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The Global Insight

When should a chainsaw chain be replaced

Author

Ava Hudson

Updated on April 15, 2026

The chainsaw pulls in one direction, which results in a crooked finish. Blunt cutting teeth on one side or uneven teeth lengths usually cause this. The teeth has hit rocks or dirt and broken. If you notice the tops of the teeth are missing you will need to replace the chain.

How often should you replace a chainsaw chain?

When you own a chainsaw and see that it does not cut as well anymore you will have to decide whether to replace it or sharpen the chain. A chainsaw chain could serve you for more than five years if it is occasionally used, and still help you accomplish most of your tasks.

How do I know if my chainsaw chain is bad?

  1. #1 – Difficulty with positioning. …
  2. #2 – The chainsaw no longer pulls itself into the wood. …
  3. #3 – Smoking, even when lubrication is good and chain tension is correct. …
  4. #4 – Crooked cuts. …
  5. #5 – Missing or damaged teeth. …
  6. In Conclusion.

Why does my chainsaw chain dull so quickly?

If your chain dulls quickly, then it could be a couple of things. Check your user’s manual to ensure that you are using the right sized file for your chain. Alternatively, you could be applying too much pressure when you file. This will create cutting edges that are too thin and dull quickly.

How many times can a chainsaw chain be sharpened?

To keep your saw cutting in a straight line, be a fanatic about filing each cutter with the same number of strokes and the same amount of pressure. Cutters can be sharpened up to 10 times or more before the chain needs replacing.

How much does it cost to have a chainsaw chain sharpened?

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR YOU TO SHARPEN MY CHAIN PROFESSIONALLY? 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.

Does wet wood dull a chainsaw?

Does Cutting Wet Wood Dull a Chainsaw? Using your chainsaw to cut through wet wood will not dull the chain any faster than using it for other types of wood.

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.

How long should a chainsaw bar last?

Re: how long does a bar last The next, a Granberg, lasted about 2 months. About that time Stihl started using them with the same results. A good bar can be filed a few times on both sides and the tip replaced when needed. They could last almost as long as the saw.

Why do chainsaws leak bar oil?

What causes a chainsaw to leak oil? As the oil is pumped from the tank through to the guide bar, air begins to replace the space where the oil was previously stored. If there isn’t proper ventilation of the oil tank, a vacuum can occur and reduce the flow of oil to the guide bar.

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Why is my chainsaw burning the wood?

If the oil pump for the bar oil is not pumping oil on to the bar it will cause the chain and the bar to get very hot. If this is happening, it may cause the wood to burn. The only other thing I can come up with is the chain may be very dull or on backwards.

Should you split wood wet or dry?

Dry Wood Is Typically Easier to Split Normally, though, you’ll find that dry, seasoned wood is easier to split than wet wood. Regardless of the tree species from which it was harvested, dry wood contains less moisture, so there’s less resistance when cutting and splitting it.

Does frozen wood dull a chainsaw?

Just plain old wet frozen wood won’t dull a chain . It will however make even the largest saw cut like the chain is on backwards .

How much does it cost to mill a log?

The most stable or secure method for pricing for the mill owner is a flat, hourly rate. Rates vary from location to location and range from $65 to $105 per hour plus extra charges for travel, broken blades, etc. Pricing on an hourly basis transfers all of the risk of daily output to the customer.

Does Ace Hardware sharpen chainsaw chains?

Our experienced professionals will machine sharpen your chain saw for pitch-perfect cutting edges: tooth-after-tooth. Bring your chain saw into Steadman’s Ace Hardware and let one of the friendly, experienced mechanics give it a tune up.

Why is my chainsaw bar smoking?

This most commonly is a result of a dull chain and exerting to much pressure on the bar and chain trying to make the chain saw cut. This could also be either a lack of bar and chain oil ( tank empty, restricted oiler hole ) or an inferior type of oil that is being slung off the chain and not lubricating.

Why does my chainsaw always cut to the right?

Check the size of the top plates, which sit on the longer sections of each tooth on the chain. These top plates should be the same size. If some are shorter than others, file the longer ones down to match. Keep the same angle on all the top plates as you file – angles that don’t match also can cause curved cutting.

What causes a chainsaw to smoke?

While a chain saw does produce some heat while in use, it should never overheat or begin smoking. … The most likely causes of smoking and overheating are a lack of air and/or a lack of lubrication to the engine or the chain saw chain guide bar.

How many hours does a chainsaw chain last?

PitchGaugeLifespan1/4”.0.050”Around 4-5 years3250.050”Around 4-5 years3250.050”Around 4-5 years3250.058”Around 4-5 years

Can you over tighten a chainsaw chain?

After a few hours of use, a chainsaw’s chain can loosen and begin to sag away from the bar. … There is a tension screw located near the base of the bar on the chainsaw. To tighten the chain, turn it clockwise, and to loosen turn it counterclockwise. Don’t over-tighten the chain as this could cause it to break.

Why is my chainsaw not cutting with a new chain?

The most common cause of a chainsaw that won’t cut properly is a dull cutting chain. Try sharpening or replacing the chain. The chain may not have the proper amount of tension. … If the chain is too tight, the chain may not rotate at the proper speed, causing the chain not to cut properly.

How much is a Stihl chainsaw chain?

The average price for Stihl Chainsaw Chains ranges from $10 to $30.

What is the best position to store a chainsaw?

  • On an angle, as in the stores.
  • Sitting on the ground, as most of mine are in the garage right now.
  • Upright, which can be a much better use of space.

Why is my chainsaw using so much oil?

An overfilled reservoir can often leak oil when the saw is turned on. Check this and siphon some off if it looks excessively high. … If the oil is running out via the delivery line to the bar then there is a chance that the tank vent is plugged up. If so, the chain may be running ‘dry’ during operation.

How do you store a chainsaw when not in use?

  1. Emptying the fuel tank. Empty the fuel tank in a well-ventilated place and then clean it. …
  2. Dismantling chain saws. Remove the chain and guide bar, clean them and spray them with protective oil.
  3. Store in a dry place. …
  4. Protect from the sun. …
  5. Staying dust free. …
  6. Safe storage.

Is it worth sharpening a chainsaw?

The correct file to sharpen any given chain is worth less than five bucks. It will touch up a chain and keep it sharper than new literally a hundred times (assuming there is no physical damage to the chain). You can sharpen a chain until the little slash mark at the back of the tooth. It is, however, a learned skill.

Will burnt wood dull a chainsaw?

Cutting burned trees is extremely demanding on a chain saw. It is very abrasive and fine particles. Check the air filter often. It will need cleaning or replacing on a regular basis.

Is it OK for firewood to get rained on?

Seasoned firewood should be stored out of the rain to help prolong how well it keeps for. If seasoned firewood gets rained on it can dry out within a few days, but constant contact with moisture will lead to the wood going bad.

What length should firewood be cut?

As previously mentioned, standard cut firewood is about 16 inches log. This is because firewood is often sold by face cord, which measures 4 feet tall, 8 feet wide and 16 inches deep. As a result, 16 inches has become the universal length for standard cut firewood.

Should you cover firewood with a tarp?

If firewood is seasoned, dry and ready to burn, then it should have a tarp over the top of the stack to protect it from the elements. However, do not cover the sides of the stack with a tarp, or the wood may rot. Even after the wood is dry, the stack needs good air circulation to keep moisture out.