Chain fixing question

[Snowman]

I recently managed to pinch the bar in a branch as I was pulling the bar out of the cut while limbing. As bad luck would have it the chain jumped off the bar, but it was running at a slower speed alredy (that was my good luck) and besides the chain and my ego no one was hurt. It caused some demage on a few drive links and now the chain does not want to fit back into the bar. I wonder if I should just toss the chain or it is safe to file the small bups off the sides of the 2-3 drive links to make fit into the groove? I would not bother asking this, but it is a nearly new 20" loop and I would hate to waste it. I did check the sprocket and it was not demaged. Thanks

the Snowman

 

[jokers]

Yes, file the bumps so it fits.

Dan

I agree with Dan, this is a common fix for a fairly common problem.

Russ

 

[begleytree]

I've never filed them when it happened to me, And hey, it happens sometimes. I just put the b&c back on loose, run it a few seconds, then re-tension. Either way, your chains not ruined.
-Ralph

 

[Snowman]

I will happily get out the file and do as you said.
Thank you for the help

the Snowman

 

[Oregon Engineer]

Please file off the damaged areas of the drive links before using the chain. Once the drive links slide easily back into the bar groove and the chain can be rotated around the entire bar, you're back in buisness.

If the damage is not filed off, and the chain is run, the drive links will get mighty hot. Those hot spots often turn into places where a crack may start.

 

[stupernicus]

chains are cheap compared to physical injury

 

[DanManofStihl]

I always file them down or if their bent put them in the vice and fix them I have never had a issue with them. If it is really mess up I will just change the mess up tooth out and replace it.