How to put your clutch cover back on your chainsaw AFTER the chainbrake got stuck 

This is the first time I ever comment on a video because it is just awesome. RU-vid is full of videos with absolute nonesense for 12 year old kids. But this video helped me a lot. Best regards from Europe.

Thanks saved me from throwing it on the ground multiple times just to show it who's boss.

I took the maverick route and put the cover on super tight and hauled on the brake to reset it. Worked like a charm the first time. Saved me from many calamities... a trip to the local service center, $, and once again feeling like a dummy in front of the service tech dudes. "you took your cover off without takin' your chain break off". Big thumbs up. Tanks mightily. Southwest Vermont Proud.

I feel exactly like the comment right before mine. Chainsaw cover would not go back on a time before. Somehow got it on after messing with it for hours. Happened again and messed with it for 2 days. Decided to see if anything on RU-vid and found your video. GREAT HELP. Perfect explanation. Fixed my chainsaw in 30 seconds after watching your video.

Removed clutch cover in a locked position and didn't know why the chain wouldn't turn when put back on. Thought the clutch was broken and almost removed it for an emergency job. Glad I stumbled on this video. Thank you.

I looked at the manufacturers videos and others and still could not understand why the housing would not fit back on. This is the answer and this give you the ways to fix it. I took off the handle on mine and forced back the lock out and wow it worked just like he said and everything went back on in a couple minutes after 30 minutes of screwing around trying to align things and finding the brake was not engaged. This is an excellent video.

I have a later model (550xp) but I took the cover off with the chain-brake engaged and I couldn't get the damn cover back on. I had a look at your video, applied the principles that you described and my chainsaw was back up and running in no time at all. Thank you for taking the time to post your video. It saved me a visit to a dealers and so, instead of that, me and my saw sorted my woodpile out while the sun was shining today. "Thanks again .

This video finally solved my problem! The hack of removing the saw's own handle to use as a tool to reset the chain brake was BRILLIANT, and the only thing, of the several I tried from You Tube videos, that worked! That spring was under such strong compression that it needed some serious pressure to get it back into place. Many thanks, Matthew.

Dude you are my hero. I have struggled with this for about 30 minutes and did not realize that I had that pressed forward.

You are the man! I just spent an hour trying to figure out why my clutch assembly will not go back on like it did the last time I changed the chain. I tried everything I could think of with the same outcome. I finally decided to see if anyone else has experienced this problem. Thank you for making this video because I thought I just broke my saw. I owe you a beer my friend.

Fixed my saw TODAY and needed this exact video. Thank you much sir

Matt, you really saved me. Hurricane Florence will be pounding NC in a few days, I decided to replace the chain on my Husky 455 but couldn't get the cover back on. After one hour of 'blood sweat and tears' I decided to look for spiritual guidance on RU-vid and came across your video. I took of the handle ,unlocked the cover, and was back in business.

Thanks Matt! You are one of the best “How To” guys on RU-vid I’ve ever run into. Your bolt by bolt on the 455 Ranger was awesome!

Found another way to solve the problem. I greatly appreciate this video. I spent 20 minutes trying to get the clutch cover back on my chainsaw before I gave up and went searching for a video to help. I didn't understand how the chainbrake worked, so I never guessed that the chainbrake was the nature of my problem. It all made sense to me within one minute of starting the video. Once I understood the problem, I figured out a quicker and easier way to solve the problem. Using the tips of a tin snip (strong, scissor like item), I was able to get enough leverage on two points of the chainbrake release to get it turned in the right direction. Thirty seconds, problem solved. No bench grinding and no removal of the handle. An easy solution that I would never have reached without the video explaining the nature of the problem. Thank you.

I had the opposite problem. The cover was stuck on but the chain brake gear wasn't touching the handle. I had to force the gear in to the handle while pulling it back. Thanks a lot, I wouldn't have known what to do without your video!

Simple no fuss no muss fix: Clamped an open end wrench in the vise and used the open end of the wrench to rotate/snap the tree finger disc and now I can put the clutch cover back on. Found out the hard way of how not to take/pry it off LOL. You video explained a lot. Thanks.

Thanks for posting this. I never had this happen before and I was at a loss. Fixed it. Thank you for taking time to post this video.

Thank you so much for posting this. I'm not that handy and was thinking I might need to buy $35-$40 part. Turns out I fixed it in 5 minutes after watching this video.

