A dull chainsaw chain is the last thing you want when you’re about to get to work. At its worst, it can be downright dangerous, making your saw more prone to kickback. But even if this doesn’t happen, it will still affect the performance of your chainsaw. Your saw will not be working efficiently – it will use more power for less results and will cause wear and tear on other parts of the saw.
But how do you recognise the signs of a dull chainsaw chain? Take a look at our checklist below and keep your eyes peeled for these signs:
- The chainsaw chain does not pull itself into the wood. If you have to apply pressure to the saw to force it through the wood, the chain is almost certainly not sharp enough.
- When cross cutting (against the grain of the wood) a dull chainsaw chain creates fine sawdust instead of coarse strands.
- The saw is producing smoke even when your chain is oiled and the chain tension is correct.
- The chainsaw produces an uneven cut. This could mean that your chain has dull cutting teeth on one side. Alternatively, your cutting teeth could be uneven in length.
If you notice these signs while working with your chainsaw, it is time to sharpen or replace the saw chain. Your local STIHL approved dealer will offer a chain sharpening service, or will have replacement chains for sale. Find your nearest dealer here.
