How and with what to shorten the chain on a chainsaw: recommendations from professionals

It is not uncommon for situations when, when installing a shorter bar on a chainsaw, you also have to change the saw chain. This information will tell you how to shorten the chain on a chainsaw so that the part completely exhausts its service life. In another option, it is possible to fit a long chain to a shorter standard guide bar.

For repairs, unstretched chains with a relatively short lifespan are used, which have received partial damage when they break or the cutting links get into metal inclusions contained in the wood.

The feasibility of self-repair

Experts advise riveting and repairing a damaged chain with minimal loss of quality using the technical potential of a service workshop. Despite manufacturers' assurances about the problems and difficulties of self-repair, a significant portion of users prefer to learn techniques for restoring the functionality of saw sets on their own.

The reason for this phenomenon:

• the owner lives at a great distance from service and maintenance points;
• high cost of repair services provided;
• lack of necessary equipment.

Compensating for natural chain wear by shortening is neither advisable nor safe. Operating a saw set with a stretched chain is inevitably accompanied by:

• forced wear of the tire and drive sprocket;
• increased load on the engine;
• increased risk of injury from sawing work of various levels of complexity.

External and internal factors of accelerated wear

The reason that the chain on a chainsaw is stretching intensively may be the wrong choice of chain oil or the replacement of the recommended material with an oil substitute, a malfunction of the lubrication system, or inaccurate adjustment of the oil pump with variable performance.

Filling the lubrication system with material of substandard density and viscosity negatively affects the lubrication and cooling efficiency of working surfaces, and the performance of the pump supplying chain oil to the saw set.

Refilling summer oil can create many problems when operating a chainsaw at low air temperatures of -10°C. As a result of an oversight, the oil pump drive may break down, reducing its performance to the level of oil starvation.

Possible causes of spontaneous saw chain breakage

If the chain on a chainsaw breaks, it is necessary to find out the cause of the malfunction and determine the feasibility of repairing the damaged part or installing a new one.

Typical causes of saw chain breakage are unfavorable external factors:

• excessive tension;
• wear of the guide bar or discrepancy between the shanks and the width of the working groove;
• operation of the saw set with large constant loads;
• overheating of the headset due to lack of lubrication;
• the chain does not match the type of tire and the configuration of the drive sprocket crown.

What problems could there be?

All problems can be divided into two large groups:

1. Malfunction in the engine, combustion chamber, fuel supply and exhaust system.
2. Breakdown in other components.

Read also: What does ouzo protect against?

The following are typical for engine failure:

• the equipment does not start, stalls;
• does not pump fuel into the primer;
• unstable operation, speed fluctuates;
• It works at idle, and when loaded it can float, stall, or shoot.

If the problem is in other nodes, the following phenomena are noted:

• poor lubrication;
• the brake chain does not work;
• chain wear or breakage;
• drive sprocket wear.

Features of home renovation

Many experienced users prefer to repair chains themselves. The success of the work performed is determined by the presence of special skills and tools, knowledge of the design features of models for various purposes.

In particular, dismantling and assembling wear-resistant analogues does not create difficulties. The carbide compound is applied only to the cutting edges of the saw links. As for connecting elements and rivets, standard metal is used for their production.

With greater or lesser success, you can rivet a chainsaw chain at home, and if you have the right tools, even in the field. Please note that during subsequent use of a self-repaired headset, special care should be taken. At the first opportunity, it is advisable to have the connection repaired in a hospital.

How to rivet a chainsaw chain at home

How to shorten chain ?

• Equipment and rules of use
• Tools needed
• How to remove rivets?
• Connection of links
• Bad consequences of incorrect circuit repair
• Contact an experienced welder
• How to make the right rivets using an electric drill?
• Why do chains stretch?

Virtually every owner of a suburban home has a chainsaw. And we don’t even have to talk about the inhabitants of rural areas: such a tool is an urgent necessity for them. And the chainsaw for careful handling and timely maintenance. All service rules are correctly stated in the annotation.

