How To Spot a Dull Chainsaw Blade

How to spot
a dull
chainsaw blade

Imagine getting into work and realising that your chainsaw is dull. Having a dull chainsaw blade is not only inconvenient, but it can also be very dangerous – affecting the overall performance of the tool. Or even worse, making it prone to kickback!

Signs of a Dull Chainsaw

Does your chainsaw pull into wood?

A well performing chainsaw should naturally draw through the wood without being forced. If you notice that your chainsaw isn’t pulling into the wood very easily, this could be due to a greater resistance than usual. The chain should not bounce away from the wood, if this begins to happen this may be because the teeth on the blade need sharpening. Additionally, the angle of the teeth should also be correct, the optimal sharpening angle differs between types of blades – also the tougher the material, generally requires a greater angle.

What type of sawdust is your chainsaw producing?

An efficiently operating chainsaw blade should produce large, stranded sawdust; when the blade is blunt it will start to create a finer sawdust as a result of this the tool has to operate harder in order to cut through the wood.

Is your chainsaw overheating and producing smoke?

Prolonged use of your chainsaw can occasionally lead to slight overheating and smoke production. However, if you notice a significant difference, the first port of call would be to look at the chain itself. If your blades are dull and in need of sharpening then your engine will be functioning harder for longer, prolonged use in this condition could create other issues with your chainsaw’s engine.

How is your chainsaw cutting?

The purpose of this tool is to create a perfectly clean line in it’s cut. If your chainsaw is leaving an uneven and chewed cut then the likelihood is that your blade is blunt.

Chainsaw Blade Sharpening

We offer a range of services here at Mow Maintenance, if you are specifically looking to get your chainsaw in great working order ready for the busy season ahead, our experienced mechanic will be able to sharpen your blades. Meaning your garden can stay looking pristine all year round. We offer our blade sharpening service in Staffordshire and the surrounding areas.

Contact Us!

We provide a wide range of different services depending upon your needs. If you are looking to have your garden machinery serviced on a regular basis, or if you need a one off repair – we can help.

When you bring your machinery in to us we will provide you with a price and an idea of turnaround before you decide to proceed. This will leave you with peace of mind and ensure that you know exactly what is involved from the very start of the process.