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is it worth sharpening a chainsaw chain

by Ewald Rice Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

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.

Full Answer

How many times can you sharpen a chainsaw chain?

  • Use a marker or a lumber crayon to mark the tooth where you start.
  • File the teeth from the inside towards the outside. ...
  • Hold the file at a 90-degree angle to the flat sides of the guide bar. ...
  • If you're using a file to sharpen the chainsaw, file every other tooth along the chain. ...

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How often do you need to sharpen a chainsaw chain?

  • Wearing or damage your chainsaw incurs every time you use it
  • Produces an amount of metal that is nicked or chipped every time you sharpen it
  • The chain cannot cut an object easily
  • Fine sawdust, rather than thick chips, appears every time you use your chainsaw for bucking
  • Despite how well-lubricated your chainsaw is, it produces smoke when you use it

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How many times can a chain saw chain be sharpened?

You can sharpen your chainsaw chain 10-12 times before the chain replacing. Though I can’t guaranty you my experience says it. Actually, it will vary from user to user. But on average you can sharpen your chainsaw chain 3 to 5 times under good condition.

Which chainsaw chain is best?

Top 15 Best Chain Saw Chains for the Money

  • Best Overall: Oregon 14″ S52 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain
  • Value for Money: Husqvarna 531300439 18-Inch Pixel Saw Chain
  • Easy to Install: Oregon S33 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain
  • Durable: SUNGATOR 18-Inch Chainsaw Chain
  • Easy to Operate: Poulan Pro 18″ Replacement Chain Saw Cutting Chain
  • Professional Grade: Husqvarna 18″ Chainsaw Chain

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Should I sharpen or replace my chainsaw chain?

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.

How often should a chainsaw chain be sharpened?

In most cases, sharpening the chain should happen after ten times of being in use, while in other situations, you have to sharpen it after every session.

How long does a chainsaw chain last before sharpening?

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.

How much does it cost to have a chainsaw chain sharpened?

The cost is $21.95 per chain for sharpening on the saw which also includes dressing the bar.

Why do chainsaw chain dull so quickly?

If your chain dulls quickly, then it could be a couple of things. Check your user's manual to ensure that you are using the right sized file for your chain. Alternatively, you could be applying too much pressure when you file. This will create cutting edges that are too thin and dull quickly.

How do you tell when a chainsaw chain is worn out?

There are several signs that show if your chainsaw chain is worn out:The Chain Comes Off the Bar easily.There is smoke.Some teeth are missing.The chainsaw chain is chipped.A lot of rust.You cannot cut through wood as well as you would have expected.The Chainsaw Has a Shaky Performance.More items...

How do I know if my chainsaw chain is sharp?

0:020:41How To Immediately Tell If Your Chain Is Sharp Enough - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThese. We have some nice long chips here. And when it starts to turn into sawdust. That's when youMoreThese. We have some nice long chips here. And when it starts to turn into sawdust. That's when you know you need to resharpen your chain.

How long does it take for a chainsaw chain to dull?

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.

Is it easy to sharpen a chainsaw?

Today, chainsaws are commonly used by both pro arborists and DIYers to cut down and cut up trees. But even the largest, most powerful chainsaw won't cut with a dull saw chain. The good news is that unlike most other power-cutting tools, you can sharpen a chainsaw to like-new condition in just a few minutes.

Does dirt dull a chainsaw?

Nobody plans to run their chain saw into dirt. But when you cut close to the ground, you're just begging for a quick dip into dirt, rocks and crud. All it takes is a second in the dirt to dull the cutters. In addition to dulling the cutters, dirt also wears out the chain links faster, causing the chain to stretch.

Does Ace Hardware sharpen chainsaw chains?

Leave it to us! You can schedule an appointment with a Chainsaw Sharpening Expert at either one of our Owenhouse Ace Hardware locations. We also have a Parts & Repair Shop so whether you need a full tune up or single replacement part we can help you!

How do you sharpen a chainsaw like a pro?

0:5715:39How the Pro's sharpen a chainsaw - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut you just screw that in the end of your bar you'd hit it on the head with a mallet and whatMoreBut you just screw that in the end of your bar you'd hit it on the head with a mallet and what that's gonna do is that's gonna like it's gonna hold your your your chainsaw. And your bar in place okay.

1. Efficient Chainsaw performance

Just as we mentioned earlier, proper sharpening of your chainsaw allows the chain to cut through wood more efficiently. In other words, taking out time to sharpen the chain of your chainsaw improves its overall performance.

2. Increases Chainsaw Durability

This might seem a little far-fetched to you at first, but if you take your time to think about it, sharpening your chainsaw increases its durability. Using a dull chainsaw to cut through wood causes you to apply much pressure on it which can damage the rotor.

