Left Chain Outside and It's Rusty.

Left a chain outside 2 weeks ago, and it rained. I think it's going to live in a jug of bar oil for a bit. That should take the rust off or at least re-lubricate it. Was only sharpened once, so it's relatively new. Thankfully, it was only a $16 Oregon and not one of those overpriced Stihl OEM chains.

 

Compared to the life you'll get out of a STIHL chain VS an Oregon chain...........its really not overpriced

 

Give it a bath in some pb blaster

 

Sharpen and use it. The rust will get polished off.

Make sure the links are free.

 

I haven't noticed a difference in the steel. I generally get 10 sharpenings out of a chain. After that, the rakers and cutters are wittled away.

 

Wow only 10 do you hand file or grind?...that seems like a short life for a chain..usually it only takes a few strokes with a sharp file to get em razor sharp..

 

I may be in the minority but I've had stihl chains last 20+ sharpening's. having a minimum of 3 chains sharp on hand and swapping after a tank or so requires 3 passes with the file to get them back to wood eating status - less tooth removed and gooder cutting

 

I bench file with a Harbor Freight sharpener. I may take off more than I need to. But, Oregon chain is cheap.

 

mine last a long time too...i hand file also..it doesnt take long..i use the roller guide..very easy

 

Count me as another guy that likes the Stihl chain. Nothing wrong with the Oregon chain (heck, I've got Oregon chain on my saws right now cause it's what the local saw shop had on hand) but the Stihl seems to last a bit longer. Another thing I've found is the Stihl files (in 13/64" and 7/32") are superior to other files I've bought. I know it sounds odd but I'm serious...they're better.

 

I've never kept track of sharpenings, but I have about 6 or 7 chainsaw loops and 3 processor loops I've run. I have about 500 cords cut on them, still plenty of life.

Mostly use the saws for limbing and cutting 40+ ft logs in 1/2 but have done a few acres of hand felling too.

 

The Stihl file is a very good one. It has a real aggressive tooth that makes material removal easier.

 

If you like STIHL files, try Save Edge.
I made the switch

 

I have them all .....................
Save Edge lasts longer, but a new Stihl will take off more material quicker ...........

 

I grind with the HF grinder and can easily get more than 10 sharpenings unless I rock it or something.

And as long as your links are free just put a blast of pb blaster or wd and mount on the saw and make one cut. It will be shine y and oiled up

 

I wound up with a almost worn out 72DL Stihl 3/8 RSC chain in a horse trade. The fellow cut up old railroad ties and the chain was black as smut.

I ground the chain square and gave it to a friend.

The friend used the square ground chain on different customer saws to test them after repairs.

I looked at the chain the next spring and it was clean as new.

I suppose cutting in wood cleaned the burned creosote off?

 

I have even cleaned chains that came in the same way. Stick them in a cut and then sharpen. Removes all the crap built up.

 

I cant see the point in cleaning rust off either, especially two weeks worth. Chains are either "beyond hope" or "ready to cut."

 

Yep I have one I left in the truck bed too long it was stiff and had some seized links. I dropped it in a bucket of used oil. It never freed up so it went on the scrap metal pile no big deal.

 

Put the loop on a saw and it will clean it up in wood.