Equipment and rules of use

The saw kit should include several chains (minimum 3) plus 2 bars. After 3 hours of operation, it is recommended to rotate the tire. After another 3 hours, the chain is replaced. Such ordinary rules can significantly extend the service life of all parts of the chainsaw. But in life, we actually do not adhere to advice and are guided by our own ideas about what is necessary.

Comparison chart of chainsaw features.

After a certain time of operation of the chainsaw, we simply tighten the chain . And at a certain moment we notice that the tension system no longer allows us the chain The chain was stretched to its limit. You cannot work with it any further, since the stretched chain will begin to break the drive sprocket, as a result of which tire wear will greatly increase. The chain needs to be shortened.

Another reason why you have to shorten the chain is to “fit” a longer chain from another chainsaw to fit your bar. This also often occurs, since there is an opinion among users that higher quality chains are made for “professional” chainsaws.

Required Tools

Manufacturers of chainsaws claim that it is impossible to shorten the chain at home, since the technology of their manufacture itself is very complex and requires high-precision equipment. Practice shows that nothing is impossible. In order to shorten the chain , you will need:

• vice;
• hammer;
• needle file;
• beard;
• pliers;
• electric welding machine (in some cases you can do without it).

How to remove rivets?

Basic parameters of a chainsaw chain .

chain is difficult to disconnect. The rivets are made of high-quality steel and have a geometric shape that does not allow the rivets to simply be knocked out of the link. The inside of the rivet has a larger radius.

At this thickening, the link rotates, and the outer parts of the rivets serve only a connecting function, so they can simply be securely fixed on the outside of the chain.

The rivet is removed as follows: the chain is fixed in a vice and the protruding part is ground off. When stitching, we try not to damage the side parts of the links.

It is not recommended to use a grinder, since the parts will heat up very quickly, which will lead to a change in the physical properties of the metal. It is better to use a file or needle file for grinding. Stitching is done on both sides of the link. Now the rivets can be knocked out of the chain using a bit, slightly bending the side parts of the links.

The chain was disconnected. Do not rush to throw away the rivet removed from the chain. You may not be able to find a suitable replacement. Manufacturers of chainsaws do not assume that chains will be repaired independently, so they do not release such rivets on the product market.

Diagram of a chainsaw tooth structure.

It is also more profitable for trading organizations to sell chains in their finished form than to sell small parts for repair. For the above reasons, it will be very difficult to find a suitable rivet with the required geometry. It will be even more difficult to make it at home, so you will have to use an old rivet.

As you may have guessed, chain will have to be disconnected twice. Do not forget to calculate the number of guide protrusions on the inside of the chain and the distance between these protrusions to match the chainsaw drive sprocket. If you are shortening the original chain , this is not necessary.

And if this is a chain from another model of chainsaw, then everything needs to be measured and calculated very well. A deviation in the chain pitch (even a small one) from the parameters specified by the design will lead to the fact that the chain will stretch again in the shortest possible time (at best) or break the chainsaw sprocket.

The end of the tire will come, as the driven sprocket will quickly overheat.

Riveted and riveted a chainsaw chain

riveted and riveted the chain

using yews.

How to rivet a saw chain

Simple chain

You need to insert the connection correctly and everything will be fine.

Connection of links

If all the parameters of the chain are combined with the parts of your chainsaw, then you can start connecting the links. We connect the links with a rivet, pressing their side parts . It will no longer be possible to rivet the protrusions, since they are ground flush with the links. You'll have to use electric welding. For this purpose, the electrode must be of the smallest diameter.

Determination of chain wear: a - wear of teeth, b - installation of an additional locking plate on the lock link.

It is not recommended to start welding right away, as this is a very delicate job. Practice doing this on other parts first. This way you will at least approximately understand at what current you need to weld and what welding time to choose.

And the electrode will become shorter, which will allow welding to be performed more accurately. After all, a very short period of time is enough to “grab” the rivet. After training, we weld the rivet with the side parts of the link.

All that remains is to file off the excess metal on both sides and the chain can be considered ready for use.

Negative consequences of improper chain repair

chain repair option is not the most reliable, since no one guarantees you the high quality of the final product. The following consequences of such repairs are possible:

Scheme for sharpening a chainsaw chain with a file.

