Why Keeping Your Chainsaw Blade Sharp Matters? (Explained)
A sharp chainsaw blade is essential for smooth, efficient, and safe operation of your chainsaw. A dull blade can lead to increased effort and fatigue for the operator, slower cutting times, more wear and tear on the chainsaw, unsafe kickbacks from the saw not cutting properly, and overall frustration.
What You’ll Learn
This guide covers everything you need to know about chainsaw blade maintenance, including:
- Common signs indicating your blade needs sharpening
- Step-by-step instructions for sharpening chainsaw blades
- Tips for preventing blades from becoming dull
- Proper blade storage and care
- When to replace a chain vs when to sharpen it
- Answering common FAQs about chainsaw blade sharpness
Whether you’re a beginner learning to use a chainsaw for the first time or a seasoned pro looking to improve your skills, this guide will help you keep your chainsaw operating safely and efficiently by always keeping the blade sharp.
So let’s get started with learning the telltale signs that it’s time to sharpen your chainsaw blade!
Signs Your Chainsaw Blade Needs Sharpening
The best way to maximize your chainsaw’s performance is to sharpen the blades before they get too dull. But how can you tell when it’s time? Here are the most common signs that indicate your chainsaw blade is dull and needs sharpening:
You Have to Press Down Hard When Cutting
A sharp chain should cut smoothly and easily through wood without much effort from the operator. If you find yourself having to apply a lot of downward pressure to cut through the wood, that indicates your chain is dull.
Cutting Speed Has Decreased
A sharp chain will cut very quickly and efficiently through wood. So if you notice it’s taking significantly longer for your saw to make it through cuts that previously were much faster, the chain likely needs sharpening.
Blade Produces More Dust than Wood Chips
A sharp, properly cutting chain will produce larger wood chips. A dull chain will create more of a fine wood dust. If you notice the debris looks more like dust, you’ll need to sharpen the blade.
Cut Edges Are Rough or Irregular
When your chain cuts nicely, the cut edge should be relatively smooth with minimal tearing of wood fibers. If you see more splintering, fraying, or jagged/irregular cut edges, that’s a red flag for a dull chain.
You See Charring of the Wood
As chains get duller, more heat and friction gets created from trying to force the chain through wood. This build up of heat will create charring or burn marks along the cut edge. That’s an indicator to sharpen your chain.
You Experience Chainsaw Kickback More Frequently
Finally, chainsaw kickback when the tip of the blade catches and jolts the saw back towards the operator is much more likely with a dull chain. The frequency of kickbacks experienced can indicate if your chain needs sharpening.
How to Sharpen Your Chainsaw Blade
Once you’ve determined it’s time to sharpen your chainsaw based on the signs above, then it’s time to learn exactly how to properly sharpen the blade. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Supplies Needed
Before starting, make sure you have the following supplies on hand:
- Flat-file kit specific to your chain gauge and pitch
- Gloves to protect your hands
- Eye protection
- Scrench tool to remove spark plug and loosen/tighten chain
- Vise clamp or another way to securely mount the bar
Step 1: Remove the Chainsaw Chain
First, remove your chainsaw chain from the actual chainsaw bar and power tool. Refer to your owner’s manual for detailed steps on this process. In most models, this involves:
- Turning off chainsaw and disconnecting spark plug
- Loosen and remove clutch cover
- Remove clutch drum sprocket
- Remove the bar and slide off chain
Removing the chain is necessary to allow for the proper filing angles as you sharpen each blade tooth. Make sure you properly secure the bar in a sturdy vise clamp.
Step 2: Secure the Bar in a Vise
Once chain is removed, securely clamp the bar in a vise clamp to allow for hands-free sharpening. Use protective jaws on the clamp to avoid damage to the bar. The bar should be oriented horizontally.
Step 3: Identify Cutting Angle
Before sharpening, you need to know your chainsaw chain’s specific sharpening or cutting angle. This info is typically available in your owner’s manual or stamped along the depth gauge of each tooth. Common angles range from 25° to 35°.
Step 4: Match File Size to Chain
You need to match your chainsaw chain pitch and gauge to select the appropriately sized file for sharpening. Using a properly sized file is critical for not damaging or improperly sharpening the delicate cutting teeth.
Step 5: Secure the File in Guide
Most file kits come with guides that attach to the file and help hold the sharpening angles consistent as you stroke. Securely attach the guide per the kit instructions. Double check it allows for the proper sharpening angle.
Step 6: Stroke the File Away from You
With the tooth set in front of you, maintain consistent pressure and stroke the file away from you (towards the tip of the bar). Use smooth, full length strokes evenly across each tooth. Repeat for every tooth along the full length of the chain.
Step 7: Periodically Check Your Progress
Periodically stop and use a depth gauge tool to check your progress in setting the proper height relative to each tooth. Filing each tooth evenly is critical for proper performance.
Step 8: Touch Up Depth Gauges
Use a flat file and depth gauge jointer tool to lower all depth gauges consistently relative to the newly sharpened tooth heights per the manufacturer specifications.
Step 9: Thoroughly Clean the Chain
Once sharpening is complete, use a brush and solvent to thoroughly clean the chain and remove any metal filings, sawdust and residue from sharpening. Metal fragments left behind can quickly dull a freshly sharpened chain.
