Guide Chain
Guide Chain
How tight should a chain saw chain be?
I just got my first chain saw and the book says to tighten it until it firmly contacts the guide bar. I have it so it is completely contacting the bar, but I can pull it away with my fingers (and if I let go it snaps back) Is this tight enough or should it be so tight that it can't be pulled from the guide bar? Any suggestions will be appreciated. 
I have used chain saws for years. I recommend tighten the chain till it will pull away from the bar just enough to separate from the bar and no more. The base of the chain should remain mostly within the bar groove. Then while wearing gloves for hand protection, and the saw is not running, you should be able to spin (move forward by hand) the chain on the bar with little resistance and without slipping the chain completely free of the bar. The chain should not droop from the bar if properly tight. I believe your description of how you are checking tightness is correct.
Also as the chain becomes worn it will develop slack which then reqires the chain to be retightened.
Remember mistakes while using chain saws can be unforgiving and serious (there is no second chance). Ensure your footing is stable and no other objects, branches, people, pets ETC. are close by while running chain saws.
 |
| Miraculous Mary Madonna Beaded Chain Necklace Gifts of Rosary Guide 2 Gift Set | |
 |
$8.09 Time Remaining: 44m |
| Used Gas Gas Ec200 Top Plastic Chain Guide | |
 |
$6.35 Time Remaining: 53m Buy It Now for only: $6.35 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 1983 Suzuki Rm500 chain guide plates l r NOS | |
 |
$65.00 Time Remaining: 1h 54m Buy It Now for only: $79.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
| Alfine CS S500 18t Cog w chain guide 2nd gen | |
 |
$13.99 Time Remaining: 2h 39m Buy It Now for only: $13.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 09 Buell 1125CR 1125R 1125 TIMING CHAIN GUIDES | |
 |
$9.95 Time Remaining: 2h 44m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 2000 Yamaha Kodiak 4WD 400 Ultramatic chain guide | |
 |
$39.99 Time Remaining: 3h 6m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 81 Husqvarna Husky 250 CR CHAIN GUIDE TENSIONER | |
 |
$15.00 Time Remaining: 3h 14m Buy It Now for only: $15.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 85 86 KTM XC LC4 GS 600 CAM CHAIN GUIDES | |
 |
$10.00 Time Remaining: 3h 26m Buy It Now for only: $10.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| HONDA NT650 VT600 VT750 XL600 GEN NOS CAM CHAIN GUIDE | |
 |
$39.67 Time Remaining: 3h 53m Buy It Now for only: $39.67 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 1984 Honda CR500R CR 500 Chain Guide | |
 |
$19.99 Time Remaining: 4h 4m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Acerbis Chain Guide Black fits RM RMZ YZ YZF WR | |
 |
$24.95 Time Remaining: 4h 4m Buy It Now for only: $24.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 1985 Honda TRX250 FourTrax Cam Chain Guide | |
 |
$7.50 Time Remaining: 4h 10m Buy It Now for only: $7.50 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| cam chain and guide 2001 GS500 GS 500 | |
 |
$9.95 Time Remaining: 4h 15m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Kawasaki ZL600 Eliminator 600 TIMING CHAIN GUIDES | |
 |
$9.95 Time Remaining: 4h 15m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 04 05 Suzuki GSXR 600 750 Timing Chain Guide | |
 |
$34.95 Time Remaining: 4h 19m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 03 YAMAHA TTR125 TTR 125 TIMING CHAIN GUIDE GUIDES 05 | |
 |
$23.00 Time Remaining: 4h 23m Buy It Now for only: $23.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 00 Suzuki DRZ400 DRZ TIMING CHAIN GUIDES | |
 |
$9.95 Time Remaining: 4h 28m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Honda XL 250 Year 1979 XL250 chain guide | |
