A pole saw blade is, simply put, a saw at the end of a pole. The pole the saw is attached to is extendable and usually reaches up to around 10 to 20 feet. The blade attached at the end is often a hacksaw with a slight curve. It is a piece of equipment that you must have for cutting and trimming trees.
Over time, like all cutting equipment, the pole saw also loses its sharpness. In this event, you can do two things- either replace the blade for a new one or simply sharpen and revamp your old one. It is recommended that you sharpen your pole saw blade every six months.
The process of sharpening the pole saw blade is relatively easy, albeit a little time-consuming. This article is your guide on how to sharpen a pole saw blade. If you follow the instructions mentioned in this article along with a little patience and endurance, your blade will be very sharp and ready to chop down trees again in no time.
The entire process of sharpening a pole saw blade can be completed in five simple steps.
How to Sharpen Pole Saw Blade? – 5 Easy Steps To Follow
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Clean your pole saw blade
The very first step you need to perform is detaching the blade from the pole. To do this, just simply use a screwdriver to unscrew the blade. Then you need to thoroughly clean out the pole saw blade with a brush wire. Be careful and make sure to methodically clean out all of the tree debris and dust and make sure that there is little or no dust on it.
If you find any form of oil buildup on the surface of the blades, wipe it down with a rag or use a toothbrush to brush off the oil. Citrus cleaners have been proven useful in this step.
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Clamp the pole saw blade
Now that you have successfully cleaned out the blade, the next step is to clamp it with a table or a box surface. You need to ensure that it has been appropriately clamped in place and is tight enough.
It would be best if you clamped the saw blade in such a way that the serrated edge or the ‘teeth” of the blade is facing upwards. So make sure to clamp the blade on the table vase with the help of the serrated edge part.
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The Sharpening
Till this point, you were simply setting up your pole saw blade for sharpening. This is the step where you actually sharpen your pole saw blade.
How to sharpen a pole saw blade?
Now the two basic methods using which you can sharpen your pole saw blade are mentioned below.
The first method through which you can sharpen your saw is using a file. Now, this is the most common and the simplest way to sharpen. You have to start sharpening your saw from the back and move towards the front.
The first step is to take the file, and place it at a 45-degree angle on the teeth and then push it along, conforming to the shape of the teeth of the saw. You should repeat this backward and forward movement at least 6 to 7 times. Ensure that you are holding on the saw firmly while you are moving the file to avoid any injuries or accidents.
Moving to the front of the saw, after completing the backside, repeat what you have just done. The top edges need to be sharpened as well. Carefully run the file back and forth over the top edges to sharpen them.
The other tool that can be used to sharpen pole saw blades is a grinder machine. You use a grinder machine to sharpen your pole saw blade when you want a professional finish and use the blade professionally. The machine holds the saw in place and gives it a stylish finish as you lower down the wheel.
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Oil up the blade
After you have completed the process of sharpening the blade, it is time to lubricate the saw. Use a good quality lubricant and apply it to all the joints of the pole saw blade. This will help you cut the branches easily and neatly. The lubrication will also protect the blades from rusting.
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Reattach the blade
Now that your blade is all sharpened, it is time to reattach the saw blade to the pole. Once screwed on, the saw blade will once again turn into a pole saw blade!
Safety Precautions and recommendations
- Before you start sharpening, don’t forget to wear proper safety gear, which includes parts such as a helmet, a face mask, gloves, goggles, long-sleeved t-shirts, etc.
- After you have sharpened 3 or 4 times, try and replace the chain with a new one.
- Make sure to always spray lubricant after sharpening or cleaning out the blades.
- You must be patient and remember to take your time while sharpening the blade. Don’t take any unnecessary risks, which might lead to an accident.
- Always make sure to use the accurate size of the file to sharpen the pole saw. Otherwise, you might be injured during the sharpening process, and your blade will not be appropriately sharpened.
Final thoughts
Now you know how to sharpen a pole saw blade. Like all machinery and equipment, it is vital to perform maintenance work on your pole saw blades. Working with a dull blade is time- consuming and unproductive. It not only takes longer to trim branches but also cuts roughly, making it hazardous.
This is damaging for the pole saw in the long run. Therefore it is imperative that you take care of your pole saw blade and sharpen it regularly. I hope after reading this article, you have a clear idea of all the steps involved in sharpening a pole saw blade and will be able to perform it smoothly and confidently. Please do make sure to read over the safety precautions again and maintain them dutifully to avoid any form of accidents.
Read more about gardening power tools :
- How to use a pole saw?
- Pole Saw Safety Tips – Explained in detail
- Chainsaw Tips and Tricks
- Read our buying guide for budget chainsaw
- https://iwoodcutters.com/best-cordless-pole-saw/
- Buying guide for top-rated electric pole saw
- Gas Powerd Pole saw Reviews
This is me Sonnet. I manage a full-time workshop for my clients’ woodworking projects. From a very young age, I’ve been always passionate about DIY projects. And that’s the reason I’m amicable with the woodworking tools. I’m regularly handling a couple of projects like cabinets, furniture, boats, and many more using wood, veneers, and laminates.