Being a gardening enthusiast for many years, I am perfectly aware of the fact that pole saw sharpening can become a real problem for any person without the proper knowledge and experience. This is how this guide on how to keep a pole saw sharp was done. Personal methods are explained, a little research resulted in many useful tips.
Table of Contents
The best time to sharpen a pole saw blade
How often is good, actually? Well, it mostly depends on the saw blade type. Japanese steel is still a great choice if you seek superior durability. However, even the best stale blade may rust. Your task is to prevent such a scenario by any cost. I teach my friends and colleagues that it is better to prevent rust.
But, in a case when the pole saw was kept in a shed for a long time, over 6 months without any use, rust is inevitable. Naturally, over such a period the sharpness of a blade is lost. So, it won’t be able to trim or cut any kinds of woods.
The best time to sharpen the instrument is every few days. But even the worst-case scenarios when the instrument is not used for a few months still can be solved.
The simple method for a pole saw sharpening: a step-by-step guide
I’d like to share a quite simple yet effective method you may use occasionally to sharpen a pole saw blade. Even the dull instruments can get a perfect level of sharpness to cut any trees, branches, and twigs within a few minutes. Check this method out:
- The first thing you ought to do is cleaning all the dirt. I recommend applying a brush wire for this initial cleaning. Any tree debris along with the dust must be carefully swiped off. Sometimes the saw blade also has the leftovers of oils. In this case, your assistants are the best greaser products that you can find in the market. When applying any of these products, you may take a rag. This method for cleaning is also great for a pruner pole. Keep in mind that certain tools have an unscrewed head unattached to the instrument’s body;
- The second stage is clamping the saw’s blade. Use any box or desk surface. It must be tight. Make sure that the serrated blade’s edge at the top facing you;
- Now I will share the simplest and most essential method of grinding the pole saw blade. Put the sharpening rod in the hole (notch) between two teeth. Then start pushing the sharpening tool in a forward direction. Take it away from the metal to make the blade sharp;
- Repeat grinding for 7 times;
- The blade must become burr. Strive for curled metal develops. The backside of the blade must be very sharp as well. Put the rod in the opposite position and push forward. Never saw back and don’t place it between the pole teeth;
Why do you need to keep the friction of a sharpening rod?
Not many guides explaining how to keep a pose saw sharp share the information about the methods for increasing the sharpness intensity. However, this step is quite essential, if you ask me. Maintain every single part of your pole saw blade with the special kind of opposition rattle. In fact, the rattle must fall off, within only 1 or 2 passes.
Personal advice after sharpening: if you like your instruments shiny and bright, keep them greasy. I apply a special spray or just take any lubricating oil for this purpose. My choice in this category is any Teflon based dry lubricating product. Such oils are great for any pole saw blades. Also, applying a lubricant may protect any metal bare from the development of rust.
Sharpening the pole saw blade with a grinder
The previous method presumes you will be using a file and a sharpening rod. The next simple method involves the use of a good old grinder:
- Prepare for the process. Spray the oil (preferably orange) to the whole surface of the pole saw blade and its teeth;
- In such a way you will clean the tool from all the dirt and other impurities;
- Keep on brushing to make sure the blade and teeth are clean;
- Carefully and thoroughly file each tooth. I use a marker to mark all the teeth with numbers;
- Sharp for a few minutes;
- Spray any good lubricating oil for the rust prevention;
- Make sure to pick the file of a correct size that may fit between the blade’s teeth;
- Be careful when sharpening to prevent any accidental slips;
Other tips for keeping a pole saw sharp:
- The groves of your table must match the chosen sharpening rod. It must fit perfectly;
- Pick the much longer rod to sharpen the blade quickly and properly. Small rods won’t do in most cases;
- I advise sticking to the diamond file. To sharpen the blade’s edges, you may apply the whetstone file. Top-notch quality is expected;
- If it is hard to remove the saw blade from the tool’s body, consider gripping the knife firmly. Most models have the blade holding at various angles;
Comparison of Sharpening Methods for Pole Saw Blades
This table compares different methods for sharpening pole saw blades based on factors such as ease of use, cost, and effectiveness.
| Method | Ease of Use | Cost | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpening File | Medium | Low | High |
| Grinding Wheel | Low | Medium | High |
| Diamond Sharpener | High | High | High |
| Sharpening Stone | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Sharpening Jig | High | High | High |
This table provides a comparison of different methods for sharpening pole saw blades, which are used to trim tree branches. The methods are ranked based on three key factors: ease of use, cost, and effectiveness.
The methods evaluated include sharpening with a file, grinding wheel, diamond sharpener, sharpening stone, and sharpening jig. The table shows that the diamond sharpener and sharpening jig are the most effective methods, while the grinding wheel is a more expensive option that may be difficult to use for beginners. Sharpening with a file and sharpening stone are lower cost options, but they may not be as effective as the diamond sharpener or sharpening jig.