 |
$9.99 Time Remaining: 4h 50m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| YZ400F YAMAHA 1998 YZ400 400F 98 CHAIN GUIDE | |
 |
$19.99 Time Remaining: 5h 10m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| NOS 1985 87 Kawasaki KX80 Upper Front Chain Guide 12053 1132 | |
 |
$19.99 Time Remaining: 5h 21m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| NOS Kawasaki KZ750 ZX750 Front Chain Guide 12053 1058 | |
 |
$19.99 Time Remaining: 5h 25m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 90 Yamaha Radian YX600 600 TIMING CHAIN GUIDES | |
 |
$9.95 Time Remaining: 5h 33m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Suzuki GS GS550 GS550E Used Cam Chain Guides 1978 | |
 |
$35.00 Time Remaining: 5h 41m Buy It Now for only: $35.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| NOS Suzuki LT 4WD LT F250 Cam Chain Guides 12771 19B00 | |
 |
$29.99 Time Remaining: 5h 51m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| White Brothers Chain Guide Block for Suzuki RM80 RM85 | |
 |
$9.95 Time Remaining: 5h 53m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| New Suzuki RM Z 450 Bike Carbon Fiber Chain Guide 05 09 | |
 |
$67.45 Time Remaining: 5h 53m Buy It Now for only: $67.45 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| KAWASAKI KLR650 KDX 200 220 KLX 250 300 650 CHAIN GUIDE | |
 |
$24.95 Time Remaining: 5h 55m Buy It Now for only: $24.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| husqvarna 430 swing arm chain guide | |
 |
$24.99 Time Remaining: 5h 57m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 2009 KAWASAKI EX250 CAM CHAIN SLIDER GUIDES | |
 |
$19.84 Time Remaining: 5h 59m Buy It Now for only: $19.84 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Honda TRX 250X 1987 1989 1990 1991 1992 Cam Chain Guide NEW 14620 HC4 005 | |
 |
$17.99 Time Remaining: 6h 1m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TIMING CHAIN GUIDES 1977 KAWASAKI KL250 | |
 |
$69.99 Time Remaining: 6h 6m Buy It Now for only: $69.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| KTM 360 MXC 1997 360MXC 97 CHAIN GUIDE | |
 |
$19.99 Time Remaining: 6h 9m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM DESIGNWORKS CHAIN GUIDE SHELL V2 BLK YAM WR YZ 07 10 | |
 |
$46.63 Time Remaining: 6h 15m Buy It Now for only: $46.63 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 81 Honda CM400A Hondamatic CB CM 400 CM400 CAM CHAIN GUIDES CAMCHAIN GUIDES | |
 |
$18.00 Time Remaining: 6h 18m Buy It Now for only: $18.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| POLISPORT REAR CHAIN GUIDE BLOCK YZ250 YZ125 | |
 |
$19.99 Time Remaining: 6h 21m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 1987 SUZUKI SP125 SP 125 CHAIN GUIDE DR RM 250 | |
 |
$24.99 Time Remaining: 6h 26m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 81 Honda CM400A Hondamatic CB CM 400 CM400 CAM CHAIN CAMCHAIN GUIDE RAIL | |
 |
$18.00 Time Remaining: 6h 26m Buy It Now for only: $18.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| CHAIN GUIDE 1979 HONDA GOLDWING GL1 79 78 | |
 |
$24.99 Time Remaining: 6h 34m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Triumph TR7 TR 7 Timing Chain Guide New | |
 |
$9.95 Time Remaining: 6h 34m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| UFO CHAIN GUIDE BLOCK HONDA CR125 1990 1991 | |
 |
$19.95 Time Remaining: 6h 41m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| UFO CHAIN GUIDE BLOCK HONDA CR125 1992 1998 | |
 |
$22.95 Time Remaining: 6h 43m Buy It Now for only: $22.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| UFO CHAIN GUIDE BLOCK HONDA CR125 1999 2004 | |
 |
$19.95 Time Remaining: 6h 45m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Kawasaki Prairie 300 Cam Timing Chain Tension Guide | |
 |
$5.99 Time Remaining: 6h 47m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| UFO CHAIN GUIDE BLOCK HONDA CR125 2005 2007 | |
