what tools do i need to shorten chainsaw chains
Imagine you lot're about to start working with your chainsaw. You grab your saw and realize that the chain you have is too long, so you first wondering, can I shorten my chainsaw chain?
Yous can shorten a chainsaw concatenation by removing links with a concatenation break then re-connecting the chain with repair rivets. However, you need specialized equipment for this process, and removing links could weaken the integrity of the chain. As a issue, this process should only be used by experts.
I'm sure that leaves some questions unanswered, then allow'southward dig deeper into this topic. Nosotros'll first cover some of the challenges with shortening a concatenation, and then we'll talk through your options for solving this problem.
- Why It's not a Good Idea
- Alternative Solutions
- When to Buy a Replacement Chain
Why It's not a Good Idea
Hither are a few reasons why removing links from a chainsaw chain is non a good idea if you're non an skillful:
- Compromised Concatenation Integrity
- Wrong Chain Length
- Toll of Tools and Parts
At present that your know what we're going to go over, permit's become into the nitty concatenation inte'grity'.
i. Compromised Concatenation Integrity
This is the principal reason why yous shouldn't try to exercise this if you don't have the equipment or know-how.
When you remove links from a concatenation, you lot have to and so rejoin your chain back together at the new points. If this is not done properly, this new connexion could exist weak which means the chain could snap dorsum and hit you while operating your chainsaw.
I don't think I need to tell you this would not be a farewell.
Chainsaw bondage are held together past rivets. These rivets are factory pressed in order to give them the well-nigh strength. When y'all remove links from a concatenation, you have to break these rivets and supercede it with a repair rivet.
Repair rivets are not equally strong and have to be hammered down instead of pressed. This is what makes that new connexion potentially weak.
two. Wrong Chain Length
In addition, getting the length you want past removing links is not as unproblematic as you lot might call back.
When you remove links from a concatenation, you lot have to make sure yous go on the aforementioned infinite between cutters.
That means you lot volition likely stop up with a chain that is besides short by the fourth dimension you remove the right amount of links.
Past the fourth dimension you go through all that hassle, it would be more cost-effective to only buy a new chain at the correct size.
If you're non sure what size of chain you need, cheque out this article and learn all nigh it.
iii. Price of Tools and Parts
In guild to remove links from a chain and and so reattach it properly, you need a couple pieces of specialty equipment.
You need a concatenation suspension or chain punch which is used to suspension the rivets and remove links.
Then you will need repair rivets in lodge to reattach the concatenation in one case y'all have removed the desired links.
Past the time you purchase these tools and the time y'all spend on the project, it'due south cheaper simply to buy a new chain.
If yous don't wan't to buy a new chain, here's some culling solutions that don't involve buying a new concatenation or removing links.
Alternative Solutions
There'due south a couple of things to endeavour earlier you decide to remove links from your chain.
- Check the chain tension
- Trade-in your wrong size chain for a new i
- Take a professional shorten the chain
These are relatively easy things to try and could save you a lot of headache. Let's go over each one.
one. Bank check Chain Tension
If your concatenation was at the right tension before you lot used it merely now it's become loose, yous tin solve this trouble by re-tensioning your chain.
Your chain could accept gotten loose considering of article of clothing and tear, heat, or if it'south the starting time use of a new chain. If you recall this is what's happening to your chain, bank check out our other post nearly concatenation stretching.
If yous go on tensioning your chain merely it then becomes loose again relatively quickly, this is probably caused by one of three things:
- Either the chain was non set properly
- The chain is nether extreme temperatures
- You have a mechanical problem
If you are having the issue of a chain that keeps coming loose, nosotros have another article that will assistance you effigy out the problem.
Another reason you could have too much slack to fix by tensioning is that your chain is too worn out. If this is the example, then information technology's fourth dimension to purchase a new concatenation.
If you have a new concatenation but it'due south also big to fix by tensioning, then you probably have the incorrect size chain birthday which brings us to the second thing to try.
ii. Trade-in Wrong Size Chain for a New One
If you lot just accidentally bought the incorrect size chain, become back to the hardware store and see if yous can swap it for the correct size.
You'll probably only be able to do this if your chain is still in the box. If it's been used, the shop will be much less likely to do a swap.
But if you lot get to the shop, you might as well ask well-nigh number 3 while you're there.
iii. Take a Proffesional Shorten the Chain
If you're stuck with the size of chain yous accept and information technology doesn't need to be retired for vesture and tear, see if you can get a professional to shorten it for y'all.
They take the appropiate equipment and experience to shorten your chain without compromising the integrity of the chain.
Simply, depending on what kind of a store you have near you, this might be a adequately expensive alternative.
When information technology comes down to information technology, buying a new chain at the correct size may be more cost effective and safer.
When to Buy a Replacement Chain
As I've mentioned throughout the article, at that place a few times when ownership a new concatenation might but be the all-time selection.
If your chain is too long because of wear and tear, significant the chain has worn down the rivets enough to lengthen it, then it's definitely time to buy a new chain.
Using a chain that is very worn can pose a serious risk of the chain breaking during use.
Buying a replacement chain is almost always a amend selection than removing links to shorten your chain.
If you accidently bought the wrong size but can't return it, save that chain and buy a new ane. Who knows, you might end up having a chainsaw that it will fit former in the futurity.
Conclusion
While you can theoretically shorten a chain by removing links from it, this is hardly ever the cheapest, easiest, or safest matter to do.
If yous practise it incorrectly, yous run the risk of having your chain snap back on y'all, which could cause serious injury.
And, as the age old saying goes, information technology's ameliorate to be safe than sorry.
Instead of removing links, try tensioning the chain, see if y'all can swap it for the right size, have a professional shorten your chain for you, or merely buy a new chain altogether.
On that note, pick upwardly your chainsaw and go accept some fun… safely.
Related Questions
Do chainsaw chains stretch over time?
Chainsaw bondage can lengthen over time merely they aren't 'stretching'. Chains tin can appear to lengthen after the first employ as you 'intermission in' your chain. They tin can likewise lengthen because of wear and tear to the rivets. Lastly, chains tin lengthen from changes in temperature from common cold to hot.
How long should a chainsaw chain concluding?
If you use your chainsaw oftentimes, a chainsaw chain can last five or more years. If you only employ it occasionally it could potentially last much longer. Notwithstanding, if you damage your chain past hitting a rock or metal with information technology, you should replace it immediately.
Source: https://burlybeaver.com/shorten-chainsaw-chain/
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