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  1. heus Member

    joined: Jan 15, 2009
    57 posts
    NE Ohio
    Should there be any noticeable free play between links in a chainsaw chain? I have a Husqvarna 455 rancher and none of my chains will tighten up enough. I replaced the sprocket and this didnt help. When I wiggle individual links I am able to observe significant free play, like the holes are worn way too large. I also suspect that my bar may be warn as well.
    #1

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  2. golfandwoodnut Minister of Fire

    joined: Sep 25, 2009
    1,393 posts
    Pittsburgh PA
    No, there should be a slight amount of freedom, you do not want it too tight. I lift the chain and expect to feel a little play, like 1/4 to 1/2 inch, it is a feel thing. But you should be able to tighten the chain to where it is tight. A Huskee is different than Stihl, but on my Huskee it is underneath the chain, loosen the nuts and tighten. Make sure the pin is in the hole on the bar, if not it will never tighten, otherwise it sounds like something wrong with your adjustment. I cannot imagine all of the chains being long.
  3. DexterDay Minister of Fire

    joined: Dec 11, 2010
    9,063 posts
    NE Ohio
    I can way overtighten my chains (all 4 of them).

    12 cord of Wood!! HOLY CHIT!! Where abouts in NEO are you located? I am right at the corner of Medina, Lorain, and Ashland Counties (I can make any of the counties in 2 miles).
  4. MasterMech Minister of Fire

    joined: Aug 2, 2011
    4,809 posts
    Hudson Valley NY
    Should be almost zero movement from the tiestrap rivets except for rotational. They should ratate freely and that is it. Sounds to me like the saw oiler isn't working at all or at the very least, inadequately.
    jeff_t likes this.
  5. heus Member

    joined: Jan 15, 2009
    57 posts
    NE Ohio
    Thanks but not talking about tightness to the bar.
  6. Joful Minister of Fire

    joined: Mar 7, 2012
    2,663 posts
    Philadelphia
    Ditto what MM said. If there's that much wallowing of the links around the rivets, your oiler must not be working correctly. Normally, you'd run out of teeth on the chain before you see any observable wallowing of the rivet holes.

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