I’ve been running saws for close to 20 years and I’ve never had this happen........ until today lol, thanks brother you saved me a ton of headaches.

Just had this happen to me. I thought about going to my husqvarna dealer this morning then thought about searching youtube. You gave several options to fix the issue. Thank you.

The last method you did works the best and far easiest. The only thing different is that you should remove the bar and chain first before you put the clutch cover back on. It will stick out around the clutch but if you hold it tight up near the front where the 3 cogs align you can then push the brake forward and then pull it back. It's a lot easier than trying to move the brake with a wrench.

Thank you for posting this video! I took off the handle and reset the brake. It takes a bit of a pull to reset it, but now it is back to working. You saved me from large amounts of profanity and frustration. This is my first and last Husquvarna chainsaw. In the time it takes to change the chain, I could have changed three on my Stihl chainsaw. Thanks again for your help!!!

Excellent! I thought my chainsaw was broke because I thought I got it too hot on the last job (it was smoking and super HOT!) So when I couldn't get the clutch plate back on, i figured it was my fault for abusing it on the last job. I was just getting ready to buy a new one when I found this video. THANKS! it works great now.

Thank you Matthew. I felt like a proper eejit when I realised that the reason it was so hard to disassemble was the same reason that it was going to be impossible to reassemble. Option 2 worked a treat. It was my first teardown and cleaning of a Husq. 450. I'll never make that particular mistake again.

Got myself into just this situation with my 460 Rancher. Couldn't for the life of me figure out how to reset that brake band. Used your method & took off my handle...VOILA. Thanks so much.

Señor, Tu es el Hombre! You just saved me a lot of money from having to take my chain saw to the shop. Your video is without question the most helpful video I have ever viewed. Thank you for this great tip!

This video just saved me one embarrassing visit to the repair shop. For the life of me, I could not figure out what happened with my chain break...then I found out I was an idiot. :D Taking the handle off to correct the issue was by far the simplest fix. Thanks!

This was exactly what I needed to get that cover on. I made the scrench alteration and it did the trick! I’m going to keep it in the box JUST in case I forget to undo the brake the next time. Thanks Matt!

Thank you so much for this information!! We thought we had a broken part or something needing aligning. You saved us a lot of time!

Great video, helped me a lot, quick and easy. Taking the brake handle off only took a couple minutes and was much easier than grinding a socket but either way thanks a lot.

Finally found a video that explains my problem with the chain clutch cover. Getting ready to make a tool like you described, hence fix my problem. Thank you!

I'm forever in your debt! You saved a lot of aggravation with the solution as I was ready to toss the 455 in the river until I saw your video!

Always look on youtube when there is a problem. This bloke saved me time, hassle and money. Thanks

haha.I owe you one for sure.an hour of try and error and I could not put the cover back on.almost freaked out.thought it was the inner spring but did not know the trick to put it back into position.you`ve been my hero tonight.thank you so much for your help and the excellent video-advice.next time I will ask youtube first before repairing things by myself...me little short brain

Dude, Thank You!!! I have a 450. You saved me hours more of frustration. I never knew that could happen with the chain brake and clutch cover.

I agree 100% with the previous comment, what a great and easy to follow video, great job. I wish all instructional videos were as straight forward and informative.

Hey Matthew, I watched the Official video from Poulan before i saw your video and they did not mention making a tool. They suggested removing the chain, bar and sprocket and then install the cover and release the brake then remove the cover and reinstall the chain, bar and sprocket and you are done. I love your way of making a 3 prong wrench from the schrench.

Thank you! I’ve actually had to do this before but I didn’t retain the info and I had to come looking for a video again. I’m an old lady so it wasn’t easy. I had to put it on a bench and hold down on the cover with all the force I had to be able to pop it with the handle. Let’s hope I don’t forget again. Jeez.

Thank you for making my Monday less terrible

It was too much to ask of the engineers who designed the product to specify the words *"release chain brake before removing cover"* to be cast in the clutch cover. It was also too much to ask for the writers of the product owners manual to mention this issue. BTW, if you use a grinder to modify a socket, be sure to wear eye protection in the form of full goggles and/or a full face shield. If one jagged speck of ground metal gets in your eye, it is likely to imbed and it won't rinse out with eyewash. It will require a doctor to pick it out with a sharp instrument. You probably won't go blind, but it's a hassle and could cost you $$$ if you don't have good insurance. I've been there.