1. During welding (especially at low current), excessive heating of the circuit elements was produced, which caused a change in the physical properties of the metal. Soft metal will allow the chain to stretch not along its entire length, but at the welding site. The chain guides will shift, and other elements of the chainsaw (sprocket, bar) will quickly fail.
2. Welding depth is greater than planned. The inner part of the rivet was welded to one (or several) parts of the link, which became a violation of the mobility of the links. The consequences will be the same as those described in the first case.
3. Welding quality is low. In this case, a circuit break may occur during its operation. The fact is that the chain experiences very high lateral loads during operation, so unreliable welding will quickly “wear out.” The possibility of injury will be very high.

Post-repair restrictions

The problem is that the hastily repaired part contains one or more “weak links”. In this state, the operating time of the headset under heavy loads is significantly limited, and increased demands are placed on the full operation of the lubrication system.

It is possible to use the restored chain in operating mode, provided that the repair was performed by an experienced riveter who has a riveting machine and other special equipment at his disposal.

How to lengthen a gold bracelet?

Lengthening any piece of jewelry is always more difficult than shortening it. This applies to both rings, chains and bracelets. The easiest way to remake chain bracelets. To increase their size, just add several links of the same shape to the chain. But with solid models this number will not work. Lengthening such bracelets yourself is problematic. Here you need to be able to work with metal and have special tools. In this case, it is better to contact a jewelry workshop. The method for correcting the size of the product and the price of the work will depend on which model is in front of the master.

The initial stage of repair and restoration work

All known methods of shortening a saw chain require criteria for the rejection of damaged cutting and connecting links and a technology-defined sequence of work operations. The cutting and connecting links are mounted with factory rivets, which in all respects comply with current standards.

The use of homemade components is not recommended in any case. Special rivets for chains are extremely rare on sale, so in most cases the problem is solved by installing the necessary parts removed from the dismantled section of the chain.

Sequence of dismantling and subsequent assembly

At home, it is easier to disconnect the chain by sawing off the heads with a file, after which the shortened rivets are easily knocked out with a thin steel rod. The task is simplified by the presence of a release clamp that is suitable for the pitch of the chain. The rivets removed by such a device can be used without restrictions.

You can independently connect the ends of a shortened chain in a bench vice. The rivets threaded into the chain elements on the reverse side along the circumference are flared with light blows of a medium hammer. The finished connection should not have any play, and a tight fit should not be allowed.

When assembling different types of saw chains, it is necessary to observe the dimensional intervals between the cutting links prescribed by the design.

Do-it-yourself chain shortening

You can shorten the chainsaw chain with your own hands using simple tools. This method is less reliable, but easy to use and does not require special skills in working with riveting equipment. Disadvantage - you cannot control the strength and quality of crushing of rivets. This may cause the tool to break under heavy loads.

What tools will you need for home repairs?

The work can be done using the most accessible tools. Depending on your skills and abilities, you may be required to:

• vice;
• Bulgarian;
• hammer;
• chisel;
• needle file;
• beard;
• pliers or passages.

Some craftsmen also use an electric welding machine. It is not recommended to use it, since the seams after welding quickly become unusable under the influence of vibration during intensive operation of the chainsaw. This method is only suitable for gear chains that transmit force to the drive sprocket.

Removing rivets

To separate the links, physical force is required, since high-quality steel is used to manufacture the headset. Before starting work, secure the chain firmly in a vice to avoid injury during removal. Grind off the protruding part with a needle or file. The rivet itself can be removed with your own hands in the following ways:

• Continue sanding until the bridge shows through. Attach the beard and gouge out the metal with a hammer.
• Grind down the rivets with a grinder. The disadvantage of this method is that you can damage the chain itself. The work must be carried out carefully, periodically wetting the area with water.
• After holding the chain in a vice by the guides, cut off the rivets with a chisel.

If it is necessary to increase the number of links or remove one of them, then it is necessary to remove at least two rivets (left and right). When using a grinder, the metal can heat up, so after grinding you need to wait until it cools down or work with protective gloves.

