Any chainsaw needs to be sharpened after prolong usage. When you tend to use it without regular sharpening, it may bring some wear and tear in the tool thus bringing down your efficiency. You can use the electric chainsaw sharpener to sharpen it and the best part is that you will not need any actual professional to figure out the process. The whole process is simple and can be easily done by anyone.

Step 1: Specifications of the Saw Blade

One of the most important thing to do before you sharpen your saw blade is to actually know what are the specifications of your blade. One can easily find the details of a blade inside or over the box in which the blade first came. The specification should be accurate and you can check that out even manually over the user manual.

Step 2: Positioning the sharpener

Positioning is another aspect of the the saw blade and if not done correctly, one can mess it really bad. Always make sure whenever you are operating the chainsaw sharpener, you need to give it a firm base so that it is fixed else you don’t want it to be moving or loose. It should be placed such that you can easily install the saw blade over it to be sharpened.

Step 3: Installing the sharpening stone

A common sharpening stone has a width of 3/16 inches. You should always get a sharpening stone that has a correct width. It should be such that it correctly fits the gap between the saw teeth. If you visit any hardware store, you will get to know that there are many different types of sharpening stones available. Do see for the correct size and only then buy one for yourself.

Step 4: Swivel Angle

Swivel angle is one of the most important aspect of any sharpening procedure. You need to position the swivel blade such that the saw blade fits correctly in the holder of the chainsaw sharpener. Once you do it, get the correct swivel angle by some adjustments. Usually it is between 0-60 degrees. Depending upon the conditions, it can increase to 80 degrees.

Step 5: Blade tooth angle

When you bought your blade, the box talks a lot about the specification about the blade like the blade tooth angle and few more details. If you are to adjust the same blade tooth angle then you will have to loose a knob in the blade holder. Since setting an angle is a flexible thing so you are free to move the knob in either the positive direction or the negative direction. You are free to set the angle as per the conditions.

Step 6: Adjusting the depth

When sharpening, see for the adjustment of the depth. The depth stop must be adjusted so that grinder of any chainsaw should not cut such that it ruins the whole blade. Even if there is a slight mistake, you see how the grinder will cut more metal of the blade and thus ruining the entire blade. If it keeps getting tampered, one can see it gets overheated. One should be cautious of how the depth is adjusted.

Step 7: Starting the process

Grinder wheel has a good speed so now that you have adjusted the depth, carefully bring the grinder wheel on the first tooth. You may see some sparks when the first contact happens but that’s normal. After a while when it has been some time since the contact, slowly remove it and you will see that the metal has a new metallic shine to it because of sharpening.

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Few Safety Tips

When it takes you double the time to cut through the wood then you know that sharpness of your blade has worn down. In such cases, it is very necessary that you get your blade sharpened by an electric chainsaw. It is an important tool that helps you maintain your saw blade. If you tend to buy a sharpening tool then in the long run, you will end up saving a lot of money that you would otherwise spend on a professional. Even though it may not be very difficult to use a sharpener still here are a few safety tips.

Inspect the sharpener before use

Like with most hardware things, we need to do a double check before you proceed with the sharpener. Closely inspect the sharpener for any defects and see it from all angles. If there is anything that you find suspicious then it is better to get the tool replaced. Also make sure to check the alignment. See for the switches and their working.

Tighten the chain first

A safety practice is to always tighten the chain before you start the process of sharpening. It is just to make sure that the chain remains secure throughout the process. It can be dangerous if the chain comes out while sharpening and it can cut anyone’s hands. Before doing anything with it, it is best to turn off the switch.

Secure sharpener onto worktable

It is always recommended that you use a firm surface before using the sharpener. Make sure that the sharpener is fixed onto some worktable or a hard surface. That helps in getting the work done efficiently. You can prevent any unwanted calamity by making sure there is a good surface where you will do the sharpening. If the surface is not good then chances are that you may let the machine fall on your feet. So always make sure to place it firmly onto a worktable.

Prevent Electric shock

Electricity loves water as it is a good conductor, so always make sure when you are using the electric chainsaw, the conditions are all dry. Never ever use electric enabled equipment in conditions where it is all damp and wet. As a precaution you should also be away from certain equipments as sharp things can easily pierce. See for things like refrigerator enclosures, pipes and radiators. Accidental fires could also take place if there are any flammable gases or liquids on the site.

