The cutting edges on a chainsaw chain should point forward, towards the nose, on the top edge of the bar; on the underside they face back towards the saw. Husqvarna’s manuals tell owners to make sure the edges of the cutters point forward on the top edge of the guide bar, and WORX’s troubleshooting tables list chain teeth facing the wrong direction as a cause of a saw that rips, vibrates or does not saw properly, with the fix “reassemble with chain in correct direction”.
If the saw vibrates or will not cut properly after you fit a chain, check the direction first.
The Simple Rule for Chainsaw Chain Direction
On the top of the bar, the cutting edges point forward (towards the nose of the bar). On the bottom of the bar, they point backwards (towards the engine).
A chain has two kinds of part to look at:
- The cutting tooth — a sharp corner that faces in the direction the chain moves. On top of the bar, this points towards the nose.
- The drive links — the links that run in the bar groove and engage the drive sprocket (Husqvarna). Direction is set by the cutters, so check the cutters, not the drive links.
Check the cutters rather than relying on how the chain sits: with the chain the wrong way round the cutting edges face backwards on top of the bar, and WORX says the saw will not saw properly.
How to Identify the Correct Chain Direction
Before you install the chain, lay it on a flat surface and check the direction:
- Look at the chain from above, as if you’re looking down at it sitting on a table.
- Identify one of the cutting teeth — the bit that’s actually sharp and angled.
- The cutting edge should be pointing at an angle towards one direction. That direction is the way the chain should move.
- Make sure that, once fitted, the cutting edges on the top of the bar will point towards the nose (Husqvarna’s instruction).
When you fit the chain, the cutting edges on the top of the bar should point forward, towards the nose.
What Happens If You Fit the Chain Backwards?
If you fit a chainsaw chain backwards:
- WORX lists the symptoms as a saw that rips, vibrates or does not saw properly, and the fix as reassembling the chain in the correct direction.
- We have no maker data on heat, stretch or damage from running a chain backwards, so stop and refit it as soon as you notice.
If you suspect your chain is backwards, stop the engine immediately and check the direction before running it again.
How to Check Your Chain Direction Before Installation
Always verify direction before you tension the chain on the saw:
| Check | What to Look For | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Look at the cutting edges on the top of the bar | Do they point towards the nose? | Yes = correct (Husqvarna). Pointing back = refit the chain the other way round. |
| Watch how the saw cuts | Does it rip, vibrate or fail to saw properly? | WORX lists teeth facing the wrong way as one cause; check the direction. |
Recommended Chainsaw Chains
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Get the free Chainsaw Chain Sizing Guide (PDF)
Pitch, gauge & drive-link count decoded — match any chain yourself.
How to Fit a Chainsaw Chain in the Correct Direction
Step-by-step installation:
- Stop the engine and let it cool completely.
- Remove the clutch cover (side cover) by loosening the nuts or bolts holding it.
- Loosen the bar mounting bolts slightly — the bar should move forward/back freely.
- Remove the old chain and bar if you’re replacing both.
- Fit the new bar, ensuring the oil port on the bar aligns with the oil pump outlet on the engine housing.
- Take the new chain and lay it on a table. Double-check the cutting tooth direction — teeth should point in one direction. That’s the “forward” direction.
- Fit the chain around the drive sprocket and into the groove of the guide bar (Husqvarna’s order), with the cutting edges on the top of the bar pointing towards the nose.
- Check that the drive links sit in the bar groove all the way round.
- Check again that the cutting edges on top point towards the nose; if they point back, remove the chain and turn it over.
- Tighten the bar mounting bolts until snug (not over-tight).
- Adjust chain tension with the chain cool and the engine off. Oregon says that at the right tension the drive links stay fully seated in the bar groove and the tie straps lightly touch the bar.
- Check again: the chain should not sag below the bar, and it should move freely by hand.
Does Chain Direction Matter for Different Saw Types?
Petrol saws: Yes, direction matters absolutely. Fit it backwards and it won’t cut.
Battery saws: the same rule applies — WORX gives the same direction fix in its battery-saw manuals.
Pole saws: we have not checked pole-saw manuals; follow yours.
Top Tips for Getting Chain Direction Right
- Check direction on a new chain before you fit it: lay it flat and look at which way the cutting edges point.
- Take a photo of your old chain (top surface) before you remove it and use it as a reference.
- Mark the top of your bar with a small piece of tape as a reminder of which way is forward.
- Wear protective gloves when you fit the chain (Husqvarna).
Watch: Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I run my chainsaw with the chain on backwards?
The saw will not cut properly: WORX lists chain teeth facing the wrong direction as a cause of a saw that rips, vibrates or does not saw properly, with the fix “reassemble with chain in correct direction”. Stop the saw and refit the chain the right way round.
Can a backwards chain damage my saw?
We have no maker data on damage from running a chain backwards. Stop, refit it the right way round and check the tension.
How do I remember which way is correct?
Look at the cutting edges: once the chain is on, those on the top of the bar must point forward, towards the nose. Husqvarna’s manuals tell owners to make sure the edges of the cutters point forward on the top edge of the guide bar.
Do electric chainsaws have the same chain direction rule?
The rule is the same in the manuals we checked for petrol and battery saws: Husqvarna’s manuals tell owners to make sure the edges of the cutters point forward on the top edge of the guide bar (petrol 445 II, 450 II, 455 and 460 Rancher), and WORX gives the same direction fix for its battery saws.
Can I fit the chain either way if I adjust the tension?
No. Tension adjustment doesn’t change the cutting direction. A backwards chain won’t cut no matter how tight you make it.
What if the chain seems to fit both ways?
Check the cutting edges: they point one way. Fit the chain so the edges on the top of the bar point towards the nose.
How often should I check my chain direction?
Every time you fit a chain.
Ready to Install Your Chain?
Remember: teeth forward on the top of the bar. When in doubt, check the cutters again before you tighten the chain. For help finding the correct replacement chain for your saw, see our chainsaw chain compatibility guide.
Need a new chain? Find replacement chains on Amazon.
How we compile this guide
We cross-reference compatibility details against manufacturer specifications where available, official tool manuals, and the physical standards that govern fitment (bore sizes, arbor diameters, voltage platforms, connector types). We prioritise primary sources over retailer listings, flag anything we can’t confirm, and re-verify the data on a regular cycle. Where we give a buying recommendation, we tell you the reasoning — not just the link. More on our method →
