Using a chainsaw with a loose chain can be dangerous because it increases the risk of kickback and causes slanted cuts. If your Poulan chainsaw chain won’t stay tight, you’ll need to address the issue sooner than later.
If your Poulan chainsaw chain won’t stay tight, you’ll need to adjust the chain or replace the entire tensioning assembly. You should adjust the chain frequently to ensure proper tension, and only replace the tensioning assembly if the parts are old or worn.
In the rest of this article, I’ll discuss your next steps if your chainsaw chain won’t stay tight. I’ll also describe why chainsaw chains become loose so you can avoid the situation in the future. Let’s get started!
How To Adjust Your Poulan Chainsaw’s Chain
If your Poulan chainsaw chain won’t stay tight, you’ll need to adjust it so the chain won’t get loose again.
Here’s how to do this:
- Put on protective gloves.
- Locate the bolts at the front of the chainsaw, near the blade.
- Loosen the bolts. I prefer using the REXBETI Impact Bolt & Nut Remover Set (link to Amazon). I like this set because the extractors are made with high-hardness chrome molybdenum steel, so they are exceptionally durable. I also like that they’re engineered to extract damaged, rusted, or frozen bolts.
- Use a screwdriver to tighten the adjusting screw, usually to the right of the bolts.
- Keep turning the screwdriver until the screw feels tight.
- Tighten the bolts again.
- Verify if the chain has the correct tension. You can do this by pulling it from the bottom down so that one of the drive links slips out of the guide bar rail. Release the chain. If the chain snaps back into position, this is a good sign that it is at the right snugness.
- Pull on the chain to see if it moves freely. If it doesn’t, you’ve probably made the chain too tight, and it won’t work properly.
To avoid having this issue in the future, I recommend adjusting your chain’s tension every time you use the saw. This process may seem like overkill, but it can be dangerous to use a chainsaw with a loose chain, so it’s better to adjust it every time before use. I recommend checking the chain tension every time you refuel (source).
How To Replace Your Poulan Tensioning Assembly
If any part of the tensioning assembly is too worn or broken, your chain won’t stay tight. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace the chain adjuster screw or the bar adjustment pin. To replace these parts, you’ll need to remove the side cover if there is one.
Follow these steps to replace your tensioning assembly:
- Disassemble the tensioning assembly by unscrewing the adjustment screw.
- Remove the retaining washer that was holding the screw in place.
- Replace the old parts (screw, washer, and pin) with new parts. I recommend the Poulan Pack of 2 Bar Adjustment Kits (link to Amazon). These kits come with a new screw, washer, and pin, so you can replace the entire tensioning assembly to get it working like new. I also like that the kits go through a refurbishing process, so you can trust that the parts will work well.
- Place the pin in the housing.
- Reinstall the new washer with the cone pointing towards the adjustment pin.
- Twist the new screw into the tensioning assembly.
- Line up the screw, so it fits into the washer.
- Reinstall the side cover.
Usually, adjusting your Poulan chainsaw’s chain or replacing the tensioning assembly is enough to ensure that your chainsaw’s chain stays tight and the saw works as it should.
Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Get Loose?
A loose chainsaw chain can be extremely frustrating and potentially dangerous. It can even ruin a project because it causes slanted cuts. Therefore, you’ll want to know why this issue arises so you can do everything possible to prevent it.
Here are some of the most common causes of a loose chain:
- The heat from the saw causes the metal to expand. When metal gets hot, it expands (source). Chainsaws get hot because of the electricity, so if you use the chainsaw frequently or for a long time, the chain’s metal starts to expand and causes slack. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to prevent this. The best thing to do is to watch for signs of slack and adjust your chainsaw’s tension every time you use it.
- Your tensioning assembly is old or damaged. If any part of the tensioning assembly isn’t performing well, it may be because of normal wear and tear or damage. You should check on the adjusting screw and pin regularly to ensure you aren’t using a chainsaw with rusty, old, or otherwise damaged parts.
- The clutch cover nuts aren’t tight enough. If the clutch cover nuts aren’t tightly secured to the bolts, your chain’s tension can get thrown off. Before using your chainsaw, you should always check and ensure that the clutch and chain are tight and secure.
- Your chain is new. New chains get loose more quickly because they’re still being broken in. If you recently replaced your chain, be prepared to spend more time tightening it as you break in the new part.
If you need to replace your chain, I recommend the Abroman 2 Pack AvanceCut 14-Inch Chainsaw Chain (link to Amazon). It’s great that these chains fit various Poulan models, and they’re made with high-quality materials that will likely last a long time and resist stretching.
Knowing the causes of loose chainsaw chains is essential to operating the tool safely and knowledgeably. You can help yourself avoid potential energies and protect your materials and projects by paying attention to your chainsaw’s tension.
Final Thoughts
Operating a chainsaw with a loose chain can be extremely frustrating and even dangerous. If your Poulan chainsaw chain won’t stay tight, I suggest adjusting the chain or replacing the entire tensioning assembly.
Your chain may get loose for various reasons, including natural metal expansion because of heat, old or damaged parts, or the new chain needs time to break in.