chains
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When you say stretch too much, do you mean that they stretch out to where you can't adjust the chain tensioner tight enough? If so, then they have too many links in for what you need.
How long have you been running the chain? How often do you have to readjust? Has the chain been sharpened yet? A new chain may need some extra care to tension the first few tanks on it, but over time, this should be less of an issue once it's been used / sharpened / seated in.
Explain your situation more for the best advice.
So if I put on a new chain that is being used in a correct way am I going to have chain stretch?
I use Stihl chains, also made from a big role.
Just out of curiosity, how much is "way too much"?
I dunno who told you this but it's wrong. Chains don't get nearly hot enough for that heat to be the cause of the stretching. Also, common sense and experience say otherwise: chains stretch most when new and new chains are sharp chains - as sharp as most chains are ever likely to be.
smokedragon
Minister of Fire
I use carlton and windsor, and have never had a problem with either. They stretch a little when they are new, and very little after that.
I have heard (from their marketing dept) that Stihl chains stretch less than other brands...........for what it's worth.
You have to get a chain pretty hot (which is operator error that will be passed along regardless of brand) for it to stretch "too much". I have done it (ground cutting stumps a few years back, every cut was basically in the dirt and we just forced it through and kept tensioning the chain), but it really takes a lot.
I have heard (from their marketing dept) that Stihl chains stretch less than other brands...........for what it's worth.
You have to get a chain pretty hot (which is operator error that will be passed along regardless of brand) for it to stretch "too much". I have done it (ground cutting stumps a few years back, every cut was basically in the dirt and we just forced it through and kept tensioning the chain), but it really takes a lot.
Bigg Redd says heat don't stretch a chain. I've only ran chainsaws for 45 year and own and operate and sawmill. Better listen to Bigg Redd. He has 3500 posts on the internet. Don't see how he has time to run a chainsaw.
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Bigg_Redd says your entire premise is flawed (see below). It doesn't even pass the laugh test.
Just a question - how hot does your chain get? What's it made out of? Carbon steal? Chrome steal? Mild steal?
My motorcycle chains stretch too. Is it because they are dull? Maybe with all that time you're not posting you can look that up for me. . .
Big Red, you ever felt your motorcycle chain after riding awhile--It get hot as hell. I ride a ZX14 you dumbass.
Hot enough that you can't touch it after a 50 mile interstate run. Running the chain on a chainsaw too tight is another cause of excessive chain stretch caused by excessive heat.
smokedragon
Minister of Fire
Y'all argue if you want, chains get hot and chains stretch.......use changes how much they stretch, but they do stretch. Now I have seen a well cared for chain sharpened all the way back to the witness marks and there was still plenty of adjustment on the chainsaw, but it was longer than a new chain.........
Chains wear (stretch) because of friction, not heat. The temps required to compromise the integrity of steel would smoke the paint off of the bar before it would cause steel to stretch. It really is that simple. If it was that hot, the bar oil would cook off before it could lube the first couple of inches of bar.
Ever notice how a brand new door hinge feels a bit stiff, yet a month later (after use) is doesn't? Yeah, it wore in. Its the same thing with every joint in a new chain. That is the reason they always stretch more when brand new and it slows down (the stretch) with age.
Ever notice how a brand new door hinge feels a bit stiff, yet a month later (after use) is doesn't? Yeah, it wore in. Its the same thing with every joint in a new chain. That is the reason they always stretch more when brand new and it slows down (the stretch) with age.
Whitepup
Member
I also use stihl chains. I have a stihl dealer right down the street from where I live. They have everything, 2-cycle oil, bar oil and chains, all stihl. I can get by cutting for 2 seasons on 1 chain.
All chains stretch a bit when new. That is why saws come with an adjustment to tighten the chain. If the chain is stretching so much that you can't tighten it anymore than you have the wrong size chain. I have a few time not tighten the bar enough, after a while the chain loosens up. what kind of bar and chain oil do you use?
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