Use in a well-lit environment

Since the tools involved in the process of sharpening are very sharp and you would always want to start the process when the lighting conditions are all right. Bright lightening conditions can help you sharpen the blade more efficiently and also prevent you from any unwanted accident.

Maintain a safe distance from the Sharpener

When a sharp machine as electric chainsaw is in operation then it is wise not to get any closer to that. Even a slight cut can be harmful so it is important that you be careful and always maintain a safe distance from the sharpener.

Use protective Wear

When doing work with rough equipments like electric chainsaw, anything unwanted can happen so precaution is always the best cure. Deck your face with things like safety goggles or a facemask. They help protect your face from tiny particles and the spark that come out when you are operating the machine.

When making contact with the machine, make sure to wear gloves. Since it is machine that does a lot of friction so obviously, it produces sound and you can have small buds to protect any harm to the ears. If you have long hairs then it is recommended that you bundle them.

 

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References:
https://www.consumersbase.com/best-chainsaw-sharpener/
https://www.doityourself.com/stry/7-electric-chainsaw-sharpener-safety-tips

It is pretty convenient to use a chainsaw to saw through a big tree trunk or trim a few branches. You may even find use for it in a DIY project you undertake. To use a chainsaw effectively, it is important to keep your instrument sharp.

We’ve covered how to sharpen a chainsaw in a previous post on this blog, so be sure to check it out if you want an in-depth elaboration on the topic.

But as one reader pointed out to us, we didn’t talk about using Depth Gauges, which is a pretty nifty chainsaw chain sharpener tool. So here you go. Here is all you need to know about Sharpening a chainsaw using a depth gauge.

What is a Depth Gauge?

A gauge is an instrument used to measure a particular dimension, more often smaller ones than big. A depth gauge measures depth of the valleys in your chainsaw’s chain, between two cutting teeth.

By measuring, you conversely get an idea of how high one cutting tooth is with respect to the rest of the chain. It is pretty accurate too.

The Basics of using a Depth Gauge

There are quite a few types of depth gauges in the market. The simplest is the simple rectangular groove with a hole on the side that is a certain height.

You need only place it over the chain between two level points (usually the grooved teeth) and then file away, till your file begins to eat at the tool as well.

Also read: 10 Best Chainsaws To Buy In 2017: Buying Guide and Reviews

More complex ones can be found as well. There is the type with grooves cut into a piece of angle bar and holes on either side.

They too indicate height from the base and may be calibrated with their thickness or the tool’s design.

Why Sharpen with a Depth Gauge?

When you run a Chainsaw, the friction grinds the chain together. However, with time, things can become uneven. As the teeth on the chain grow duller, it becomes necessary to revitalise the chainsaw by sharpening it up.

Conventional methods on taking the file in the proper direction a certain number of times for each teeth work great. However, you may end up with uneven teeth, since you can never be sure you grinded them exactly the same.

Depth gauges help in this very department. They are more precise in indicating how much you need to grind each tooth.

How to use a Depth Gauge to Sharpen a Chainsaw?

You will know when your chainsaw has become dull. It usually becomes harder to operate, might give poorer final results or work slower than it used to. If you discover your chainsaw has become duller, it is time to sharpen it.

The traditional way to sharpen it is to use a file on the clamped blade, filing each tooth in the proper direction so it becomes sharp and even. You need only consider the cutting end and make sure the edge is sharp. You can see it work as the old, oxidised material gives way to shinier metal from underneath.

Using a Depth Gauge is easier and more accurate, though.

Here is what you need to do.

Isn’t that neat? No matter which design you buy from the market, every depth gauge can be used to sharpen a chainsaw in the same way. I hope by now your chainsaw would have become sharp enough to cut and fell down a tree.

Here’s a video too…

That’s it for this blog entry. I’m thankful to the reader who mentioned about the tool. If you have an idea about something you want us to write of in this blog, don’t hesitate to drop us a line.

Reference:
https://www.consumersbase.com/best-chainsaw-sharpener/

Even when you have a beat-up chainsaw, it can still be pretty easy to cut through most substances with relative ease. Such is the power and force in the average chainsaw. However, getting a proper finish and quick cut are entirely different things.

The best chainsaw is not necessarily a new one, but it definitely is a sharp one. Over time, with use, your chainsaw becomes dull. With the blades worn out, rusted or riddled with debris since previous use, you can have a hard time keeping your lawn tidy. Sharpening it takes care of it.

