How to Replace a Sun Joe Electric Pole Saw Chain
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A Sun Joe pole saw chain replacement is simple once you have the right chain, and the first job is to confirm the bar’s pitch, gauge and drive link count, then buy a chain that matches those numbers, and fit it with the saw switched off and unplugged. Most Sun Joe pole saws in the SWJ800 family use an 8 inch bar, and the chain listings in this guide state 3/8 inch low profile pitch, 0.050 inch gauge and 33 drive links for that size. Matching those three numbers is the step that decides whether a chain fits.
Quick answer
- Check the pitch, gauge and drive link count on the bar before you buy anything.
- Switch the saw off, unplug it, and let a hot chain cool before you touch it.
- Loosen the bar nuts, adjust the tension screw, then retighten the nuts while holding the bar tip.
- Check the tension by lifting the chain at the bar: the drive links should lift slightly and snap back.
Before you start: check the bar
Pole saw chains are sold by length, pitch, gauge and drive links, and the same saw can take bars of different lengths. The chain listings in the listing data say to confirm those values on your current bar and not to assume they match the saw model alone. Count the drive links on the old chain if you cannot read the markings. A chain with the wrong drive link count will not sit in the groove, and a chain with the wrong pitch will not engage the sprocket.
For a Sun Joe SWJ800E or SWJ802E, the listings in this guide name the 8 inch chain, 3/8 inch low profile pitch, 0.050 inch gauge and 33 drive links. Those listings also name the Sun Joe SWJ806E, iON8PS and some other 8 inch pole saws. The listings for 10 inch bars name 40 drive links, and the Sun Joe SWJ803E and SWJ807E use that size. Do not mix the two sizes.
Chain options in the listing data
The table lists the chains in this guide, with the stated size, pitch and gauge. Where a listing does not state a value, the table says so.
| Chain listing | Stated length and links | Stated Sun Joe fit |
|---|---|---|
| UpStart Components 3-pack chain | 8 inch, 33 drive links, 3/8 inch low profile, 0.050 inch gauge | Sun Joe iON8PS |
| Fifchall 2-pack chain | 8 inch, 33 drive links, 3/8 inch LP, 0.050 inch gauge | Sun Joe SWJ800E, SWJ802E, SWJ806E, iON8PS |
| UPFOREST 3-pack chain | 8 inch, 33 drive links, 3/8 inch LP, 0.050 inch gauge | Sun Joe SWJ800E, SWJ802E, SWJ806E |
| V-MODEST 3-pack chain | 8 inch, 33 drive links, 3/8 inch LP, 0.050 inch gauge | Sun Joe SWJ800E, SWJ806E |
| Loggers Art Gens 2-pack chain | 8 inch, 33 drive links, 3/8 inch LP, 0.050 inch gauge | Sun Joe SWJ800E, SWJ806E |
| XHHKJGS single chain | 8 inch, 33 drive links, 3/8 inch LP, 0.050 inch gauge | Sun Joe SWJ800E, SWJ806E, SWJ802E |
| GnDaYoug 3-pack chain | 10 inch, 40 drive links, 3/8 inch LP, 0.050 inch gauge | Sun Joe 20V iON-CS10, SWJ803E, SWJ807E |
Each listing states that the chain fits the named models, but the listing data does not show measured fit tests. Confirm the drive link count on your own bar before you fit a chain.
Step by step tensioning
The steps below follow the tension procedure in a gardening guide that was opened for this article. That guide covers adjusting tension, so it is the reference for the tensioning part of the job. Follow your own saw manual for the chain removal and fitting steps, since the guide does not cover chain replacement.
- Switch the saw off and unplug it. Let the chain cool, because a hot chain expands and will not adjust correctly.
- Find the tension adjustment screw. It is usually on the side of the saw, and it may sit under a side cover that you need to remove.
- Loosen the nuts on the side panel that clamp the guide bar. Hold the bar tip while you do this, and keep holding it until the nuts are retightened.
- Turn the tensioning screw with the included screwdriver or wrench. Turning it clockwise tightens the chain, and counterclockwise loosens it.
- Stop when the chain sits in the guide bar groove and does not hang down.
- Pull the chain at the underside of the bar. The drive links should lift slightly away from the bar and snap back without the chain going slack.
- Retighten the side nuts while still holding the bar tip.
Check the tension again after a short cutting session, because the guide notes that a stretched chain may need attention.
Safety before and after the swap
Wear safety gloves when you handle the chain, because the cutters are sharp. Clean the guide bar groove with a putty knife before you fit a new chain, so debris does not sit under the links. Keep the saw switched off and unplugged while you adjust anything near the bar or chain.
Once the chain is in place, run the saw in a clear area and check the tension again. Stop and retighten if the chain sags. The guide does not describe electrical clearance, so keep the saw clear of overhead lines during any test run, and follow the owner’s manual for the full set of safety steps.
How to tell a chain needs replacing
The listings in the listing data describe the main signs of wear: dull cutters, cracked or missing teeth, and a chain that stretches so far it cannot be tensioned. A stretched chain is a common reason to replace the chain rather than keep adjusting it. A chain that will not hold tension after a full adjustment is a good sign it needs replacing.
Replace the chain as a set when several links are damaged, since mixing a worn chain with a new one can change how the drive engages. A spare chain on hand lets you finish a job without waiting.
Keeping the chain in good shape
Keep the chain clean and lubricated, and check the tension before each use. Store the saw with the chain protected from moisture, because the chain listings describe rust-resistant or protective oil treatments. A clean groove and a properly tensioned chain last longer than a chain that runs loose.
FAQ
What size chain does a Sun Joe SWJ800E take?
The chain listings in this guide name an 8 inch chain with 3/8 inch low profile pitch, 0.050 inch gauge and 33 drive links for that model. Confirm the drive link count on your own bar before buying.
Can I use a 10 inch chain on an 8 inch bar?
No. A 10 inch chain has 40 drive links and will not fit an 8 inch bar that takes 33 links. Match the length and drive link count to the bar you have.
Why does my chain keep loosening?
A stretched chain may need attention, according to the tensioning guide cited below. Check the tension after each session and retighten the nuts while holding the bar tip. If the chain will not hold tension after adjustment, replace it.
Do I need to disconnect the saw?
Yes. Switch the saw off and unplug it before you adjust tension or change the chain.
Are chains from different brands compatible?
Some listings state compatibility with several brands, but the listing data does not confirm that. Check the pitch, gauge and drive link count on your bar, since those numbers decide the fit.
Where can I learn more about safe use?
Two guides on this site cover safe pole saw use and pruning technique, and they are linked below.
Bottom line
Match the chain to your bar before you buy. For an 8 inch Sun Joe bar, look for 33 drive links, 3/8 inch low profile pitch and 0.050 inch gauge. Switch the saw off, adjust the tension with the bar tip held, and check it again after the first few cuts.
For more on the saw itself, read Best Cordless Pole Saws: Reach, Battery Fit and Chain Specs. For safe operation before you start cutting, see How to Use a Pole Saw Safely.
Sources
How to Adjust Pole Saw Chain Tension, Gardening Mentor
Product facts come from the listing data for this guide.
