All Categories – Frequently Asked Questions

To accurately measure the length and size of your chainsaw bar, you need to measure from the tip end of your chainsaw blade right back to the body of the saw where the cutter is closest. When measuring your chainsaw bar you need to always ensure that you round the measurements to the nearest even number.

You need to properly measure out the size chainsaw chain you need before deciding on which one to purchase. To do this, count the number of drive links needed for the chain, the gauge and the pitch of the saw. See our blog to see how to accurately measure your chainsaw chain here.

There is quite a big difference between Semi Chisel and Full Chisel chainsaws. Semi Chisel chainsaws have rounded corners for each of the cutters so that they can retain their sharpness for longer and work better in dirty and cold conditions. However, this is not the case for Full Chisel chainsaws as they are meant for large pieces of work and do not work as efficiently in difficult conditions.

There are a couple of different methods you can use to sharpen your chainsaw chain. Here are just a few ways you can sharpen your chainsaw chain:

・One Way Motor – One way motors are used by manufacturers and chainsaw handlers to sharpen chainsaw chains and is the most efficient method.

・Handheld Sharpeners – This is a straightforward and handy tool which is a very common tool used to sharpen chainsaw chains around the world.

・Bar Mounted Sharpeners – This tool is mainly used in industrial environments to sharpen a chainsaw quickly. It is very effective and sharpens chainsaw chains in a matter of minutes.

When you start to notice that your chainsaw chain becomes less efficient at cutting through material it should indicate that your chainsaw chain needs sharpening. Another way to talk that you need to sharpen your chainsaw chain is if the sawdust emitted from cutting becomes chunky meaning your blade is dull.

Rotatech provide premium quality chainsaw bars compared to other products on the market but for a more affordable price. We also manufacture and supply all of our chainsaw bars which have been specifically designed by industry professionals for industry professionals.

Unfortunately there is no one size fits all with chainsaws. Each chainsaw make and model will have variations in size, gauge, pitch and the bar length as well. However, there are some chainsaw makes and models with interchangeable parts which will have very similar dimensions and sizes.

The type of chain you use on a chainsaw will have a great effect on the output your chainsaw has and its desired effect. For example, larger more powerful chainsaw bars will need a larger more robust chain to drive the links. Every chainsaw bar has a specific chainsaw chain size that will fit it.

There is no universal chainsaw chain size for all chainsaw models. Every chainsaw has its own size bar and chain specific to the size of the chainsaw. This is because each saw will have different needs depending on the model, size, the chainsaw bar and the type of chainsaw. It’s important to always check these before thinking about replacing your chainsaw chain

Although there is a variety in the size, pitch and gauge of a chainsaw chain, there are mainly three different types you can choose from. Each different type of chainsaw is used for a different task depending on the job at hand. The three main types are as follows:

・Full Chisel

・Semi Chisel

・Low profile chains

Wood chipper blades last between 50 – 60 hours depending on the usage and how well they are maintained. However, if your wood chipper blades do not receive regular maintenance and attention this could go down to 30 hours. Exposing your blades to rust or contaminated materials could also result in your wood chipper blades deteriorating faster.

Wood chipper blades can be quite difficult to sharpen. There is a certain process you need to follow to sharpen them effectively. See our full guide to wood chipper blades and how to sharpen them perfectly each time.

By using the correct methods and techniques, you can sharpen your wood chipper blades effectively every time. You need to make sure you are using the correct tools for the job as well sharpening your blades safely. That is why we would recommend checking out our full guide to wood chipper blades and sharpening.

Having a disc in your wood chipper is better for energy efficiency and consume less fuel than drum chippers. This is mainly due to the simplistic design of disc chippers. Drum chippers are slightly less efficient but manage to cut material into smaller more manageable chips. So drum chippers can be much cleaner and break down wood more effectively.

There are quite a few materials you should avoid when using a wood chipper that could seriously damage your equipment. Here is a list of everything you should not use in a wood chipper:

・Metal
・Rock
・Sappy pine Wood
・Rubber
・Vines
・Any pressure heated wood
・Pine cones
・Shells

How long your stump grinder teeth last is dependent on how often you use them and the type of stump grinder teeth you use. Typically, stump grinder teeth last between 5-15 hours. They can also grind down quicker if rock, sand or other inappropriate materials are used on the stump grinder. So to ensure your stump grinder teeth last as long as possible, try to avoid using it on rocky/sandy surfaces.

