Systems and methods of chainsaw tensioning

A chainsaw tensioning system comprising:

• a yoke comprising a body defining a yoke slot and a groove angularly offset from the yoke slot;
• a ratchet gear comprising a one-way motion feature, a post extending into the groove of the yoke, and teeth, wherein the teeth are disposed on a first side of the ratchet gear, wherein the post is disposed on a second side of the ratchet gear, and wherein the one-way motion feature is disposed along a radial edge of the ratchet gear;
• a pawl selectively engaged with the one-way motion feature of the ratchet gear, the pawl configured to permit rotation of the ratchet gear in a first direction and selectively prevent rotation of the ratchet gear in a second direction;
• a tensioning knob comprising a grip portion and teeth configured to transmit rotational movement to the teeth of the ratchet gear;
• and
• a tightening cap configured to selectively tighten the chainsaw tensioning system to a bar stud of a chainsaw.

A method of tensioning a guide bar of a chainsaw, the method comprising:

• loosening a tightening cap of a tensioning system of the chainsaw;
• after loosening the tightening cap, rotating a tensioning knob in a first direction such that a ratchet gear operably coupled to the tensioning knob rotates in the first direction, the ratchet gear comprising a post;
• and
• the post of the ratchet gear moving within a groove of a yoke of the tensioning system and causing the yoke to translate in a direction generally perpendicular to a length of the groove, the yoke being coupled with the guide bar.