How do I know if my chainsaw sprocket is bad?
Matthew Wilson
Published Apr 04, 2026
How do I know if my chainsaw sprocket is bad?
The most common symptom of a worn sprocket can be felt when you rotate the chain manually by hand. This is known as the CHAIN ROTATION TEST. If you have your chain tensioned properly and the chain rotates smoothly one moment and then becomes difficult or loose a moment later, chances are the sprocket has worn teeth.
How long should a chainsaw sprocket last?
Even though sprocket maintenance is such as an important aspect of overall chainsaw maintenance, many tree professions tend to overlook it. The sprockets should ideally be changed every two to three chains. It’s also crucial you buy a sprocket that’s compatible with the chain on your saw.
Are chainsaw sprockets interchangeable?
Chainsaw Enthusiast Otherwise, a STIHL sprocket and Oregon sprocket of the same size will be interchangeable. So, the simpler answer is: “Yes, you can buy different brands of rim sprockets, as long as they are the same size”.
Which is better rim sprocket or spur sprocket?
The rim is cheaper to replace when worn and is easy to change chain pitch or tooth count. The spur sprocket is cheaper for the manufacturer and is used primarily on lower priced consumer saws that don’t see as much use.
When should I replace my chainsaw sprocket?
You should replace drive sprocket systems after every two chains, or sooner. It’s important not to run a new chain on a badly worn drive sprocket.
Can you put any bar on any chainsaw?
The answer is yes and no. Many chainsaws are designed to take different size units. For example, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher is commonly sold with a 20 inch bar and chain. However, it is capable of taking anything between 13” and 24”.
Are all chainsaw bars universal?
Are chainsaw bars universal? A: Chainsaw bars are not universal. Instead, bars are specific to a chain type and have different, incompatible mounts. More specifically, chainsaw bars vary both in mount geometry as well as in intended chain pitch and gauge, which must match those of your saw and chain.
How do you change the sprocket on a Husqvarna chain saw?
Removing the Sprocket. Once the piston is immobile, rotate the clutch weights clockwise to loosen it. The clutch weights are the piece of metal inside the drive rim facing you. Once you have removed the clutch weights, you can pull the drive rim and the sprocket located behind it off the saw and replace one or both of them with new parts.
What causes a chain to derail on a Husqvarna chainsaw?
Sprockets on a chainsaw guide the chain in a continuous motion along the bar. Sprockets can become worn, grooved, chipped or damaged due to high stress, friction and normal wear and tear. If you’re chainsaw sprocket is damaged your chain could derail from the sprocket, causing it to not spin at all.
Where is the sprocket located on a chain saw?
Even minor amounts of wear can have an adverse impact on the performance and longevity of the saw. The drive sprocket and the other parts of the saw that drive the chain are located beneath the sprocket cover on the right side of the saw. Two bolts on the side of the saw secure the cover and the guide bar.
What kind of clutch is on a Husqvarna saw?
There are two types of clutches in most chainsaws: spur clutches and rim clutches. In this video, Mark will show you how to replace both. We used Husqvarna saws, but the steps will be the same for most brands of chainsaws.
Removing the Sprocket. Once the piston is immobile, rotate the clutch weights clockwise to loosen it. The clutch weights are the piece of metal inside the drive rim facing you. Once you have removed the clutch weights, you can pull the drive rim and the sprocket located behind it off the saw and replace one or both of them with new parts.
What kind of sprocket does a chainsaw use?
Chainsaws use one of two types of sprockets to engage and spin the chain: spur/star sprockets and rim sprockets. The sprocket is the piece beneath the clutch that actually drives the chain.
How do you remove guide bar on Husqvarna chain saw?
Two bolts on the side of the saw secure the cover and the guide bar. You can use the tool included with the saw or a socket wrench to remove these bolts and the cover. The chain must be slackened using the chain tensioner and removed before it and the guide bar come off.
Sprockets on a chainsaw guide the chain in a continuous motion along the bar. Sprockets can become worn, grooved, chipped or damaged due to high stress, friction and normal wear and tear. If you’re chainsaw sprocket is damaged your chain could derail from the sprocket, causing it to not spin at all.