HOW LONG DO CHAINSAW CHAINS LAST? When sould you put a new one on?

YOUR CHAINSAW NEEDS A NEW CHAIN....most of the time WAY before you think it does! A lot of people think they are saving money by using every bit of the chainsaw tooth they can ...but they are wrong! A short tooth cuts way slower than you think and you are wasting your time and abusing your saw and your body trying to get more cutting out of a wore out chain! Watch this to learn when you should change you chain! Sooner than you think!

[@SteveAustin-jp3ev]

I'm new to the wood hound life. I'm 64 with asthma. I'm trying my best.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Welcome...just keep moving!

[@kirkchatwin6160]

1 step at a time

[@chrisdaly3485]

Chris, it is funny that you should mention using new chains. Many people who are heating by wood like to save money and buying a new chain is against their religious. I am one of those. If I change the chains more often, I will save time, gas, and extend the life of the saw. Thanks for the reminder!

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup, new is usually better in a lot of things.

[@cliffjenkins6419]

Very good advice Chris. I knew a fella years ago who was full of knowledge regarding keeping costs down on his firewood. He used old engine oil for chain bar oil, chains with some worn out teeth and some missing, and old old files when he did get round to sharpening. When he finally gave up coming out with us to get a years wood it was a huge relief. Cheers from HB NZ

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup, being cheap is costly!

[@timrydman-mr5hp]

Very good info. And the timing cuts really show how much better a good chain works. Nice info how to buy cheaper chains also.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks!

[@terrydavidson477]

thanks Chris i had question about how long to use a chain a while back. perfect explaination.. thanks again great info

[@InTheWoodyard]

Glad to help!

[@DanielAtkinsFirewood]

Thanks for the info, Chris. Most of what i cut is softwood, and i can tell when the chain, even when the rakers are down, is not cutting as fast as it should 😉👍

[@InTheWoodyard]

Great point!

[@davidedwards3734]

I try to chain chains so I don't work me or my saws too much!! Thanks forcthe video!! Stay Hydrated and Have a Safe Day

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup! Thanks!

[@59BigWalt]

Chris! Thanks for the video last week & answering my questions concerning the power of your chainsaws, especially when the Cain gets dull. I have a neighbor who’s an arborist he loan me one of his Stihl 362? In his eyes my Echo 311, although new just was working me a little bit. Once again Wood Yard Master, you’re right. More power is more power. I accomplished so much more in that 2nd round of cutting easier on my body. He sharpened my chain for me, (has chain grinder), liked the dremel. Hated my files. Have a good week & thanks again.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks for watching...keep cutting!

[@MuhaloTube]

Great video! Tooth performance is number 1 by far regarding chain life, but also as you mentioned at the end, a worn chain is working the saw harder than it needs to. The chains get hot and stretch, then they start wearing on your sprockets and bars. That little bit you might be saving with an over-used chain is chewing up your sprockets and bars anyway.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup....EXACTLY!

[@GPOutdoors]

Good topic today Chris! And good demo to show the difference and extra work needed - Cheers!

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks Gord! I started using the sign you made in my videos....thanks again!

[@GPOutdoors]

@@InTheWoodyard thanks very much Chris, i really appreciate it. Cheers!

[@crazyman3157]

Great topic Chris, I definitely agree. 1/2 gone means the chain goes in the stump cutting bucket. 👍🏻 Good Night Irene

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yes! Thank you!

[@clubdoraoutdoorsandfirewood]

You are correct Chris. Chains need to be changed out when your down to 1/16 inch. There seems to be a tooth or so that got filed more because of damage. In those cases I’ll run a sharpening or so, but change chains . I need to buy chains at the shows. I paid 28 plus dollars for the last 24 inch chain I picked up. Have you ever picked up chain from hips on line? Great chat thanks Chris.

[@InTheWoodyard]

No, I buy 95% of my chains at firewood/logging shows in bulk....WAY cheaper!

[@vincentnail2881]

I agree Chris. Sometimes, we hang on to a chain for a while. Seems like the chain will almost say I'm done, change me out!

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup, sooner is usually better!

[@briannelson4493]

Chris you couldn’t have said it better, myself I practice that same technique

[@InTheWoodyard]

thanks!

[@annaaron3510]

Excellent. Love the slick helmet ...looking "fabulous". I save those old, worn chains for "dirt cuts" ( roots, stumps, etc...). Just say no to "nubs".

