Operating an electric chainsaw can be extremely useful for tackling yard work and home improvement projects. However, like any power tool, issues can arise that prevent the saw from functioning properly. Knowing how to troubleshoot common electric chainsaw problems is crucial for any owner to keep their tool in working order.
This comprehensive guide will explore the most widespread electric chainsaw problems, their potential causes, and actionable solutions to get your saw running smoothly again.
Why Proper Troubleshooting Is Critical
Before diving into specific issues, it’s helpful to understand why troubleshooting electric chainsaw problems correctly is so vital for performance and safety.
Improperly functioning electric chainsaws can experience:
- Performance drops – the saw may have significantly reduced cutting power, slow chain speeds, trouble starting, etc. Not only is this inefficient, but it also poses safety issues from attempting cuts the saw can’t handle.
- Undetected failures – some failures like inadequate chain lubrication slowly degrade components over time in ways that may not be obvious until catastrophic failure. Identifying issues early is key.
- Hazardous operation if problems remain undiagnosed. A dulled or loose chain can increase kickback risk. Motor issues can cause high-speed components to fail at dangerous speeds.
Many electric chainsaw problems also indicate routine maintenance needs like cleaning, tightening parts, or replacing worn components. Following proper troubleshooting and maintenance steps keeps your chainsaw running safely.
Now let’s explore some of the most frequent electric chainsaw issues owners encounter.
Read More: How To Clean A Chainsaw
Electric Chainsaw Won’t Start
One of the most frustrating issues is pulling the starter cord on your electric chainsaw only to find nothing happens – the saw won’t start. This points to a problem with the power supply or motor. Potential root causes include:
- Disconnected power cord – Obviously if your chainsaw is not plugged into a power source or the cord is damaged, no power gets to the motor.
- Faulty electric outlet/bad fuse – The outlet itself may be faulty. Your saw may have overloaded or tripped a breaker or fuse. Reset breakers or test outlets.
- Worn/damaged power cord – Fraying wires inside old cords can lose continuity. Inspect for cuts, cracks exposing wiring, or damaged prongs. Replace damaged cords.
- Motor needs new brushes – Internal motor brushes transfer power. If they are too worn, power flow is interrupted. Check and replace brushes if under 3/8” long.
- Overheated motor – Sustained high loads can cause motors to overheat, tripping thermal breakers and interrupting operation until they cool down. Let your chainsaw rest before restarting.
- Bad capacitors – Capacitors help start motors. Bad ones could fail to start the chainsaw. Test with a multimeter. Replace if needed.
- Incorrect Oil – Using oil too light for outdoor temperatures allows overheating which can damage internal motor components. Check oil viscosity ratings.
- Loose wiring connections – Vibration can loosen electrical connectors over time, interrupting flow. Check terminals for tight connections.
The inability to start your electric chainsaw indicates an underlying power supply issue must be addressed before attempting operation.
Power Loss During Cutting
Another common electric chainsaw complaint is a loss of power when trying to make cuts. The chainsaw may bog down, have significant power drops, or stop entirely when engaged in wood. There are several potential causes, including:
- Inadequate current/overloaded circuit – Check that your power supply circuit has sufficient current rating and nothing else on the same circuit is hogging power.
- Fluctuating voltage levels – Some cheap generators with poor voltage regulation cause power spikes and drops. Use a voltage meter to test supply voltage.
- Clogged air filter – Unable to “breathe”, the restricted intake airflow overheats components. Remove cover and clean air filter.
- Chain brake engaged – The mechanical brake halts the chain on contact. Disengage chain brake before cutting if accidentally engaged.
- Loose/damaged wiring – As noted for startup issues, loose wiring interrupts power. Inspect terminals and wires for tight, intact connections.
- Debris in motor housing – Built-up debris like sawdust can interfere with internal components. Using compressed air, blow out the motor housing.
- Overworked chainsaw – Attempting too aggressive a cut too fast can bog down the motor. Ease into cuts gradually. Upgrade to higher power model if under-capacity for task.
A loss of sustained cutting power indicates an internal failure, like worndown brushes, which will require service or replacement.
