Chainsaws are one of the most versatile and useful tools that a homeowner can own. But even the best chainsaw is only as good as its chain. A dull or damaged chain will make your chainsaw work harder, and can be dangerous.Here’s how to keep your chainsaw chain in top condition:
1. Keep it clean – dirt, gum, resin and sawdust build up on the cutting teeth of your chain and can cause it to bind or become blunt. Use a brush or air compressor to clean your chain after every use.
2. Keep it sharp – dull cutting teeth will cause your chainsaw to work harder, overheat and damage the wood you’re trying to cut.
Use a round file or rotary tool with a grinding attachment to sharpen your chain regularly.
3. Inspect it regularly – look for signs of wear or damage such as cracked links, missing rivets or bent teeth.
- The first step is to remove the bar and chain from the saw
- This can be done by loosening the bar nuts and removing the bar bolts
- Once the bar and chain are removed, inspect them for damage
- If the chain is damaged, it will need to be replaced
- If the chain is not damaged, then it can be sharpened using a chainsaw file or a grinding wheel
- To sharpen the chain, start by filing or grinding the cutters on one side of the chain
- Then flip the chain over and repeat on the other side
- Once both sides are sharpened, reassemble the bar and chain and put them back on the saw

Credit: arbtalk.co.uk
What Makes a Chainsaw Chain a Ripping Chain?
When it comes to chainsaws, there are two main types of chains: ripping and cross-cutting. So, what makes a chainsaw chain a ripping chain?
Ripping chains have larger teeth that are more widely spaced apart.
This design is ideal for cutting through thick, gnarly wood quickly and easily. Ripping chains also typically have fewer teeth than cross-cutting chains.
Cross-cutting chains, on the other hand, have smaller teeth that are more closely spaced together.
This design is better suited for making precise cuts in thinner material. Cross-cutting chains usually have more teeth than ripping chains.
So, which type of chain is right for you?
It all depends on the type of wood you’ll be cutting and the desired results. If you need to quickly rip through thick lumber, go with a ripping chain. For finer, precision cuts in thinner material, choose a cross-cutting chain.
Can You Turn a Regular Chain into a Ripping Chain?
If you’re looking to turn your regular chain into a ripping chain, there are a few things you’ll need to do. First, you’ll need to find a chainsaw that is the right size and has the right amount of power for the job you’re planning on doing. You’ll also need to make sure that the saw has a good, sharp blade.
Once you have all of these things, you’re ready to get started.
To actually turn your regular chain into a ripping chain, you’ll need to first remove the bar andchain from the saw. Next, take a file and sharpen the teeth on the chain.
Be sure to keep the file level with the top of each tooth so that they’re all even. After sharpening the teeth, reattach the bar and chain and test it out on some wood. If it seems like it’s working well, then you’re all set!
What Angle Do You Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain for Ripping?
There are a few factors to consider when determining the angle to sharpen a chainsaw chain for ripping. The type of wood being cut, the depth of the cut, and the speed at which the chain is moving are all important considerations.
In general, a chainsaw chain should be sharpened at an angle between 30 and 35 degrees.
For softer woods, a slightly sharper angle may be used, while a duller angle is better for harder woods. The depth of the cut also plays a role in choosing the right angle – deeper cuts require a sharper blade, while shallower cuts can be made with a duller blade.
Finally, the speed at which the chain is moving also affects the ideal sharpening angle.
Faster speeds require a sharper blade, while slower speeds allow for a duller blade.
With all of these factors to consider, it’s best to consult with an experienced sawyer or dealer before changing your chainsaw’s sharpening angle. By doing so, you can ensure that your saw is always performing at its best – no matter what kind of wood you’re cutting!
Does a Ripping Chain Cut Faster?
A saw’s cutting speed is determined by the number of teeth on the chain. More teeth equals a slower cut. When a chain gets dull, it loses some of its teeth.
This makes the chain shorter and causes it to cut faster because there are fewer teeth engaging the wood.
Making a Homemade/DIY Ripping Chain for my Chainsaw Mill
Ripping Chainsaw Chain Stihl
Ripping a chainsaw chain is a dangerous and difficult task that should only be attempted by experienced professionals. The process involves using a power drill to spin the chain at high speeds, while controlling the direction of the chain with your other hand. This can easily lead to serious injury if you’re not careful.
