Short answer: If the saw starts to slow down in the cut, the chain is probably dull and needs sharpening. Rocks, dirt and anything that isn't timber dull a chain fast, even a tiny bit of dirt. On a professional crew a chain lasts about a month. A homeowner who cuts only wood can expect about a year. Replace the chain once it's worn down to the line on the tie straps.
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Is it blunt?
"Take note of what you're cutting. If you're cutting rocks or anything that's not timber, then most likely it's gonna be dull. Even a tiny bit of dirt will dull your chain. If the saw starts to slow down in the cut, then most likely you've dulled the chain somewhere, somehow, and you'll need to sharpen it again."
The signs: - The saw slows down in the cut. - You've hit rocks, dirt or anything that isn't wood. Even a little dirt will do it. - You've hit metal. A chainsaw can cut through a nail, but "you're definitely going to have to sharpen your chain again."
How long should a chain last?
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"Normally for us, about a month out of a saw like this, and a chain like this would be great, depending on what we're cutting, whether it's softwood or hardwood."
"For a homeowner, you should get a lot longer out of a chain than a month. You really only use 1 chain per year, depending on what you're cutting. Just be mindful and cut only wood, don't cut rocks or dirt, and you'll be sweet."
| Who | Typical chain life |
|---|---|
| Professional crew, cutting every day | About a month, depending on the wood |
| Homeowner, cutting only wood | About a year |
When to replace it: the wear line
There's a small line on the tie straps of the chain. Once the chain is worn down to it, replace the chain.
"If it gets down to that point, you're just meant to replace your chain because you don't want it snapping and flying off and hitting you or something else."
Replace a worn chain rather than running it down, and always wear leg protection rated for chainsaw work: Clogger chainsaw pants and chainsaw chaps.
How often should you sharpen a chainsaw chain?
When it needs it. Phil sharpens when the saw starts to slow down in the cut, and after the chain has hit dirt, rocks or a nail.
Why does a chain go dull so fast?
Usually it’s what you’re cutting. "Even a tiny bit of dirt will dull your chain." Cutting only wood is the simplest way to make a chain last.
Free one-page checklist
Phil’s chainsaw troubleshooting checklist
Seven common problems, the checks a working arborist runs first, and when it’s a job for the saw shop. Print it and keep it with your saw.
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From Clogger Answers, episode 1. These are Phil's opinions, based on his professional experience. Always follow your saw's manual and wear the right protective gear.
Phil is a professional arborist based in Invercargill, New Zealand, who runs saws every day with his crew. Clogger makes chainsaw pants and chainsaw chaps.