Tightening chain

[chopperpete]

Hi all, what is the rule of thumb for tightening up a new chain/old chain...have a STIHL MS250 16 inch for cutting up logs for woodburner.....

[lakeyboy]

Not too tight, not too loose 😜

[tony_t3d]

I was always taught that after tightening you should comfortable be able to pull atleast one tang length (thats the pointy bit that runs through guidbar) the guide bar at the middle of the bar.

[lakeyboy]

Yep. All jokes aside that is correct, chain should move freely and by lifting chain in the middle of the bar you should just see the bottom of the drive links

[Stubby]

If its going to be wrong,I prefer slightly on the slack side rather than a tad too tight .

[tony_t3d]

If its going to be wrong,I prefer slightly on the slack side rather than a tad too tight .

I'd second that. Tight chains cause all sorts of issues. Too slack u will get some extra wear near to the end of the bar and possibly have a chain slip off the rails.

[chopperpete]

Thanks guys....

[BishBashBosh]

Don't forget to check the tension on a new chain after a few cuts.

You'll get plenty of stretch in just the first few minutes of use IME, particularly with .325 chain on moderately powerful saws, and can go from too tight to hanging off the bar in no time.

[Darrin Turnbull]

Don't forget to check the tension on a new chain after a few cuts.

 

You'll get plenty of stretch in just the first few minutes of use IME, particularly with .325 chain on moderately powerful saws, and can go from too tight to hanging off the bar in no time.

 

 

You're right there , the speedcut chain on my 254 xp stretches alot.

[skyhuck]

Its important not to over tighten a hot chain, as it cools it can bend the crankshaft or destroy the nose of the bar.

 

I really hate people saying chains "stretch" they don't, the underside of the chain wears, as does bar, this causes slack.