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup...no nubs allowed!

[@user-yn5gm8st6d]

Excellent and important subject. Have you tried to "square cut" your chain teeth? Watch another chain saw channel and the operator used and electric Oregon grinder with a specific wheel for cutting the teeth he was running. Made a beautiful tooth and the chain lastest about 40% longer before having to be resharpened. He cut various types of wood from soft to hard. Thanks for your time.

[@InTheWoodyard]

No, I have not.... I would like to try it some time...my buddy Burt does that for his chains though.

[@dhache1195]

On my 1997 371xp, I simultaneously use 4 chains, this used the sprocket as well and when the 4 chains are done the sprocket is also good to retired

[@InTheWoodyard]

Nice!

[@larryvankirk7423]

Informed video Chris. I always, always, always have at least 2 new chains in my saw box when cutting and a couple of stump chains as well. Sometimes a new chain with a factory raker is what works best on dense hardwood. As you pointed out, a smaller saw will tell you quickly when it is time to sharpen and also when to replace. GNI

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup, thanks!

[@DavidMarcus-ho4hq]

One of your best videos Chris! Very informative, thanks!

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks David!

[@chuckwagon7171]

Good vid, dressing the bar makes a huge difference in cutting a lot of people forget about as well. I always save a couple "ruined" chains for cutting into dirty wood or wood I think might have metal

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup!

[@hoosierLee]

Good video. I think if someone is using their chains too long to try to save money they are actually spending more money. Whatever savings there is on chains is more than used up in fuel consumption since your running the saw twice as long to accomplish the same production. Not to mention the extra wear on the saw and your time.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup! Thanks!

[@kensebring3683]

You can cut those in six of an lengths and put them on your weed. Wacker straight shaft. You'll never have to put string on again. Wear high boots. Thank you, Kenny from Western North Carolina

[@InTheWoodyard]

Okay... Kenny from Carolina!

[@toddsoutsideagain]

Yup! Also as a chain gets more hours of use they tend to get loose faster! Stretch. I change mine when only 1/3 is left of the tooth. See ya tomorrow 👍🏻👍🏻GNI

[@InTheWoodyard]

U da man sir Toddeth!!

[@coreyriley7160]

G’morning Chris. I sit in Millston, WI and completely agree with the words of truth. I’ll be in a kayak until Saturday if ya need me. GoodNightIrene

[@InTheWoodyard]

I will be here waiting for you to get done playing. Have a good trip!

[@BGWenterprises]

In my experience. After half gone, Sharpness and rider height affect cutting speed far more. Other then keeping a few for so so rock chains, definitely round file-em, before 1/4 left. . I just did a volunteer job in my cousins backyard, had 2 white oaks near 28" each, tip over on the house. Literally a week long job, clearing literally jungle. We rented a 6 ton excavator For a week, would probably been near 2 months doing it by hand. . Still several 80 foot tall ash trees to take out eventually. Yep, the land of rain and insane tree growth. . Ill send Bert a link to the staggering carnage, LOL.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup, rakers matter a lot!

[@chrisartman6168]

Great video Chris. I save a few worn out chains for cutting off stumps if I need to.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Great idea! Thanks!

[@toddpacheco4748]

Chris cookies for everyone excellent video 😮😊❤

[@InTheWoodyard]

thanks!

[@robertblacksmith4355]

Great information Chris 👍

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks Robert!

[@two-strokesmoke7289]

" I am hundred years old, close to death" LMAO I feel like that a lot of mornings but get up anyway.......

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup much closer to 100 than zero.

[@markdyballuk]

thanks for your advice Chris, happy day to you and youra

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks for watching Mark!

[@EricChmelarsky-vh7eq]

Yep. I never understood why people won't change out chain. Easier on you&saw, saves time. Saves gas and oil. One should keep extra chains on hand. When you have an spare chain , more likely to switch them out. Dull or worn out. Modern saws will not take the abuse of overheating, autotune/mtronic will tune out a air leak, until the engine detonation. Switch out the bloody chain or switch out a new power head.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup, like tires on you truck ....awesome traction way is better than little to none!

[@user-oz5ke3qt8n]

Hi Chris you are so wright the tooth will brake off nice video Here when is - 40 in winter thy change thy angle less point / | something like that ( Ty Ron

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks!

