Even the best saw chain wears and becomes dull after a certain period of use. It is time to resharpen the chain when one of the following conditions occurs:
- The chain does not pull itself into the cut, it has to be forced to cut by applying pressure to the powerhead.
- When bucking, fine sawdust is pulled from the cut instead of coarse, thick chips.
- Smoking in the cut even though chain lubrication is in order and chain tension is correct.
- The cut wanders in one direction. This is an indication of dull cutters on one side of the chain or irregular cutter lengths.
- The saw "chatters" and "bounces" during the cut. In this case you must check the depth gauge settings.