Why Is My Chainsaw Cutting Crooked?

Do you have an annoying chainsaw that’s cutting crooked? 

We feel your pain. Nothing is more frustrating than working with a chainsaw that won’t cut straight. From your frustration to your wasted time, it’s a headache you don’t need. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.

But before you start tinkering with your chainsaw, you should know why it’s cutting crooked in the first place. From chain and guide bar to improper bending, there are a few possible causes that can lead to crooked cuts. 

We’ll break down each potential problem and provide you with the tools and information you need to get your chainsaw back to cutting straight in no time. 

6 Reasons Why Chainsaw Is Cutting Crooked

When it comes to cutting accurately, a lot of people find themselves struggling. 

One of the most common issues is that their chainsaw is cutting crooked, which can be extremely frustrating.

There are many possible reasons why your chainsaw is cutting crooked, and understanding the cause can help you to fix the problem. 

Here are some reasons why your chainsaw may be cutting crooked:

1. Chain and Guide Bar

The chain and guide bar are essential elements in the operation of a chainsaw. The guide bar consists of two parts – the rail and the groove. 

The rail is the outer part of the bar, which provides stability and guides the chain as it moves in the groove. This is where the chain is connected to the chainsaw, and the guide bar helps to keep the chain in the correct position.

If you are experiencing crooked cutting with your chainsaw, the first thing to check is whether you have flipped the bar over. The bar is symmetrical on both sides and typically should be flipped every so often.

To test if the bar is worn out, grab the top of the bar and wiggle it. A tiny bit of wiggle is normal, however, if the bottom of the bar has a lot more wiggle than the top, that means the bottom side of a worn-out bar should be flipped over.

It is simply worn out if the bar is still floppy on both sides, and a new one should be purchased.

To ensure that chains and guides are in the best condition, they should be inspected regularly and replaced when necessary. Keeping the chainsaw well-maintained will keep it cutting efficiently and safely while preventing unnecessary repairs.

2. Bend bar

When a bar is bent, it can cause the cut to be crooked. This is because when the saw is used, the blade is pulled in a non-uniform way due to the uneven pressure exerted on the blade by the bent bar. As a result, the blade may not cut straight, leading to a crooked cut. 

Fortunately, the solution for straightening the bar is relatively simple. You can check the bar with a straight edge, as it could be bent anywhere along its length. 

If you find a bend, you’ll need to straighten it out. The bent section can be straightened by tapping it with a hammer while it’s in a vice.

After hitting something hard with your chainsaws, such as a nail or rock, you should check the bar for bends.

3. Wrong chain on your chainsaw

A chainsaw with the incorrect chain can be a major cause behind your chainsaw cutting crooked.

Chainsaws typically require a specific chain size, which is determined by the length and thickness of the drives of the chain. If the wrong size chain is installed, the chainsaw will not be able to cut properly. 

In addition, the chain may become too loose or too tight and cause the chainsaw to vibrate excessively, resulting in an uneven cut.

To ensure that your chainsaw cuts correctly, the chain and bar must match each other. Firstly, you need to make sure that the chain is the correct size for the bar.

This can be determined by the manufacturer’s specifications. The chain should also be properly tensioned. To achieve this, the chain should not be too tight or too loose but should sit close to the guide bar. 

4. Badly sharpened chainsaw

A badly sharpened chainsaw can lead to crooked cutting when using a chainsaw. If a chainsaw is not sharpened correctly, it may cut unevenly which can result in the user cutting in a crooked manner. 

The chain may also wear out quickly, leading to further crooked cuts and higher levels of vibration. Additionally, if the chain is too dull, it can cause the chainsaw to bog down, leading to further crooked results.

Sharpening your chainsaw chain can be an obvious option. A sharp chain will easily cut through the wood, resulting in a smoother, straighter cut. 

If the chain is already sharpened and is still producing crooked cuts, then it may be time to replace the chain. For a straight cut, the chain must also be tensioned and tightened properly. 

You can see the sharpening process in this YouTube video.

5. Uneven cutting teeth

Uneven cutting teeth are commonly responsible for reasons why a chainsaw might cut crookedly. This is usually due to sharpening the chain teeth incorrectly or unevenly. 

When the chain teeth become unevenly sharpened, they can cause the chain to pull in one direction instead of delivering an even cut. In addition to this, the chain can become worn down over time, leading to uneven cutting teeth and a crooked cut.

There are a few things you can do to address this issue. Ensure that the teeth have not been excessively worn down and that the sharpening has been done properly and evenly. 

Magnifying glasses or loupes can be used for this. Chains with worn-down teeth should be replaced. A smooth and even cut can also be achieved by sharpening the chain teeth evenly and regularly.

6. Operator’s fault

Chainsaws can also cut crooked due to operator error. This can occur for a variety of reasons such as using the wrong type of blade for the job, not dulling the blade, not using the proper technique, or simply not paying attention. 

Without knowledge of how to use a chainsaw, the chances of cutting crooked are much higher. In addition, if the operator is not properly trained or does not follow the manufacturer’s instructions, it can result in crooked cuts.

One can prevent crooked cutting by ensuring that the operator is properly trained in the use of the chainsaw and is following the manufacturer’s instructions.

If the operator does not have experience with using a chainsaw, it is important to get proper instruction and practice before attempting to use the chainsaw.

Over To You!

The best thing to do if your chainsaw cuts crooked is to make sure your chain is properly sharpened, that you have the right chain on your chainsaw, that there is no problem with your guide bar, and that it is not bent. 

Once you identify the problem and implement the solution, you can start cutting again. By identifying the problem and implementing the solution, you’ll be back to cutting straight firewood in no time.