Thank you so much for this video. I was stuck on putting the cover back on. This exactly what I was looking for the solution. Thanks again!

This video saved me from buying a clutch assembly.

In the middle of doing a Ignition coil replacement and this happened clutch cover issue happened to (or was caused by) me. Was stuck, but your video has saved me a lot of frustration, plus the optional methods are all pretty straight forward. Thanks so much for the tips.

This is an outstanding video. I was completely stumped about how to get the cover back on. Thank you.

I was sooo frustrated because I couldn’t get the cover over until this video! Thank you for this video! I was able to put it back on and continue my work!! It was because I released the break before removing the cover! Thank you!

Dude! You're a freekin' genius! Thought I was going to have make a trip to the repair shop to reinstall the clutch brake...U-ROCK!

Yup, you my hero for the day. I knew problem, but none of my tools would expand the brake band. I owe you lunch 😁 Thank you for sharing

Thank you Matthew! I could not figure out what the problem was. I ran across your video and you were exactly right. You're a lifesaver!

Thanks for the perfect video. It helped me in two ways. First I got the saw working in nothing flat. Second, now I know what the chainsaw tool is called. The "Scrench" that came with the saw was keyed on one side for this reason.

Thanks for the tip. Didn't even think of the brake spring. Saved me much frustration. Many thanks for sharing the info.

Thanks so much! After hours of thinking i need a screwdriver to somehow strategically fix the problem, I finally referred to RU-vid. You saved me my sanity and without a doubt, some $$. Great video. Thanks again!

Thank you so much, man! I have worked around chainsaws for a while and I NEVER knew this, I guess I always got lucky when I disassembled them. lol

Matthew, you are the man. This video precisely addresses the problem I have getting the clutch cover back on.

I took my Husqvarna to my Mower / Chainsaw shop for the same issue today and the had the same Chainsaw wrench that they had grinded down to fit the brake...I asked if the sold them and they said no...lol Great video though Thanks again!!!

Thanks Broseph 👍 your a life saver and chainsaw saver,, I bought my first husqvarna and had no idea that was the clutch cover until I popped it off and I couldn't get it back on and was about to fix it with my hammer! Lol thanks again

Great tutorial, Husqvarna Bar and chain covers are different from Stihl, I learned that today with a new 135, yes read the manual !!

Wish i would have searched before i wasted the last hour of my life. awesome vid

An absolute life saver! Just what i needed to know Thank you! I just put the cover on and used the handle to open it. didnt need to bolt it down just used hand pressure and it popped very easily.

im new to all this chainsaw wood cutting do higgy'ing, your vid saved me an embarrassing trip to the maintenance place, ty dude, take my like.

Sir, you are a genius! This video saved me and my marriage! Thank you for posting!

Newer Huskies come with the combo tool that has a flat screwdriver, a spark plug wrench and the triprong clutch wrench.

This trick worked like a champ for me. Took the old one off, then give it a little UMMPF (industry term yes), then put it back on.. WATCH OUT FOR THE SPRING! but persistence will get this done..

Excellent video. Straightforward, accurate, clear instruction. Saved time and money.

Thank you very much for showing me what should have been in the manual I got with the new saw

This was a big help. Took mine off & could not get it back on, good work, it helped!!

Thank you, Matthew - I ended up using vice grips to turn the brake wheel on the clutch cover, but it was your explanation of what caused the problem in the first place that set me on the right track.

excellent tip Mat.....This helped alot with my 455 rancher...saved me a trip to a the repair shop....kudos!!

Having read all this good advice,I took a screwdriver and tried to force the cog around and damaged the housing,then used the handle method,worked perfectly.if your careful you should only have to do it once

Thank you for this video. I threw my chainsaw about two times trying to put the cover on. And I thought I had messed it up by throwing it and was gonna buy a new cover lol.

This is an awesome video! The techniques are well demonstrated and easy to understand Needless to say, the manual doesn't cover any of this. I chose to remove the chain break handle which worked just as you said it would. Thank you very much.

I could not figure out for the life of me how i was going to get mine back on my Hitachi chainsaw....... Thank you for all the different ideas i was able to get mine back together! I was ready to pull my hair out!!!

Your video has replaced The Shawshank Redemption as my new favorite movie! I was about to jump into a river with my chainsaw tied around my neck. Now I can get busy living! (And cutting wood).

