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8 Reasons That Explain Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Dull So Quickly?

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Having a chainsaw can prove to be very useful for a gardener. From cutting down trees, branches, and bushes to splitting up pieces of wood, there is nothing a chainsaw can not do.

You probably use your chainsaw frequently to add definition to your garden but are you now frequently suffering from a dull chainsaw?

If you are looking for reasons behind why does my chainsaw chain dull so quickly and how to prevent it from happening, then this article might be everything you need to solve your problem.

Let’s have a detailed look at all the possible answers to find out why does my chainsaw chain dull so quickly? If you want to know the answers to it, keep on reading!

Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Dull So Quickly
Chainsaw won’t cut, freshly sharpened blade – via Reddit

Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Dull So Quickly?

Watching the chain of your chainsaw get dull can be an annoying sight for a gardener. Some people complain more than others about the chain of their chainsaws dulling faster. Is it possible that some chains get dull faster than the others? What is its reason? Let us have a look:

1. Constant Use

The first reason that comes to anyone’s mind is the constant use of chainsaws. The more it is used, the more quickly it will dull. Even if you don’t use your chainsaw excessively, there is a chance of your chain getting dull due to getting heavy jobs done.

Even if you are working on the maintenance and sharpening of your chainsaw’s chain, it can easily get dull. There is no specific treatment except changing the chain of your chainsaw regularly.

2. Steep Angle

Most gardeners don’t have an idea regarding how the angle of their cutters can affect their chainsaw’s life. Ideally, an angle between 25 degrees and 35 degrees is the best cutting angle, but differences might prevail due to the nature of the work.

The optimal angle for using a chainsaw might be different depending on the chainsaw and the nature of the work. To find the best possible working angle, you must refer to the user manual of your chainsaw or look for it on the internet by referring to your chainsaw’s model.

3. Hitting The Ground

If the chainsaw is hitting on the ground, even if for a few seconds, there is a chance that your chainsaw’s chain might get dull faster than the others.

Issues like these can be easily resolved. Just try to avoid the chainsaw from hitting the ground and getting in contact with dirt and rocks as much as you can to increase the life of your tool.

4. Dirty Tree

Trees, over the years, pick up different materials, like dust, debris, rocks, and other hard substances. If the tree you are trying to cut has bark soiled with dirt, there is a major chance that you will end up making your chainsaw blunt.

It is not too difficult to notice if the wood that is being cut is hard and dirty or not. If this is the case, try sharpening your blade soon afterward.

Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Dull So Quickly 2
Unexplained Smoking – via Reddit

5. Raker’s Position

If you are noticing an unusual dulling in the chain of your chainsaw, there are chances that this might be your problem. Having the raker’s position too down can be the potential reason.

Positioning the raker a bit higher than usual might solve your problem and result in increased chain life. If the rakers in your chainsaw are in the right position, then there might be another reason for the dulling of your chainsaw.

6. Improper Sharpening

Problems like improper sharpening are very common among new gardeners. Improper sharpening does not necessarily mean no sharpening at all, but rather it means sharpening incorrectly.

People often use incorrect filers to sharpen the blades. This prevents the chainsaw blade from being sharpened enough, which can cause the problem.

People also don’t focus much on sharpening. If you truly want your chainsaw to work for a longer period without getting dull, focus on the sharpening of its blade till it’s properly done.

7. Bent Bar

The bent bar can also be the reason why does my chainsaw chain dull so quickly. If the bar of your chainsaw is bent, it will cause unnecessary stress in the wrong direction.

Fix this problem to see if this was exactly what needed to be fixed or are there more problems and different causes behind your chain getting dull.

8. Lack Of Lubrication

Lubricating your blade and bar are important steps in using your chainsaw properly. If the lubrication isn’t done properly, it can cause friction between the teeth of your chain, which results in the bending of the bar.

To minimize the friction and to prevent the chain of your chainsaw from dulling, make sure to properly lubricate your chain and remember to change the oil in the chainsaw.

How To Fix This Problem?

  • Avoid hitting the chainsaw on the ground while using it.
  • If the tree is hard relative to other trees, try removing the bark first.
  • Do not force your chainsaw. Rather try to reposition it at the correct angles.
  • Sharpen your tools correctly before using them.
  • Try lubricating the chainsaw properly to avoid friction.
  • Use stainless steel chains, if possible.
  • Try and set the raker’s position at the correct height.
  • Adjust the chain type according to your chainsaw.
  • Cut at an angle of 25 degrees to 35 degrees to prevent dulling of the chain.
  • For smoother cuts, use a chain with not less than 24 teeth.
  • Replace the worn-out chainsaw bar.

Conclusion

This article answers all your queries related to the problem of why does my chainsaw chain dull so quickly? You just have to identify the problem correctly and look for its possible solution to fix it.

If after all the steps, your chain still doesn’t stop getting dull, there is a chance that your chain needs replacement.

In case of any further questions, get in touch with us!