[@wolley2012]

I found oregon and husky chain to cut the same if not better right down to the line on the tooth. Using a progressive raker is the key though. Using a fixed depth gauge or free balling the rakers is really leaving alot on the table. Looking at your chains those rakers are not close to where they should be at the end of life

[@InTheWoodyard]

On my bigger better saws I take the rakers down all the time and often TOO much..I like an aggressive chain.

[@user-jg4jg2jd1z]

A friend of mine once told me he wasn’t sure what was better, a new chain or sex. Being our age we agreed on a new chain

[@BertsCustomCuts]

Why not both.

[@InTheWoodyard]

At the same time!!!!

[@InTheWoodyard]

Good one!!

[@kevinruggles206]

great info!! would like to see your comments on changing bars and sprockets. I was told recently change a bar and sprocket every 3 chains. seems too quick, but I am not an expert by any stretch, so I like to seek advice.

[@InTheWoodyard]

You got some bad info. I have bars that lasted a dozen chains....sprockets even more. Ypou need to talk to a good pro shop.

[@kevinruggles206]

@@InTheWoodyard thanks. I didn't think it rang true

[@kurtloftfield4537]

Good morning all!

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yes it is! Thanks!

[@obxkoastie8170]

Chris...There are two sides to the replacement of chainsaw chains. If you only want to file/grind chains with one size file or grinder wheel I could not agree with you more. I've raised this issue before but it isn't the amount of tooth remaining that gives slower cuts, it is the geometry of the improperly sharpened tooth that gives the slower cuts. Unless you drop a file size/Dremel/Oregon grinder bit/wheel when you get to a half-tooth, the angle on the top plate is more blunt and the gullet has become a ski-slope instead of a well-defined "C." The reason Kenny changed chains when half gone was he didn't want to be bothered with various size files in the field. If you look at custom race chains, the tooth is ground/filed almost to the witness mark with a file that gives the sharpest angle of attack and the most pronounced "C." It is the reason a 60cc saw with a 3/8 chain will be slower in the cut than that same saw with a narrow kerf .325 chain and if you want scary fast use 3/8LP chain with the rakers at .035 (but you risk breaking the chain with that much power.) The less width of wood you are cutting, the easier it is on the saw. A perfect example of this is the narrow width of newer carbide circular saw blades and how much faster they cut versus the old-school thick carbide blades. Just saying!

[@InTheWoodyard]

Chains are not very expensive, they are a consumable item and I want mine to cut as fast as possible old worn out chain cut much slower... I can make more money but not more time.

[@obxkoastie8170]

@@InTheWoodyard Chris...If you were to grind a brand new chain with a 1/4" stone it would cut just as slow as the "old worn out chain." The chain isn't worn out, the optimum cutting geometry has been negatively altered. Just for fun, get a pack of Oregon 3/16 grind stones for your 3/8 pitch chain. Put one in a spare Dremel and when a chain gets down to half, switch to the 3/16. See if it doesn't cut just as fast or faster!

[@sodhog6311]

Hey those cookies sell for like 8 to 10 bucks at craft stores with a little salad bowl oil. Now my problem is my 25 inch chains stretch and are too loose even with the tensioner all the way tight, so people tell me i have to replace the chain even tho it's not even half way worn. I ask my local arborist 'can't i take a tooth out of the chain, replace the rivet, and keep going?' Arborist and shop mechanic say no just replace the chain... I know my local arborist buys the 'bale' of chain and cuts them to length so clearly you can cut and rivet the chains.. I have to keep researching this issue.

[@Lee-JayGessell]

Change your sprocket

[@InTheWoodyard]

You might want to change your sprocket ...but... that is common with Stihl saws and chains.....their chains stretch... a lot.....Now you might be asking yourself how did I know that you have a STIHL saw???? You said 25" and Stihl "cheats" with adding an inch when Husqvarna and Echo use the same size chain and they call it a 24" chain.....just sayin'!

[@InTheWoodyard]

yup!

[@iffykidmn8170]

Good topic! something I have always wondered is the difference between ground chain at factory specs end of life vs hand sharpened at end of life.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks!

[@squirrelrelocator]

Have you ever done a video about the different chain types and when to use them? IE skip tooth vs ...

[@InTheWoodyard]

Nope ...some day maybe so! Thanks!

[@two-strokesmoke7289]

I use the chains until there is not much tooth left, at that point rakers have been filed down a lot also. Cuts almost as fast, most of my saws are 70cc and above. The smaller displacement saws, raker adjustment has to be more precise. (less horsepower on tap)

[@InTheWoodyard]

Have you done any timed test to see??? I have ...new sharp ones cut much faster on ALL saws.

