This Post is about Chain stretch for some this may no be a problem but here are some tips about Chain stretch. I have noticed Husqvarna chain tends to stretch a lot, to the point where you run out of adjustment on the saw. This is a common problem, or it could be you are doing something wrong from a technique/maintenance viewpoint? This problem often is related to an oiler not working properly, or set too lean. Or a dirty bar that has a clogged rail and clogged oilier hole. Got to keep that clean on the saw as that can be over looked by many. If you are cutting dry or dusty wood or a lot of wood with rotten centers or with loose dirty bark, you will need more chain oil. Sometimes it’s due to a wore sprocket.But putting the "stretched" chains on your new sprocket will damage it quickly. When a chain stretches it is physically wallowing out the holes on the links or somehow wearing out the pins it’s just wallowing of rivet holes and wear on the bottom of the chain, and gouges in the sprocket. Frequently check to make sure the oiler is working by verifying oil spray off the bar tip when You start up. I have had to clean out clogged oil passages in the bar several times with a paperclip or bar cleaner. On a 20” bar some manuals suggest the Oiler be set on position three. But keep in mind and don’t overlook the sprocket. In Oregon’s manual it says the sprocket should be changed every two chains. Not all of us will agree on this. You can also just flip the sprocket over and get more use out of it.If the sprocket is also quite worn, and you replaced it with a new one which you should keep on hand. I have read in Oregon’s manual that the sprocket should be replaced every 2 chains, which is a quicker than you would have thought. I guess that would work well with a two chain sprocket change interval. After the first chain, flip the sprocket over, then replace it after the second chain is used up. New sprockets and used chains do not mix well. Another thing Oregon recommends is soaking new chains in bar Oil overnight prior to using. One problem that is discouraging and frequent checks on some saws you have to use a special tool to remove the clutch drum to replace the wore sprocket Powermate is Husqvarna O.E.M. Sprocket while Oregon is readily available and will work fine. Does your saw have a spur or rim sprocket? If it's a spur, I would convert it to rim. I don't think it is a good idea to turn rim sprockets around just my opinion. I've seen the side chain tensioners go bad Maybe the chain is fine and the tensioner is stripped or backing off or something they do get sloppy after long use over time. Do not tighten a real hot chain. Let it cool before you tighten it and you will have far less stretch issue. Is your chain sharp? Are You cutting dirty wood? You will run into many variables when cutting dirty wood. The heat generated is enough to stretch the Chain quite a bit after prolonged cutting in these conditions. Have a nice day... Stumper
Can you offer any insight on Stihl chain. Maybe I waste oil, I run my oilers @ 100%, figured oil is cheaper than chain. I have noticed that my Husky's chain stretch way more than the Stihl's do.
You are exactly right Rope,as I stated in one of my Posts I identified Husky’s Chain as having most stretch. Sthil Chain in my opinion is one the best Chains on the market having low stretch, Carlton is another great Chain. It does make a lot of sense running your oilers @100% oil is cheaper than bars. Have a nice day... Stumper