Inadequate Chain Lubrication
Perhaps the most damaging issue an electric chainsaw can experience is inadequate lubrication to the cutting chain.
Without oil, the chain drags across the metal guide causing intense friction, heat, and component degradation. The guide bar and chain eventually warp or wear to the point of failure.
Many lubrication issues arise due to leaks or blockages of oil passages:
- Leaking oil line – Inspect the clear oil delivery line for cracks and replace if compromised. Tighten all oil line fittings.
- Clogged oil passage – Pay special attention to the guide bar oil hole. Clean it out completely if blocked.
- Not filling oil tank – Simply not supplying oil leaves components unprotected. Never operate chainsaw without adequate oil in reservoir.
- Using wrong oil – Be sure to use formulated bar and chain lubricating oils. Multi-weights and bio-oils become sticky or degrade at high motor heat.
- Overfilled oil tank – Too much oil can leak out and coat components, attracting sawdust that clogs passages. Maintain correct volume in tank.
Note oil tank levels before operation and be aware of leaks, as running any period without proper lubrication risks permanent damage. Monitor guide and chain wear closely as well. Adequate oiling is mandatory for electric chainsaw functionality.
Cutting Malfunctions
Beyond power issues, electric chainsaws may also experience reduced cutting ability or operational failures when making cuts:
- Chain tension too loose – Chains stretch over time. Loose chains derail or fail to engage wood. Regularly check and adjust chain tension.
- Dull cutters – Chains with dull cutters require more force to cut, overworking components. Routinely sharpen cutters or replace chain.
- Undersized chainsaw – Attempting cuts beyond what the electric chainsaw is designed to handle stresses components. Use within power band rating.
- Chain brake engaged – As above, an accidentally engaged brake will stop the chain completely, ceasing cuts. Check chain brake mechanism operation.
- Binding in cut – pushing too hard into a cut forces components beyond capacity. Ease into cuts; don’t force saw.
- Damaged sprocket – The drive sprocket transfers rotational force to chain. Bent or broken sprocket teeth impact performance. Inspect and replace worn sprockets.
- Bent guide bar – Bars can gradually warp under intense friction heat. A bent bar alters chain alignment and increases binding. Monitor bar for flatness.
- Motor failure – As noted for the power loss issue, failed windings, worn brushes, etc. compromise cutting ability. Electrical testing will be needed to isolate internal motor faults.
Cutting failures have diverse root causes but often come back to excess mechanical or thermal loads placed on components. Be mindful not to force cuts beyond tool design limits.
Other Common Issues
While the above represent critical functionality failures, some other common electric chainsaw issues encountered include:
- Grinding noises – Usually indicates failing bearings allowing rotor/armature contact with the motor housing. Requires extensive disassembly to access bearings for replacement.
- Smoking – Oil leaks or electrical shorts create hot spots eventually emitting smoke. Identify the failure point source and repair immediately.
- Loose/broken housing – The chainsaw body and handle casings crack over time. Inspect thoroughly and replace housings if compromised as they reinforce guards and controls.
- Blade rotation binding – Bent components like the crankshaft prevent free blade rotation. Requires complete teardown to access internals. Assess repair cost versus replacement.
- Sticking trigger lock – Damaged triggers don’t properly engage/disengage the power switch contacts. Replace trigger assembly.
While not exhaustive, awareness of these other common problems empowers you to make informed troubleshooting decisions.
General Troubleshooting Steps
Armed with knowledge of what can go wrong with electric chainsaws, applying structured troubleshooting is key to efficiently resolving issues:
- Ensure you have addressed all safety preparations – proper PPE, secure material to cut, area containment, etc. A failure could release dangerous high-speed components.
- Note exactly when and how the failure occurs – at startup vs. when cutting, intermittent or permanent, associated sound/smoke, etc. Details focus troubleshooting steps.
- Check known quick fixes first based on symptoms:
- Power loss – Try a different outlet. Inspect cord condition.
- Won’t start – Is chain brake engaged? Is battery charged?
- Thoroughly inspect chainsaw exterior – oil leaks, damaged casing, loose/missing exterior fasteners all provide failure clues.
