Imagine you’re about to start working with your chainsaw. You grab your saw and realize that the chain you have is too long, so you start wondering, can I shorten my chainsaw chain?
You can shorten a chainsaw chain by removing links with a chain break and then re-connecting the chain with repair rivets. However, you need specialized equipment for this process, and removing links could weaken the integrity of the chain. As a result, this process should only be used by experts.
I’m sure that leaves some questions unanswered, so let’s dig deeper into this topic. We’ll first cover some of the challenges with shortening a chain, and then we’ll talk through your options for solving this problem.
Why It’s not a Good Idea
Here are a few reasons why removing links from a chainsaw chain is not a good idea if you’re not an expert:
- Compromised Chain Integrity
- Incorrect Chain Length
- Cost of Tools and Parts
Now that your know what we’re going to go over, let’s get into the nitty chain inte’grity’.
1. Compromised Chain Integrity
This is the main reason why you shouldn’t try to do this if you don’t have the equipment or know-how.
When you remove links from a chain, you have to then rejoin your chain back together at the new points. If this is not done properly, this new connection could be weak which means the chain could snap back and hit you while operating your chainsaw.
I don’t think I need to tell you this would not be a good day.
Chainsaw chains are held together by rivets. These rivets are factory pressed in order to give them the most strength. When you remove links from a chain, you have to break these rivets and replace it with a repair rivet.
Repair rivets are not as strong and have to be hammered down instead of pressed. This is what makes that new connection potentially weak.
2. Incorrect Chain Length
In addition, getting the length you want by removing links is not as simple as you might think.
When you remove links from a chain, you have to make sure you keep the same space between cutters.
That means you will likely end up with a chain that is too short by the time you remove the correct amount of links.
By the time you go through all that hassle, it would be more cost-effective to just buy a new chain at the correct size.
If you’re not sure what size of chain you need, check out this article and learn all about it.
3. Cost of Tools and Parts
In order to remove links from a chain and then reattach it properly, you need a couple pieces of specialty equipment.
You need a chain break or chain punch which is used to break the rivets and remove links.
Then you will need repair rivets in order to reattach the chain once you have removed the desired links.
By the time you purchase these tools and the time you spend on the project, it’s cheaper just to buy a new chain.
If you don’t wan’t to buy a new chain, here’s some alternative solutions that don’t involve buying a new chain or removing links.
Alternative Solutions
There’s a couple of things to try before you decide to remove links from your chain.
- Check the chain tension
- Trade-in your wrong size chain for a new one
- Have a professional shorten the chain
These are relatively easy things to try and could save you a lot of headache. Let’s go over each one.
1. Check Chain Tension
If your chain was at the correct tension before you used it but now it’s become loose, you can solve this problem by re-tensioning your chain.
Your chain could have gotten loose because of wear and tear, heat, or if it’s the first use of a new chain. If you think this is what’s happening to your chain, check out our other post about chain stretching.
If you keep tensioning your chain but it then becomes loose again relatively quickly, this is probably caused by one of three things:
- Either the chain was not set properly
- The chain is under extreme temperatures
- You have a mechanical problem
If you are having the issue of a chain that keeps coming loose, we have another article that will help you figure out the problem.
Another reason you could have too much slack to fix by tensioning is that your chain is too worn out. If this is the case, then it’s time to buy a new chain.
If you have a new chain but it’s too big to fix by tensioning, then you probably have the wrong size chain altogether which brings us to the second thing to try.
2. Trade-in Wrong Size Chain for a New One
If you just accidentally bought the wrong size chain, go back to the hardware store and see if you can swap it for the correct size.
You’ll probably only be able to do this if your chain is still in the box. If it’s been used, the store will be much less likely to do a swap.
But if you go to the store, you might as well ask about number three while you’re there.
3. Have a Proffesional Shorten the Chain
If you’re stuck with the size of chain you have and it doesn’t need to be retired for wear and tear, see if you can get a professional to shorten it for you.
They have the appropiate equipment and experience to shorten your chain without compromising the integrity of the chain.
But, depending on what kind of a store you have near you, this might be a fairly expensive alternative.
When it comes down to it, buying a new chain at the correct size may be more cost effective and safer.
When to Buy a Replacement Chain
As I’ve mentioned throughout the article, there a few times when buying a new chain might just be the best option.
If your chain is too long because of wear and tear, meaning the chain has worn down the rivets enough to lengthen it, then it’s definitely time to buy a new chain.
Using a chain that is very worn can pose a serious risk of the chain breaking during use.
Buying a replacement chain is almost always a better option than removing links to shorten your chain.
If you accidently bought the wrong size but can’t return it, save that chain and buy a new one. Who knows, you might end up having a chainsaw that it will fit sometime in the future.
Conclusion
While you can theoretically shorten a chain by removing links from it, this is hardly ever the cheapest, easiest, or safest thing to do.
If you do it incorrectly, you run the risk of having your chain snap back on you, which could cause serious injury.
And, as the age old saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Instead of removing links, try tensioning the chain, see if you can swap it for the right size, have a professional shorten your chain for you, or just buy a new chain altogether.
On that note, pick up your chainsaw and go have some fun… safely.
Related Questions
Do chainsaw chains stretch over time?
Chainsaw chains can lengthen over time but they aren’t ‘stretching’. Chains can appear to lengthen after the first use as you ‘break in’ your chain. They can also lengthen because of wear and tear to the rivets. Lastly, chains can lengthen from changes in temperature from cold to hot.
How long should a chainsaw chain last?
If you use your chainsaw often, a chainsaw chain can last five or more years. If you only use it occasionally it could potentially last much longer. However, if you damage your chain by hitting a rock or metal with it, you should replace it immediately.
