Just sharpened and the cutting performance is already declining again? When a chainsaw chain quickly becomes dull, it's not always due to normal wear and tear. Contact with the ground, dirty wood, incorrect sharpening technique, or problems with the cutting system are often the cause.
A sharp saw chain not only makes the job easier, but also ensures that the chainsaw cuts cleanly and efficiently. We'll show you why your chain might become dull so quickly and what to look for when sawing, sharpening, and maintaining it.
How do I recognize a blunt saw chain?
A sharp chainsaw chain works well through the wood when used correctly. You shouldn't have to force the chainsaw through the cut with strong pressure.
Typical indications of a blunt chain are:
- Instead of clear wood chips, fine sawdust is increasingly produced
- The cutting performance decreases significantly
- You have to press harder on the chainsaw
- the saw pulls on one side when cutting
- the cutaway image becomes uneven
- Vibrations may increase
If such changes occur, you should interrupt the work and control the cutting system.
1. The saw chain had contact with the ground
One of the most common causes of a rapidly dull chainsaw chain is contact with the ground. Even a brief contact with soil, sand or small stones can severely affect the incisors.
This happens particularly quickly when cutting down lying trunks. If the log is sawn through completely and the chain touches the ground, the previously sharp chain can lose significant cutting power within a very short time.
Therefore, make sure to position the trunk so that there is sufficient distance from the ground. Depending on the work, suitable sawbucks or tools for lifting the wood may be useful.
2. The wood is heavily soiled
It is not only direct contact with the ground that damages the chain. Sand, soil and other dirt on the bark also have an abrasive effect on the incisors.
Backwood or logs stored on the ground for a long time can be particularly dirty.
You should therefore remove coarse dirt –as far as practicable and safe as possible– before sawing. This can reduce unnecessary wear and tear.
3. The saw chain was sharpened incorrectly
Errors in sharpening can also lead to a chain not cutting properly or having to be sharpened again quickly.
Common mistakes include:
- incorrect file diameter
- incorrect angle of focus
- unevenly sharpened incisors
- incisors of different lengths
- too much or too little material removed
- Depth limiter incorrectly set
Which round file and sharpening angle are required depends on the specific saw chain. Therefore, refer to the chain manufacturer's specifications.
File holders and sharpening gauges make it easier to maintain the angle and file position as consistently as possible.
4. The depth limiters are incorrect
Next to each incisor is a depth limiter. It influences how deeply the incisor engages the wood.
Repeated sharpening changes the relationship between the incisor and the depth limiter. Therefore, the depth limiter must also be checked regularly with a suitable gauge.
If they are too high, the chain can cut poorly despite sharp incisors. If, on the other hand, they are filed down too far, the chain can run more aggressively and the setback behavior can be adversely affected.
Therefore, the setting should always be based on the manufacturer's specifications.
5. The chain lubrication is not working properly
The saw chain and guide rail require reliable chain lubrication during operation. If there is a lack of sufficient chain adhesive oil, friction increases significantly.
The result can be severe heating and increased wear on the chain and guide rail.
Check regularly:
- Level of chain adhesion oil
- Oil outlet opening
- Oil channels
- Rail groove
- Function of the lubrication system
- damaged or unevenly worn rail edges
- dirty rail groove
- damaged or stiff deflection stars
- noticeable signs of wear on the sprocket
- damaged driving links of the saw chain
Also use a chain cling oil suitable for your chainsaw.
6. The chain tension is wrong
Chain tension also affects the running of the cutting system.
A chain stretched too tightly increases friction and load. A chain that is too loose, on the other hand, is not guided correctly on the guide rail and can, in the worst case, bounce off.
Therefore, check the chain tension before starting work and regularly during use. The exact adjustment is made according to the operating instructions of your chainsaw.
New saw chains in particular can become longer during the first few uses and need to be checked more frequently.
7. Guide rail or sprocket are worn
Sometimes the problem is not solely with the saw chain. A worn guide rail or sprocket can also impair running behavior.
Therefore, check the entire cutting system regularly.
Pay attention to, among other things:
Anyone who only changes the chain regularly but does not check the guide rail and sprocket can overlook existing problems.
8. Foreign bodies in wood
Nails, wire, screws or other metal parts can be found particularly in older construction, fence or landscape wood.
If the running saw chain encounters such a foreign object, the incisors can be severely damaged within an instant.
Therefore, special care must be taken when it comes to suspicious wood. After contact with metal, the chain should be checked immediately and not simply reused if damaged.
9. Wrong chain for use
Saw chains differ in terms of division, drive link thickness, tooth shape and design, among other things. Not every chain is suitable for every chainsaw and every application.
What is crucial first is that the saw chain, guide rail and sprocket fit together technically. Therefore, only use combinations that are approved for the respective chainsaw model or intended by the manufacturer.
How can I prevent my saw chain from becoming dull quickly?
Some simple measures help to avoid unnecessary wear and tear:
- Consistently avoid contact with the saw chain
- Clean heavily soiled bark as far as possible before sawing
- only use matching saw chains
- Resharpen the chain regularly and correctly
- Use the appropriate round file and sharpening gauge
- Control depth limiters
- Check chain tension regularly
- ensure adequate chain lubrication
- Check the guide rail and sprocket regularly
- Replace damaged saw chains in time
When should a saw chain be replaced?
A saw chain cannot be resharpened indefinitely. With each sharpening process, material is removed from the incisors.
If the wear marks or wear limits specified by the manufacturer are reached, the chain must be replaced. This also applies to cracks, damaged drive links or other safety-related damage.
A damaged chain should not be saved by further sharpening.