- Clean the unit – Remove debris/dust buildup clogging intakes or fouling components.
- Follow electrical safety lockout procedures before deeper inspection– disconnect power source, discharge capacitors.
- Access internal components only as necessitated by external findings. Remove covers to check connections, brush wear, etc. but don’t disassemble unnecessarily.
- Apply compressed air to blow out passages if evidence shows possible blockages.
- Be methodical checking likely root failure causes based on symptoms. Confirm culprit issue is fully resolved before reattempting operation.
- Seek repair shop service if problem proves complex, exceeds your skill level, or involves specialty electrical testing.
Safety is paramount when troubleshooting live electric systems, especially those with exposed high RPM components. Use extreme caution, appropriate PPE, and lockout/tag procedures for deeper diagnostic steps.
Maintenance and Preventative Care
While troubleshooting reacts to chainsaw failures as they occur, consistent preventative maintenance is far more effective to minimize issues proactively:
Motor Chain Tention
The #1 maintenance task is to routinely check chain tension and adjust as needed. Chains gradually stretch from use then eventually derail or fail to cut properly. They also wear over time. Periodically check depth gauges and cutter sharpness, replacing links that exceed wear limits.
Clear oil passages
The constant airflow of sawdust and debris around a chainsaw makes clearing oil ports and passages imperative for operation. Regularly check that oil is able to flow through the bar and chain freely.
Clean air filters
Clogged air filters raise operating temperatures and stress components. Clean air filters prevent overheating issues over time.
Inspect electrical wiring
Especially important on older chainsaws, check that power connections remain tight. Loose wiring interrupts power flow and can be a fire hazard. Replace damaged cords immediately.
Use proper fuel
For gas chainsaws, incorrect fuel or oil mixes contribute to a number of issues from lack of lubrication to engine damage over time. Follow manufacturer fuel guidelines precisely.
Check brake band wear
The chain brake band wears over time; if excessively worn it will fail to stop the chain. Inspect bands periodically and replace if worn thin.
Sharpen cutters
As cutters dull, more force is required to cut, overtaxing systems and accelerating component wear. Routinely sharpen cutters to maintain proper chain geometry and cutting capability relative to your chainsaw model output.
Replace wear components
While many advocate “run it till it dies” mentalities for power tools, preventative replacement of common wear components like brushes and bearings will significantly extend chainsaw lifespan by avoiding catastrophic failures.
Learn your chainsaw’s routine maintenance needs and adhere to them. A well-cared-for electric chainsaw will have minimal issues over years of useful life.
Safety Considerations
While repairing an ailing chainsaw takes precedence, safety should remain at the forefront:
- Use proper PPE at all times – chainsaw chaps, steel toes shoes, gloves, eye and hearing protection. Assume the chain may start unexpectedly anytime power connected.
- Keep bystanders away from active troubleshooting, especially power testing.
- Follow electrical lockout/tagout procedures de-energizing systems safely before diagnostic handling.
- Support saws before testing – free swing rotation risks injury. Secure in custom test fixtures or use assistance for manipulation.
- Be aware of sharp edges like teeth and guide rails that easily cut if handled recklessly.
- Accounts for stored energy dangers like tensioned components that can release if improperly dismantled.
- Collect all released fluids or oils safely to avoid spill hazards.
In particular, be extremely cautious dealing with electric drive components due to high torque reaction forces and potential stored charge in capacitors. Work deliberately, focus on each step, and prioritize safety measures throughout chainsaw troubleshooting.
Conclusion
While chainsaw issues range from nuisance malfunctions limiting capability to catastrophic failures, being able to properly diagnose common electric chainsaw problems is critical for any owner. Identifying root causes accurately guides effective corrective action. Catching developing problems early also prevents the deterioration of components into irreparable states.
Implement proactive preventative maintenance diligently, replacing wear components before operational failures occur. Be aware of reductions in performance signaling impending issues.
Most importantly, exercise caution working around exposed high-speed cutting surfaces, electricity, and other injury hazards while testing your chainsaw or completing repairs. Foregoing safety protocols can result in serious harm.