3. It Saves Money

There are so many ways by which sharpening your chainsaw can help you to save a lot of money. Firstly, if you happen to use a gas-powered chainsaw, having a dull blade increases the workload of the chainsaw which in turn increases its gas consumption.

Methods for sharpening your chainsaw

After giving you the reasons why you need to sharpen your chainsaw, it is only proper for us to also offer ways to sharpen your chainsaw. There are many different methods and tools used by owners for sharpening a chainsaw. However, we’ll be listing the three easy ways you can employ to sharpen your chainsaw.

2. Handheld Sharpeners

The handheld sharpeners are used by almost every chainsaw owner across the world. The tool is handy and pretty straightforward to use.

3. Bar Mounted Sharpeners

This chainsaw sharpening tool is mostly used in industrial environments for the fast sharpening of a chainsaw. It is very effective as it sharpens chainsaws in a matter of minutes.

What happens if you sharpen a chainsaw past the lines?

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.

How long does a chainsaw chain last?

A chainsaw chain can last for 5+ years with frequent use. For occasional users, a chain could last for decades. The life expectancy of a chainsaw chain is determined by it’s use and maintenance, not by a pre-determined timeline or expiration date.

How to prevent chainsaw rust?

Before putting away your chainsaw, here are the 4 things you should do to prevent rust: 1. Clean the Bar and Chain . You should take off the face plate, and clean out the bar track, the chain, and the sprocket. You can learn the detailed steps for cleaning in this post about replacing a chainsaw chain . 2.

How many hours can you use a chainsaw chain?

Under normal circumstances, you should be able to get hundreds of hours of use out a single chainsaw chain. That might sound surprising, but think about it. The cutters on a chainsaw chain are fundamentally steel blades, kind of like a knife.

What happens if you don't clean your chainsaw?

If you don’t clean and oil your chain properly, it can easily get rusted, which is a fast way for a chain to be ruined. To avoid this, clean the bar and chain, oil it, and cover the bar/chain with a scabbard before storing. For more info on cleaning your chainsaw, see this post .

Why do you need bar and chain oil?

You’ve got to use bar and chain oil to keep your chain cool (e.g. not overheated) and running smoothly . Not using proper lubrication is a fast way to overheat your whole chainsaw. To learn more about bar and chain oil, check out this post.

How to cut through a log with chainsaw?

You should try to avoid hitting the ground with your chainsaw blade, but sometimes it just happens. 2. Hitting a nail. Sometimes the wood will have unexpected metal objects embedded inside.

Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Dull So Quickly?

A chainsaw chain will become dull after repeated use. Friction and heat can take a toll on the edge, reducing its cutting power. A chain should last for approximately five years if you use it frequently and longer under occasional use. Here are some reasons why it can grow dull quickly:

Is It Worth Sharpening A Chainsaw?

Chainsaw chains can last between 5 and 10 years, depending on the quality of the product and frequency of use. They will remain efficient and useful for that duration if you sharpen the chains regularly and maintain them well. Sharpening has several advantages, including:

How Often Do You Need To Sharpen A Chainsaw?

You can sharpen it abound ten times before you need to replace it. The sharpening process removes some material from the edge so you can only do it a few times without compromising the chain’s structural integrity.

What Is The Best Way To Sharpen A Chainsaw?

Sharpening may seem intimidating, but it is a relatively simple process if you follow the steps correctly. However, it is essential to unplug the tool or empty the tank before working on the chain. Make sure you wear protective eyeglasses and gloves while handling the chain.

What Is The Best Angle To Sharpen A Chainsaw Chain?

The angle used during sharpening will determine how sharp and efficient your chain is. Consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for the right angle for different kinds of products. Most experts recommend a 30° to 35° angle for optimal results. The file should be positioned at this angle from the bar horizontally.

How Do You Sharpen A Chainsaw With An Electric Sharpener?

Measure the pitch and gauge required for your specific chainsaw. These measurements are available on the manual or online.

Why is it important to maintain a sharp chainsaw chain?

Maintaining a sharp chainsaw chain not only makes for faster cutting, it also reduces wear and tear on the saw and the sawyer. Given those obvious benefits, it still surprises me to see people struggling with dull saws. To compensate for a dull or damaged chain, sawyers often use the felling dogs to create more leverage, ...

How to brace a chainsaw when sharpening?

Not bracing the saw properly. The best way to brace the chainsaw when sharpening is to place the bar in a bench vice. Keep even pressure with each stroke, and keep the number of strokes consistent for each tooth.

What is a raker on a chainsaw?

