Is It Time to Change Your Chainsaw Chain?

A chainsaw is quite a crucial piece of equipment. So whether you are just an eager amateur or a landscape gardener, there will always be a mini task awaiting you and your handy chainsaw. That said, what good is a chainsaw if its chain is out of order and unable to function well?

Most chainsaws that receive proper maintenance will always jump into action instantly, offering you the required assistance. And although, every chainsaw has a life expectancy of its own. This life expectancy is impacted by several factors like the kind of wood you are cutting, the type of chainsaw chain you are using, etc.

Now, the question is, is your chainsaw losing its sharpness? Are you wondering whether it’s time to replace it? Let’s help you figure it out!

 

Signs That You Need a New Chain

Besides the loss of sharpness, there are several other factors that you must take into account. And it will help you identify whether it’s time to get a new chain or not. 

• Lack of Stability

One easy way to judge if the chainsaw is in good shape is by setting it against the wood, and if it remains stable, it’s alright. If not, and if the chain rattles or bounces, it signifies that the chain requires replacement. 

It’s an indication of the chain being past the stage of efficiency. Moreover, using a chainsaw with a faulty chain is also dangerous. So it’s time to get a new chain!

• Inability to Pull Itself Through Wood

Operating a chainsaw is not a challenging task. It only requires a gentle, steady hand guiding it in the right direction. As such, chainsaws usually pull themselves through the wood and feel less of a manual labour task. Hence, if using a chainsaw is not effortless, and if you have to exert force to keep the chainsaw stable, it’s time to consider a new chain.

• Damaged or Missing Teeth

Every once in a while, take a moment to inspect the chainsaw and notice if there is any noticeable wear or tear. And if the chain’s teeth are off-centre, damaged, or broken, it’s bad.

It’s considered a safety hazard if the chain has damaged teeth. So, try not to use the chain because it could potentially cause harm. That said, you don’t have to abandon your chainsaw since you can simply get a new pair of chains so the saw can still be in action!

• Smoking Chain 

Regardless of how good you are at your pet projects, you cannot continue to produce excellent work if you can’t see well, right? So if your chainsaw is producing smoke while you are using it, it’s a terrible indication of the poor health of the chain. 

Not only will your view get blurry with smoke, but it also poses safety issues. And it’s a sign that your chainsaw requires proper and regular maintenance. So, do not disregard the health of your chainsaw!

• Bent Cuts

One easy way to determine whether your chain is reaching its end is by observing the cuts it’s making. If you can see crooked and jagged cuts on the wood, it signifies that the chain’s teeth have become dull.

Dull teeth prevent the chainsaw from making clean and smooth cuts. So you could sharpen the chain, but generally, changing the chain is a better option!

Every year, around 1000 chainsaw accidents occur in Australia alone. As such, if you notice any of the abovementioned signs, it’s time to look into the issue. Meanwhile, replacing the chainsaw chain isn’t a complex task, and you will find several providers who offer effective and sharp chains. So, happy woodworking!