We have covered sharpening chainsaws several times, and back in October 2018 we examined chainsaw chains in detail (see Farming Ahead 321). This month we take things one step further, showing how chainsaw chains can be easily made to length in the farm workshop.

Chainsaw chains can be purchased in rolls in long lengths and cut and joined to suit different length chainsaw bars. While chainsaw chains can be purchased in premade lengths, many service outlets will also custom-make chains for customers as it reduces inventory. There is no reason this can't be done at home, but it does suit regular chainsaw users who are likely to replace chains frequently, or those who run several chains at the same time, rotating them as they become blunt.

The saving from making up your own chains is considerable, but there are other advantages in gearing up to make chains. A chainsaw breaker/spinner can be used to replace damaged links on an otherwise good chain. And sometimes chain can stretch to the point where there is no longer suffi cient adjustment on the bar to take up the tension. The breaker/spinner tool can be used to remove a drive link, shortening the chain slightly and giving more adjustment on the bar. 

View the PDF report here: DIY Chainsaw Chains