How to Untangle A Chainsaw Chain (3-Step Guide)

Before we get into the details on how to untangle a chainsaw chain. Read the table below…

What you need to know about how to untangle a chainsaw chain

As you are well aware, there is nothing that is more frustrating than a tangled chainsaw chain.

This can easily happen when you purchase a new chain and it comes straight from the packaging terribly tangled.

Or, this also typically occurs when you put your chain in yout tool box and mix it with your other tools. Creating multiple loops.

Also if you get back your sharpened chainsaw chain back from a workshop, if the person performing the sharpening is not experienced. It can often lead to looped chains.

No matter whatever the circumstance, learning how to effectively untangle your chainsaw chain/blade will save you the frustration that usually comes with creating knot after knot after knot.

There are a couple of things you need to understand before we get into the details so that you become an chainsaw untangling pro by the end of reading this article.

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Anatomy of a chainsaw “knot”

Theoretically chainsaw chains cannot really create knots, they are not ropes that can be tied. What typically happens is that one side of the chain overlaps the other end – creating a loop.

So when working with chainsaw chains, remember this. A chain can only do 2 things either go over or under itself. It is truly that simple - try not to over complicate anything. 

This also gives you a hint onto how you will untangle it effectively. The loop is practically just a mesh of the chain looping over itself.

This is very important to understand as we get into the steps on how to untangle a chainsaw chain.

Chainsaw loops always come in pairs

This happens every single time your chainsaw is in tangled. This is actually the key reason why most people struggle to untangle their chainsaw blade.

They go after only one loop at a time.

If you take this approach, I can guarantee you will never be able to untangle your chainsaw.

Keep this in mind – when undertaking a chainsaw untangling always remember – loops come in pars!

Different types of chainsaw chains same looping issues

When looking at different chainsaw chains, it is imperative to understand that the problems when it comes to tangling are practically the same.

Be it whether you are using Cutter Type chains (Chisel, Semi-chisel, or low profile cutters) or Chain sequence ( Standard, Semi-Skip or Full skip). They all create loops in exactly the same manner.

This is a question that is often asked and definitely worth clarifying before we get into the step.

No matter what type of chain you are using, the methods in the below steps will work and be effective for you when you are looking to learn how to untangle a chainsaw chain.

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Safety Precautions

As I have already alluded to above, there are many different kinds of chainsaw chains. When you are going to untangle a chain. It is very important to use safety precautions of the highest order.

Use workman gloves, ones made specifically for handling sharp edges.

Equipment You’ll need to learn how to untangle a chainsaw chain

• Tangled chainsaw chain
• Flats surface/table
• Table cloth
• Protective gloves

3 Step Guide: How to untangle a chainsaw chain

Step 1 – Create a circle with tangled chainsaw chain.

The very first thing that you should do, is find an area or a table that is flat. Place your cloth over the table to avoid creating any scratches as your work.

Put on your workman gloves. Chainsaws often have chisels and these are able to cut through human skin with ease, even when all you are doing is handling them. So please protect yourself the best you can.

Take your tangled chainsaw and spread it out onto the table so that it creates a well rounded loop.

When this is done, you should be able to identify the different loops.

Step 2 – Simplify the loops

This step is critical. The key is you want to ultimately have two loops facing the outside of the circle and being symmetrical. I will discuss these in the next steps.

So if your loops are not in the same direction, the next thing to do is to ensure that they all face the same direction.

This is achieved by taking the outside loop and expanding it until the new loop that is created is in the same direction as the opposing loops.

Step 3 – Make sure that you have symmetrical loops

This one can be a bit tricky when both loops are facing the same direction, they can sometimes not be symmetrical. The video below shows you exactly how to untangle a chainsaw effectively and efficiently.

Tips of keeping saw untangled

Once you have untangled your chainsaw, it is important to keep in stored in a location or space, that will prevent it from getting tangled again.

You cannot believe how often this small detail gets ignored.

There are typically 2 places that you can store an untangled chainsaw so that it does not get tangled again. There are:

• Wrap it onto a chainsaw (obvious)
• Place it on a custom hanger

Before you put it onto a chainsaw chain make sure that your chain saw is healthy and lubricated. When you purchase a new one it is very typical that it comes with instructions on how to make sure to ensure that it does not rust.

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Final Thought on How to Untangle a Chainsaw Chain

I hope you can see that it is not very difficult to untangle a chainsaw chain. This often very frustrating task can be achieved in a couple of simple steps.

Making your work day less stressful overall and allowing you to actually put your chainsaw into use.