Stihl chainsaw blade is not moving—that was the problem I faced last Saturday. I was ready to cut wood in the yard. I grabbed my MS 250. I filled the gas tank. I pulled the cord. The engine started right up.
But when I pressed the trigger, nothing happened. The engine revved loud. But the chain just sat there.
It is a bad feeling. You want to work, but your tool won’t let you. If you have this issue, don’t worry. Your saw is likely fine. I fixed mine in ten minutes.
Here is exactly what I did to get back to work.
1. Check the Brake
I felt a bit silly about this one. Most of the time, the chain won’t move because the brake is on.
The brake is the big plastic guard on the top handle. It stops the chain for safety.
- What I saw: The guard was pushed forward. This locks the chain.
- The Fix: I pulled the guard back toward me. I heard a loud click.
- The Result: I tried the gas again. The chain still did not move. So, I had to look deeper.
2. Is the Chain Too Tight?
I thought about my last job. I cut wood for a long time. The chain got hot. Hot metal gets bigger. If you tighten a hot chain, it shrinks when it cools. It gets very tight.
- The Test: I turned the saw off. I put on my gloves. I tried to pull the chain with my hand. It was stuck tight.
- The Fix: I grabbed my wrench tool. I loosened the side nuts. Then I turned the screw to the left. This made the chain loose.
- My Rule: The chain should be snug. But you should be able to pull it easily.
3. The Bar Groove Was Dirty
I loosened the chain, but it still felt rough. It did not slide well.
I took the side cover off. I took the bar off the saw. I looked at the groove in the bar. This is the track where the chain sits.
It was full of junk. Sawdust and oil had dried inside. It was like glue.
- Cleaning it: I used my tool to scrape the groove. A lot of gunk came out.
- The Tip: I also checked the gear at the nose of the bar. It spun freely, so that was good.
4. The Results
I put the bar back on. I put the chain in the groove. I put the cover on.
I started the saw. Vroom.
I hit the gas. The chain spun fast. It was perfect. The saw was not broken. It just needed to be cleaned.
Quick Fix Table
Here is a simple chart to help you.
| What is Wrong? | The Likely Cause | How to Fix It |
| Engine runs, chain locked | Brake is On | Pull the guard back. Listen for a click. |
| Chain won’t move by hand | Too Tight | Loosen the nuts. Turn the screw left. |
| Chain feels rough/gritty | Dirty Bar | Take bar off. Scrape the groove clean. |
| Bar tip is hot | Stuck Gear | Oil the tip of the bar. |
Final Thoughts
If your Stihl chainsaw blade is not moving, do not force it. If you rev the engine while the chain is locked, you can break the clutch. That costs money to fix.
Take five minutes. Check the brake. Check the tension. Clean the bar. It saved my day. It will save yours too.
FAQs – Stihl Chainsaw Blade Is Not Moving
Why is my Stihl chainsaw blade not moving?
Is the brake on? Pull the guard back. It must click. A dirty bar stops the Stihl chainsaw blade. Clean the groove out well. Also, check the chain fit right now.
How do I unlock my Stihl chain brake?
Find the big guard on the top handle. Pull it back to you. Listen for a click. This frees the chain fast. Now the blade can move. It is safe to cut your wood again.
Can a tight chain stop the blade?
Yes, a tight chain locks the blade. The saw can not turn it. Loosen the nuts on the side. Turn the screw left. It should pull by hand. Do not let it sag down much.
How do I clean the bar groove?
Take the bar off the saw first. Use a small tool to scrape. Get all the sawdust out. This helps the chain slide. A clean bar makes the blade move fast and smooth.
Is my chainsaw clutch broken?
Is the brake off? Is the chain loose? If the Stihl chainsaw blade sits still, check the clutch. The drum may be worn out. You might need a new part from a shop.