Saw Chain
29 Mechanical Timber Harvesting Handbook
Saw Chain Maintenance
Saw Chain Maintenance
Before sharpening, you should:
Clean
• Clean your saw chain, removing dirt, debris, and lubricant.
This step is required before you inspect the chain.
Inspect
• In a well-lit area and using Oregon's Multi-Purpose Tool and
Stretch Gauge, inspect your saw chain for Chain Stretch.
• Inspect for broken, cracked, damaged, or missing saw chain
components.
• Inspect loose rivets. If you can turn a rivet with your fingers its
loose.
• Inspect for excessive stretch, stretch is actually wear
occurring to the flange of the rivet and the holes in your drive
links.
• Inspect the chain chassis for abnormal wear patterns, which
are indicators of other cutting system issues with the guide
bar and drive sprocket.
Decide to Discard or Repair
Discard
Discard your saw chain when it has:
• Broken
• Broken and parts are missing
• Excessive stretch
• Loose Rivets
WARNING: To reduce risk of injury, always use personal
protective equipment (gloves and safety glasses) when
handling saw chain.
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