For safe and efficient operation, chain saw users need to “look sharp.” Often, people don't realize whether a saw chain is sharp or dull until they try to use it. But it’s important to know that a dull, dulling, improperly sharpened or damaged cutting chain can impact the operator’s ability to complete the task safely.
If you’re an occasional user, knowing how to sharpen a chain isn’t imperative but you should know how to determine if a saw chain is becoming dull. According to Tim Ard, president of Forest Applications Training, Inc., if the saw chain is not feeding into the wood without having to apply heavy pressure, the chain should be replaced with a sharper one.
Ard, a 25-year veteran of the outdoor power equipment industry, annually instructs 6,500 people in chain saw safety and suggests that, as a rule of thumb, the chain should cut the wood at a rate of approximately one inch per second. If that’s not the case, it’s time to sharpen.
Using chip size as a rule can be deceiving, Ard adds. Chip size will vary according to the wood species, grain size and fiber direction of the material.
If you are going to sharpen your own chain, you must have an understanding of proper procedure and settings. Just picking up a file and beginning to work on a chain tooth can be dangerous; consult your chain saw owner's manual first, or visit your local chain saw and accessories dealer for some assistance.
To better understand the process, here are the important parts of a chain saw tooth and their function:
Consult your chain saw owner's manual and/or saw chain manual first. Then visit your local chain saw and accessories dealer for some assistance.
October is National Chain Saw Safety Month. Lawn & Landscape Online has partnered with Husqvarna to produce a series of articles that will be appearing throughout the month to educate and enhance awareness regarding the safe operation of chain saws.