Find Out What Direction Does a Chain Go on a Chainsaw

Welcome to the world of chainsaws! If you’re here, you’re likely looking for a simple answer to the intriguing question, What direction does a chain go on a chainsaw? Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll take a look at the essential information you need to properly install a chain on a chainsaw. So, buckle up and get ready to learn something new – you won’t want to miss this!

What direction does a chain go on a chainsaw?

Undoubtedly, power tools are quite handy, regardless of the type or model of the tool you’re using. This includes chainsaws as well. Chainsaws are powerful and versatile tools that are important for any professional or DIY landscaper. These powerful tools consist of a bar and chain, which rotate at extremely high speeds for cutting through wood and other materials. The chainsaw chain is an important component of the machine, and you must install it correctly to avoid any damage or injury. Any little error could end up causing accidents, most notably the chainsaw chain direction. If the chain is installed in the wrong direction, it could end up putting you in a sketchy situation.

Are chainsaw chains directional?

A common question that arises with chainsaw chains is whether they are bidirectional or not. The answer is no, chainsaw chains are not bidirectional. They’re designed to be moved only in one direction. If the chain is installed the wrong way or in the wrong direction, the cutting edges of the teeth will not engage properly, and the chainsaw wouldn’t work effectively. Chainsaw chains aren’t designed for cutting in both directions, which is why it’ll be important to install them in the right direction.

What way does the chain go on a chainsaw?

Another question that commonly pops up when installing a chain is what direction does a chain go on a chainsaw. The chain must be installed such that the sharp cutting edges of the teeth face forward, in the direction of the chainsaw’s rotation. This way, the teeth will engage the wood and cut it cleanly and effectively. Moreover, chainsaw chains come designed with a direction-of-rotation indicator on them. This will help you make sure that the chain is installed in the right direction.

The chainsaw chain comes with a series of teeth or cutting links, which are arranged in a specific pattern. These teeth are designed for cutting in only one direction, which means that chainsaw chains aren’t bidirectional. If the chain is installed in the wrong direction, the chainsaw will not be able to cut safely or effectively.

For installing the chainsaw chain correctly, you will first have to make sure that the chain is the right size for the chainsaw bar. The chain must be of the same length as the bar, and the pitch and gauge need to match the specifications of the chainsaw. Once you’ve got the correct chain, you can start the installation process.

For installing the chainsaw chain, you should first release the chain brake on the chainsaw. After that, remove the bar cover and the old chain, if needed. Place the new chain around the sprocket at the rear of the bar, ensuring that the teeth are facing forward. Next up, you’ll need to thread the chain around the guide bar. Further, make sure that the chain teeth snugly sit in the guide bar groove. Lastly, reattach the chain bar and then tighten the nuts or screws for securing the chain in place. It’ll be important that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing the chainsaw chain, as there might be slight variations between different brands and models.

Correct Chainsaw Chain Direction - Teaching Apprentice Dave

Safety considerations and tools needed

Chainsaws are powerful tools used for cutting through wood and other materials, but they can end up being dangerous if not handled properly. A critical aspect of chainsaw maintenance will be changing the chainsaw chain, which doesn’t just need the right technique, but also requires specific tools. Further, you will need to follow safety considerations so that you can carry out the entire process safely and effectively.

Safety considerations to consider

It is important that you should keep safety in mind when putting on a new chainsaw chain. Here are the safety considerations that you need to keep in mind –

•  Turn off your chainsaw – Make sure that your chainsaw is turned off before you change the chainsaw chain. You can also engage the chain brake to get added safety.
• Wear protective gear – You’ll have to wear glasses or safety goggles and thick gloves for protecting your eyes and hands from potential hazards.
• Inspect the chainsaw – Before you put on your chainsaw, you must inspect your chainsaw for ensuring that it is in a proper working condition. Look out for any cracks, loose parts, or damage that might result in problems.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions – Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when you’re putting on the chainsaw chain. You should ensure that you’re using the right size chain and securely tighten the nuts.
• Sharpen the chain – Before you put on the new chain, make use of a flat file or round file for sharpening the teeth of the chain. A sharp chain will be able to cut through wood more effectively, reducing the risk of accidents.