Step 10: Re-install Chain and Test Cuts
Finally, re-install the sharpened chain onto your chainsaw bar and power tool using the clutch drum sprocket and clutch cover per factory guidelines. Make a few test cuts in a log or wood to verify sharp cutting action before regular use.
And that covers the complete process for sharpening your chainsaw chain! Follow these steps regularly as part of your chainsaw maintenance routine to always keep the blade in optimal cutting condition.
Tips to Prevent Your Blade from Becoming Dull Prematurely
Sharpening your chainsaw blade regularly is clearly critical. But you can also take a few proactive steps to prevent your blade from becoming dull prematurely in the first place:
Use Proper Chain Tension
Having adequate tension along the chain as you cut prevents sagging and undue wear from occurring unevenly. Check tension frequently and adjust chain tension bolts as needed.
Avoid Cutting Dirty or Sandy Wood
Cutting wood with embedded sand, soil and dirt particles will quickly dull chain teeth. When possible, avoid cutting wood from sandy environments or downed trees with embedded dirt around the bark.
Cut at Proper Angles
Applying excessive side pressure on the bar when cutting will cause accelerated wear to one side of each tooth. Allow the chain to cut without pushing sideways.
Alternate Areas of Cutting
If you cut in the same area of the bar nose repeatedly (such as plunge cuts), teeth in that section will dull faster. Periodically alternate different sections of the bar tip used to distribute wear patterns.
Lubricate the Chain Frequently
The chain oiler mechanism requires full oil reserves and proper adjustment to maintain steady lubrication. Inadequate lubrication generates excessive friction and rapid chain/tooth wear.
Avoid Cutting Hard Materials
Attempting to cut hardened steel, nails or other metal embedded in wood, or even dirt/soil will prematurely dull teeth very quickly. Use care to avoid encountering non-wood cutting to extend chain life.
Proper Chainsaw Blade Storage and Handling
In addition to using proper sharpening and cutting techniques, exercising good general storage and handling practices will keep your chainsaw blades sharper for longer:
Clean Thoroughly After Use
Don’t allow sawdust, debris, sap, and other gunk to dry out on the chain. Promptly use a brush and solvent to remove anything stuck to the teeth or links.
Oil the Chain Before Storage
Apply a storage oil or light lubricant to prevent rust when storing. Wipe excess oil off bar/chain with a cloth so it’s protected but not dripping.
Store in Cool, Dry Location
Avoid storing chainsaw blades in excessive heat, humidity or moisture which can accelerate corrosion of metal surfaces.
Inspect Teeth Before Re-Use
Check for any damaged teeth or wear patterns along chain that might need repair before putting back into service after storage.
Following these best practices for cleaning, lubricating and storage makes a big difference in extending useful life between sharpenings.
When to Sharpen vs When to Replace Your Chain
As chainsaw chains wear over time with repeated use, they’ll reach a point where sharpening no longer restores performance. So when should you sharpen vs replace your chain?
Here are a few rules of thumb:
Sharpen When:
- Teeth are visibly worn but not yet below manufacturer height limits
- Cutting efficiency decreases noticeably
- One or two teeth are damaged but majority still usable
Replace When:
- Over 25% of teeth are severely worn down or damaged
- Cutters have worn below the specified depth gauge limits
- Links are stretched, damaged, or badly rusted
- Sharpening no longer improves cutting speed/ease
Many experts recommend replacing your chainsaw chain after the second or third sharpening. But with proper care and maintenance, well-made chains can often last through 5+ sharpenings. Evaluate your specific chain wear and whether additional sharpening is worth the effort vs a new chain replacement.
FAQs About Chainsaw Blade Sharpness
Here are answers to some of the most common frequently asked questions about keeping chainsaw blades sharp:
How often should you sharpen a chainsaw blade?
On average, expect to sharpen a chainsaw chain after every 8-10 hours of use. But frequency can vary greatly based on type/hardness of wood cut, proper operating techniques, and other factors.
What angle should chainsaw blades be sharpened to?
Sharpening angle depends on chain type but is typically 25° to 35°. Always check manufacturer specifications for your exact chainsaw model. Using incorrect angles will prevent proper cutting.
Can I sharpen a chainsaw blade by hand?
It is possible but challenging to manually sharpen chainsaw teeth consistently using a hand file and guide. Far better results come from securing the bar/chain and using an electric or stationary sharpener.
How much does it cost to get a chainsaw blade sharpened professionally?
Average cost for professional sharpening ranges $8 – $12 per chain depending on location and local rates. DIY sharpening costs only $15-30 for files/guides but takes more skill and effort.
Should I rotate two chains to extend life?
Having a second back up chain to swap in when the first gets dull allows you to promptly sharpen the first. This rotation prevents excess wear by never cutting overly dull.
Why does my new chain seem to get dull so quickly?
Faster dulling of new chains often occurs because break-in wasn’t performed properly. Always follow manufacturer break-in procedures when installing to avoid damaging teeth.
Be sure to bookmark this chainsaw sharpening guide for reference whenever you need to troubleshoot cutting performance issues or restore that razor sharp edge on your chainsaw chain. Stay safe and keep your blade finely tuned!
