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How Many Times Can You Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain?

A very commonly asked question by chainsaw owners is how many times can I sharpen a chainsaw chain? Well, the answer is just there in our article!

The number of times a chainsaw chain would need sharpening does not depend on one factor only. There are multiple things that decide that. Firstly, it depends on what kind of wood you’re cutting. Secondly, how often you’re doing that. And lastly, how well you’ve maintained your chainsaw chain.

If you’re a beginner, you might overlook the importance of chainsaw chain sharpening. The reason is, you’re new to the world of chainsaws and your chainsaw is new as well, so it won’t really need sharpening anytime soon. But as you get older with your chainsaw, you’ll know that sharpening the chainsaw chain greatly improves your saw’s working when it gets dull.

Our article contains further information on how often you should sharpen your chainsaw chain and how to know if it needs sharpening. Continue reading for a complete guide.

How Often Should a Chainsaw Chain be Sharpened?

There is no fixed answer to this question. You got to find one depending on your particular type of job over time. However, what you’re cutting will be the most important factor in deciding how often to sharpen your chainsaw chain. 

Generally, a chainsaw chain could be sharpened around 10 times before it could no longer be sharpened and as a result, you’ll need to replace it (How to replace a chainsaw chain?). But again, it would depend on how much stress your chain takes while cutting and what amount of the metal is removed when it is sharpened. 

How Often Should a Chainsaw Chain be Sharpened

This can also be determined by looking at the dullness of the cutter’s teeth. The teeth of the chainsaw are sharpened every five hours based on user reports. However, if you don’t cut large trees or large lumber, you can re-sharpen it within 2-3 days.

A chainsaw chain may sometimes need to be sharpened after about 10 days if it is used for light work. But, at the end of the day, what’s most important to know is, that it is still necessary to re-sharpen it every month even if you do not use it for heavy work.

It’s important to note here that because things could be different for different types of chainsaws and different types of jobs, you’ll be able to decide this better for your chainsaw as you use it more and more. 

How Do I Know If My Chainsaw Chain Needs Sharpening?

Here are a few factors that would decide when your chainsaw chain needs sharpening.

  • When You Feel Difficulty in Cutting – Sometimes, you might feel that you need to apply more pressure when cutting with your chainsaw, which means, that cutting isn’t as smooth as it should be or as it was before. This is one of the signs that your chainsaw chain needs sharpening. 
  • The Chain has Become Dull – Dullness of the chain is the most common factor that indicates the need for sharpening your chainsaw chain. If the chain is dull, it doesn’t cut smoothly, and the result is dull cuts. If this is the case, the chain needs to be sharpened.
  • You’ve Hit a Metal or Rock – When working with chainsaws, it’s very common that you hit a metal or rock. When this happens, the chain gets damaged and reduces the effectiveness of your saw. 

What is the Expected Lifespan of a Chainsaw Chain?

Chainsaw maintenance and how you use it to play a key role in determining the life expectancy of chainsaw blades. Generally, a chainsaw blade lasts for 5 years if used frequently and heavily. It is possible to get a decade’s worth of use from a chainsaw blade if you do not use it quite a lot. 

What is the Expected Lifespan of a Chainsaw Chain

Also, there is no expiration date on chainsaw blades and there is no predetermined duration for it. 

SOME RELATED READS

How Many Times Can You Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain – FAQs

How long should a chainsaw chain last before it needs sharpening?
In general, a chainsaw chain should be sharpened after about every ten uses. But this isn’t always the case for all chains. Depending upon your job type, you might need to sharpen it after every cutting session.
Is it better to sharpen or replace a chainsaw chain?
For as long as you can sharpen it, there’s no need to replace the chain. You should only replace the chain when it has reached its limit and it can now no longer be sharpened.
How often do you sharpen a chainsaw blade?
As we’ve mentioned earlier, you should sharpen the chainsaw blade after every ten uses.
Why does my chainsaw chain dull so quickly?
If your chainsaw chain gets dull too quickly, it’s probably because it comes in contact with the ground often. There’s sand and dust and sometimes rocks on the ground and contact with them could make your chain dull. Therefore, it’s necessary to avoid cutting wood while placed on the ground.
Does cutting wet wood dull a chainsaw?
No. Cutting wet wood cannot be the reason for your chainsaw getting dull. Using the chainsaw for wet wood or using it for dry wood does not make a difference. There are other factors that lead to the dullness of wood and wet wood is NOT one of them.

 

Conclusion

Wrapping it all up, you can sharpen a chainsaw about 10 times before it would need s replacement.

In order to work efficiently with your chainsaw chain, it is important to sharpen it whenever it is needed. Sharp blades will make cleaner cuts and take less effort to cut through wood. Also, sharpening a chainsaw chain is inexpensive and can be done several times without a problem.

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