Chain Saw Chain Brake

I have a homelite chainsaw with an out of adjustment chair brake. The spring is riding on the clutch housing. Can"t figure out how to adjust. Contacted homelite and they told me nothing.

Anyone out there that can help with instructions I would appreciate a response.

Thanks

Welcome Onethatknows I'm happy you joined the forum.

I'm not completely sure based on your description of the problem, but it seems to me a faulty product. A manufacturers slip. Probably that's why Homelite couldn't answer with a satisfying solution.

Give the chain brake handle a tug backwards it may be engaged.

Hi jimba welcome to the forum. Did that help for you?

I too have the same problem onethatknows has. The Homelite uses a metal strap wrapped around the chain pulley. When the handle is pressed forward the strap tightens and the blade stop, usually stalling the engine. The problem I'm having, and I think he is, is when the brake handle is back, in the off position, the band is still pulled tight against the pulley.

there are two ways to identify this. 1. Pull back on the brake handle. The chain will move freely, even with the engine idling. 2. If the saw will run at full throttle, and you oil pump is working, you will notice burning oil. It's caused by the excessive friction between the brake and the chain.

The brake is supposed to be a little tight at all times, this prevents the chain from moving when the engine is idling. Safety thing you know.

One thought I have is it could be the clutches on the chain pulley wearing out. But, I'm not sure. yet.

I'll post any solution I find, and hope to read your solution. Other than buying a new saw.

Gregory welcome to the forum
Great to have you here.


Thank you for letting onethatknows know if you find a solution. In the meanwhile I will keep looking as well

Having the same exact problem with my Homelite UT10858.

Hi PaulMurray welcome here

It seems a frequent occurring problem I understand when reading that so many people are experiencing it

I took apart the chain brake strap and loosened it up a little put it back together and now I can't crank over the motor. It is like the motor is seized up but I don't know why. My brother and I were doing a side job and he was using his Stihl saw up in the tree. We were using the same gas mix. I wonder if the clutch shoes are fused onto the clutch. I pulled the spark plug and exhaust pipe then tried to crank it over and still frozen. Should have bought a Stihl.

I have the exact same problem with my Homelite. Happened after a fairly tough tree felling. It is as though the brake won't "off" all the way. If I pull back on the chain brake, it frees up. Either some plastic piece inside broke, or the plastic chassis warped. There is no way that I can see to repair or readjust it, so I am about to remove the chain brake completely and run without it. Seems otherwise like a waste of assets.

Face it, it's a cheap saw. And Homelite is a big-box store marketer that shoots out cheap products FOR SALE, not for service, less than an afterthought. Try looking for a Homelite servicing dealer. I'll never make that mistake again.

So you wouldn't recommend a homelite saw, Fiks I gather. But I see many problems occurring with other saws as well (just take a look at this forum and what members go through with their other brand saws) - so perhaps it is just the overall mechanism of saws that isn't carefully thought out...

Homelite sucks!!!! Still got to pull my clutch bell to find out why my saw won't crank over.

I found a solution to the problem. A guy gave me a Homelite chainsaw 45cc during a trade. anyway the clutch brake would stay tight when disengaged. if this is the problem;
1. remove top cover(spark plug/ motor cover)
2. remove brake handle(1 E-clip/pin,1 screw and pivot assem.)
3. take the brake band off of the lever assem.(1 star head screw)
4. remove gold spring(was gold in mine)and cut it with a dremal or something at the( 2 1/2 -3rd worked for me) down from the start of spring.
5. replace spring cut side down in the hole. put everything back and make sure to leave the top cover screw(1 above choke) loose or choke will be vry difficult to use.let me knowif this helps anyone

I have the exact same problem, Fiks. My Homelite is electric though. Did you get it fixed? I'm going to take mine apart and see what I can see/do.