Connection of links

You can purchase a new link for any chainsaw model in any specialized store, remove it from the old headset. The use of donor spare parts is not recommended, as this reduces the quality of the cutting blade. Installation technology:

• Install the link with new rivets on the chain. Place open side up on an anvil.
• Place the top plate on the rivets and tap with a hammer several times to ensure a tight connection.
• Place the beard on the rivet and give 1-2 strong blows with a hammer. Achieve pronounced thickening and flattening of the metal. Repeat the operation on both sides of the link.

After work, you should check that the chain is movable and that all its elements move freely in different directions. This avoids jamming during the sawing process.

Important ! The headset cannot be installed on a chainsaw if the links cannot move freely. After repair or change in length, check each element.

How to properly put on and tension a chain?

Before starting work, you should wear gloves to avoid cuts from sharp teeth. You can only tighten a cold chain - after cooling, it can burst from overvoltage, damaging the mechanism. Remove the protective cover from the chainsaw and carefully place it on the bar.

Depending on the configuration of the tool model, tension is applied manually or using a special regulator. In the first case, you need to loosen the bolts on the bus, and after installing the chain, apply tension using a slotted screwdriver. If there is an adjusting bolt, turn it all the way until there is sufficient blade tension. After work, check for sagging; be sure to tighten it after the first use.

Range of saw chain repair machines

A special machine for riveting chainsaw chains is included in the list of working equipment of specialized workshops. The offered range includes several budget and branded imported models costing from 2000 to 5500 rubles.

Riveting machines from the brands Shtil, Husqvarna and Champion are characterized by increased capabilities and a comfortable level of work.

The cost of universal Shtil NG-7 riveting machines is about 18,000 rubles. Technically advanced devices ensure high quality riveted joints, saving working time and material resources.

The cost of a special machine for sharpening chainsaw chains varies from 2000 to 6000 rubles

Repair standards and restrictions

Recommendations for fixing ground rivets by electric welding do not take into account changes in the structure of the metal due to even short-term high-temperature effects of the welding arc.

Grinders stuck by welding or heated by an abrasive wheel, the connecting elements of the chain are less wear-resistant, which significantly affects their reliability.

• A tight connection of adjacent links is accompanied by additional loads on the engine and kinematics of the chainsaw.
• The lack of a smooth movement of the chain makes it difficult for the headset to enter the cut; the possibility of kickbacks and other traumatic moments cannot be ruled out.
• “Over-tightened” and loose connections of a repaired chain are more susceptible to breaks when there is a sudden change in load.

The simplest machine in design for repairing chainsaw chains justifies its cost by being able to completely rivet a damaged chain in a short period of working time and restore its performance to a level of up to 90%.

Chinese-made chainsaw chains are essentially copies of European models, so the above repair recommendations are valid for the entire Chinese chain range.

Criteria for self-selection of saw chain

In everyday life, the quality of removable saw equipment from leading European brands is highly valued. Guide bars and chains from the Stihl and Husqvarna brands enjoy unofficial status as reference products.

When purchasing a product, you must make sure that the model meets the design standards of the chainsaw in terms of length, pitch and shank thickness. The entire chain range is divided into five size groups with intervals from 1/4 to ¾ inches.

Products with a smaller pitch are equipped with small-cube models of budget-class chainsaws, chains with an increased pitch and thicker shanks are a characteristic feature of sets of powerful and productive professional chainsaws.

How to shorten chainsaw chains yourself

Initially, you need to resort to removing the rivet, which will allow you to separate the cutting product. There are several ways to do this:

1. The use of emery, which is used to grind rivets. Using emery, this procedure can be performed quickly, but it is important to control it so as not to damage adjacent links
2. A grinder with a sharpening wheel, with the help of which the tool links can also be quickly separated
3. Chisel with hammer. This method is used mainly in the field, when it is not possible to use a power tool.

Once the rivet is ground off or knocked out, the links can be separated. This is done using a beard. It is located between the plates, after which jerking blows are made on the device with a hammer. Disconnection is considered complete when the plates fall out of the rivet. The required number of links is removed in a similar manner to reduce the length of the chain.