[@two-strokesmoke7289]

Most Stihl chains have marks on the last third or fourth of the tooth, if ya get to that mark the tooth is practically gone. (it is a line on tooth to aid in sharpening, the correct angle)

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup, it is called the witness mark.

[@The_Smith]

Timely advice Chris, I was just debating if I could get one more season out of my current chain . . . the answer? . . . no.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Try both and time them to see the difference...I was very surprised.

[@stokermeister3]

The 4th chain looks like it is about to fail if it’s used again 😱

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup, changing chains soon than later is better!

[@aldredske6197]

Good morning Chris!!😀😀

[@InTheWoodyard]

Morning Al!

[@gp4103]

Have you been given any of the hexa chain with your new Stihl linkup? Guess it would affect the sharpening regime though

[@InTheWoodyard]

No...no Sthil stuff yet...lots of Husqvarna stuff and Echo stuff...they get social marketing. Stihl seems to just like to do old fashioned expensive advertising yet.

[@two-strokesmoke7289]

The "depth gauges" or "rakers" are critical when your tooth gets worn down. (proper height)

[@InTheWoodyard]

They ALWAYS are.

[@thefirewooddoctor]

Some people drop one file size once worn halfway, then they run it until teeth break. Can't figure that out why people run chains until the teeth break. To them, "Don't be so damn cheap. Change the chain!" On a 572xp sized saw, you can lose 3-4sec per cut in 20in diameter oak by not going down one file size once worn halfway versus a new chain where it had a proper tooth gullet shape.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup, being cheap can cost you time and production.

[@rickthelian2215]

Time is money Chris😁🇦🇺

[@InTheWoodyard]

Time is way more important than money...I can make more money..time...not so much.

[@stannelson2582]

Found the same thing but I thought I was imagining it. lol. I sort of thought it was because my rakers were too high even though the gage said they were perfect. Don’t know. Now I change with a third left like you suggested

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup.

[@annmariekowalski7505]

Great video and info. Good thing you do not use dog years to count your age. I can say that because I just got my Medicare Card.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup, I am right behind you!

[@kensebring3683]

Yeah, you can't sharpen the rakers and expect production. Watch some old videos I think from 4:00 till now which it is. 6. :40 and enjoy them all. Kenny from Western North Carolina

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks Kenny!

[@902hand7]

So Chris, would a 1/3 of a tooth left be the same as a face tooth left?? 😉😉

[@InTheWoodyard]

Haaaaaa! Good one!

[@deanrambler9006]

That was quite surprising to me. That proved what I doubted for years. But, if the cutting edge of the cutter has the same geometry and the raker is proper depth, chain tension optimal, why would it cut any worse. I would be interested in the scientific explanation and with illustrations. I am thinking you won't have that. Would you know where that is available, anyone?

[@InTheWoodyard]

My scientific proof was in the test.....Try it yourself and become a believer!

[@philipgagnon3114]

A little dull Professor...6 outta 10.😊

[@InTheWoodyard]

This was not an entertainment video, it was a more important get your head out of your butt use your brain video. Exciting cartoon videos are not here.

[@philipgagnon3114]

@@InTheWoodyardNow thats telling me....8 outta 10 Professor!

[@Mainelywork]

🤘

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks!

[@tallbrian100]

Remember the sprocket also wears too. If you are making money cutting, time is money and chains are not expensive.

[@InTheWoodyard]

EXACTLY!

[@78katz]

I save my mostly worn out chains for cutting stumps flush, mud caked logs, and nail infested yard trees.

[@InTheWoodyard]

YUP! Exactly!

[@markd9105]

I change mine as soon as it takes me more than 10 minutes to make a cut.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yaaaa! Good one!

[@GregPrince-io1cb]

Good stuff Chris!!

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks!

[@jeffpeters1014]

I’m tighter than paint on a wall and I don’t run them that long.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Haaa!

[@sandsock]

my neighbor had shrapnel hit his face from a tooth getting way to thin and hitting a piece of metal. had to have eye surgery. when the chain gets down to about 1/3 i try to change mine.

[@InTheWoodyard]

YUP!

[@bekaerttrio2231]

👍👍👍

[@InTheWoodyard]

THANKS thanks Thanks!!!