How to sharpen your Chainsaw?

To sharpen your chainsaw, first you need to have a good chainsaw sharpener, then you need to know what parts you need to file and how much.

A Chainsaw has several teeth around a chain that wound through the surface little by little. Going at the speed most chainsaws usually do, you can saw through a thick log of wood in a matter of seconds!

These teeth are what you need to sharpen. Do not bother yourself with polishing the entire belt or the bar. A Chainsaw’s teeth point both ways and are arranged alternately. Thus, you’ll have 4 orientations to move your file in. But don’t worry, it isn’t half as long as it can sound. There’s barely 4 or 5 teeth for each (depending upon your machine’s make, of course). You’ll be done in 5 minutes!

Tools to use to Sharpen your ChainSaw

The next step is to get yourself a good tool to sharpen your chainsaw. There’s a lot of options in the market, thankfully. Depending upon what method you prefer to use, how much time you have and your budget as well, there’s three options we’d like to recommend.

The common manual file. A round one will do. Ask your salesman at the hardware store for a little guidance. This is the best option for someone who thinks buying something specifically for a chain saw is wasteful.

Then, there’s the file with a guide. It costs a bit more, but it is helpful for beginners who struggle with keeping a proper 30-degree angle with the blade while filing. It might also come packaged with other chainsaw sharpening accessories as well.

If you’re serious about it all, I highly recommend the grinding stone accessory. It finishes grinding your chainsaw in a matter on seconds. All you need to do is fit your bar into the small box, turn on the saw and press at the top. Be careful of the sparks that fly out though.

Here’s a nice video to learn how to use the implements as well as how to safely operate a chainsaw.

Alternatives to sharpening a chainsaw

Trust me, you don’t want to have at logs with a dull chainsaw. It is slow and tiring. Plus, worn out chainsaws are also much more prone to accidents than sharp ones.

Despite how easy it is to sharpen your chainsaw, there are so many people who don’t want to do it, for whatever reason. There are options for them as well.

You can choose to buy a hand-operated chainsaw. You just pass the chain around the piece of wood and move it by hand through the handles. Your wood gets chopped in no time. And when the chain dulls, you can trash it and buy a new one. It comes at a tenth of the cost. The only problem is you can tire out using it.

You can use a traditional saw. Many models simply need you to replace the blade when it dulls. They come pretty cheaply too. It can cut pretty quick and smooth. The problem of putting in effort remains though.

The final option we have for you is using a wire pocket saw. It’s a really sharp piece of wire between two handles, and you operate it like a hand operated a chainsaw, except this, is lighter, smaller in size and works like a dream. Only be sure to test it out and practice, or you’ll keep getting frustrated with it getting stuck in the wood.

Or you know, you could hire someone for the chainsaw business.

So finally, you can see all alternatives chainsaws have don’t really match up to it in all the three benefits it offers; speed, efficiency and ease of use. For a machine that’s getting your work done so quickly and competitively, it is fair to spend some time sharpening it. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Here is a list of chainsaw sharpeners and the best picks: https://www.consumersbase.com/best-chainsaw-sharpener/

Landscape and garden care usually requires a hose or two for general watering through the growing season. Unfortunately, it seems like there is no real good way to keep your hose laying about as it often gets underfoot, can cause you to trip, and generally become a nuisance when you have to mow the lawn. Trying to wrap it by hand is also usually problematic and still leaves it laying in the ground- which truly isn’t the best for its care either. Luckily you can purchase a hose reel that will not only help keep your garden hoses up and out of the way but also up off the ground for easy access and clean up.

Garden Reel Benefits

If you have spent time researching those options in our guide to the best garden hoses, then you definitely want to keep them stored properly. There are many benefits to investing in a garden hose reel, and not only because they are easier to store. Truly, one of the top reasons people choose a reel is safety. As mentioned above, they can cause you to trip, and since many hoses are of natural color, they blend well into grass and walkways. Many times the outside is also slippery.

A high-quality hose can cost a decent amount of money but are often worth the added expense because they last longer. They also do not knot or kink as easily as long as they are not forced into an unnatural position. A reel helps keep your hose wound correctly, plus many have a covering to help protect from drying UV rays- making your investment last even longer.

