chain saw chain (off topic)

jam2004 · Aug 26, 2005

Sorry to post here, but I know someone has the answer to this riddle:

I just bought a replacement chain for Stihl chainsaw. The chain was tangled out of the package. Is there any secret for straigtening it out so I can place it around the bar? I'm afraid if I pull the knots apart, I'll bend it.

Inspector507 · Aug 26, 2005

Might be better off posting this in the Rural Living Forum, or ask a Moderator to move it for you. Probably get better responses.

beenthere · Aug 26, 2005

No secret, and no need to bend it.
Just get hold of one point along the chain and hold it up, then lift the lowest loops up (and over) and keep doing this until you just have one loop left. The chain moves past itself, and will not bend far out of a single 'plane'. It just looks like a chinese puzzle.

Hope this helps, but think you will figure it out /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

kevinj · Aug 26, 2005

Lay it flat then simply unfold it. Do not force it, when you unlold it properly it will open up with out force.

smoothie17 · Aug 26, 2005

Most important of all; wear gloves!!!

anthonyk · Aug 26, 2005

yep.
put on some gloves, lay it flat and start moving the loops without forcing.
It will defy your imagination, but eventually you run out of loops.
Done that several times, and it always fascinated me to see it work. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

anthony

Egon · Aug 27, 2005

When you find the secret to doing it quickly please let me know.

I've found laying flat or holding up both seem to work equally well. Don't force anything as that just does not work. A certain form of vocabulary may help releive the tension but only if you are the only one to hear. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Egon

SPIKER · Aug 28, 2005

keep ahold of the cutting tooth on the OUTSIDE with glovesthen work youre way on around to straightening it out... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

but no real sesret

mark

turnkey4099 · Aug 29, 2005

Letting it hang from your hands is the easiest way to see what goes.
1. Open it as far as it will go. Let it hang from one hand.
2. Find where the chain makes two loops on the SAME SIDE of the hanging chain.
3. Pick up the center of crossing chain and lift being sure that the chain bunch is rotating down inside. You should see the two loops opening, rotating as you lift/lower.

That eliminates one tangle. Repeat as necessary. I don't recall ever having to do that more than twice.

4. If the last two loops are on oppisite sides, just do the same move and they will be on the same side.

It's a lot harder to describe than it is to do.

Harry K