Chain gets slack too quick

[livemusic]

Well, heck now I got a new problem. And it's happening on two saws! A Stihl 362 (20 inch) and a Stihl 400 (25 inch). I make four or five bucking cuts on one-year-cut oak and the chain is so loose I have to tighten. On both saws, the adjustment screw had room to go either way in adjustment.

And how tight are you supposed to tighten the bar nuts? I don't remember if I read an article or saw a video but I seem to recall someone saying you should NOT tighten them super tight. Granted, I have been doing my normal, which is not as tight as I can get them but pretty darn snug. I have no idea why the chain is loosening so quickly.

The 25 inch is a pretty new chain, the 20 inch, its cutters are not as long, so, it is more used.

 

[Bryan Newton]

Are they oiling properly and also are you holding up on the bar when adjusting chain and tightening it

 

[livemusic]

Are they oiling properly and also are you holding up on the bar when adjusting chain and tightening it

Yes both oiling. As for holding up on the bar, maybe I am not as diligent with that as I have been. I will try that next session.

 

[ammoaddict]

Yes both oiling. As for holding up on the bar, maybe I am not as diligent with that as I have been. I will try that next session.

Some chains stretch more than others and stretch alot if overheated from lack of oil as stated above. I hold up on the bar and turn the adjuster until the chain touches the bottom of the bar and tighten the bar nuts while still holding up on the bar. I tighten the nuts good and snug but not over tight.

 

[MemphisMechanic]

Hold the bar tip up while setting your tension. “No sag, no drag” is what you’re looking for. I use my scrench against the back of a cutter to rotate the chain around the bar and check to see how much friction it has. Find the sweet spot where it’s good and snug but you don’t feel a lot of drag , and lock it down tight. Hold the bar tip up for this entire process.

Then hold the bar’s tip near a piece of wood at full throttle. It should sling a little line of oil residue on the log if it’s properly lubricating the chain.

Most common reasons for rapidly loosening chains: lack of oil. Chain too tight. Bar tip not locked in raised position. Chain too dull (causing excessive heat.)

 

[Nutball]

I had a new 362 that would stretch the chain a lot just doing the calibrate procedure with no cutting.