How To Tell When A Chainsaw Chain Is Worn Out

As impressive as chainsaws are, they can develop faults, and when they do, it can be frustrating. One of the common issues that happen with chainsaws is the issue of the chain itself getting worn out. When your chainsaw’s chain gets worn out, you may not even know, and this might continue to impede your cutting application. This is because, without the chain, your chainsaw cannot work and deliver the results as it should. But here, I would discuss the ways you can know when your chainsaw’s chain is worn out. Continue reading to learn more.

Understanding Your Chainsaw And Its Chain

Sharpening your chainsaw is one of the most essential aspects of its maintenance. When your chainsaw isn’t functioning as it should, you can get it sharpened so that it can get back to being effective.

However, your chainsaw gets to a point where sharpening it may not give you the results you desire anymore. At this point, the best and most cost-effective thing might be to opt for a change of chain.g as it should, the chances are high that your chain is not functioning adequately. In such a case, it might be the case that the chain has worn out and needs a quick fix. As such, it is essential that you change the chain.

What’s The Life Span Of A Chain?

The life expectancy of a chain largely depends on the individual using the chainsaw. This makes it essential to use and maintain the chainsaw appropriately. Some of the things that will determine how much effect wear and tear would have on the chain include the following:

The type of wood you cut is an essential factor. If you are cutting hardwood which is not only difficult but also takes a longer time, the chainsaw will suffer wear and tear more easily. So, the kind of wood you’re using your chainsaw on goes a long way in determining the lifespan of the chainsaw’s chain.

Another factor that determines the life expectancy of a chainsaw is the kind of chain you’re using. For instance, if you are using a full-chisel chainsaw, such a chainsaw tends to be more aggressive and does not easily get damaged. This is unlike a semi-chisel chainsaw that is often not as strong and may not be able to deliver thorough cutting needs.

The duration of the cutting application is also another factor that comes into play.

This accounts for why those who do not use their chainsaws for heavy cutting applications enjoy the chainsaws more than those who use it on construction sites and for longer periods.

Maintenance is another factor that determines the life span of your chain. You need to adequately maintain your chainsaw, and by extension, the chain itself. This is why you should have a proper maintenance culture through which you clean the chainsaw to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating to the vital components of the chainsaw such as the chain.

Is It Time To Replace?

It can be tricky to understand when your chain has worn out. But there are certain things that can be used to determine when your chainsaw’s chain has worn out or has developed some issues pointing towards the need for a change. They are as follows:

Positioning Difficulty

When you place your chainsaw against a piece of wood, it should be firm and stay ready for the cutting application. However, if the chainsaw is bouncing and not being stable, that is a pointer to the fact that the chain has worn out. You should not ignore such a thing if you notice it. This is because if your chain has worn out, the best thing is to change it. If you force the chain to work, it not only delivers poor results, but may also affect other parts of the chainsaw, and this might lead to more expenses.

Are You Manually Compressing The Chainsaw?

This is another question to answer to be sure that your chainsaw is worn out. The good thing about chainsaws is that they make your cutting application efficient. They pull into the wood only require that you make your hands steady for their application. This accounts for why many people go for chainsaws because they require much less manpower. However, if you’re having to compress the chainsaw into the wood manually, that is an indication that your chain is worn out and requires to be changed.

Is Your Chainsaw Smoking?

If while using your chainsaw, it smokes, then you should understand that there is a problem. If you can ascertain that the regular causes of the problem are adequate such as lubrication, then the problem you want to consider is your chain itself. A smoking chainsaw is ineffective because it creates a blurry vision and doesn’t afford you all the clarity you need to have effective results. It can also be a call for safety concerns.

Ineffective Cuts

Your chainsaw’s chain is beginning to have problems when its results are becoming ineffective and no longer the way you desire.

You should also pay attention to the teeth of your chain when you sharpen the chain. After sharpening your chain, you need to examine the teeth to check if they are still adequate and complete. This is crucial to ensuring that the chain can still serve its purpose.

Conclusion

The chain of the chainsaw is perhaps the most crucial part of the chainsaw because, without it, the chainsaw cannot work effectively. There is a need to ensure that the chain is in a good condition and the chainsaw will work efficiently. However, it can be tricky to know when your chain is worn out. You may be trying to use the chainsaw and realize it’s not delivering effective results. Often, in this case, the chain has developed a fault and needs a change.

While it can be difficult to know when your chain is worn out, with the few indications I have provided, you can know and stay ahead of your chainsaw.