Sihl Chain Tension Screw Won't Tighten
#1
07-14-12, 06:15 PM
Sihl Chain Tension Screw Won't Tighten
The tension screw on my Stihl suddenly won't turn far enough to sufficiently tighten the chain. It'll turn counterclockwise to loosen the chain just fine. Any ideas?
#2
07-14-12, 06:56 PM
Group Moderator
Anytime I have needed to tighten the chain on my Stihl, I first loosen the nut, then yank the bar with one hand to get the chain as tight as I can, then with the other hand turn the adjusting screw until it's snug, and the chain will only stretch upward about 1/8" off the top of the bar. If you've done that and the chain won't tighten sufficiently it's likely that your drive sprocket is worn, making the chain seem too long. You could try a different chain if you have one around... but I'm guessing it's the drive sprocket. Removing a link from the chain is another trick, but replacing the drive sprocket is a better option.
#3
07-14-12, 09:23 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
It could also be that the chain is worn enough to be too long now. Definitely check the sprocket though.
#4
07-17-12, 03:11 PM
I looked at the chainsaw last night. The sprocket is a bit worn, but not nearly enough to account for the extra slack. So, I put on another chain and, lo and behold, it tightened up just fine. Problem fixed, but I don't completely understand how this happens, but the first chain had gotten longer. Anyone know how this happens?
#5
07-17-12, 03:43 PM
Group Moderator
Chains can stretch a little (or wear, as cheese said). Thus the comment about possibly removing a link from the chain. (not really recommended)
