A chainsaw can be a gardeners best friend. But it, like every tool, needs a bit of TLC to perform at its best time and time again.
One of the main things to look after on your chainsaw is the blade. A dull blade will affect your chainsaws ability to perform and compromise safety when using the machine.
But how can you tell if you have a blunt or dull chainsaw blade? Read on for the 5 most common signs.
The chainsaw doesn’t pull into the wood
When using a chainsaw, it should naturally draw through the wood. This gives the feeling that the tool is pulling into the wood.
If your chainsaw is not pulling into the wood, this is because there is more resistance than usual. This is very common when the chainsaw blade is dull.
Fine sawdust
A well-performing chainsaw should create large, stranded sawdust. But when the blade is blunt, it has to work harder to cut through the wood. This results in a finer sawdust being produced.
If you notice the sawdust created by your machine appears finer than usual, it’s time to sharpen the blade!
Overheating and producing smoke
If the chainsaw blade is dull, the engine has to work harder for longer. Some heat is normal when using your chainsaw, but if it feels uncharacteristically hot or is smoking, this is due to the machine being overworked.
Uneven cut
A chainsaw should leave a clean line in its cut, but this isn’t the case when the blade is dull. Instead of one straight line, a dull chainsaw blade leaves a chewed, uneven one.
This is because the cut is not smooth, and the blade is chewing on the wood rather than gliding through it effortlessly.
More vibration than usual
Similarly, feeling more vibration than usual when operating the chainsaw is another indication that the blade is dull. If you can feel an unusual amount of vibration, then this is the saw chewing the wood as it cuts.
How to sharpen your chainsaw
If you notice any of the above signs that your chainsaw blade might be dull, all you need to do is sharpen it.
Although this might sound daunting, it is actually very simple and can be done safely at home. All you need is a good chainsaw sharpener.
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