How To Shorten A Chainsaw Chain? Chainsaws are essential tools if you want to conduct your tree work instead of paying a professional. Chainsaws are very efficient tools that can chop down trees in minutes. Like many other machinery and tools, chainsaws may develop difficulties if not serviced regularly.

A chainsaw needs essential maintenance to stay in excellent working order. Chainsaw chains, in particular, need shortening for a variety of reasons. This article discusses how to shorten a chainsaw chain.

A shorter chainsaw may be helpful in a variety of situations. For shortening a chainsaw chain, however, not all scenarios are safe. We will also consider whether acquiring a new chain is advisable rather than shortening one. In other words, if shortening a chain is unsafe, you should purchase one.

Can a chainsaw chain be shortened? Yes, the answer is yes. Shortening a chainsaw’s link length is a breeze if you have the proper gear. Most manufacturers have even made it easy for you by giving a master link.

Take the chain off the master link and cut to the desired length if your tool has one. When you’ve reached the desired size, return the shorter link to the mast link. If your chainsaw lacks a master link, you must use a rivet tool to complete the task.

Some chainsaws are more challenging to cut down than others. The degree of difficulty is determined by whether the chainsaw has a master link.

As previously stated, if your chainsaw lacks a master link, you must use a particular rivet tool. Because it is more difficult to utilize than a master link, few individuals will use it properly. Furthermore, do not shorten an old chainsaw link since it is harmful.

How To Shorten A Chainsaw Chain?

You will need a few items to shorten the chain. If we explicitly describe such tools, they are rivets, chain-breaking, and pliers. These tools, such as a wrench, are needed. After completing these tasks, you must follow a few safety considerations before beginning the work.

Because you will labor with sharp teeth and metal chains, anything might happen that will harm your body. That’s the first thing we’ll do. This duty will be completed first, and then we shall proceed.

Before You Begin:

Safety gloves and goggles should be used before beginning this activity to protect the user’s hands and eyes from harm.

After you’re set-up, check that the blade and engine of your chainsaw are not too hot to handle; this means putting the machine away for a time if you just used it and you can still feel the heat.

Accidents do not notify you before they occur; disconnecting the spark plug or power supply is critical for your protection, whether the saw is switched off or not.

Removing The Chain:

The chain must be taken off the saw before you can work on it. First, use the wrench to loosen the nuts and bolts, keeping the side cover in place, as the tracing shows. In general, most chainsaw chains are stored under a cover that is secured with two nuts.

You must expose your chainsaw chain; do not damage it while doing so, or you will be unable to replace it.

The next step is to move the chainsaw blade or bar away from the chainsaw, reducing stress on the chain and allowing it to relax somewhat. After the tension is removed, raise the chain up and away from the saw.

Remove The Master Links And Shorten The Chain:

The chain has been removed from its packaging and is now in your control. The next step is to identify the chain’s master links. When you see the link, open it up, which may need some effort, then pop the link connecting to it out by exerting force with the pliers.

Choose which link to delete or how many to eliminate depending on the situation. Set the chain-breaking tool to align with that link, and then set the push arm to align with the pin on one side of the link. Now crank the tool’s handle until the pin ejects from the link.

Repeat on the other side, then remove the desired link by tugging gently. After shortening the chain, insert the master link again for adjustment. Insert the master link, which you just reconnected, into the rivet tool.

Twist the left handle while counter-twisting the right handle until the rivet is crushed flat. After that, your chain will be ready to use as previously.

Putting Back The Chain On Your Chainsaw:

It is the last stage of this activity, which is less complicated than shortening the chain. You must return the chain to its original position with proper adjustment and tension. The tension screw is conveniently located on the blade’s side, between the cutting edge and the chainsaw, so that you can rest easy.

Wrap the shorter chain around the blade, ensuring that the drive links in the sprocket are engaged. Pull the blade away from the chainsaw to give it some tension.

The chainsaw’s blade may then be adjusted by stepping on a stool. After you’ve finished the side cover’s switchback, you should tighten the nuts and bolts by hand. Compress the stiffness screw now. The next step is to use a wrench to tighten the nuts or bolts on the side cover. So you’re finished.

Conclusion:

To summarize, there are two primary methods for shortening your chainsaw. If you have the opportunity and time but want to avoid doing it yourself, you may take your chainsaw to any chainsaw shop and pay to have the chain shortened.

If you prefer to do it yourself, make sure you have all the necessary tools, such as the chain-breaking tool, and understand how to conduct all of the steps outlined above to shorten the chain. Strive to do everything carefully and correctly so that you may operate your chainsaw as efficiently as possible.

We want to emphasize that if your chain continues stretching, you should consider the cause to fix the issue and protect the chain from extending in the future.

This article will be a helpful guide for you to shorten a chainsaw chain, and you will be able to do this task easily.

Don’t miss to check our new article about How To Put A Chain Back On Electric Chainsaw.