Did you get your Husqvarna chainsaw? And you are ready to cut wood, but oops, your chain is just troubling and won’t budge. Commonly, a chainsaw chain must move in the forward direction on the top of the bar. The golden rule is quite simple: the cutting teeth on top of the bar must always face forward (toward the bar tip). However, many beginners make the mistake of installing the chain backward. This could lead to poor cutting performance, premature wear and tear and even safety risks. Setting the chainsaw chain in the right direction is essential to avoid mishaps or injuries. Let’s dive deeper into how to identify the correct direction of your Husqvarna chainsaw and how to install it properly.
Understanding Your Husqvarna Chainsaw Chain
Like any serviceable chainsaw part, your Husqvarna chain will eventually wear out and will require a replacement for optimal performance. If you’re new to chainsaws or want a different cut, it can be a little bit daunting to replace the chain without knowing where to start. Here are three key chain measurements you should know about your Husqvarna chainsaw.
Pitch
Chain pitch refers to the distance between drive links on the chain and determines compatibility between the chain, guide bar, and drive sprocket.
To measure the pitch correctly, you need to count 3 rivets on the chain and measure the distance between them from the center points. Then, divide this by two to get your size.
Common Husqvarna chain pitches include:
- 3/8″ Pitch: Most common for homeowner and professional applications.
- .325″ Pitch: Popular on lighter saws and precision cutting setups.
- .404″ Pitch: Used on heavy-duty forestry and chainsaw milling equipment.
Make sure your chainsaw bar pitch matches your chain pitch exactly for safe operation and efficient cutting performance.
Gauge
Chain gauge refers to the thickness of the chain drive links that fit into the guide bar groove.
The gauge is measured in inches and will usually be in the manual or on the chainsaw itself. If your manual or the printing is missing, you should measure it with a vernier caliper.
Common Husqvarna chainsaw bar gauges include:
- .050″ Gauge: Standard on many consumer and semi-professional models.
- .058″ Gauge: Common on professional forestry saws.
- .063″ Gauge: Used on heavy-duty and milling applications.
Using the wrong gauge can lead to excessive wear, poor chain tracking, and reduced cutting efficiency.
Drive Links
Chainsaw drive links are the most mundane yet the most important part of the measurement.
To get the chain of the correct size, you need to count the drive links (those little teeth on the underside of the chain). You can place a strip of tape on the first link and count your way around. You need to know exactly how many there are to get the correct chain size for your chainsaw. Now you have those three numbers; you can begin your search for the chain that you need.
Which Way Does the Chain Go on Your Husqvarna Chainsaw?
Don’t tell us you have tried changing your chainsaw chain. Even if it’s true, you don’t have to worry. We’ll show you the correct chainsaw chain direction here to get your chain back on track.
The picture above helps to distinguish which way a chain is installed on a Husqvarna chainsaw. The chain direction on your chainsaw is based on the chainsaw blade direction. No matter what type of chainsaw chain you have, the golden rule is to make sure the cutter on the top of the bar faces the bar tip, and the teeth should face backward toward the engine on the bottom of the bar. A chainsaw chain spins out from the top of the saw around the bar’s tip and back under towards the powerhead. In other words, it runs clockwise. This orientation allows the chain to cut safely and effectively as it rotates. The depth gauge is shorter than the cutter which can help you to identify which is which if you are still having difficulty.
What if you’re using chainsaws from other brands like Stihl, Poulan, Echo, Ego or Ryobi? Don’t worry. All chains are fitted in the same chain direction. All chains have a similar pattern, and you can easily replace your chain by following the procedure mentioned below.
How to Put A Chain on Your Chainsaw?
Here is how to put a chain on your Husqvarna chainsaw in 2 easy steps.
Identify the Chain Direction
As mentioned earlier, finding the right chain direction depends on its parts. Therefore, it’s necessary to identify three major parts for the correct chain direction.
- A cutter is basically an edge-shaped part that cuts the material. Make sure the cutter extends from the chain and is pointed forward for the right direction.
- A drive link is a pointed chain’s part with a wave-like shape and gets fixed in the grooves present on the guide bar. You just have to ensure the drive link is pointing forward, similar to the cutter.
- The guide is a small piece that moves towards the front. It ensures a specific amount of wood during cutting. If the guide moves towards the cutter, the chain is in the right direction.
Reassembling the Chainsaw
After identifying the right chainsaw chain direction, you can start placing the chain and the bar guide back into their positions to put together the chainsaw. Follow these simple steps to get your chainsaw ready:
- Remove the clutch cover
- Position the guide bar
- Fit the chain correctly
- Insert the chain into the bar groove
- Reattach the clutch cover
- Adjust the chain tension
- Tighten everything securely
For more details, the official supplier, Husqvarna, has made a YouTube video clip to help you better understand the Chainsaw Chain and Bar Installation here.
What Happens If Installing the Chain the Wrong Way?
Mounting your Husqvarna chainsaw chain in the wrong direction can lead to a host of problems that will hinder cutting efficiency and pose great risks to the operator and the chainsaw itself.
- Poor cutting performance: If improperly installed, the cutting teeth will be unable to effectively bite into the wood, leading to slow and inefficient cuts. Besides, it can cause smoke and burning due to excessive friction and an overall frustrating experience for the operator.
- Premature wear and tear: The added stress and friction on the chainsaw’s components can result in accelerated wear and tear. The chain, guide bar, sprockets and clutch are all susceptible to premature damage due to an improperly installed chain. Over time, this can cause costly repairs or even complete replacement.
- Safety hazards: It is possible that a wrongly installed chainsaw chain can bring about serious safety hazards, such as an increased likelihood of kickback, or the chain may be more prone to coming off the guide bar during operation. This can endanger the user and anyone nearby.
Conclusion
Installing the chainsaw chain the right way ensures reliable cutting performance and personal safety. Always make sure to keep your chainsaw’s chain cutter facing toward the bar tip on the top of the bar. If you have installed the chain the wrong way and unfortunately damaged your chainsaw parts, you can explore an extensive catalog of chainsaw replacement parts at an affordable price from FridayParts. With over 15 years in aftermarket parts, we have numerous quality replacement chainsaw parts for many reputable brands like Husqvarna, Stihl, Ryobi and more. Explore now and enjoy worry-free cutting this year.
