Let’s be honest, all power tools require constant maintenance over time. A chainsaw falls under the same category of a high-maintenance power tool, otherwise, the performance is greatly affected when it doesn’t receive the proper maintenance it requires.
You must know that with time the chain of a chainsaw needs to be replaced when it wears out. However, the chain is not the only essential part that needs to be replaced, another important part is the blade that needs to be changed over time as well.
For absolute safety, the maintenance of a chainsaw’s blade is essential and it also affects the efficiency of the chainsaw. Quite frankly, a chainsaw is a powerful tool that you should keep in working order because if you don’t then it could lead to serious injuries.
In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about how to change a chainsaw blade and what are some of the reasons a chainsaw blade needs to be changed over time.
Table of Contents [hide]
- What Are the Reasons to Change a Chainsaw Blade?
- Are Chainsaw Blades Universal?
- Different Types of Chainsaw Blades
- How to Change a Chainsaw Blade
What Are the Reasons to Change a Chainsaw Blade?
The question is why do you need to change a chainsaw blade?
Even though a chainsaw is a sturdy-built power tool and might seem indestructible. They are still subject to wear and tear like other power tools you know of. The usage of the chainsaw determines how quickly the blade will wear out over time, it all depends on two factors: how often you use the chainsaw and what type of wood you cut with it.
Luckily, when the blade wears out you don’t have to be a completely new chainsaw, you can easily replace the blade with a new one and your chainsaw will be brand new.
Therefore, we have crafted this very easy-to-follow guide with steps to teach you how to change a chainsaw blade within a few minutes and you won’t have to seek professional help!
Are Chainsaw Blades Universal?
Since we promised you that this guide has everything you need to know about blade replacement of a chainsaw. In our opinion, you should know that when it comes to purchasing a blade for your chainsaw you will have to look for one that is offered by the same manufacturer as your chainsaw because chainsaw blades are not universal.
A chainsaw’s blade has two components:
- The bar (Long Broad Blade)
- The chain (Chain with Metal Teeth)
The chain is what rotates around the bar and is responsible for the cutting process. The bar and chain come in various lengths and sizes. Therefore, you can’t just buy any blade and hope it will fix your chainsaw.
In fact, you will have to measure the bar and chain to find the right replacement.
To figure out the size of the bar and chain, you can check the manual that came with the chainsaw and it will have all the details you need to buy a new blade for your chainsaw. Once you have found the perfect blade for your chainsaw, you can move on to the next time which is to learn how to change a chainsaw blade.
Different Types of Chainsaw Blades
Now that we have accomplished the fact that chainsaw blades are not universal, let’s look at the different types of chainsaw blades. Since you will be replacing the chainsaw blade you should know about the type of chainsaw you will be looking for.
The different types of chainsaw blades are:
Full Chisel Chain
These types of chains have squared edges and can easily tear into the wood with extremely high speed. They offer rougher cuts and are ideal for heavy-duty tasks like felling trees.
Moreover, unfortunately, these chains wear out more easily due to the squared-shaped design.
Semi-Chisel Chain
These types of chains have rounded-off teeth and are preferred by professional wood makers. Although, a semi-chisel chain cuts slowly in comparison to a full chisel chain it still is a better choice for many medium-duty tasks.
Furthermore, a chainsaw with a semi-chisel chain has a lower risk of kickback and offers cleaner cuts while a full chisel chain offers rougher cuts.
Low Profile Chain
Chainsaws with low-profile chains are designed to keep safety as a first preference. This chain also has rounded-edges like the semi-chisel chain which means the risk of kickback is lower too.
If for instance, you have never used a chainsaw before, then purchasing a low-profile chainsaw is the way to go about it because the risks of injury are far lesser in comparison to a full chisel chain.
These were the three different types of chainsaw blades, and now that you know about them. When you decide to buy a new blade you will know what you are exactly looking for!
How to Change a Chainsaw Blade
Step 1: Removing the Side Panel
Using a screw-wrench you have to unscrew the side panel which is located at the base of the guide bar. The side panel is usually fixed in place with two nuts that need to be unscrewed to remove it. Before you start loosening the nuts, make sure that you have unlocked the brake.
If you forget to unlock the brake and it is attached to the side panel then you will have a very difficult time getting the panel back in its place later.
Step 2: Releasing Tension
If you didn’t know, chain tension plays a huge role in the proper functioning of a chainsaw. But, the tension has to be released once it needs to be removed. In this step, you will be releasing the tension of the chain.
To release tension, pinching the guide bar at the end and pulling it away from the base of the saw will release the tension from the chain immediately.
Step 3: Removing the Chain
Once the chain tension is released, the chain can be very easily removed from the guide bar in a few seconds. Now that the chain is removed, you can place it on the side and prepare yourself to install the new chain.
Step 4: Loosening the Tension Screw
The tension screw is used to set the chain tension. The tension screw is located at the base of the guide bar, it is actually parallel to the guide bar. To install the new chain effortlessly, you will have to loosen the tension screw to make the installation process easier.
If you don’t loosen it then you will have a really difficult time installing the new chain on your chainsaw and it will take you a lot of time. The right method to install a new chain is to ensure that you loosen the tension screw beforehand.
Step 5: Installing the New Chain
Once you have successfully removed the old chain, you will have to thread the new chain around the clutch drum, ensure that drive links are hooked into the sprocket and will be able to turn the drum.
The clutch drum is located at the base of the guide bar. Lastly, thread the drive links through the guide bar.
Step 6: Restoring the Chain Tension
Now that you have threaded the new chain in its place, you will have to restore the chain tension. By pinching the guide bar at the nose and pulling away from the base of the chainsaw. While you are performing this task, ensure that that adjustment pin aligns with its proper groove. If you don’t know where the adjustment pin is, it is located at the base of the bar and sticking out.
Step 7: Replacing the Side Plate
In this step, you will have to replace the side plate. However, you won’t be screwing it back in its place just yet. You will have to go back to the tension screw you loosened before and will have to tighten it to adjust the chain tension.
Step 8: Tightening the Side Plate
Once you have achieved the perfect chain tension, you will finish the blade replacement process by screwing back the nuts of the side plates.
Final Thoughts
We hope that you had as much fun learning how to change a chainsaw blade as much we enjoyed crafting this very easy-to-follow guide for you.
All you have to keep in mind is that when you are ready to replace the blade is that you purchase the right blade for your chainsaw because the wrong blade will not fit the chainsaw no matter how much you try.
Furthermore, it can be extremely dangerous to try to use the wrong blade because you can never be too sure how the chainsaw will perform, and if it will function properly or not.
Just make sure you follow the steps in the same order we have mentioned and you will be able to successfully the blade in no time.