This video drastically reduced the number of cuss words used while trying to replace that damned cover. Thank you!!

Lol. Figured this out today by myself. Took me 2 hours. Good job giving me this video recommendation afterwards 😁

Thanks man. Right on. I was going to use some visegrips, etc. ! Glad I watched this. Taking the handle off looks much easier and less likely to add insult to injury as they say. lol

Thanks for uploading this. Used the 'handle removal' method today and it worked perfectly!

Thank you. I thought I was losing my mind, I knew I didn't break my Damn saw.

Best Husqvarna video ever! This is the third one I looked at to solve the problem. Excellent work!

My husband was having a melt down trying to figure it out, I googled your video. Once 7 7nderstoid the issue I laid it on the ground, held it with my foot, put the open end of a wrench over the (cog) put a screwdriver through the closed end of the wrench and turned, voila!

Thank you!!! I was having the mist difficult time getting that bugger on!

Thank you for making the time to show this. Worked perfectly for me by removing and using the existing handle.

Thank you! I was just about to take it to the shop. Took the handle off method. Fired it back up 10 minutes later.

Thank you! I went as far as to take out the clutch spring and getting that sucker back in there was no joke (at least I was able to clean out most of the gunk that had built up inside). Your method of removing the handle was perfect for clicking the ring back to the open position. Thanks!

Thanks for the video. I had this happen this week- You WILL sratch yourheador wantadifferent brndsaw until you undrstand your mistake. I had removed to saw's cover with the chain brake handle FORWARD. What happens then is that you shortened the clutch band's loop against the clutch drum. Hearing a sharp 'click' a little silver pointed piece inside the bottom of the chain guard has just locked into safety position. so the saw cannot run. I tried reinstalling the guard several times after installing a new chain to no avail, not realizing that the clutch brake metal loop would not now not be able to fit back around the clutch drum.. If this happens, on inspection you can see the chain brake coil has gotten smaller in diameter than the clutch drum when the saw brake was pushed forward and the cover was removed. HABIT: WHEN SERVICING CHAINS ALWAYS HAVE THE CHAIN BRAKE HANDLE PULLED BACK TOWARD YOU IN THE RUN POSITION BEFORE REMOVING THE COVER. Otherwise without the cover in place you will not have the leverage needed to flip back that silver pointed tab on the end of the (now shortened) clutch brake loop. ITo save the day used a small set of channel lock pliers and squeezed the silver tip of the clutch brake loop back into place until I heard a click.What the click signifies is that you have successfully 'stretched' the clutch loop so it will then easily slide over the clutch drum as you put your chainsaw back together after a chain change.

Thanks, your final option is what helped me with my Echo CS-400. Much appreciated!!

so here's what I did, with the urge of needing my chainsaw, I removed the clutch brake completely, and never put it back on, so I hope whoever uses it knows that it no longer has a clutch brake and there's no stop the chain from spinning now, I now fear my chainsaw.

Great video. Nice to see a video where the people don't bullshit for 9 of the 10mins b4 they get to the point, which sometimes there isn't one. Lol. Thanks for the info. Have a 440e I've been trying for hours to get that dam cover back on. Took 2 mins with your help.

Just what I needed to see....Wish I had watched this before destroying a perfectly good cover and brake assembly. Thank you for solving the mystery :)

I was about to throw away my brand new saw until I saw this video. This was exactly what had happened. Im very grateful that you had the solution

Echo everyone, this is genius, thanks so much

I figured it was that cog mechanism thingy, but I couldn't shift it. Saw your video and removed the handle (method). Thanks buddy!

Thanks - saved me from pulling my hair out.

Thank you! Wish I’d watched this sooner. Spent over an hour trying to figure that out.

Thank you for your video it was very helpful, we took the handle off and used it to release the chain brake. Back to work cutting .

Thank you! Just what I needed after lots of frustration. Awesome video!!

This helped, I still have my tool that came with the chainsaw and while I was about to take off the brake handle, she pointed out the tool should do it haha. Nonetheless the tool did it, but I still learned the initial problem. Thanks!

You’re the real American hero. Thanks man!

Yeah- i would never make my chainsaw go back to work without this video!!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻Amazing!!👍🏻‼️‼️

This man should get a Nobel Peace Prize for this video. Also, the 61 twisted haters should be forced to cut with a dull chain for the rest of their days.

Thx Mat.... The power of RU-vid and real skilled and helpful people.