How to Shorten a Chainsaw Chain: Easy Guide

So, your chainsaw chain is looking a little droopy, huh? Maybe you nicked it on a rock (we’ve all been there!) or perhaps you’ve sharpened it so many times that the drive links are starting to complain. A dull chain impacts your chainsaw’s performance. Oregon, a leading manufacturer of chainsaw chains, provides helpful resources, but sometimes the best solution is simply taking out a link or two. Properly maintaining your Stihl chainsaw often involves understanding when and how to adjust the chain length. You might even need to consult a chainsaw repair manual to ensure safety and precision. This brings us to the crucial question: how to shorten a chainsaw chain like a pro, and get back to cutting with efficiency and safety?

The Ultimate Guide to Shortening Your Chainsaw Chain

Okay, so your chainsaw chain is too long, and you’re thinking of shortening it yourself? Good on you! It’s totally doable, and this guide will walk you through it step-by-step. We’ll cover why you might need to do this, the tools you’ll need, and the safest way to get the job done right. Let’s dive in!

First, let’s get clear on why you might want to shorten your chainsaw chain. Maybe you’ve damaged a few links, and removing them is the only way to salvage the chain. Or perhaps you’ve switched to a smaller chainsaw bar and need a shorter chain to match. Whatever the reason, understanding the ‘why’ is just as important as knowing the ‘how’.

Here’s a breakdown of the sections we’ll cover:

• Understanding When to Shorten a Chain: Knowing the reasons and assessing if it’s truly the right solution.
• Gathering Your Tools: Having the right equipment makes the job way easier and safer.
• Step-by-Step: Removing Links: The meat of the process – taking out those extra links.
• Checking and Tensioning: Making sure the shortened chain fits properly and is tensioned correctly.

Understanding When to Shorten a Chain

Before you start grinding and hammering, let’s make sure this is the right move. Shortening a chain is a good option when:

• Damaged Links: A few links are severely damaged, but the rest of the chain is in decent shape. This is often the main reason.
• Bar Size Change: You’ve switched to a smaller chainsaw bar and the existing chain is simply too long.

However, there are times when shortening isn’t the best idea:

• Excessive Wear: If the entire chain is worn out, it’s better to buy a new one. Shortening won’t fix overall wear and tear.
• Too Many Damaged Links: If more than a few links are compromised, the structural integrity of the chain is questionable. Again, a new chain is safer.
• Not Comfortable: If you’re at all unsure or uncomfortable with the process, consider taking it to a professional. Safety first!

Gathering Your Tools

Having the right tools not only makes the job easier, but also safer and provides a better result. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chainsaw Chain Breaker: This is the most crucial tool. It pushes the pin out of the chain links. Trust me, you don’t want to try doing this with a hammer and punch!
• Chainsaw Chain Spinner/Riveter (Optional, but recommended): This helps reassemble the chain. While pliers can work, a spinner makes it much easier and ensures a secure connection.
• Safety Glasses: Always protect your eyes! Metal filings can fly, and you don’t want them in your eyes.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from sharp edges and grease.
• Bench Vise (Optional): Holding the chain steady can make the job easier.

Tool	Description	Why You Need It
Chain Breaker	Pushes pins out of the links	Essential for disassembling the chain
Chain Spinner/Riveter	Reassembles the chain by setting the pins	Provides a secure and professional finish
Safety Glasses	Protects your eyes from debris	Non-negotiable for safety
Gloves	Protects your hands	Prevents cuts and scrapes

Step-by-Step: Removing Links

Alright, with your tools ready, here’s how to shorten your chainsaw chain:

1. Determine the Number of Links to Remove: Wrap the chain around the bar (or where the bar will be), and figure out how many links need to go. Mark the links with a marker or paint pen. Double-check your measurements! It’s better to remove too few than too many.

2. Position the Chain in the Chain Breaker: Place the link you want to remove into the chain breaker so the pin is aligned with the breaker’s pin.

3. Push Out the Pin: Carefully turn the handle of the chain breaker to push the pin out of the link. Don’t force it! If it’s stuck, double-check your alignment. You only need to push the pin out enough to separate the link, not completely remove it.

4. Remove the Link(s): Once the pin is partially out, you should be able to wiggle the link free and remove it. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for any additional links.

5. Rejoin the Chain: Now, it’s time to put the chain back together. Line up the ends of the chain and insert a new connecting link.

6. Set the Pin: Place the connecting link in the chain spinner/riveter. Use the spinner to press the pin securely into place. If you don’t have a spinner, carefully use pliers to crimp the pin. Be gentle! You don’t want to damage the pin or the link.

Checking and Tensioning

Almost there! Here’s how to make sure everything is perfect:

1. Check the Fit: Place the shortened chain on the chainsaw bar. It should fit snugly in the groove, but not be too tight. You should be able to pull the chain away from the bar slightly.

2. Tension the Chain: Use the chainsaw’s tensioning mechanism to adjust the chain tension. The chain should be snug but still be able to be pulled around the bar by hand.

3. Check Again: After running the chainsaw for a few minutes (at idle!), re-check the tension. Chains can stretch slightly when they warm up.

So, there you have it! Shortening a chainsaw chain isn’t as scary as it might seem. Just take your time, double-check your work, and remember safety first. Now you can get back to tackling those tough jobs with your newly adjusted chain and a chainsaw that’s running smoothly again. Happy cutting!