FAQ
Can you sharpen a tree pruner blade?
Yes, you can sharpen a tree pruner blade. It is important to keep the blade sharp in order to get the best performance from your pruner. Sharpening the blade will also help extend its life.
To sharpen a tree pruner blade, begin by using a file or whetstone to work on the beveled edge of the blade. Move the file in one direction along the edge of the blade, taking care not to over-sharpen it. Once you have finished filing, use an oil stone or honing stone to finish sharpening. This will help smooth out any rough edges and further refine the sharpness of your blade.
Finally, make sure to clean off any residue from sharpening with a cloth before using your pruner again. This will ensure that no debris gets caught in between the blades when cutting branches and other vegetation.
How do you sharpen a Stihl pole saw blade?
Sharpening a Stihl pole saw blade is a relatively straightforward process. To begin, you’ll need to remove the blade from the pole saw. Depending on your model, this may require a few simple tools like a socket wrench. Once the blade is removed, you’ll want to inspect it for any damage or wear and tear that may have occurred over time. If the blade is still in good condition, use a file to sharpen it. Start by placing the file against the edge of the blade at an angle of around 15 degrees and running it along each side of the blade several times until you achieve a sharp edge. Finally, be sure to reattach the blade securely once you’re finished sharpening it.
What angle should I sharpen my pole saw?
Sharpening a pole saw blade at a 90 degree angle is the most common and effective way to sharpen it. This angle is ideal because it will create a sharp cutting edge that can easily cut through branches and other materials. Additionally, this angle will help reduce the amount of friction between the blade and material being cut, leading to smoother cuts.
It’s important to note that some pole saw blades may require different angles depending on their design and construction. For example, some blades may require a slightly steeper or shallower angle than 90 degrees in order to achieve optimal performance. It’s best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular pole saw blade before attempting to sharpen it.
Finally, it’s important to use the proper tools when sharpening your pole saw blade. A good quality file or grinding wheel should be used in order to ensure an even and consistent cutting edge is created.
What size file do I need to sharpen a pole saw?
The size of the file you need to sharpen a pole saw depends on the type of saw you have. If you have a standard chain saw, you’ll need a round file that is 5/32 inches in diameter. For a larger chainsaw, you may need to use a 7/32 inch round file.
If your pole saw has an Oregon cutting system, it will require a flat file with a width between 3/16 and 7/32 inches. You should also make sure to match the number of teeth per inch on the file to your pole saw’s chain.
Regardless of what type of pole saw you have, it’s important to use the correct size and shape of file for sharpening. Using the wrong size or shape can cause damage to your pole saw and reduce its effectiveness.
What size chain does a pole saw use?
A pole saw typically uses a chain that is 8-10 inches in length. This size of chain is designed to fit around the bar of the pole saw, allowing it to cut through branches and other materials. The size of the chain will depend on the size of the bar on your pole saw, so it’s important to measure the bar before purchasing a replacement chain.
In addition to size, you should also consider the type of chain when selecting one for your pole saw. Most chains are made from hardened steel, but there are also specialty chains available for specific applications such as cutting hardwood or softwood branches. It’s important to select a chain that is compatible with your pole saw and will provide adequate cutting performance.
Finally, you should take into account any safety features that may be included with your replacement chain.
How to sharpen a manual pole saw?
Sharpening a manual pole saw is a relatively simple process that requires few tools.
First, you will need to remove the chain from the saw. This can be done by loosening the tensioning screw and then pulling the chain off. Next, you’ll need a flat file or mill bastard file, as well as a round file for sharpening the teeth of the chain. Make sure to use files that are appropriate for your saw’s size and type of chain.
Once you have all of your tools ready, start sharpening each tooth on the chain one at a time. Start with the flat file, filing in one direction along each tooth until it is sharpened to your desired level. Then switch to the round file and sharpen each tooth in an outward motion until it is also sharpened to your desired level. After all of the teeth are sharpened, reattach the chain and adjust its tension before using your pole saw again.
Final thoughts
I sincerely hope that this guide will help to maintain a pole saw blade sharp even if you use it quite rarely. Make it a natural process, if not routine, and you won’t have any problems with dull instruments. No matter what products and tools you pick for sharpening your pole saw and pruner – do not save on them.
Buy the best ones you can afford to buy. Investing in the instrument’s maintenance in a sharp condition will save you lots of nerves and money when you decide to trim tree branches and bushes in the backyard. Surely, the mentioned methods of sharpening pole saw blades are extremely easy but effective. Please do share with your techniques for sharpening gardening tools. Thank you for reading this guide! Stay sharp!