Tools and equipment needed

Before you start out the process of putting on a chainsaw chain, it’ll be important to gather the needed tools. Here is the entire list of tools that you will require –

• New chainsaw chain – Make sure that you’ve purchased a chain that fits the chainsaw’s specifications
• Wrench – This tool is used for loosening and tightening the nuts that secure the chainsaw chain
• Gloves – Wear thick gloves for protecting your hands from splinters, cuts, and other hazards
• Eye protection – Wear glasses or safety goggles for protecting your eyes from flying debris
• Flat file or round file – These files are used for sharpening the teeth of the chainsaw chain

How to put on a new chainsaw chain

Chainsaws are extremely powerful, and they can be used for cutting a wide range of materials. However, like any other power tool, even chainsaws need maintenance and occasional replacement of parts, including the chainsaw chain. Putting on a new chainsaw will need you to follow certain steps.

Once you have gathered the necessary tools and equipment and followed the safety consideration, it’ll be time to finally put on the chainsaw chain. Moreover, before you begin with the work, make sure that you have turned off the chainsaw and unplugged it from the power source. Here are the remaining steps that you will need to follow –

Remove the cover and chain

The next step when you’re putting on a new chainsaw chain would be to remove the cover and chain from your chainsaw. Here are the steps that you will need to follow –

1. Turn off your chainsaw and disconnect it from the power source
2. Located the chainsaw cover before removing the screws or bolts that are holding it in place with the help of the appropriate tool, such as a wrench or screwdriver
3. Remove the cover and then set it aside
4. You’ll now be able to see the chain of your chainsaw
5. Use a wrench or any other suitable tool for loosening the nut that is holding the chainsaw chain in place
6. Remove the old chainsaw chain and then set it aside

Position the chain

After you have removed the old chainsaw chain, you will have to position the new chain correctly. Here are the steps that you will need to follow –

1. Unroll the new chainsaw chain and place the chain on a flat surface
2. Do this while making sure that you position it with the teeth facing the right way
3. Position the chainsaw chain on the guide bar (the guide bar is the flat metal bar protruding from the chainsaw)
4. You should ensure that the chainsaw chain is correctly sitting in the guide bar groove
5. Loop your chainsaw chain around the sprocket (the sprocket is a small wheel with teeth located at the end of the guide bar)
6. Now, pull the chainsaw chain out and make sure that all the teeth are positioned correctly on the guide bar and sprocket

Secure the cover and chain

After you have positioned the chainsaw chain, you will need to secure it while also securing the cover in place. Here are the steps that you will need to follow –

• Tighten the nuts on your chainsaw chain using a wrench, screwdriver, or other suitable tools
• Make sure that the chain is snug but it shouldn’t be too tight
• Replace the cover and secure it in place with the help of screws or bolts that you removed earlier
• Tighten the bolts or screws for ensuring that the cover is held securely in place
• Test the chainsaw to make sure it is working correctly
• Turn on the chainsaw and allow it to run for a few seconds to make sure that the chain is moving correctly

Care and maintenance of chainsaw chains

Chainsaws require proper care and maintenance for performing optimally and last longer. One of the important parts of the chainsaw is the chainsaw chain. By taking care of the chainsaw chain and maintaining it, you’ll be able to make the chainsaw last longer, while also ensuring it continues to deliver stunning performances. Here are the steps that you will need to carry out for proper care and maintenance of chainsaw chains.

Cleaning the chain

After using a chainsaw, dirt, debris, and sawdust gradually ends up accumulating on the chainsaw chain. Over time, it reduces the performance and lifespan of the chain. Therefore, cleaning the chain regularly is important to keep it in proper working condition. Here is how you can clean the chainsaw chain –

1. Use a stiff-bristled brush for removing any large debris from the chainsaw chain
2. Use a degreaser for dissolving any stubborn dirt, debris, or sawdust on the chain
3. Make use of a commercial chainsaw cleaner or make a homemade solution of water and dish soap for removing dirt
4. Soak the chain in the degreaser solution for a while
5. Use a soft-bristled brush for scrubbing the chain gently
6. Thoroughly rinse the chain with water and allow it to dry before reinstalling it on the chainsaw

Chain sharpening

A dull chainsaw chain will reduce its cutting efficiency, increase the risk of kickback, and make it more challenging to use. Therefore, sharpening the chainsaw chain will be an essential part of chainsaw maintenance. Here is how you can sharpen your chainsaw chain –

1. Use a chainsaw file guide for setting the correct angle for sharpening the chain teeth
2. Place the file guide on the chain and then start filing each tooth in the direction away from the chainsaw’s body
3. File each tooth with a few strokes and then move on to the next tooth
4. Use a round file for sharpening the depth gauge or raker teeth to make sure that they are level with the sharpened teeth
5. Clean the chain for removing any metal filings before reinstalling it on the chainsaw

