The Forestry Forum

I am having a problem with keeping the correct tension on my chains. I have a 20" bar and have purchased 3 new sthil chains and each one will stretch to the point where there is no more adjustment left. What could be causing this??? I have also replaced the bar. 

I will make a guess and i feel it has to be how your runing the saw.

Make sure your oiler is putting out enough oil. Rev the tip against a piece of cardboard and it should sling oil on it generously.

Kevin

What pitch chain, how many drive links, and how many teeth/pins on the drive sprocket?

A smaller than recommended  drive sprocket (fewer teeth) might cause your problem. Is drive sprocket in good condition?

Stihl chains are pre-stretched , and I find they stretch very little with use.

Quote from: Happysawer on October 12, 2020, 09:20:10 AM
I will make a guess and i feel it has to be how your runing the saw.

Quote from: Happysawer on October 12, 2020, 09:20:10 AM
I will make a guess and i feel it has to be how your runing the saw.

I have been using this saw for 30+ years, so I think we can eliminate user error.

Quote from: Mad Professor on October 12, 2020, 12:39:44 PM
What pitch chain, how many drive links, and how many teeth/pins on the drive sprocket?

A smaller than recommended  drive sprocket (fewer teeth) might cause your problem. Is drive sprocket in good condition?

Stihl chains are pre-stretched , and I find they stretch very little with use.

That was all checked today when I took the saw in to my Sthil dealer and everything was good. It's throwing plenty of oil.

Try a different brand of chain and see if that makes a difference. Maybe you got some defected ones.

You stretched an actual Stihl branded chain ? I didn't think that was possible .As far as I'm concerned it's the toughest chain on the market also the most expensive .Sounds more like that "special " chain a former sponsor of this forum once sold .I think it was made of recycled beer cans from 1963 .( I'm being sarcastic   ;) )