How to Put on a Chainsaw Chain: Safe Step-by-Step Guide
Learn a safe, practical method to install a chainsaw chain with proper tension and alignment. This guide covers tools, safety gear, common mistakes, and a clear step-by-step process from Chainsaw Manual to help homeowners and pros cut confidently.
By following this guide, you will accurately install a chainsaw chain with proper tension, orientation, and safety. You’ll verify compatibility with the bar and drive sprocket, prepare the saw with the right PPE, and methodically mount the chain before testing in a safe environment. This ensures smoother cutting, reduces kickback risk, and extends bar and chain life.
Why Getting the Chain On Correctly Matters
Putting the chain on a chainsaw correctly is not just a matter of getting teeth into the bar. It affects how smoothly the saw cuts, how the chain wears, and most importantly, your safety. If the chain is misoriented or poorly tensioned, you can experience excessive vibration, increased kickback risk, or the chain coming off the bar mid-cut. According to Chainsaw Manual, correct mounting aligns the chain with the drive sprocket and bar groove, allows teeth to engage evenly, and reduces heat buildup during extended use. This section explains the long-term benefits of proper mounting, including reduced maintenance downtime and safer operation in both DIY and professional environments. You’ll also learn how chain type, bar width, and drive sprocket count influence the mounting process, so you avoid costly mistakes from the start.
When you’re learning how to put on chainsaw chain, plan for a calm, well-lit workspace, and dedicate time to double-check each alignment before you power up. The goal is consistent tooth engagement and smooth rotation with minimal side-to-side play. With practice, the mounting becomes a predictable routine that supports safe cutting across wood types, from soft pine to hardwoods.
The Chainsaw Manual team emphasizes that safe operation starts with a correctly mounted chain. Take a quiet moment to re-check after the first few minutes of use, as tension and alignment can shift under load."
Tools & Materials
- Chainsaw wrench (s.parse) / scrench(8- or 10-mm hex driver combination preferred for side cover and bar nuts)
- Chain gauge or ruler(To verify chain pitch and gauge match bar groove and drive sprocket)
- Owner’s manual(Model-specific torque and orientation guidance; follow safety warnings)
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)(Safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves, hearing protection, and sturdy gloves)
- Lubricant or chain oil(Light oil for immediate lubrication during mounting; avoid excessive oil on clothing)
- Clean cloths or rags(For cleaning bar groove and drive sprocket surfaces)
- Screwdriver (flathead/Phillips)(If your side cover uses screws that require a screwdriver)
Steps
Estimated time: 15-30 minutes
- 1
Prepare workspace and safety gear
Clear the area, remove the battery or spark plug cap if applicable, and put on PPE. Ensure the saw is cool, then place on a stable work surface with the bar pointing away from you to reduce risk of injury during disassembly.
Tip: Wipe down the saw to remove oil residues before you begin to avoid slipping. - 2
Release tension and remove bar cover
Loosen the bar nuts slightly, open the side cover, and relase tensioner if your model has one. Remove the cover carefully, keeping track of any washers or spacers that may fall away.
Tip: Do not force components; use the correct driver size to avoid stripping bolts. - 3
Inspect the chain and bar for wear
Lay the chain flat and check for bent or damaged links. Inspect the bar groove for nicks or burrs that could hinder proper seating of the chain.
Tip: Replace a damaged chain or bar before mounting to prevent further damage. - 4
Place the chain around the bar and engage the drive sprocket
Position the drive links over the sprocket first, then thread the chain onto the bar groove, ensuring the teeth point in the correct cutting direction.
Tip: Make sure the drive links sit fully within the groove for smooth rotation. - 5
Check orientation and alignment
Confirm the chain sits flush in the bar groove with no twists. Teeth should face forward in the correct cutting direction; verify that the drive links engage the sprocket evenly.
Tip: A twisted chain is a common error that causes binding and kickback. - 6
Reinstall the bar cover and snug nuts
Put the bar cover back on, loosely tighten the nuts, and rotate the chain manually to ensure it moves freely. Then tighten the nuts to the manufacturer’s torque spec.
Tip: Finish by winding the chain slowly to ensure full engagement without binding. - 7
Tension the chain to the correct tightness
Most chains should have a small amount of play at the middle of the underside of the chain. If it’s too tight or too loose, adjust according to the bar and manufacturer guidance.
Tip: Do not overtighten; improper tension reduces performance and shortens chain life. - 8
Perform a functional check before cutting
Power the saw briefly in a safe area to confirm movement and lubrication. Listen for unusual noises and watch for chain binding as you spin the chain by hand before resuming work.
Tip: If anything sounds off, stop and recheck alignment and tension. - 9
Final safety verification and testing
Make a controlled cut into scrap wood to verify tracking and tension has settled. Re-tension if needed after the test cut. Store tools and ensure the chain oil reservoir is topped up.
Tip: Always test at low load before full work to prevent unexpected kickback.
FAQ
What happens if the chain is installed backwards?
If the chain is backwards, it will not cut correctly and may bind or derail. It can also cause kickback or damage to the bar and drive sprocket. Always verify the chain’s direction before mounting.
If you install it backwards, you’ll know right away because it won’t cut, and it may bind or derail. Recheck the direction before powering up.
Can I mount a chain without removing the bar?
Most models require removing the side cover and sometimes the bar to thread the chain correctly. Attempting to mount without removing the bar can cause misalignment or improper tension.
Usually you need to remove the bar cover to thread the chain properly.
How do I know if the chain is properly tensioned?
A properly tensioned chain should have a small amount of play midway along the underside when pulled by the finger. It should not sag excessively or be so tight that it can’t move. Recheck after a test cut.
A little looseness in the middle is normal; it shouldn’t sag too much or be too tight.
Do I need to sharpen the chain before mounting?
Sharpening can be done before or after mounting, but it’s best to have a sharp chain ready for mounting to assess tension accurately. Avoid mounting a dull chain as it skews tension and cutting efficiency.
You don’t have to sharpen it before mounting, but a sharp chain makes tensioning more accurate.
What PPE should I wear when mounting a chainsaw chain?
Wear safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves, hearing protection, and sturdy clothing. PPE protects you from shards or accidental contact with moving parts during setup.
Protect your eyes, hands, and ears—don’t skip PPE when mounting the chain.
Watch Video
The Essentials
- Verify chain and bar compatibility before mounting
- Wear proper PPE and work on a cool, stable surface
- Ensure correct orientation and smooth tension to prevent kickback
- Test cutting under light load before heavy work