The depth gauge (rakers) on a chainsaw control how deep the cutter teeth penetrate . Because the top plate of the cutter tooth is angled back slightly, it is essential that the depth gauge be lowered as the cutter teeth are filed back. Failing to file the depth gauge and only filing the cutter teeth will result in smaller and smaller chips with each subsequent sharpening.

Why do sawyers use felling dogs?

To compensate for a dull or damaged chain, sawyers often use the felling dogs to create more leverage, or use a comical back-and-forth sawing motion (treating a running chainsaw as if it were a bow saw), which is both unsafe and ineffective.

Is a chainsaw chain hard?

Chainsaw chain is extremely hard and requires a sharp file. As you push and add pressure to the file you should feel it grab. If adding pressure causes the file to skate, chances are your file is worn out. If you’re using a filing tool where the file is in a fixed position, remember to regularly rotate the file for even wear.

How to tell if chainsaw needs sharpening?

You can quickly tell if your chainsaw requires sharpening from how easy or difficult it is to cut trees and logs. In case you find yourself struggling or having to press the chainsaw on the trees and logs, that is proof enough that you must have this tool sharpened.

How to make sure chainsaw is not overly sharpened?

The most excellent way to make sure that your chainsaw is not overly sharpened is by having a couple of chains. Again, it can be hard to sharpen your chainsaw with your less dominant hand, so flip your chainsaw over to sharpen all the teeth.

Why use a file guide on a chainsaw?

A file guide lets you file or sharpen your chainsaw chain easily and it helps to ensure that this power tool is sharp enough for the tasks ahead. Before using the file, mount it on the sharpening guide as it helps you to get accurate and consistent results. That is because the sharpening guide offers a flat surface where you can rest ...

How to know if chainsaw chain is sharp?

A general rule of thumb is to sharpen your chain when you notice it is not cutting as well as before. Another way is to look at the sawdust if you see small chunks it is an indication that the chains are getting dull. Large chunks indicate a sharp chain. To extend the life of your chain you should try to avoid actions that can make your chainsaw ...

Why is my chainsaw hard to cut?

Poor storage of your chainsaw especially in a wet or moist place can affect how your chainsaw looks and operates. That is because your chainsaw will rust, making it hard to cut anything. Lubricate and oil your chainsaw chain quite often to avoid such problems.

What can damage a chainsaw chain?

When cutting logs or trees, you could hit a hard object like ice, a rock, or a metal. These are some of the top things that can damage your chainsaw chain and reduce its effectiveness. It could also be nails embedded in the wood, which cause damage to your chainsaw chain. Therefore, if possible, avoid such items, ...

How long does a chainsaw last?

A well-maintained chainsaw could last for over five years or more as long as you learn the proper ways to take good care of it. You have a chance to carry around portable sharpening tools as a perfect backup tool if you use your chainsaw a lot.

What is the compound used to sharpen chainsaws?

Carbide is one of the compounds used in adding brittleness to chainsaws. It is a solid compound whose density is two times of steel’s density. When coated with Carbide , the chainsaw cannot be sharpened with ease but with the use of coated files and discs. Diamond is usually harnessed as the coating material for the disc and file.

Why put carbide on chainsaw blade?

The purpose of applying carbide to the chainsaw is to lengthen the life of the blade and to maintain the sharpness. With the carbide on your chainsaw tip, the frequency of sharpening will reduce. But then, you should weigh your options since the cost of sharpening is high. From research and experience, the carbide chainsaw lasts three times more ...

How much wood can you cut with carbide?

The carbide maintains the sharp edge and keeps it brittle for a long while. You can cut up to 120m 2 before there will be need for you to re-sharpen the chainsaw. After sharpening, it will cut 4 to 5 times more wood compared to the normal steel chain.

What is diamond in saw chains?

Diamond is usually harnessed as the coating material for the disc and file. Despite the brittleness that the Carbide brings to the saw chains, many users are still skeptical about its functionality and effectiveness.

What happens if you rust a blade?

A rusty blade will leave stains and marks on your items, generate excess heat on the point of contact and cause unwarranted wear and tear on the items. Excess heating leads to warping and sharp edges.

Should you sharpen carbide chainsaw blades?

You should continue sharpening your blades so long it is not warped. It is cost intensive since you may not be able to do it yourself. Don’t hesitate to contact Professionals for your carbide chainsaw sharpening. They will charge you, but it is always an excellent decision to pay for something good.

Can a carbide chainsaw spoil?

Keep it clean after every job and ensure that you wipe away all debris. This does not imply that the carbide chainsaw will not spoil at some point. It will definitely be damaged, but it shouldn’t be too sudden. Observe keenly and decipher the right time to replace the saw.

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