When is a Chain at End of Life

[WinterDeere]

Then you have several passes so not to over heat cutters with a big bite.
You just want to kiss the cutters.

Yep. And that's what's usually happening, as it's rare for any of my chains that haven't hit metal or ceramic to have any tooth much more than a few thousandths off the rest.

You're dealing with customer chains, I'm sure you see all sorts of things I don't, since I'm taking care of my own stuff.

 

[xyz123]

Yep. And that's what's usually happening, as it's rare for any of my chains that haven't hit metal or ceramic to have any tooth much more than a few thousandths off the rest.

You're dealing with customer chains, I'm sure you see all sorts of things I don't, since I'm taking care of my own stuff.

Ya my own chains I still hand file with a touch up. Unless way behind or tore one up then grinder.

Unless stihl carbide chains I have then grinder.

 

[John_Mc]

I had 7 teeth left on my chain and the foreman told me to keep cutting. He barely got out of sight before the bar tip blew up.

Apparently, you've got a moron for a foreman.

 

[Jstpssng]

Apparently, you've got a moron for a foreman.

That was a long time ago but... I did. That was the last of many stunts he pulled on me.
I left the job because of him.

 

[BnRidge]

I had 7 teeth left on my chain and the foreman told me to keep cutting. He barely got out of sight before the bar tip blew up.

Please explain "the bar tip blew up". Would that mean broken chain? 7teeth out of say 40-60 would definitely be less than worthy.

 

[John_Mc]

There are very good combination sharpeners which cut the raker and the depth gauge at the same time. Don't require you to be an expert with a gauge and a vise. You can sharpen a chain on the saw in 10 minutes. I use a Stihl version, but German Pferd makes one too.

FYI: the version sold by Stihl is made by Pferd

 

[BnRidge]

I have chains with multiple teeth missing, and cutters at multiple lengths, definitely not uniform side to side, yet they still cut straight. Whoever says all teeth need to be the same length, where does that information come from? If it's personal experience then what else is going on. Are the depth teeth also set accordingly. Has the bar been dressed flat, and checked to see if it's worn beyond it's useful life. Are the angles gullet and edges uniform or different depending on side?
When is a chain at the end of life?, when there are only - 8teeth left.

 

[CalG]

All the chains that I use have a scribe line on them, When the cutter gets to that line I toss it. Cutters breaking off chain is not something I want to be around.

YUP!

See that line off to the right. (not where the arrow points) That's the trigger to toss the chain in the "just for roots" bin.

 

[Jstpssng]

Please explain "the bar tip blew up". Would that mean broken chain? 7teeth out of say 40-60 would definitely be less than worthy.

The sprocket in the bar tip locked up and little steel balls went flying.