Lubrication the chain

Lubricating the chainsaw chain will be essential for preventing overheating, reducing friction, and prolonging the chain’s lifespan. Here is how you can lubricate the chainsaw chain –

1. Check the oil reservoir for ensuring that it is filled with oil
2. Start the chainsaw and allow it to run for a few minutes to allow the oil to circulate through the chain
3. Check the oil flow by holding the chainsaw over a light-colored surface and revving the engine
4. You will now get a thin line of oil on the surface

Storing the chainsaw

Proper storage of a chainsaw will allow you to ensure that it is in proper working condition and lasts longer. Here is how you can store a chainsaw –

1. Drain the fuel tank before you store the chainsaw to prevent damage to the engine
2. Store your chainsaw in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight
3. Cover the chainsaw with a protective cover for preventing dust, debris, and moisture from accumulating

Replacing the chain

Despite regular maintenance and proper care, chainsaw chains will eventually wear out and require replacement.

You will have to replace the chain from time to time. Here is how you can replace a chainsaw chain –

1. Disconnect the chainsaw from the power source and then remove the chain cover
2. Loosen the chain tensioner and remove the old chain
3. Now, install the new chain on the chainsaw, making sure that the teeth are facing in the right direction and that the depth gauge teeth are level with the sharpened teeth
4. Tighten the chain to the appropriate tension and reinstall the chain cover

Pitfalls of installing the chains in the wrong direction

Trying to get the right direction for your chainsaw chain is often a source of frustration among chainsaw users. It is especially problematic for beginners who haven’t had the option of being shown the right direction or the right way.

This whole process can be somewhat time-consuming and annoying. The worst part is that problems might arise during this process. If you regularly use your chainsaw, you may already be aware of the common problems that arise if you install the chain in the wrong direction. If you’re a beginner, you must know there are several problems that might be awaiting you.

Here are some of the problems that you can expect if you install the chainsaw chain in the wrong direction –

#1. Wastage of bar oil

If the chainsaw chain is fixed on the wrong side, it’ll cause a lot of bar oil to be wasted. This would, in turn, result in more harm to the chainsaw. Generally, the bar oil is kept in order to be used until a certain project or task is completed. However, if components like the chainsaw chain or chainsaw blade are installed in the wrong direction, it’ll waste bar oil.

#2. Damage to the chain link

The chain link is an important part of the chainsaw and the moment it ends up getting damaged, the chainsaw might not be able to operate as effectively as it should. It’ll be important to set the link in the bottom position to make sure that it is providing ample support to the blade. This will result in easy and effective propelling. Moreover, you should ensure that the drive link has been fixed to avoid any unnecessary damage to you or your project.

#3. Causes unnecessary stress on the guide bar

The guide bar is an important part of the chainsaw when it comes to cutting wood. If there’s a wrong alignment in terms of the direction of the chain, there will be numerous problems. What happens here is that you’ll end up getting a lot of stress on the guide bar as the chain is getting forced into the wood. If you install the chain in the wrong direction, the cut will not be possible, and you’ll end up damaging the guide bar.

#4. Might cause you to doubt your skills.

Placing the chainsaw chain in the wrong direction is one of the most annoying problems that you can possibly do as a chainsaw user. As you won’t get the desired cutting performance, you may end up doubting yourself as to why you aren’t able to cut. 

Being able to place the chainsaw chain correctly is one of the skills that you must have. A chainsaw user must be able to demonstrate this to prove their abilities. For instance, say that you are a chainsaw professional, and you are attending to a client’s project. You will continue to struggle if you have mounted the chainsaw in the wrong direction. This will display a great level of incompetence and could end up costing you your job.

#5. Burnout clutch

When you start the chainsaw, it’ll be normal that you have to keep pressing down the clutch. If your chainsaw doesn’t cut, it’ll cause the clutch to burn, and result in the chainsaw not working. Before you start any project, make sure that the chainsaw chain is in the right direction so that you can avoid damage to the chainsaw. In the majority of cases, the clutch is one of the first parts of the chainsaw that burns out. This happens because it is responsible for carrying out the proper functioning of the chainsaw.

Also Read:

7 Last Minute Gift Ideas For People Who Love Chainsaws

FAQs