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Chainsaw, the popular weapon of choice for many screen villains, still remains a nightmare for humble home users. Powerful and helpful tools, chainsaws are used around the house for a number of purposes, including pruning trees and scrubs, cutting firewood and even woodwork. For proper maintenance, chainsaws require a number of accessories, including carving bars, suitable stands and a reliable chainsaw sharpener.

With time, depending on the project, your chainsaw may become dull, and the chain will not produce the same precise cut. You will notice that it's time to reach for your chainsaw sharpener when the cut from the saw is not straight anymore or the edges are uneven. Dull chains also produce fine sawdust when cutting, while a sharp saw produces thicker chips of wood.

If you need to push your chainsaw harder to make a cut, it also means that the saw needs sharpening. The chain either is too dull or has been damaged. Newly sharpened chain will enter a cut easily even if you apply only slight pressure.

When you fail to sharpen the chain properly, you will loose power and momentum. As a result, you will consume more fuel. Your chainsaw will age faster and the engine will wear more, too.

Many people refrain from using chainsaws because of the potential dangers. Indeed, injuries caused by chainsaws are severe. The number of chainsaw accidents that required medical attention is getting higher every year, increasing two-fold in five years. 85 percent of injuries to chainsaw users resulted from a contact with a moving or improperly maintained chain.

To survive through many of your home improvement projects and to protect you against possible accident, your chainsaw must be kept in good condition. Keeping your chainsaw sharp will save you fuel, effort and may even prevent you from injury.

Today chainsaw sharpeners are powerful yet safe tools suitable for sharpening virtually all kinds of chains. To prevent injuries the chain is safely locked and grinding wheels are designed to adapt to all your sharpening needs. In many cases, a chainsaw sharpener includes a tool that allows checking the sharpness of the chain finding pitches and changes in gauge depth.

The chainsaw sharpener should be mounted in a well-lit area with plenty of room to work safely, away from any flammable substances. Always wear eye protection when operating a chainsaw sharpener and wear gloves when removing or installing the cutting chain.

Make sure the wheel guard is in place before starting the chainsaw sharpener. Replace the guard if it is damaged or cracked. Use only the correct file size and gauges recommended for specific types of chain.

Make sure your chain is tense if you sharpen it directly on the saw. You may not do a good job when you try to file a loose chain, and besides, you can even damage a chain. Before sharpening the chainsaw, always cleanse the chain properly to prevent soiling the sharpener.

Even if you are a handy do-it-yourselfer, return your chainsaw for re-sharpening to a qualified dealer after sharpening it for a few times yourself. Even with the correct tools, you run the risk of filing at an incorrect depth. A dealer has the equipment to precisely file the chain, and a professional sharpening will make the chain last longer.

Keep your saw clean and energy-efficient by sharpening the chain often and checking the catcher for damages. Clean the chain of your chainsaw with mineral spirits and a soft dense cloth when you finish working. Following these simple tips will keep your chainsaw in top working order.