For chainsaw owners, you wonder if you should replace the blade and, if so, how often this should be done. Chainsaw blades don’t have a set time when they need to be replaced, but doing so when it’s needed can improve the chainsaw’s performance and safety. After all, you want your chainsaw to last for years to come.
Read on to find out more about chainsaw sharpening and blade replacement.
The life expectancy of a chainsaw blade
Chainsaw chains can last more than five years even if used frequently. For chainsaws that are only used occasionally, they may last for decades if properly maintained. There’s no predetermined expiration date for a chainsaw chain.
In typical circumstances, a chainsaw chain should be able to get hundreds of hours of use. These are steel blades that are designed to last. That said, when you use the chainsaw blade, small imperfections will pop up that will require tool sharpening.
Chainsaw sharpening
How often you sharpen the chainsaw chain is dependent on how much wear and damage the chain experiences and the amount of metal you remove every time you sharpen it. For example, if you strike a rock and the chain breaks, even a professional repair person might not be able to salvage it. Or if you remove half of the chain’s metal each time you sharpen it, that obviously won’t work either.
To determine whether your blade is still usable, first check for significant damage. This includes things like chips and breaks. After that, check the lines which are stamped into the cutter and guide pieces on the chain. If your blade has no significant damage and you have space between the tip of the cutter and guide pieces, then you can keep using it and the chain has room for additional sharpening.
Leading ways chainsaw blades are damaged
In most cases, chainsaw chains will last for many years, but there are times when a blade is ruined, including:
- Striking ice: When you’re using the blade in the winter, be careful. The chainsaw may cut through the ice, but this can wear it down. Ice inside of frozen wood can be as hard as a rock.
- Hitting a rock: This is a leading cause of damaged chains because it’s easy for the blade to slip through a log and strike the ground beneath.
- Inadequate lubrication: Use bar and chain oil to keep the chain cool and prevent overheating. Improper lubrication will quickly overheat the whole chainsaw.
- Striking metal: Sometimes there are metal objects embedded in wood like nails, screws and fence staples. Thoroughly check anything you’re cutting into ahead of time to avoid ruining the chainsaw blade.
When you need tool sharpening, lumber, construction materials or anything else for an upcoming project, turn to the experts at Stewart Lumber & Hardware Co. We’re here to meet your needs to the fullest. We’ve made it our mission to help you get all the materials on your list at affordable prices. Contact us right not to inquire about your specific needs.