Carbide Chainsaw Chain. Tips from a Professional

A carbide chainsaw chain is a durable and reliable type of chainsaw chain. Carbide chains are preferred for some jobs because they can cut through materials that regular chains cannot. The lower wear and tear make them last longer than most other types, making them a potentially cost-effective option.

Carbide chainsaw chain:

Compared with most other types, Carbide chains will generally last about 10 times longer before they need sharpening. Due to their superior hardness, they can cut through surfaces such as ice, metallic nails, tree roots, and digging trenches. However, carbide chains are pretty expensive, and sharpening them is more complicated. They also decrease the chainsaw’s cutting speed and might affect the overall productivity.

In this blog post, I will explain the pros, cons, sharpening, and actual applications of carbide chains. And if they are worth using.

Are Carbide Chainsaw Chains Better?

In general, carbide chains are much harder and more durable compared to most other steel chains. They require less frequent sharpening, and they can cut through hardwood with ease. However, carbide chains are expensive and may increase the overall weight of your chainsaw.

Choosing the correct type of chain for your job can be a challenging task. There are three different materials used for chainsaw chains: carbide, chrome, and Diamond. The cutting ability of all three materials differs, and I recommend them for different jobs.

Carbide chainsaw chains are a good choice when you need to cut timber and other hard materials and need the chain to last for an extended period. Of course, diamond chains will last even longer, but they are in another price class.

Compared to chrome, the carbide material is stronger and offers more durability. It can even cut through most metal without any problem. They also do not get dull quickly when they come in contact with the soil. So, you can cut logs lying on the ground. In general, they remain sharper much longer than chrome chains.

You can use carbide chainsaw chains for cutting frozen wood, walls, roofs, wet wood, ice, and frozen rivers. They will perform fine under extreme situations.

Many professionals choose a carbide chainsaw because it can cut five times better than other chainsaws without sharpening it as often.

From my personal experience, I can say the following:

• Cost: Despite their advantages, you have to pay more for carbide chainsaws than other types of regular chainsaw chains. It is also more expensive to sharpen carbide chains as it requires a special diamond-coated wheel.
• Ease of operation: Carbide is a heavy material. This increases the chainsaw weight and can make it more challenging to handle. The cutting speed also gets reduced.
• Application: In short, I would say that carbide chains are best suited for applications such as cutting ice, walls, and roofs where a standard chain would get dull quickly. Or jobs where you use your chainsaw for an extended period and do not want to sharpen it often. If you are on a limited budget and need a chainsaw merely for woodworking applications, I’d say it is better to invest in a steel (HSS) chain.

Do they Make Carbide Chains for Chainsaws?

In general, carbide materials are used in cutting tools that need superior hardness. This applies to chainsaw chains and various other tools like drill bits. The superior carbide hardness makes it possible to use these chains for jobs where a regular chain will not work. Jobs that involve materials like wood with nails, metal, soil, ice, or other debris.

The advantage is that carbide chains do not get flat or dull quickly. They are often used by professionals who work in construction, agriculture, or landscaping. Many chain brands sell carbide chains.

Can Carbide Chainsaw Chains be Sharpened?

Sharpening carbide chains is possible but is more challenging than a regular chain. It can be done using a diamond-coated sharpening tool. If you are less experienced, I recommend asking a professional for help while sharpening a carbide chain.

You know it is time to sharpen a carbide chainsaw chain when the wood starts burning or smoking. You will notice that the blunt carbide chainsaw will no longer cut as smooth as before. Always check that the chain is not damaged or is missing teeth.

How can a carbide chainsaw chain be sharpened?