How to shorten a chain with a grinder

The process of riveting the chain is the most responsible, since the safety of the tool’s operation depends on the quality of these actions. To connect adjacent links, you will need to use a connector. Such devices are sold in specialized equipment stores. When purchasing, it is important to consider parameters such as chain type, pitch and profile.

The connection process looks like this:

1. The connecting link is placed on adjacent chain elements
2. Placed on the anvil so that the open part is on top
3. The top plate is put on the rivet and lightly tapped with a hammer.
4. After the plates fit tightly, you need to increase the force of the hammer to flatten the rivet
5. Similar actions are carried out with the second rivet.

It is important! Visual detection of a thickening in the protrusion will help you verify the quality of the work performed.

Connecting link

After carrying out such work, you can put the chain on the shortened bar and carry out further work on sawing wood. Similar actions are carried out if the chain on the tool breaks. In this case, be sure to adjust the tension and check the supply of lubricating oil. After such work, the cutting product can last for some time until a new product is purchased. After shortening the chain, it is recommended to check the groove depth of the bar and, if necessary, expand it or replace it depending on the condition.

As you can see, the shortening process is not complicated. Even if the work is carried out in the forest, it is necessary to treat the procedure responsibly and carry it out with the highest possible quality.

How to eliminate the risks of purchasing a low-quality counterfeit

When purchasing a branded chain on the market, the risks of purchasing a counterfeit Chinese chain cannot be excluded. The task of independent choice is complicated by the lack of a reliable way to distinguish a high-quality branded original from a fake, which is an order of magnitude inferior to branded products in terms of working life.

With greater confidence, you can identify Shtilevsky chains by their silver packaging, bright orange logo and the presence of a wear indicator. Cheaper Chinese analogues are decorated more modestly, in gray boxes with a yellow trademark.

Without fear, you can buy saw chains of high quality and durability in company stores and licensed sales offices of intermediary companies.

Buying bracelets in the UK: how to choose the right one

Before you decide on a purchase, try on several bracelets at once, but no more than 10. Numerous try-ons erase in your memory small details that could alert you. Attentiveness is dissipated, and in the end you can choose the model that initially seemed not so convenient.

How do you know if the size is correct? The wearer can fasten the product on her wrist independently. There is a small margin between the tassel and the chain, but the fastened decoration does not fall off the hand.

If an accessory is ordered online or purchased as a gift, you will have to take measurements. You can take an existing bracelet as a sample, or use simple instructions:

1. For a bracelet with a clasp: measure the circumference of your wrist using a tailor's tape, braid or cord. No need to leave allowances!
2. For a solid bracelet: Make a fist and wrap the band around the widest part (usually the area at the base of your thumb).
3. Don't like bracelets that are too tight? Then add 1–2.5 cm to the resulting numbers (the larger the brush, the higher the figure). Remember that heavy and wide models should fit quite tightly.

Thin, loosely hanging bracelets look best on thin wrists, while wide ones with a tight fit look best on fuller wrists.

If you are prone to swelling, then choose a slightly larger bracelet diameter. Remember that hand size changes depending on hot/cold and time of day!

Advice from YK: Take measurements in the middle of the day and at room temperature.

The length of a women's gold bracelet varies from 16 to 20 cm in increments of 0.5 mm. The most popular size is 18 cm. The size range for men's models ranges from 20–24 cm.

The catalog of the Jewelerna Karta network presents women's bracelets with various designs: in narrow and wide versions; in the form of an anchor and armor chain, as well as with Bismarck weaving. There are men's bracelets with lush inlay and in laconic designs, designed for wide and thin wrists.

For very young fashionistas, you can order children's models with hearts, apples, or with your favorite animals and fairy-tale characters.

The range of YUK bracelets is not limited to a specific theme. Customize your accessory parameters - from the type of cut to the shape/color of the insert!

If you have a chain, when you look at it the question arises: “How to shorten a gold chain?” and you want to know how to shorten the chain, then come here.

• gold chain
• About 10 dollars
• Some free time

Sometimes it happens that you become the owner or possessor of some thing that does not suit you. A striking example is jewelry. You purchased (or was given to you) a gold chain in an online store. But it didn’t suit you - it’s too big.