 |
$22.95 Time Remaining: 6h 47m Buy It Now for only: $22.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Earthwise Pro Cut Chain Saw Guide Bar 534805 8 20cm | |
 |
$29.99 Time Remaining: 7h 1m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Kingdom Hearts Chain Of Memories Strategy Guide NEW | |
 |
$39.99 Time Remaining: 7h 11m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 1984 honda xr250 chain guide rubber xr 250 | |
 |
$17.99 Time Remaining: 7h 11m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Kawasaki Prairie 400 360 Cam Timing Chain Tension Guide | |
 |
$5.99 Time Remaining: 7h 14m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Kawasaki Bayou 400 4x4 KLF Cam Chain Guides Stoppers Camchain | |
 |
$5.99 Time Remaining: 7h 22m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 80 YAMAHA XS650 XS650SG SG XS 650 TIMING CHAIN GUIDES | |
 |
$69.99 Time Remaining: 7h 26m Buy It Now for only: $69.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Lemforder Timing Chain Guide Rail | |
 |
$13.62 Time Remaining: 7h 28m Buy It Now for only: $13.62 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 06 07 08 09 10 ZX 14 Cam Chain and Guide Engine | |
 |
$29.00 Time Remaining: 7h 30m Buy It Now for only: $29.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| KAWASAKI ZX ZX600 NINJA NICE CAM CHAIN TENSIONER GUIDE | |
 |
$20.00 Time Remaining: 7h 30m Buy It Now for only: $20.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Chain Slider Guide Polaris Predator Outlaw Scrambler | |
 |
$14.84 Time Remaining: 7h 34m Buy It Now for only: $14.84 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Purple Chain Guide Block Yamaha YZ125 YZ WR250 | |
 |
$14.95 Time Remaining: 7h 35m Buy It Now for only: $14.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| White Brothers Chain Guide Block for Kawasaki KLX110 2002 2007 Brand New | |
 |
$14.95 Time Remaining: 7h 35m Buy It Now for only: $14.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| ZQ Sears Craftsman GASOLINE CHAIN SAW 18 GUIDE BAR manual Model 358356230 | |
 |
$5.25 Time Remaining: 7h 38m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
| 04 Honda CRF250X CRF250 X CRF CAM CHAIN GUIDES | |
 |
$10.00 Time Remaining: 7h 39m Buy It Now for only: $10.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 1986 Honda VT700 Shadow timing chain Guides Front Head We Ship Daily | |
 |
$15.88 Time Remaining: 7h 39m Buy It Now for only: $15.88 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| honda 1976 CB750 timing chain guide | |
 |
$9.99 Time Remaining: 7h 40m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| POLISPORT REAR CHAIN GUIDE BLOCK KX250F KX125 RMZ250 | |
 |
$19.99 Time Remaining: 7h 45m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| Yamaha 250 YZ250 YZ125 Rear Chain Guard Guide | |
 |
$10.00 Time Remaining: 7h 45m Buy It Now for only: $10.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| UFO CHAIN GUIDE BLOCK HONDA CRF150R 2007 2009 | |
 |
$22.95 Time Remaining: 7h 46m Buy It Now for only: $22.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 2000 HONDA CR125 CR 125 REAR CHAIN GUIDE | |
 |
$34.99 Time Remaining: 7h 47m Buy It Now for only: $34.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| UFO CHAIN GUIDE BLOCK HONDA CRF250R 2004 | |
 |
$19.95 Time Remaining: 7h 48m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| UFO CHAIN GUIDE BLOCK HONDA CRF250R 2005 2006 | |
 |
$22.95 Time Remaining: 7h 51m Buy It Now for only: $22.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| UFO CHAIN GUIDE BLOCK HONDA CRF250R 2007 2009 | |
 |
$22.95 Time Remaining: 7h 52m Buy It Now for only: $22.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| UFO CHAIN GUIDE BLOCK HONDA CR250 1990 1991 | |
 |
$19.95 Time Remaining: 7h 54m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| UFO CHAIN GUIDE BLOCK HONDA CR250 1992 1998 | |