Many leaks in hoses occur at the water source as hoses are unnaturally bent and pulled. Many reels include a water connection to keep your ends from becoming loose and creating water leakage- which can become wasteful in both resources and cost over time.

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Tips for Choosing a Reel

You’ll want to consider a few points before making a final decision on your hose reel purchase. The following provides a brief buyers guide to get you started:

What is the length of your hose?

Hose reels are sold by the size of hose they can effectively handle. This is probably one of your most serious considerations to ensure the reel you want is one that can properly store your hose. Most reels are well labeled, and if you are unsure of your hose length you can simply measure it for an approximate length as most hoses are in multiples of 10-foot lengths.

Do you need a mounted or portable reel?

If you have room for a mounted reel they can be quite handy and well up out of the way. You can mount them above your water source, to a side, or even along a fence. But if you have a smaller area to work within a portable choice may be a better solution, especially since most include a short connection to your water source, making it even more convenient to use.

How much effort can you apply to wind up your hose?

Some reels are simple and require you to loop your hose around it, others have a handle you turn to wind your hose up, or you can choose a self-retracting one. This is especially nice if you have a small work area near your water source, or you simply do not have the physical capabilities to be repeating winding and bending motions.

Is full hose protection important to you?

There are a few basic reel designs you can choose from, but they will either be open or enclosed. Open styles are usually those you self roll or have a handle to use to roll it up. Enclosed styles either have a handle or are self-retracting. If you live in sunny, dry areas it doesn’t take long for your hose to start to show the wear of this as small cracks form over time. Eventually, this will cause leaks. Protecting your hose can help keep it lasting longer.

Consider Accessories

Hose reel accessories are generally very simple in nature and involve ways to mount your reel or lock your reel into place if portable. Longer hose connections to your water source, as well as ways to turn the water on and off at the reel, rather than the source, can also come in handy.

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Conclusion

A hose reel is an excellent addition to your landscaping tool arsenal. It can help keep your hose lasting longer, but more importantly, keeps it up out of the way for both aesthetic and safety reasons. Make sure to consider your hose needs, such as length, as well as placement of the reel when making your decisions. Personal preferences to design and physical access and also abilities are needs you may have and are easy to accommodate.

For pool owners, pool covers are an essential accessory to have. Pool covers aid in keep out dirt, debris or algae; they are also a safety measures for children.

Pool covers also help to keep your pool safe if you have travelled and are away from home. They are also important during stormy weathers that could result in trees falling or roofs coming apart.

Always ensure that your pool cover is the right size for you pool to avoid it coming apart when you are not around.

 Choosing the best pool cover

In order to choose the best pool cover for you, let’s look at the options available;

#1.Mesh safety covers

• Mesh safety covers are fairly light, making them the most manageable of the covers. They are able to prevent leaves and debris from falling into your pool when it rains. However, it won’t prevent rain water from passing through.
• It also helps to keep the sun’s rays, which aid in the growth and spread of algae; a mesh cover is your best option when the pool is not in use.
• The only major con of mesh covers is that they often trap dirt, leaves, snow, and other debris which makes make them heavy and cave in. Thus, it’s important to clean and brush the cover often. If you’re away from your pool for long moments, instruct someone to brush the debris for you.

#2. Automatic pool covers

• These pool covers are very easy to use and don’t even require more than one person to put it together, with just a touch of a button the pool is safely closed and protected.
• The major con of these covers is that they’re very costly, making them the most expensive of all the covers. They’re also only designed for square and rectangular pools; too bad if you have an oval or round pool structure.

#3. Pool safety nets

• This safety net is different from other types of covers and usually anchored on the sides of the pool.
• The main aim of this cover is to keep children away from the pool and to prevent accidents or drowning.
• The disadvantage however is that it might not be able to completely keep away algae or tree branches from falling in the pool.

#4. Solar pool covers

• This is the least expensive way to cover your pool. It’s one of the most ‘old school’ type of pool cover and its benefits include trapping heat in the pool. It also keeps away leaves, debris and algae from falling in the pool.
• The main con of the solar pool cover is that it’s not safe and had had a track record of causing a lot of accidents and drowning of children.

With this information, you can now pick your preferred pool cover based on your budget and personal preferences. And of course, your safety and that or those around the pool must be considered; opt for a cover that can keep off little children from falling over.

All the best!