• Use a depth gauge: An important tool for sharpening a carbide chain is the depth gauge. You need this to measure and adjust the chain.
• Use a diamond tool: As a carbide chainsaw chain is made from a really hard material, you need an even harder material to sharpen it: diamond. The most cost-effective method is to use a handheld grinder and a diamond stone. Or a diamond wheel, a file won’t touch it. There are also cost-effective diamond Dremel bits you can use. Most of these tools can be purchased at a good dealer or online.
• Take care of the angles: After adjusting, the sharpening process refurbishes all four sides of the carbide teeth. You must do this at the correct angles. This is why sharpening a carbide chain is more challenging. If angles are off, it can ruin the carbide blade.
• Check for flatness: After sharpening, the blade should be rust and dirt-free. Check for any flatness since a flatter blade cannot cut items properly.
• Sharpening frequency: A good-quality carbide blade can be sharpened more than three times before it needs to be replaced. When the chain is damaged, it can not be sharpened and need to be replaced.

Does Stihl make a useful carbide chain?

Stihl makes a good-quality carbide chainsaw chain with a 0.325 pitch. Their signature RD3 carbide chain is a perfect choice for cutting wood wrapped in dirt, roots, and hardwood. The chain is cost-effective and considered among the best in the market with a good warranty.

Carbide chains are more challenging to sharpen, but when done, they will stay sharp for longer than regular chains. People prefer Stihl because it has been in the market for a long time providing high-quality products. You can purchase them online or at multiple certified dealers.

Are Carbide Chains Worth it?

Carbide chains are worth it for jobs that need a durable chain capable of cutting hard material without frequent sharpening. Carbide Chains are popular among people who work in construction, agriculture, or landscaping. They can cut wood with nails and even soil without constant sharpening. It will cut clean wood fine, but it is slower.

Compared to other chainsaws, carbide chainsaws are much more durable and long-lasting. Due to their stability, carbide chains produce less vibration and noise, out of the many reasons why professionals prefer to use them when the job demands this. But keep in mind that they will cut slower, so I recommend using a standard, cheaper chainsaw chain for regular, clean wood.

While it is true that carbide chains last longer, they eventually get damaged and become useless. Restoring the carbide chain after the damage is nearly impossible. In most cases, you have to buy a new chain which is costly.

I have shown earlier that sharpening the carbide blade is challenging and expensive since we need expertise and special equipment. Some users prefer chains that are easy to sharpen without additional cost. At the same time, some users buy a single yet expensive chain to save them from the trouble of constant sharpening/replacement. Hence, depending on your ease, you can choose any particular type of chain accordingly.

Carbide requires additional care if it is damaged. The carbide chain should not be flat and rusted after sharpening since rusted carbide will not cut properly. It is also easier for flatter and rusted carbide chains to get additional damage.

Despite not being cost-effective, it can be an excellent choice for some jobs. With proper usage, it can last a whole season. If your work involves rescue or demolition work, investing in a carbide chain could be a perfect decision. The pros outweigh the cons, such as its durability, longevity, and applicability on hard surfaces.

What are the applications of carbide chainsaw chains?

Carbide chainsaw chains are created for tough jobs that require extra durability. They are perfect for cutting hard or abrasive materials, such as hardwood logs, masonry, bricks, iron pipes, steel pipes, and even some metal. They’re also used to cut wood with nails in it, stubborn roots and branches, and even asphalt.

Due to their hardness, carbide chains can operate on a wide range of metallic surfaces, rust, sand, and even dirt. Some of the areas where their use is prevalent are:

• Tough wood with nails: Carbide chains can be a good choice if you have to cut tough and hardwood for extended periods. Or wood that contains nails.
• Adverse cutting operations: A typical HSS chain wears out quickly if operated on dirt. Carbide chains, however, can run as long as you want them, be it dirt, smoke or ash. In many cases, they are sharpened only once a season.
• Fire departments/rescue operations: Most firefighters carry chainsaws with carbide chains as part of their rescue operations. They may be used to operate on roofs for ventilation purposes in case of fire/smoke.
• Industry: At the industrial level, various metallic sheets, plastic rolls, fiberglass, or bundled logs can be cut to their desired dimensions if a carbide chain is available.
• Mining: Carbide-coated chainsaws are quite helpful in sawing coal, rock salt, and other soft rock minerals.