[@two-strokesmoke7289]

I change out chains mostly because I do not want them to break and wrap around my arm or leg.......

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup.

[@TheWoodSnob]

A safety chain on the first saw!? Oh boy... turn in your man card.

[@InTheWoodyard]

That is THE chain that is used on that little saw...I had no choice, it was given to my by Husqvarna to use...what would you do if that was how it came and what was available for that saw??

[@GregPrince-io1cb]

Good Morning Woodhounds!!(-:

[@InTheWoodyard]

Hello!

[@leonardryan8723]

Chris from an old logger, here my 2 cent worth . Ok 👍 the first chainsaw chain it a new one ☝️, the second chain the teeth 🦷 are burn from running the chain went it not sharp . Third chain would be good 👍 if it was sharpen right . 4 chains is a big mess for sure , give it waste metal box 😮. If a chainsaw chain was sharpening right you can run to your chain line and plus keep matching the rake with the chainsaw tooth 🦷. Remember what you know , is different them want I know about chainsaw teeth 🦷. Ask any old logger with years under his belt in the dropping of timber will give different answer about sharpening your chainsaw teeth 🦷. Why every logger learn tricks over the year with different logger in a logging camp over sharpening chainsaw teeth 🦷. A lot of my old logging buddy are in timber heaven now would blow anyone I see on U tube about sharpening chainsaw there is a few on u tube give it 5% I’m not give peoples names with out ask them to use there name on U tube . 😊 if your a true logger and you watch there know in 2 sec . About sharpening a chainsaw right . 😊 sorry wood 🪵 hounds a lot of words for 2 cents worth . Plus I’m not pick on Chris or anyone on U tube for hard work make videos for us to enjoy 😊over a coffee ☕️. Just because you watch a logger video, SORRY don’t make you a logger , 2 min into a video we just shake out head come down to THINK 🤔 SAFETY and always put SAFETY FIRST , the USE of a chainsaw in it Cut ( like 👍 cut out a right wedge in a pc of timber is first step to watch for ) plus tell us if your a logger or NOT . 😊

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks for watching Leonard!

[@markboggs746]

I have a CSX5000 which has a 20" .325" full chiselled chain. What file should I be using to sharpen?

[@Mightycaptain]

3/16

[@InTheWoodyard]

The small chain is usually 3/16 I believe. I use a rotary tool and a stone bit...better and faster.

[@markboggs746]

@@Mightycaptain Thank you.

[@markboggs746]

@@InTheWoodyard Thank you. I have a Dremel somewhere so I will see if I have a 3/16 bit for it. Love your videos. Thank you again.

[@bman5903]

Only twice 😂

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks for watching!

[@grantsinclair4278]

Just nothing like that first cut with a new chain.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup, I think that is because we wait to long to put a new one on!

[@chadm4229]

How can i contact you besides here. I have a picture to send? Chad

[@InTheWoodyard]

[e-mail] thanks!

[@chadm4229]

@@InTheWoodyard thankyou

[@user-sh1zc6ct9j]

👍

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks!

[@MicahHughes-zv5zx]

The Leftist Pope, Ha, good one- just the opposite of a worn chain, getting a little “ Long in the tooth” - don’t know where that saying comes from, always liked it though

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup, he is an odd one for sure.....long in the tooth saying is because as we get real old your gums recede and your teeth LOOK longer!

[@waynetharp]

The Pope also says that on the Eighth day that Husqvarna was created!🙏

[@InTheWoodyard]

Haaaaa! Good one!

[@randyerickson2154]

You have a million chains. Your audio is out of your right audio.

[@InTheWoodyard]

No more lie a couple dozen...not quite a million. The sound...You are the only one that said so ...your speaker/ear bud or balance may be off????

[@carllewis8203]

👍💯

[@InTheWoodyard]

Thanks Carl!

[@WESLEYFMURDOCK]

How Bout Sharpening you Chain ?

[@richardbrowne1679]

Chris has MANY videos on sharpening chains- you can look them up.

[@InTheWoodyard]

There are 1500 videos on my channel...lots of sharpening ones...I will do more!

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup!

[@jackdawg4579]

Yeah, I dont know why people like to run their chains to the death, chains are cheap as chips for the time they run!

[@InTheWoodyard]

Yup!

[@SteveAustin-jp3ev]

1st to comment.

[@InTheWoodyard]

Gold star winner!