I was in my yard last week. I was cutting up an old oak log. The air was cool, and my saw ran great. Then, I saw it. The chain began to sag. It hung off the bar like a loose string.
I stopped right away. A loose chain is bad news. It cuts poorly. It is also not safe. It can fly off the bar.
I had to fix it fast. I learned how to tighten a Husqvarna chainsaw chain years ago. It is easy. It takes just two minutes. Here is how I do it.
Why Does the Chain Get Loose?
Chains stretch. It happens to all of us.
- Heat: Hot metal gets bigger. A hot chain is long.
- Wear: The links wear down over time.
- New Chains: A new chain stretches a lot on the first day.
My Rule: I check the chain every time I add gas.
Step 1: Safety First
I turn the engine off. I never touch a moving chain.
Is it hot? This part is key. If the chain is hot, I wait. If I tighten a hot chain, it will shrink when it cools. That can break the saw. I let it cool down while I drink some water.
Step 2: Get Your Tool
I use a “scrench.” That is the tool that came with the saw. It is a wrench and a screwdriver in one.
Step 3: Loosen the Nuts
I find the two nuts on the side cover. I use my tool to turn them to the left. I do not take them off. I just loosen them a little bit. They should be finger-tight. Now the bar can move.
Step 4: The Secret Trick
This is the most important step. I grab the nose of the bar with my hand. I lift it up. I hold it up the whole time.
Why? The bar has some wiggle room. If I do not lift it, the chain will act tight. But once I let go, it will sag again.
Step 5: Turn the Screw
I keep holding the bar up. I look for the tension screw. On my saw, it is right between the two nuts.
- Turn Right: This tightens the chain.
- Turn Left: This loosens the chain.
I turn it slowly. I watch the bottom of the bar. I stop when the chain just touches the metal rail.
Step 6: Check the Feel
It needs to be just right. I pull the chain along the top of the bar. I always wear gloves for this. It should move freely. If I have to pull hard, it is too tight.
The Snap Test: I pull the chain down under the bar. It should come out a bit, then snap back up.
Step 7: Lock It Down
I am still holding the bar tip up. I take my wrench. I tighten the two nuts on the side. I make them very tight. Now, I can let go of the bar.
Quick Fix Table
Sometimes it feels wrong. Here is what I look for.
| What I Feel | The Problem | The Fix |
| It won’t move | It is too tight. | Loosen the screw a bit. |
| It hangs down | It is too loose. | Tighten it more. Lift the bar! |
| It smokes | No oil is on it. | Check the oil tank now. |
Final Thoughts
I gave the chain one last spin. It felt smooth. I started the saw and finished the log. It is a simple job. But if you do it right, your saw will last a long time.
FAQs – How to Tighten a Husqvarna Chainsaw Chain
How often should I tighten my Husqvarna chain?
I check my Husqvarna chain each time I add gas. A loose chain is not safe to use. It can fly off the bar. Keep it snug for a clean cut. This helps your saw run well.
How tight should the chainsaw chain be?
The chain must touch the bar. Pull it with a gloved hand. It should move free. If it hangs down, it is too loose. If you must pull hard, it is too tight to use.
Why does my new chain loosen up so fast?
Heat makes the metal grow. This makes the chain long. New chains stretch a lot too. Let the saw cool down often. Then check the fit. This stops wear on the bar.
Do I need tools to tighten the chain?
Most saws use a tool. It is called a scrench. Some new models do not need tools. They have a knob on the side. Check your saw type first to see what you need.
Can I tighten the chain while it is hot?
No, never do that. A hot chain is long. When it cools, it will shrink tight. This can break the saw parts. Wait for it to cool down. Then you can fix the fit safely.