When you have to decide if you will use a carbide chainsaw chain, check if it is both efficient and economically viable. If you plan to cut domestic lumber or forest wood mainly, your best bet will probably be a steel chain. In this situation, a carbide chain would probably not be an economical choice as any cutting advantage obtained would not be enough to counter its high cost.

Rapco Industries: Over 40 Years of Expertise

Established for over four decades, Rapco Industries is renowned as the top supplier of carbide-tipped chainsaw chains. With exceptional manufacturing experience under their belt, they have generated trust among consumers worldwide.

• Worldwide Recognition

The effectiveness and durability of Rapco’s chainsaw chains are recognized and are in use in more than 66 countries globally. A testament to their quality, they are often hailed as the most outstanding chainsaw chains available on the market.

• Chains for Various Applications

Flexible in its applicability, Rapco caters to a spectrum of cutting applications. Whether it is for tasks as demanding as fire department roof ventilation or lighter duties such as firewood cutting, stump removal, and ripping, Rapco has you covered.

• A Variety of Cutting Teeth

Rapco manufactures four distinctive styles of cutting teeth, each tailored to provide unique benefits to its customers. These include the chisel, chamfer, Dragon, and Terminator styles.

• The Superiority of Carbide

Rapco chains employ superior grades of carbide, endowing them with the ability to stay sharper up to 25 times longer than standard steel chains. This ensures high efficiency and longevity for your chainsaw operations.

• Customizable Saw Chain Designs

Recognizing the varying needs of consumers, Rapco has the capability to manufacture multiple saw chain designs and configurations. This allows their chainsaws to adapt to a wide array of customers’ unique cutting requirements, offering a bespoke solution for most chainsaw models.

• Easy Sharpening

Concerned with maintaining optimal performance, Rapco chains can be easily sharpened using a diamond sharpener. They provide diamond sharpeners for different types of grinders, ensuring prolonged sharpness and high efficiency over an extended period.

• Sharpening and Repair Service

In addition to their quality products, Rapco also provides a sharpening and repair service at reasonable charges. This service ensures that the chains continue to deliver optimal cutting performance throughout their lifespan.

• Quality Assurance and Customer Service

Rapco employs a highly skilled manufacturing team that strictly adheres to quality standards. They also offer personalized customer service to assist in selecting and ordering the right chain. I personally recommend availing of the expert advice offered by their customer service team.

• Why Choose Rapco Chainsaw Chains

Rapco stands out primarily because of its wide range of cutting styles, superior carbide grades, and customization options. These factors make Rapco’s carbide chainsaw chains unmatched in the market for cutting performance and durability.

For further information, you may refer to the Oregon State University Extension Service, which provides useful resources on chainsaw maintenance and safety tips.

The Appeal of Carbide Chainsaw Chains

In the world of professional logging and stellar home maintenance, carbide chainsaw chains reign supreme. In my years of experience, these heavy-duty chains significantly outlast their steel counterparts. Carbide chains come with unprecedented durability, reliably resisting any rust or corrosion.

Moreover, they deliver a consistently exceptional cutting performance throughout their extended lifespan. If you’re seeking to purchase chainsaw chains, …carbide chains are worth every cent.

• Embracing Local Pickup

Now, shopping online isn’t confined to waiting for days, or even weeks, for your items to be shipped to your front door. Many retailers today offer a convenient service known as Local Pickup.

As the name suggests, with this service, you get the freedom to order your items online and pick those items personally at a designated pickup location near you instead of opting for home delivery. This, in turn, offers you the flexibility to manage your orders at your convenience.

• Updating Pickup Location

Updating your pickup location is a straightforward task. To do this, the first step involves logging into your online account with the retailer. Once logged in, navigate to the section labeled Local Pickup.

Here, you’ll be presented with an option to select your new pickup location. Please ensure to select a location that suits your convenience the best.

• Placing a Local Pickup Order

The process of placing a Local Pickup order isn’t fundamentally different from placing a regular online order. Start by adding the items you want to purchase to your shopping cart.

Once you’re ready to place the order, proceed to the checkout page. During checkout, select the Local Pickup option. Thereafter, you would need to select the pickup location from the options provided.