But a gold chain is not a cheap souvenir or cheap jewelry; it’s impossible to just put it in a box and forget it. And then the question appears in my head: “Maybe it’s worth making this chain smaller? Shorten it, for example?” And the second question immediately arises; “How can this be done?”

The best option is a familiar jeweler. If you know a person who does this kind of thing, then you are in luck - just take the chain to him and ask him to shorten it. How to shorten a gold chain and by how much to shorten it - the master will determine himself. In addition, if the jeweler is your good friend, then you do not have to worry about the safety of your chain and the precious metal remaining after its shortening.

If you don’t know a jeweler, then take the chain to a jewelry workshop. In some workshops, jewelers shorten the chain right in front of you - so that you can make sure that everything remains intact. Jewelry workshops can be found in malls, shopping centers, and jewelry stores. Ask your acquaintances and friends - if any of them have already used such a service, they will be able to give you practical advice.

The cost of such a service is not very high: about 10 dollars, in some cases even less. So you don’t have to worry about the financial side of the issue – this service won’t cost you much. There is another option - instead of tormenting yourself with the question: “How to shorten the chain?”, it’s better to come up with a slightly different use for it.

The chain, if it is very long, can be wrapped around the wrist several times to make a wonderful bracelet. Or, if you are a thin woman, then a very long chain can be used as a belt - attach several bright pendants and you will get a very interesting accessory. The chain can be worn around the neck by wrapping it twice and hanging a small pendant, or you can tie the chain in a knot - it also turns out very stylish.

If you don’t want to shorten the chain or use it as another accessory, that’s okay too. You can melt the chain down for something else. Or you can simply exchange this gold chain for another piece of jewelry by weight. So don’t rush to shorten the chain - maybe it will look great in a different role?

How can you shorten a gold chain?

To do this, you should contact a jewelry workshop, a local pawnshop, or a large jewelry store (often these have their own jewelry workshops).

There I can shorten gold and silver chains without any problems, and they can also change the size of the ring.

Experts from jewelry repair shops will help you here.

There is a separate workshop like this in our city. And two are located right next to jewelry stores. I shortened the chain for my little son to fit a cross. This was about a year ago. For this service they charged me 250 rubles (a piece of the chain was returned, of course).

In the life of every Christian, an important place is occupied by such Orthodox jewelry as a body icon, a cross or an amulet. They are usually worn on a chain or a special cord called a gaitan. For many people, choosing gaitan is not a big deal. However, since laces for Orthodox jewelry have a standard length, when buying such an accessory, many people often ask how to shorten and tie the gaitan correctly? We'll talk about this later.

How to choose gaitan

Modern gaitans are made from different materials:

And although laces made of silk, leather and rubber are considered the most durable, when choosing a gaitan it is important to consider not only the material from which it was made, but also the product with which it will be worn. Thus, leather and rubber laces look very fashionable and harmonize well with men's crosses, body icons and amulet. And silk gaitans are best suited to miniature women's crosses.

However, in order for the gaitan to become a harmonious part of the decoration, you must also know how to properly wear a personal icon, cross, amulet or any other Orthodox jewelry. You will find information about this in our blog.

How to shorten the gaitan

Gaitans can be simple, woven or solid. They may have a small lock or clasp. It is very easy to trim a lace without a fastener - just trim off the excess length. As for how to properly tie a gaitan, there are several options. The simplest one is to tie the lace in several knots. Another, more aesthetic way is to tie a gaitan using the principle of knitting a voluminous rope. In this case, you will need threads and a hook.

To shorten a gaitan with a clasp, you need to carefully remove the clasp on one side and trim off the excess length. After this, screw the clasp back, put the gaitan on the neck and fasten the lock.

You can buy gaitan in any icon shop, but it is best to do this in the online store of Orthodox jewelry “Krasnoselie”. In our store you will find a rich assortment of gaitans and chains that are perfect for both women's and men's Orthodox jewelry. On the pages of the catalog you will find a wide variety of options for gaitans, made in a wide range of colors. All presented models of laces are created according to the author's sketches and are equipped with reliable mechanisms.