There is no blade on a chainsaw chain, but instead, it has a series of sharp teeth on it. When storing it, chains could get tangled up, which could be a pain to untangle. However, with the information below, even a newbie could take care of an unfortunate tangle situation.
Prep before Untangling
First and foremost, find a table or bench to lay the chainsaw before getting to work. The workspace needs to be clear of any debris and should not be cluttered. Try to avoid using a table that can get scratched quite easily. Also, make sure that it is sturdy, so it does not topple over with the slightest push or pull.
Is your chain old or new? Sometimes, even new ones could get entwined easily. Have a pair of gloves ready, either leather or work ones. The designated work area and the gloves will ensure that there is little to no chance of snagging during the untangling process.
Depending on how bad the tangling is, you may need Allen wrenches and even screwdrivers. These could aid with taking the chain or chainsaw housing off.
How Do You Untangle the Chain?
If you notice any rust or gunk, pour some lubricating oil and let that do its magic. Chains will loosen up, and then you could move to the next step. Hold two different loops of the tangle, one in each hand. Let the chain hang straight downwards from this point.
While holding each loop, try to increase the diameter of loops. About 3 inches of width would be perfect. Continue to hold loops in your hands, and then raise the absolute lowest part of the chain. Since chainsaw chains tend to be stiff, raising would make the lowest part stand out like aboard.
Once a chain is pointing straight outwards, the loops in your hands will be lower in comparison. Due to gravity, the lowest section of the chain will fall. As a result, it will slide right past the loops, causing the chain to untangle. Repeat this process with a pair of loops up until all of the chain is untangled.
Essential Tips for the Process
Make sure to keep safety goggles and a pair of gloves with you to make the task easier and free of any accidents. Goggles will keep any oil or sawdust away from your eyes. And gloves will keep your hands safe from the sharp chains. Be careful not to twist and turn chains, since that might damage the teeth.
If your chain is new, then it should be oiled well and relatively clean, which will make untangling stress-free. However, if you are working with an old chain, you might need to use some lubricating oil. Also, clean off any dirt and debris, and untangling should be quick and straightforward.
Once any old chains have been untangled, you might need to sharpen the teeth to facilitate further use of the saw. You could easily look up some chainsaw sharpener reviews online and purchase one that suits your needs best.
Conclusion
Chain of the saw needs to be delicately handled, especially if there is a bad entanglement at hand. You will need to be patient to get the job done. Do not forget to wear protective gear and use some lubricating oil to make the entire procedure easier!
Other Interesting Chainsaw Articles:
- A brief history on chainsaw
- Steps to follow while using a Chainsaw