5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Chainsaw Sprocket

Teeth look like shark fins A new sprocket has sharp, square teeth. When the front of each tooth curves inward like a shark’s dorsal fin, the chain isn’t seating properly and wear accelerates.

Chain loosens faster than usual If you’re tightening the chain more often, the sprocket is likely worn and no longer holding the chain correctly.

Drive links skip under load Feeling the chain jump or slip while cutting means the sprocket pockets are too shallow to grip the chain.

Drive links ride shallow in rim sprockets On a rim sprocket, spin the chain by hand. If the links sit on top of the pockets instead of deep inside, replace the sprocket.

You’re installing a new chain on an old sprocket Never run a new chain on a worn sprocket—it wears the chain fast and risks snapping at full throttle. Replace the sprocket with every second or third new chain.