There are a few different ways to rip a chainsaw chain, but the most common method is to use a power drill. First, you’ll need to find a powerful drill that can handle the speed and weight of the chainsaw chain. Next, you’ll need to attach the drill bit to the end of the chainsaw chain.
Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when doing this.
Once the drill bit is attached, start the drill on low speed and gradually increase the speed until the chainsaw chain is spinning quickly. Now it’s time to control the direction of the chain.
With your other hand, guide the chain along whatever surface you’re trying to cut through. It’s important to go slowly and be very careful when ripping through tough materials like wood or metal.
If done correctly, ripping a chainsaw chain can be an effective way to cut through tough materials quickly and efficiently.
However, it’s also incredibly dangerous and should only be attempted by experienced professionals.
Chainsaw Ripping Chain
Chainsaw ripping is a process that’s used to cut large logs or beams into smaller pieces using a chainsaw. It’s often used by loggers or lumberjacks to quickly break down trees or other large pieces of wood.
The process of chainsaw ripping starts by making a series of cuts into the log with the saw blade, starting at one end and working your way towards the other.
As you make each cut, you’ll need to angle the blade slightly so that the cuts overlap each other. This will help ensure that the log doesn’t split apart as you’re cutting it.
Once you’ve made all of your cuts, you can then start breaking the log into smaller pieces by hitting it with a sledgehammer or another heavy object.
Start at one end and work your way towards the other, hitting each cut area until the piece of wood breaks off. Repeat this process until you’ve broken the entire log into smaller pieces.
Chainsaw ripping can be dangerous if not done properly, so it’s important to take precautions such as wearing protective gear and using caution when handling the saw blade.
If done correctly, however, it’s an effective way to quickly break down large pieces of wood into manageable sizes.
Granberg Ripping Chain
When it comes to saws, there are a lot of different options on the market. But when it comes to ripping chain, the Granberg Ripping Chain is definitely one of the best options out there. This chain is specifically designed for use with chainsaws, and it’s been designed to make quick work of even the toughest jobs.
The Granberg Ripping Chain is made from high-quality steel that has been heat-treated for durability. The teeth on this chain are also sharpened using a special process that ensures they stay sharp longer. And because this chain is designed specifically for use with chainsaws, it fits all standard-sized saws.
If you’re looking for a ripping chain that can handle even the toughest jobs, then you need to check out the Granberg Ripping Chain. With its high-quality construction and specially designed teeth, this chain will make quick work of anything you throw at it.
How to Sharpen Ripping Chain
If you’re a woodworker, then you know that a sharp ripping chain is an essential part of your toolkit. A dull chain can make rip cuts difficult and even dangerous. But how do you sharpen a ripping chain?
There are two ways to sharpen a ripping chain: with a file or with a grinder. If you’re using a file, start by attaching the file to the depth gauge bar on the side of the saw. Then, holding the saw upside down, start filing the teeth on the top of the blade.
Be sure to keep the file level so that all of the teeth are evenly sharpened.
If you’re using a grinder, start by putting on safety goggles and gloves. Then, hold the saw upside down and position the blade so that it’s touching the grinding wheel at about a 20-degree angle.
Apply light pressure as you move the blade back and forth across the wheel until all of the teeth are sharpened.
Once you’ve sharpened all of the teeth on one side of the blade, turn it over and repeat on the other side. And that’s it!
Your ripping chain is now ready to tackle even tough rip cuts.
Conclusion
If your chainsaw chain is dull, it’s time to sharpen it. But how do you do that? In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make a ripping chainsaw chain.
First, you’ll need a few tools: a file, a depth gauge, and a vise. Next, you’ll need to take the saw apart and remove the bar and chain. Then, using the file, you’ll want to start at the bottom of the tooth and file upwards at a 30-degree angle.
Be sure to use strokes that are even and consistent.
Once all the teeth have been filed, use the depth gauge to check their height. The teeth should be uniform in height – if they’re not, continue filing until they are.
Finally, reassemble the saw and test it out on some wood. With a sharpened chain, your saw should rip through wood like butter!