Trystan Casey
The Craftsman Electric Chainsaw is a powerful and affordable tool. One of its standout features is the ease with which users can replace the chain. Before starting, ensure the chainsaw is unplugged and cooled down, then remove the bar and chain safety cover. Next, loosen the red knob and, if necessary, the grey spindle knob to remove the side cover. Pull off the old chain, clean the bar, and put on the new chain, ensuring the teeth face the correct direction. Place the cover back on, tighten the red knob, and adjust the chain tension using the grey knob. Finally, confirm the chain is taut and turn the on-off switch to the on position.
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What You'll Learn
Ensure the chainsaw is unplugged and the engine is cool
When replacing the chain on your Craftsman electric chainsaw, safety should be your top priority. Before you begin, make absolutely sure that the chainsaw is unplugged. It may seem obvious, but it's a step that's easily overlooked.
Allowing the engine to cool down before attempting to replace the chain is also essential for your safety and to ensure you don't damage the chainsaw. Even after you've unplugged the chainsaw, wait a few minutes to give the engine time to cool.
It's worth noting that some Craftsman chainsaws are gas-powered, so instead of checking that the chainsaw is unplugged, you would need to make sure that the gas tank is empty. However, electric chainsaws are more common, and the gas-powered variety is less likely to be used by homeowners.
In addition to making sure the chainsaw is unplugged and the engine is cool, you should also take other safety precautions. For example, always put the cover over the bar and chain when the chainsaw is not in use. This will protect the teeth of the chain and prevent accidents.
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Remove the bar and chain safety cover
Before removing the bar and chain safety cover, ensure that your Craftsman electric chainsaw is unplugged and that the on/off switch is in the "off" position. This is a crucial safety step as it prevents the chainsaw from accidentally turning on during the process.
Once the chainsaw is safely turned off, you can proceed to remove the bar and chain safety cover. This cover is designed to protect the bar and chain when the chainsaw is not in use, and it also helps to keep the teeth of the chain sharp. To remove the cover, lay the chainsaw on its side. This provides a stable position and makes it easier to access the knobs that secure the cover in place.
Locate the big red knob on the side of the chainsaw. This knob is typically turned to the left to loosen the cover. You may need to turn it multiple times to fully loosen it. In some cases, if the chain is very tight, you may also need to loosen the gray spindle knob, usually by turning it to the left as well. This gray knob is often located near the red knob and may have a gray spindle extending from it.
By loosening these knobs, you can release the tension holding the cover in place. Gently slide the cover off the bar and chain. Set it aside in a safe place to avoid losing or damaging it. With the cover removed, you will now have access to the bar and chain for further maintenance or replacement.
It is important to note that the process of removing the bar and chain safety cover may vary slightly between different models of Craftsman electric chainsaws. Some models may have additional knobs or mechanisms to secure the cover. Always refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for your particular model to ensure a safe and proper removal process.
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Clean the cover and bar
Before cleaning the cover and bar of your Craftsman electric chainsaw, make sure the chainsaw is unplugged and cooled down. It is important to clean the cover and bar regularly, as they get clogged up and dirty from dust and oil.
To clean the cover, start by removing it. You can do this by laying the chainsaw on its side and turning the big red knob to the left to loosen it. If your chain is very tight, you may also need to spin the grey spindle knob to the left. Once the cover is removed, wipe it down with a shop rag or cloth to remove any dirt or debris. You can also blow it out with compressed air, either using an air nozzle connected to an air compressor or a manual pump. Pay special attention to the inside of the cover, as this is where dirt and oil typically build up.
Next, clean the bar. The bar is the long, thin part of the chainsaw that the chain wraps around. Use a clean rag or cloth to wipe down the bar, removing any dirt, oil, or debris. Be sure to clean the groove in the bar where the chain sits, as this can become clogged with debris and affect the performance of your chainsaw. You can also blow out the groove with compressed air, but be careful not to blow towards the gear at the tip of the bar.
Finally, before putting the cover back on, check the air filter and the oil hole. The oil hole is responsible for lubricating the bar and chain, so it's important to keep it clean. Signs that the oil hole needs cleaning include a discoloured bar or excessive smoking. To clean the oil hole, first lay the chainsaw on a flat surface and put on leather gloves for protection. Pull the chain brake lever back to disengage it, then use an adjustable wrench to turn the retaining nuts on the right side counterclockwise and pull them off. Pull the chain brake cover straight out and off, then remove the bar and chain. With the oil hole accessible, you can clean it with a small brush or compressed air.
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Place the new chain around the bar
When placing a new chain around the bar of your Craftsman Electric Chainsaw, it is important to take the necessary precautions and follow the correct steps to ensure a safe and proper installation. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Before beginning, ensure that your chainsaw is unplugged and that the engine has cooled down. Lay the chainsaw on its side and remove the bar and chain safety cover by loosening the big red knob by turning it to the left. You may also need to loosen the grey spindle knob if the chain is too tight. Once the cover is removed, carefully lift off the old chain, being mindful of the sharp teeth. Clean any debris from the track of the bar where the chain slides.
When you're ready to install the new chain, put on a pair of gloves to protect yourself from the oil and sharp edges of the new chain. Take the new chain and carefully place it around the chainsaw bar, ensuring that the teeth are facing the correct direction. It is possible to install the chain in the wrong direction, so pay close attention to the orientation of the teeth.
The Craftsman Electric Chainsaw bar typically has two holes. One hole is used for mounting the bar back onto the power unit, and the other hole allows for chain adjustment. Place the chain around the power unit's drive mechanism, ensuring that the bar is properly aligned with the mounting hole. You may need to adjust the chain tension at this point to ensure it is neither too tight nor too loose.
Once the new chain is in place, you can proceed to put the cover back on. Tighten the big red knob almost all the way, but then back it off by turning it slightly. This will allow you to fine-tune the chain tension if needed. To check the tension, pull the chain off the bar; it should snap back into place. If it doesn't, you may need to loosen or tighten the chain by adjusting the grey knob accordingly. Finally, once the chain tension is properly set, fully tighten the big red knob to secure the cover in place.
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Tighten the chain and test the tension
To tighten the chain and test the tension on your Craftsman Electric Chainsaw, follow these steps:
First, ensure your safety by putting on leather gloves. Place the chainsaw on a flat surface, such as a workbench or table, and allow the engine to cool completely if it was in use. Remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent accidental starts. Stand in front of the chainsaw, facing the blade and chain.
Next, grasp the tip of the chainsaw blade with one hand and raise it. You can then adjust the tension by turning the grey knob—turning it toward the "+" symbol tightens the chain, and turning it toward the "-" symbol loosens it.
Now, check the tension by pulling the chain off the bar. If the chain is correctly tensioned, it should snap back into place. If it doesn't, the chain is too tight, and you need to loosen it by turning the grey knob toward the "-" symbol.
Once the tension is correct, fully tighten the red knob.
Finally, put the spark plug wire back on the spark plug and press it down firmly. Your Craftsman Electric Chainsaw is now ready for use.
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