Do you believe that your chainsaw isn’t cutting through the wood as well as it used to 4-5 sessions ago? This is due to the fact that a chainsaw needs to be sharpened again after losing its edge after a few uses.
What this raises is the question of how many times a chainsaw chain can be sharpened. The simple answer is that it depends on the kind of wood you’re cutting and how often you do it.
In this article, we’ll discuss a chainsaw chain’s life expectancy, how many times you can sharpen it, what steps you can take to keep it sharp for longer, and more.
Table of Contents
- Chainsaw Chain Life Expectancy
- How Many Times Can You Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain Before It Needs Replacing?
- Is My Chainsaw Chain Sharp?
- Signs That It Is Time to Replace Your Chainsaw Chain
- Top Tricks to Maintaining a Sharp Chainsaw Chain
- FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Chainsaw Chain Life Expectancy
A single chainsaw chain can be used properly for hundreds of hours under typical conditions. As unbelievable as it may seem, this is the case. The chain’s cutters are simply single steel chainsaw blades that resemble knives. How frequently should kitchen knives be replaced, especially those that aren’t used frequently? roughly every ten years?
However, how you use your chainsaw will also affect how long it lasts. The chainsaw’s level of maintenance and frequency of use will be important considerations. The crucial query is now: How many times can a chainsaw chain be sharpened before it needs replacing?
How Many Times Can You Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain Before It Needs Replacing?
Different users and their various chainsaw usage techniques provide various results. As a general rule, the chainsaw chain should be sharpened after the second or third fuel refill. To keep the chain in top shape, make sure you sharpen it as soon as it becomes dull.
Additionally, you must avoid bumping into any pebbles or dirt because doing so can dull your chainsaw blade. Having said that, a chainsaw chain may be easily sharpened 12–15 times. Your chain will stop working correctly after that, and you’ll need to buy a new one.
If you use chainsaws frequently, you shouldn’t be concerned about replacing the chain before at least five years. Your chainsaw chain can easily last a decade or more if your use of the chainsaw is moderately limited. The performance of the chainsaw will be enhanced by sharpening the chain, and potential kickback problems will also be avoided.
Don’t forget to put on safety gear when using a chainsaw, such as eye protection, gloves, steel-toed shoes, and ear protection. Another thing to remember is to shut off the cabin and stabilize it on a firm surface.
The next step is to consult the user manual and determine the proper sharpening angle and file diameter. Use the rounded one with a diameter of 4-6 mm as a general rule. Start filing from the inside edge of the chainsaw chain to the outside portion.
When using a file, never rotate it while using it, and take care not to damage the tooth. While sharpening them with the chainsaw sharpener, you wouldn’t want to press them upward or downward. Each tooth should be filed until it has the same size and appearance.
Even though it doesn’t need to be done as often as the cutters, the depth gauge should be filed. To prevent potential file damage, file the gauge teeth flat. The direction in which you should perform this is the same as the chain cutters. Your chainsaw chain will last for many years if you follow these suggestions.
Learn all about this and more in our Chainsaw Chain File Sizes Chart & How to Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain guides!
Is My Chainsaw Chain Sharp?
Sharp chains are preferable for chainsaws since they maximize the cutting potential. Knowing if the chain is sharp or dull will aid with chainsaw bar maintenance, thus it is crucial to know.
As all chains progressively lose their sharpness over time, it will assist you in making sure the chainsaw is functioning properly. Additionally, this will make it simpler to reduce and regulate chainsaw kickback, which is the primary cause of accidents involving chainsaws.
Here are some signs that will let you know your chainsaw chain is sharp and in prime working condition.
Thick Sawdust Production
A chainsaw chain’s sharpness can be determined by the amount of sawdust it produces while cutting trees, wood, or logs. The chainsaw needs to produce thick sawdust, resembling coarse strands when cutting wood vertically.
On the other hand, a worn-out chain will produce fine sawdust. Compared to what sharp chains generate, this will be thinner. The chain is undoubtedly dull and worn out if the sawdust is smooth and has a finer texture.
Ease of Cut
If the chain on your chainsaw is sharp, the chainsaw won’t sway as you cut it left or right. It will be more difficult to place and cut through if it is worn out. Cutting the trees won’t be simple, and you’ll find that even with the motor running, the machine keeps getting stuck. This is among the simplest methods for determining if the chain on your chainsaw is sharp or not.
