I removed the chain to blow out the sprocket area and didn't pay attention when putting it back on. Now it barely nicks a branch so assume I must have put it on backwards. Are these blades actually directional? Are they marked somewhere?
Are chain saw blades directional?
- Thread starter atikovi
- Start date
Yes the teeth only cut one way. the cutting edge pulls toward you on the bottom of the bar and runs away at the top.
There's typically a cutting edge in one direction. Most of the chain doesn't really cut. Like this from Stihl where the chain is supposed to move to the right:
https://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/saw-chains/rsf/
https://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/saw-chains/rsf/
The chain is absolutely directional. Looking at the photo below, if this depicts the chain sitting on the top edge of the bar, the tip of the bar would be towards the right side with the labeled cutter tooth closest to the bar tip.
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Chain saw chains are directional, but the blade itself is not. You don't really need to clean the sprocket out IMO unless something is wrong...
In short the cutting edge should be facing you on the bottom of the saw when you are hanging onto it.
Just my $0.02
There is definitely a direction. This video should help.
Tip of the cap from me for being able to install the chain backwards. The drive links are designed to make that nearly impossible.
AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
Not that hard to figure out, think about it. Spins out on top, in on bottom....sharp in one direction only.... 
So this is backwards?
Totally Bass Ackwards!
When you look at the chain from above while holding the saw, just visualize that the chain needs to pull the saw away from you.
OK I'll reverse it. The chain I mean.
I bet it smoked a bit as it tried to rub its way through the wood.
But no harm done, just remove and reverse the chain, it will be fine.
But no harm done, just remove and reverse the chain, it will be fine.
Flip the chain around. The other thing you will need to do is properly tension the chain. Rule of thumb I use is to pull the chain down in the middle of the bar and make sure the link is still engaged. As the chain warms up it will tighten up, so checking after some cutting is probably best. A chain that is too loose can come off, a chain that is too tight is hard on the drive.
Just my $0.02
Make sure you don't put the bar on upside down either..................
Now that's just mean, LOL.Make sure you don't put the bar on upside down either..................
And, chainbrake ALWAYS engaged while starting:
Atikovi, he is just yanking your chain!!Make sure you don't put the bar on upside down either..................
It is a good idea to flip the bar from time to time to even out wear on the bar. This more with chainsaws, as pole saws usually have less hours than a chainsaw. But you can flip the bar. I flip the bar over on my saws at least every season, unless i don't cut much.
On closer examination I now see tiny arrows on the chain.