To Sharpen your stump grinder teeth there are a few methods which you can use. However, we would recommend that you follow these steps:

・Remove the spark plug
・Clean your workspace
・Use a metal or green wheel to sharpen the teeth
・Clean your stump grinder and service

See our guide to stump grinders for the full blog and more information on how to accurately use and sharpen your stump grinder.

Greenteeth are very unique stump grinder teeth. This is because the pocket system they use allows the stump grinder teeth to be rotated to a fresh cutting edge so that you do not have to sharpen your stump grinder teeth as often. It is also very easy to rotate the teeth. All you need is a standard wrench.

Most common stump grinder teeth are manufactured from high-grade steel with the tip’s of the stump grinder teeth being make from carbide. The carbide tips help to ensure that the stump grinder teeth do not sheer when used for wear and tear for easy maintenance.

Before you decide what size chainsaw file you need for your chainsaw, first you need to determine the size of your chainsaw chain’s pitch. So if you have a large pitch for your chainsaw the cutting teeth will be higher as well. Commonly, chainsaw chain cutting teeth with a large pitch will require a larger file.

If you have a ⅜ pitch for your chainsaw chain, it is recommended that you use a chainsaw file with a size of 4mm for the pitch length to sharpen your teeth effectively.

How often you use a file to sharpen your chainsaw chain will depend on how often you use your chainsaw. Most professionals sharpen their chainsaw chains after around three hours of use so that the blades do not become dull for the next jobs. But the more you sharpen and maintain your chainsaw chains with a file the less likely you will need to replace your chain. However, if you rarely use a chainsaw, once a year should be enough.

In all there are four different sizes for chainsaw files.

・0.43 inches
・0.050 inches
・0.058 inches
・0.063 inches.

However, make sure you know the correct size and pitch for your chainsaw chain before deciding on what size chainsaw file would be best to use.

Depending on the type of chainsaw you use there are two main types of chainsaw sprockets, spur sprockets and rim sprockets. Although there are many variations of these sprockets depending on the make and model of your chainsaw. Spur sprockets are multipronged sprockets that are star shaped with 6-8 points that are integrated into the chainsaws clutch cover. Rim sprockets are a very similar in shape and size but are not integrated with the clutch making them easier to customise and maintain.

Chainsaw sprockets are one of the most important components of a chainsaw as this keeps the clutch drum and the motor. They are also designed to drive the correct pitch length chainsaw chain around the chain bar. It is important to maintain your chainsaw sprockets and find a suitable replacement if it malfunctions

There are two main types of chainsaw sprocket, spur sprockets and rim sprockets. Spur sprockets are generally more durable and have a simple design with fewer parts which makes the chain installation easier as well. However, rim sprockets are easier to maintain, replace and customise, whilst being more affordable than spur sprockets.

Over time, chainsaw sprockets suffer from the wear and tear as the cutting edges of the chainsaw chain passes through the sprockets. A worn out sprocket can also misalign your chainsaw chain. So as a rule of thumb, replace your chainsaw sprockets after you have gone through two to three new chainsaw chains or if you notice the chain being misaligned and heavy vibrations.

Different chainsaws require different oils and lubricants to make them work effectively depending on the make and model of the chainsaw and the engine. The three main types of chainsaw oils and lubricants are as follows:

・Standard chainsaw oil
・Biodegradable chainsaw oil
・2-stroke chainsaw oil

To learn more about the different chainsaw oil types and what chainsaws they are best used for, see our complete guide to chainsaw oil.

Motor oil is generally not a suitable replacement for chainsaw oil. Unlike motor oil, chainsaw oil goes around the chain to lubricate it as well, keeping it working efficiently. Chainsaw oil is also more viscous (or sticky) than motor oil and sticks to the bar and chain to lubricate it. So it is advised that you should always use chainsaw oil for your chainsaw instead of replacing it with motor oil for lubrication.

In order for your chainsaw to run smoothly, you should always use the correct type of chainsaw oil and lubricant that works best for your chainsaw make and model. Although motor oil can be used for the engine there are specific lubricants that help the chainsaw chain run effectively. See what types of lubricants & chainsaw oils Rotatech provide.

Yes, WD-40 is a good way to help maintain and lubricate your chainsaw chain although it isn’t as effective as chainsaw oil. WD-40 is mainly used for cleaning purposes if you are planning on replacing or refitting your chainsaw chain to the chainsaw’s guide bar.

You need to make sure that you use the correct type of chainsaw oil to keep your chainsaw chain efficiently lubricated. Because motor oil has a low viscosity, it makes it not suitable for lubricating your chainsaw chains. In fact, old motor oil can damage the bar and chain, exposing it to more wear and tear.