side of the chainsaw. Take out the screws and detach the cover.
2. Remove drive sprocket. Take off the nut holding the drive sprocket and remove the sprocket.
3. Detach clutch. There may be a few screws securing the clutch. Carefully remove them and take off the clutch.
4. Clean components. Use compressed air to blow away any debris on the clutch drum and needle bearing behind it.
5. Install new clutch. Slide the new clutch onto the crankshaft and align the drum lugs. Replace the mounting screws.
6. Replace drive sprocket. Slide the drive sprocket back onto the clutch drum and tighten the nut securely.
7. Check chain tension. Adjust chain tension before use as needed.
8. Replace clutch cover. Put the clutch cover back on and tighten down all the screws.
9. Start chainsaw. Run the chainsaw to verify smooth clutch operation and make adjustments if needed.
10. Maintain regularly. Keep clutch debris-free and make sure sprocket nuts are tight.

Repair Instructions:

The clutch pads grip the clutch drum to turn the chain. If the pads are worn down, the motor may run but not spin the chain. Make sure the chain brake lever is off first. If the brake is on, the chain can't move. But worn-out pads won't engage the drum to drive the chain, even with the brake disengaged. To fix, and replace the whole clutch assembly. Those pads have to clamp the drum strongly to drive the chain. Over time and use, the pads can get smooth and slip on the drum surface. Releasing the chain brake is step one, but worn pads will still fail to grip. Installing fresh new clutch parts ensures strong pad contact for rotation.

How to Replace a Chainsaw Clutch Band Kit

1. Remove clutch cover. Take out the screws securing the clutch cover and remove it to access the clutch.
2. Take out clutch. Remove the mounting screws and slide off the old clutch to access the clutch band.
3. Remove old band. Take note of the orientation and carefully pry out the old clutch band. Discard the band.
4. Clean components. Use compressed air to blow away any debris on the clutch drum and needle bearing.
5. Install new band. Carefully fit the new clutch band into place per the manufacturer's instructions.
6. Replace clutch. Slide the chainsaw clutch back on, aligning the lugs. Insert and tighten mounting screws.
7. Replace clutch cover. Position the clutch cover on the saw and tighten down the cover screws securely.
8. Check chain tension. Examine chain tension and adjust as needed.
9. Start chainsaw. The run saw and test clutch engagement. Readjust if needed.
10. Perform maintenance. Keep clutch area clean and make sure sprocket nuts are tight.

Repair Instructions:

The chain might not have the right tension. If the adjustment screw is too loose, the chain won't press on the wood enough to cut. But overtightening also prevents proper speed for cutting. To fix it, tighten or loosen the tension screw. Proper chain tension is crucial for good contact and movement. A loose chain can vibrate, skip, or derail during sawing. Tightening the screw pulls the guide bar tighter to prevent this. But an extremely tight chain is hard to turn and can wear bars faster. Find the sweet spot where the chain lightly bites the bar with pull, but still moves freely. Adjust the screw in small turns while checking sag and rotation. Tensioning takes some trial and error to dial in. But once set right, the chain should cut smooth without issues.