If your chainsaw chain becomes dull after a long lifespan, it will struggle to cut through the wood at the efficiency it once had. This is why, where possible, you should be looking to keep the will be chain sharp, as sharpening a better course of action than sourcing a replacement.
Smoke coming from a chainsaw chain is an indication that the machine is worn out, or there is a further complication that must be handled immediately. If you find out that your chainsaw keeps on moving into different directions as you try to position it, the chain is worn out and must be sharpened. If you notice that your chainsaw chain direction is changing quite often and that you are struggling to carry out regular tasks, sharpening it is essential.
Even if you have been diligent in your chainsaw maintenance and care of your saw, there will come a time to ask yourself when to replace your chainsaw chain. Keeping your bar and chain well oiled when cutting will help ensure you have an uninhibited movement around the bar, which will allow it to cut more efficiently, and avoid problems with the chain teeth themselves. In short, if you have attempted to balance your cutting teeth, are certain of your depth gauge, and the tension is properly adjusted, but the saw still doesn’t cut correctly- then you need to replace the chain.
Hidden behind the sprocket cover, the chain sprocket is the driving force behind the chain. A seriously worn chain sprocket can cause the chainsaw chain and guide bar to wear at an increased rate, as well as reducing cutting performance too, so it’s important to keep an eye on. If the groove depth is too small, the tips of the drive links will scrape along the bottom and drastically impact how smoothly the chain moves around the guide bar.
The life expectancy of a chainsaw chain is determined by it’s use and maintenance, not by a pre-determined timeline or expiration date. Second, if I sharpen a chain and only take off 50% of the metal that you do when you sharpen, then that would mean I can sharpen my chain 50% more times before discarding it. If you sharpen a chain past those lines, you risk the chain falling apart, or even flying off the chain while you’re using it.
do chainsaw chains wear out Related Question:
How long should a chain on a chainsaw last?
The lifetime of a chainsaw chain has no fixed limit and depends on usage and maintenance. The chain should last many years; 5-6 years should be no problem. However, if the chainsaw chain is used properly and taken care of, it can last way longer.
Why does my chainsaw chain dull so quickly?
Dirt Causes A Chainsaw To Dull If you’re cutting through logs and your angle of approach is too steep, a simple cut through could nick dirt or even worse, rocks on the floor causing your chainsaw to jerk, thus dulling.
Is it worth sharpening a chainsaw chain?
Sharpening your chainsaw chain is definitely worth it as a sharp chainsaw chain is easier to work with. It takes less effort to cut through wood and your chain will make cleaner cuts with sharp blades. A chainsaw chain can be sharpened multiple times without much of a cost.
How often do you need to sharpen your chainsaw chain?
A chainsaw may only need to be sharpened once a year if it is rarely used, but a tool that is frequently used will need to be sharpened regularly to ensure that the blade doesn’t get too dull. On average, a chainsaw blade will retain its sharpness for about 3 hours of actively cutting through wood.
What is the longest lasting chainsaw chain?
Even more durable than standard chain is carbide-tip chainsaw chain. Carbide tips last longer than chrome and are not affected by heat. Because of these qualities, carbide chain is excellent for cutting objects that would dull standard chain quickly, such as railroad ties.
How much does it cost to sharpen chainsaw chain?
A typical chainsaw can be sharpened up to 10 times before it’s time for a replacement. The cost to have a chainsaw sharpened ranges from $13 to $16. The average cost per chainsaw sharpening is $14.50 for people who choose to have their chainsaws professionally sharpened.
How often should you flip the bar on a chainsaw?
Some professional loggers would advocate that you should flip your chainsaw bar at the end of every use, particularly when you are cleaning up. Others suggest a more relaxed approach advising that you flip the chainsaw bar only when you are changing your chainsaw blade.
Does cutting wet wood dull a chainsaw?
Does Cutting Wet Wood Dull a Chainsaw? Using your chainsaw to cut through wet wood will not dull the chain any faster than using it for other types of wood. When you think about it, your chainsaw chain is already wet. True, it is not wet with water.
Why does my chainsaw bar smoke?
This most commonly is a result of a dull chain and exerting to much pressure on the bar and chain trying to make the chain saw cut. This could also be either a lack of bar and chain oil ( tank empty, restricted oiler hole ) or an inferior type of oil that is being slung off the chain and not lubricating.
Is it better to sharpen chainsaw chain or buy new?
Sharpen before replacing If your chainsaw chain becomes dull after a long lifespan, it will struggle to cut through the wood at the efficiency it once had. This is why, where possible, you should be looking to keep the will be chain sharp, as sharpening a better course of action than sourcing a replacement.
Why does a chainsaw cut crooked?
One major reason a chainsaw curves to either the right or left during a cut is that it was unevenly sharpened. The unequal teeth of the chain cause it to take a different-sized bite into the wood. What is this? The uneven sharpness of the chain is mainly due to manual sharpening, especially with the use of a file.
Do new chainsaw chains come sharpened?
Yes, the chains of the chainsaw come sharpened from the factory when you buy a new one. There is no need to sharpen it before your first job. But even the sharpest chain for the chainsaws available in the market will lose their sharpness over time and grow very dull.
What does 72 mean on chainsaw chain?
It can usually be found near the back of the bar, where it mounts to the saw. For instance, in the example on the right, the chain is 3/8” pitch and . 050” gauge with 72 drive links. This should be all the information you will need to get the proper replacement chain for your saw.
What is the most aggressive chainsaw chain?
404 chains are the most aggressive. The 3/8 is a more flexible size with adequate strength, low weight and substantial cutting speed. It can also can handle the power of a 50-100cc chainsaw engine.
Are Stihl chains better than Oregon?
Stihl chain hold their edge a bit longer than Oregon, but they also slightly harder to file. It is hardly noticable during normal maintnance (touch up before it gets dull), but obvious during more extended filing. I prefer Stihl when I have the option.