You don’t need to exert any internal or external force to cut when using a chainsaw. You evidently have a worn-out and dull chain if you feel the need to exert additional strain. Therefore, cutting through the wood has grown more challenging.
A sharp chain, on the other hand, would need little to no pressure to cut through the wood. Such circumstances are particularly beneficial since you can quickly determine if the chainsaw chain is sharp or not.
Signs That It Is Time to Replace Your Chainsaw Chain
A dull chainsaw will compromise not just its functionality but also your safety. The chain can be sharpened a few times, but eventually, you’ll need to replace it with a new chain. Here are some signs that your chainsaw chain needs to be replaced because it is too dull.
Rusty or Damaged Chain
Any use of a corroded chain should be avoided. This will reduce the chainsaw’s effectiveness and harm the teeth and blades.
Chainsaw chains should be replaced if they become damaged or chipped due to impact with pebbles or soil, incorrect sharpening, or other factors. In fact, one of the most frequent causes of subsequent chainsaw damage is failure to replace the chainsaws following this. Additionally, it is a sign that the chain has to be replaced if the highest points of the chain are missing.
If You’re Unable to Get Desired Cuts
When you are trying to cut and you are unable to achieve the desired cuts, you will instantly realize it’s because of a too-blunt chain. Additionally, if your chain starts to clatter and rattle, there can be a problem with the chain.
Maxed Out Safety Lines
The majority of chainsaw models have tiny lines that show the maximum amount of metal that can be removed. Safety lines are what these lines are called.
Every time you use a file to sharpen your chainsaw chain, you are filing away the metal and getting closer to the safety lines. You won’t be able to sharpen the chain after you cross this line, and you won’t be able to use it again.
Top Tricks to Maintaining a Sharp Chainsaw Chain
You should take a few factors into account if you want to increase the lifespan of your chainsaw chain. You can maintain the chainsaw chain in top functioning condition by following these instructions. There are a few maintenance suggestions that you should keep in mind in addition to the guidelines provided by the user manual.
Clean the Dirt and Debris Off the Chain
After each use, take off the chainsaw’s cover and begin scrubbing the chain with a piece of metal or wood. Remove all dirt and debris from the track’s interior. After that, take off and clean the cylinder cover’s air intake and cooling fans.
Clean the air filter as well as any dirt that has gotten lodged in the confined places. Check the flywheel fins to make sure nothing is preventing air from entering the motor.
Store Your Chainsaw Indoors
Keep your chainsaw inside if possible. Any building will do, including a barn, a shed, or even a garage. Avoid leaving your chainsaw outside where it can be harmed by the weather or other elements.
Place the Chainsaw in a Scabbard
After using it, you should sheath the chainsaw before putting it away. This will shield the device from scratches, dings, and bumps. You’ll also be protected from taking inadvertent cuts as a result of it.
Keep Checking the Bar and Chain Oil
Every time it is used, the chainsaw bar and chain oil levels need to be checked. The chain and bar need to be carefully oiled after the debris has been removed and the parts have been put together. Chain oil would be the most effective way to accomplish this. Then let the engine run for a short while.
Nowadays, the majority of chainsaws have built-in technologies that enable the lubricant to automatically draw oil as the chain spins.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How many times can I sharpen a chainsaw chain?
A chainsaw chain may be easily sharpened 12–15 times. After that, your chain will no longer function properly, and you will need to purchase a new one.
How long should a sharpened chainsaw last?
The chainsaw chain can survive for more than five years if you use it every day. If it is properly maintained, it can last for decades even if you are a casual user. It’s because the chainsaw has teeth, which are blades that are eaten with each usage and eventually grow dull.
Why does my chainsaw chain dull so quickly?
When you’re sawing through logs, if your angle of approach is too steep, a simple cut-through could nick dirt or, worse, pebbles on the floor, which would cause your chainsaw to jerk and dull a lot quicker than normal. They could damage other components of the chainsaw, such as the chain links, in addition to quickly dulling your chains.
Related Articles:
Chainsaw Bar Upkeep and Maintenance + Dressing a Chainsaw Bar – How & Why
How to Put a Chain On a Chainsaw Correctly – GUIDE
Can I Put a Shorter Bar on My Chainsaw? Benefits, & How to GUIDE
Felling Dogs – A Complete GUIDE to Chainsaw Dogs
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