Chainsaw Sharpening - 4 Tell Tale Signs Of When To Sharpen Your Chain

Learning how to sharpen a chainsaw is an important factor in keeping your saw in top cutting condition but knowing when sharpening a chainsaw is required is probably more important.

A dull chainsaw is not only in poor working order but it can become a safety hazard in the process. For example, dull chains force the operator to work a lot harder thus causing fatigue which then leads to irritation and frustration and eventually the judgement of the operator becomes imapired. You probably know the rest!

When Chainsaw Sharpening Is Required

Bottom line, your saw should be cutting just as if it was a new machine and if it's not, then it's time for some chainsaw sharpener 101. So what are some of the tell tale signs your saw may not be cutting at it's optimum level. Let's take a look at the following signs:

1. When you are exerting pressure on the saw to make the cut it may be time to do some chainsaw sharpening. A good working order chain virtually drives down into the cut without heavy exertion and if your saw is not doing this then you need to stop immediately and perform some maintenance.

2. When your chain is dull. As mentioned earlier, this creates some safety issues but it also causes unnecessary wear on other parts of your machine which will in turn also damage other parts costing you money in the long run. The life expectancy of your machine may also be jeopardized.

3. When you noticed dust being expended from the cut instead of wood chips then take this as a further sign some sharpening maintenance needs to be performed.

4. If your chain has a shiny appearance this may give the impression it's in "good nick" however there may be some issues regarding the chrome plate wearing away after constant use and compromizing the cutting edge.

Sharpening your chain depends on a few variables. These include your experience as a woodcutter and where you are located at the time you realize your chain is in a dull state.

Inexperienced woodcutters should err on the side of caution and get a professional to do the job. This may be an inconvenience but it's the safest way to play iy. If you are confident enough to perform the sharpening maintenance yourself then strongly consider using a work bench rather than trying to sharpen the machine in the field.

Experienced woodcutters will no the drill and if they are out in the field when a chain needs sharpening they'll more than often have a spare or two in their bag of tricks.

Servicing Chainsaws