 |
$22.95 Time Remaining: 7h 55m Buy It Now for only: $22.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 1974 YAMAHA DT175 DT 175 CHAIN GUIDE 125 250 360 | |
 |
$24.99 Time Remaining: 7h 56m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 1977 HONDA XL350 XL 350 CHAIN GUIDE 175 250 | |
 |
$24.99 Time Remaining: 7h 57m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| UFO CHAIN GUIDE BLOCK HONDA CR250 2005 2007 | |
 |
$22.95 Time Remaining: 7h 59m Buy It Now for only: $22.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 85+ TOYOTA 24L TIMING COVER CHAIN WATER PUMP KIT w HD STEEL GUIDE 22RE | |
 |
$101.92 Time Remaining: 8h 2m Buy It Now for only: $101.92 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 2004 YAMAHA BANSHEE YFZ350 YFZ 350 CHAIN GUIDE | |
 |
$24.99 Time Remaining: 8h 2m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TTR50 Billet Chain Guide Two Brothers Racing BLACK | |
 |
$5.00 Time Remaining: 8h 5m |
| 85+ 24L TOYOTA TIMING COVER CHAIN WATER PUMP KIT w HD STEEL GUIDE 22RE | |
 |
$105.54 Time Remaining: 8h 7m Buy It Now for only: $105.54 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| 2005 YAMAHA YFZ350 YFZ 350 BANSHEE CHAIN GUIDE | |
 |
$24.99 Time Remaining: 8h 10m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| UFO CHAIN GUIDE BLOCK HONDA CRF450 2002 2008 | |
 |
$22.95 Time Remaining: 8h 14m Buy It Now for only: $22.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Rear Chain Guide Kawasaki KX125 Green 97 98 99 00 01 | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Rear Chain Guide Kawasaki KX 250 Black 01 02 03 04 | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Chain Guide Honda CRF450R Black 07 08 09 11 12 450R | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Rear Chain Guide Kawasaki KX250 White 97 98 99 00 01 | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Rear Chain Guide Husqvarna Black 04 05 06 07 08 | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Rear Chain Guide Kawasaki KLX450 Black 08 09 KLX 450 | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Rear Chain Guide Kawasaki KX450F White 04 05 06 450F | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Rear Chain Guide Kawasaki KLX450 Green 08 09 KLX 450 | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Rear Chain Guide Kawasaki KLX450 White 10 11 KLX 450 | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Rear Chain Guide Kawasaki KX 250 Black 05 06 | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Rear Chain Guide Kawasaki KX250F White 04 05 06 250F | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Chain Guide Honda CRF250X White 2011 2012 CRF 250X | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Rear Chain Guide Kawasaki KX 250 White 97 98 99 00 | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Rear Chain Guide Kawasaki KX 125 Green 97 98 99 00 | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Rear Chain Guide Kawasaki KX125 Green 07 08 KX 125 | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Rear Chain Guide Kawasaki KX250 Black 07 08 KX 250 | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Rear Chain Guide Kawasaki KX250F Green 04 05 06 250F | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Chain Guide Honda CRF450R White 07 08 09 11 12 450R | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Rear Chain Guide Kawasaki KLX450 Black 10 11 KLX 450 | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Chain Guide Honda CRF450X Black 08 09 11 12 CRF 450X | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Rear Chain Guide Kawasaki KX250 White 07 08 KX 250 | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
| TM Rear Chain Guide Kawasaki KX 250 White 01 02 03 04 | |
 |
$69.95 Time Remaining: 8h 30m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |