How do you sharpen chain saw chains?

Use the depth gauge tool and file to adjust the height of the depth gauges on the chain. If the depth gauges are too high, the cutters can't reach the wood. Re-sharpen your chain every time you refill your chainsaw with fuel. Keep your chain out of the dirt when cutting or it will dull quickly.

Consequently, how many times can a chainsaw chain be sharpened?

Depending on usage, a chain can usually be sharpened 3 to 5 times max.

One may also ask, what angle do you sharpen a chainsaw chain? Most standard chain is sharpened at 25-35 degrees for crosscutting wood and for ripping with the grain it's best to use 10 degrees. So if you are cutting with the grain, you should be using 10 degree sharpened chain.

In this regard, why does my chainsaw chain dull so quickly?

You may be putting to steep of an angle on the cutters, which will dull quickly. You're rakers may be too far down, which will contribute to a quick dulling chain. You may be cutting dirty wood. You may be slightly touching the ground with the tip of the bar.

Do drive links matter on chainsaw?

Number of individual drive links must be counted. No exceptions. Simple length measurements (like "a 2 foot chain) are not helpful for correctly matching chains. Chain length is determined by a combination of distance between links (pitch) and the number of links.

38 Related Question Answers Found

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

Here are some of the warning signs that will tell you that the chain is worn out and need to be sharpened or replaced.

Inefficient cutting performance. When a chainsaw chain is sharp, it cuts through anytime easily and without any efforts.
Difficult positioning.
If you notice smoke.
Damaged chain teeth.

How tight should a chainsaw chain be?

A properly-tensioned chainsaw chain should still be just a little loose on the chainsaw guide bar, but the chain needs to be tight enough that you can't pull the drive links out of the bar nose.

Why does my chainsaw cut in a curve?

Chainsaws often start pulling to one side, curving in that direction even when you try to maintain a straight line. This is a sign your chainsaw needs maintenance -- usually routine blade maintenance, although it could be the sign of a bigger problem.

Why doesn't my chainsaw cut straight?

Most of the time when a saw won't cut straight, it's caused by a problem with the saw chain. It seem logical a bent bar would cause this, because it is is what guides the chain. If they find a little bend in the bar, they figure they've found the problem. Some will straighten the bar, others will replace it.

How long do chainsaw chains last?

As I mentioned at the top of this post, you can usually expect a chainsaw chain to last for several hundred hours of use. Depending on how often you use your chainsaw, that means it could last for 5 years, or several decades, as long as you are taking good care of your equipment.

When should I replace chainsaw chain?

When to Replace a Chainsaw Chain

Teeth are broken or worn unevenly.
Issues with Chain Tension.
Smoke is present when cutting.
Sawdust, rather than coarse chips are left behind.
Chainsaw feels unbalanced, cuts unevenly, or rattles when in use.

Can you put a chain on a chainsaw backwards?

Unfortunately the chain will go on either way, but if you put it on backwards, it will not cut. Remember, when holding the chainsaw, the cutting portion of the blade should be facing away from you, traveling from the back of the chainsaw to the front tip of the chainsaw.

What angle do I grind my chainsaw chain?

When sharpening the chains, depending on the particular chain you are working with, there are a variety of sharpening angles. Most Crosscut Chain is sharpened to 30 degrees. You can estimate this with a file, or if there are witness marks on the teeth, you can match your file angle to the witness mark.

What is the best chainsaw sharpener?

View the Best Chainsaw Sharpener for the Money, Below.

Timber Tuff CS-BWM Benchtop Sharpener.
Blue Max 5655 Bench Sharpener.
Oregon 30846 12-Volt Sharpener.
STIHL 2 IN 1 EASY FILE Chainsaw Sharpener.
Sportsman Earth Series Chainsaw Sharpener.
Husqvarna 653000035 Chain Sharpener.
ELECTRIC GRINDER Chainsaw Sharpener.

Do chainsaw chains stretch?

During operation, the chains of chainsaw can become loose because they stretch. This can take place in the case of normal operation as well that leads to sagging of chains on the guide bar of saw. The loop of a new chain become longer in the first use since it is used in single direction.

Does ice dull a chainsaw?

Dirty, muddy snow and ice will dull a chain quick. Pure, ice or clean snow has little to no effect.

Is it OK to use a chainsaw on wet wood?

Cutting Wet Wood with a Chainsaw. Gas powered chainsaws are perfectly okay to use in wet weather; the same is true for the log itself. Cutting through wet wood is fine for your chain and bar, though there might be some extra build up from wet saw dust. It's nothing you can't clean off with a rag, though.

How much does it cost to sharpen chainsaw chain?

If you bring the chain into our shop off your saw, our average chain sharpening price ranges from $13- $16.00, depending on the number of cutters. We are happy to remove and re fit your chain to your saw for a small additional fee.

What size file do I use for 3/8 chain?

It is vital to use the right size file. In general, 1/4- and 3/8-inch-pitch, low-profile chains call for a 5/32-inch file; 0.325-inch-pitch chains require a 3/16-inch file; and standard 3/8-inch-pitch and 0.404-inch-pitch chains demand a 7/32-inch file.

What does it mean when your chainsaw smokes?

It isn't normal for a chainsaw to smoke, but if it does happen it can be the result of the chainsaw overheating, the fuel mix containing too much oil, or the chain either not being sharp enough or not getting enough lubrication. In short, a smoking chainsaw is a sure sign that something isn't right.

What do the numbers mean on chainsaw chains?

The three numbers that you'll find on chain packaging are the pitch, gauge, and number of drive links. These numbers describe the various aspects of each chain and you need to ensure that they're compatible with your chainsaw if you want your tool to run safely and efficiently.

What is a full chisel chain?

The full chisel chain has square-cornered teeth, splitting wood fibers easily in the cut for fast, efficient cutting in clean softwood. These chains are available for semi-pro (also called pro-sumer) and professional saws.