• Pickup Timeframes

Within a few hours of placing the Local Pickup order, items are generally ready to be picked up. However, this timeframe can vary between retailers. Some retailers may require longer periods for order processing.

I, strongly, recommend keeping an eye out for pickup timeframes on the retailer’s website or contacting their customer service for a definite answer.

• Pickup Policies

Although the vast majority of retailers allow anyone to pick up a Local Pickup order, few retailers may require the person picking up the order to provide identification or to meet certain requirements. It’s always wise to review the pickup policies on the retailer’s website.

• Eligibility for Local Pickup

A key point to remember is that not all items are eligible for Local Pickup. Certain items, especially those that are too large or ones that need professional handling or installation, may only be eligible for delivery.

• Eligibility for Shipping

Similar to Local Pickup, not all items qualify for shipping. Restrictions often stem from an item’s size and weight. Additionally, legal and regulatory restrictions can also prevent certain items from being shipped.

• Payment Methods for Local Pickup

Payment options for Local Pickup orders can vary significantly between retailers. In some instances, you might only be able to use certain types of payment methods.

Therefore, it is crucial to review the accepted payment options on the retailer’s website or to reach out to their customer service before proceeding to checkout.

If you are a professional logger homeowner looking to undertake some DIY projects or are simply interested in maximizing your online shopping experience, knowing the ins and outs of carbide chainsaw chains and Local Pickup services is guaranteed to be beneficial. Happy shopping!

Enhanced Durability of Carbide Chainsaw Chains

A major advantage of carbide chainsaw chains is their longevity. Compared to traditional steel chains, carbide variants last longer and require sharpening less often. This is due to the higher hardness and wear resistance of carbide as a material.

In use cases where the chainsaw regularly comes into contact with dirt or metal, carbide chains hold a significant edge. They resist dulling under tough conditions that would degrade steel chains rapidly. Due to this durability, they can keep jobs on track and reduce downtime caused by maintenance.

• The Challenge of Sharpening Carbide Chains

Increased toughness, however, presents challenges when it comes to sharpening carbide chains. As they are harder than steel chains, carbide chains demand special tools.

Diamond-coated grinding wheels, for instance, are necessary to maintain these chains. This invariably leads to a higher cost of operation due to the expense of specialized tools. Sharpening guide

• Cutting Speed and Mechanical Performance

While carbide chains offer longevity, it’s important to note their cutting speed. Compared to traditional chains, carbide chains cut slower. This slow speed is particularly noticeable with low kickback chains, which cut considerably slower than traditional chisel designs.

• Fragility of Carbide Chains

Despite their hardness, carbide chains are more brittle than steel chains. This fragility makes them more susceptible to chipping and breaking. A chipped tooth, however, doesn’t always mean the chain is unusable. It does, however, affect the chain’s performance and may necessitate replacement sooner.

• The Cost Aspect

Cost is undeniably a critical factor in any purchasing decision. When it comes to chainsaw chains, carbide variants are significantly pricier than their steel counterparts.

The cost doesn’t end with the initial purchase. Their higher cost of sharpening adds to the total cost of ownership, making them a more expensive option in the long run.

• Choosing Between Carbide and Steel Chains

The choice between carbide and steel chainsaw chains ideally depends on the user’s specific needs and circumstances. Factors such as the type of work, frequency of use, and sharpening capabilities play a crucial role in this decision.

From my experience, I recommend professional loggers or arborists, who operate primarily with wood, to stick with steel chains. They are better suited to handle consistent cutting tasks.

• Ideal Situations for Carbide Chains

Where carbide chains truly distinguish themselves is in situations like fire, rescue, or demolition work. They are also ideal for cutting non-wood materials.

If your chainsaw sees infrequent use or you’re unable to sharpen the chain properly, a carbide chain is a great option. It has a longer life span, reducing the need for regular maintenance.

By understanding the pros and cons of each type of chainsaw chain, you can make an informed choice that best suits your needs, budget, and skill set.