Want Easy Chainsaw Maintenance? Choose the Best Chain

Ask any experienced chainsaw user what the most important factor is in keeping a saw running smoothly, and they'll likely say "the chain." The chain is the key cutting component that slices through wood, so selecting the optimal chain for your needs goes a long way towards hassle-free upkeep.

With so many chain options available, choosing the right one for your chainsaw model, bar length, and typical cutting applications is crucial. Read on to discover how tooth design, pitch, gauge, and length impact maintenance requirements. We'll also cover pro sharpening and lubrication tips to extend the life of your chainsaw chain.

Tooth Design Impacts on Maintenance

The shape and style of the cutter teeth largely determines how often you'll need to sharpen or replace a chain. Three main tooth designs exist, each with pros and cons for ease of upkeep.

Full Chisel vs. Semi-Chisel vs. Low-Profile

Full chisel chains have sharply pointed cutter teeth optimized for aggressively slicing through dense hardwoods like oak or maple. However, these sharp points dull faster than rounder teeth when encountering dirt or sand. Full chisel chains require frequent sharpening to maintain peak cutting performance.

Semi-chisel chains have more rounded cutter corners that stay sharper longer in gritty cutting conditions. The side benefit is less frequent sharpening intervals, though cutting speed in clean wood is slower than full chisel.

Low-profile chains are the most beginner-friendly option. Their slimmer cutters are less prone to kickback, but lack the aggressive bite of full chisel in hardwoods. Lower-profile teeth also resist dulling better than full chisel designs.

Depth Gauge Settings

The depth gauge on each cutter tooth regulates how deep it can penetrate the wood. Lower gauge settings allow deeper cutting action, but also increase the filing maintenance needed to restore sharpness as the cutters wear down.

Higher gauge settings reduce filing frequency by limiting the amount of exposed cutter. However, cutting efficiency is compromised since the cutters can't penetrate as deeply into the wood.

Chain Pitch and Gauge Considerations

Matching your replacement chain's pitch and gauge precisely to the chainsaw model is a must for optimal performance and longevity.

Matching Chain to Saw

Using a chain with an improper pitch or gauge can cause increased wear, binding, and inadequate cutting. Refer to your owner's manual or the specifications etched into the saw to find the proper chain measurements.

While aftermarket chains can work, sticking with the manufacturer's OEM chain is advisable for guaranteed compatibility and proper fit.

Aftermarket Chain Replacements

Many third-party chain brands advertise compatibility with major saw models. However, slight variances in fit and gauge thickness can potentially impact bar groove wear and chain tension. Using the same chain brand and model as the original equipment chain is the safest bet.

Chain Length Factors

In addition to pitch and gauge, choosing the optimal chain length for your guide bar affects maintenance needs.

Guide Bar Length Compatibility

Chainsaw chains are driven by the guide bar, so the chain must match the guide's cutting length. Using a chain that's too short places excessive tension strain on the bar and chain. Too long, and the chain can derail from the guide rails or bind during operation.

Accounting for Stretching

Chains naturally stretch from use over time, increasing the chain length. Periodic tensioning adjustment is required to account for this stretching. Excessively stretched chains that can no longer be tensioned properly need replacement.

Keeping Your Chain Sharp

Dull cutters that lack sharpness make cutting difficult, wear chains faster, and can lead to dangerous kickback situations. Maintaining optimal chain sharpness is one of the most critical maintenance tasks.

File Types and Technique

Using the properly sized round or flat file at the correct angle for your particular chain is key for proper sharpening. Employing the right filing motion and sequence to reshape the cutters just enough without over-filing is also important.

Avoid common mistakes like applying too much pressure, using a worn-out file, or filing cutters unevenly. Doing so can accelerate chain wear and cutter damage.

When to Sharpen vs. Replace

Assessing cutter length with a gauge tool indicates when sharpening is needed. Best practice is to sharpen chains lightly and frequently instead of waiting until they are extremely dull.

However, chains do reach an end-of-life point where cutters are too short or damaged to effectively sharpen. Knowing when to replace a worn chain saves frustration and avoids safety hazards.

Auto Sharpeners vs. Manual

Electric or automatic chain grinders simplify sharpening compared to manual hand filing. However, the initial cost investment is higher, and improper use can quickly destroy cutters.

Manual filing gives experienced users more control, albeit with a steeper learning curve. Both methods have pros and cons regarding ease of use, accuracy, and cost.

Proper Lubrication Matters

In addition to sharpening, keeping the chain lubricated is vital for extending chain and bar life while preserving cutting performance.

Bar and Chain Oil Types

Quality bar and chain oils have tacky viscosities that adhere well to the chain under cutting friction and centrifugal forces. Thinner petroleum-based oils can fly off easily at high RPMs.

Never substitute motor oil, gasoline, or used crankcase oil for chainsaw bar oil. They lack sufficient tackiness and can quickly ruin chains and bars.

Oil Reservoir Maintenance

Keeping the saw's chain oil reservoir and supply lines clean and debris-free ensures uninterrupted oil flow. Also be diligent in monitoring oil levels during use to avoid dry running.

Diagnosing leaks quickly and fixing any clogged oil feed holes or lines is also essential maintenance to maintain proper lubrication.

Application Techniques

Adjusting the oil pump flow in relation to operating conditions prevents inadequate or excessive lubrication. More oil flow is needed for dusty or dirty wood cutting.

Learn to identify signs of insufficient lubrication like smoking, increased friction, and discolored chain metal. Address shortcomings in oil application early on.

Equipping your saw with the optimal chain for your needs, maintaining its sharpness consistently, and properly lubricating it will go a long way towards hassle-free, peak-performance chainsaw operation.

Matching chain specifications to your chainsaw model, choosing designs suitable for your typical cutting, and knowing when chains need sharpening or replacing are all key maintenance tips for success. A little extra diligence in chain selection and care yields big dividends in the long run.