Follow up regarding sharpening chains for chainsaws

Date: Sat, 22 Jun 2013 20:35:37 -0400
From: allen baddour
Subject: follow up regarding sharpening chains for chainsaws

Folks,

I received dozens of recommendations for sharpening, and a few requests to share whatever info I learned, so I decided I’d post a summary here. Most received more than one vote and a few had many more than that!

In no particular order, here are the suggestions:

– Southern States (Small Street, but also Chatham Downs and Carrboro)
– Gum Springs Garage (1599 Silk Hope Gum Springs Road, 919.542.2157)
– Charlie Brooks on Charlie Brooks Road south of Pittsboro towards/in Moncure [author’s note: I take my small engine repair work to him, but thought I remembered a sign somewhere that said they didn’t sharpen chains]
– Charlie Brooks on Airport Road in Siler City (919.663.6056) [author’s note: wait, two Charlie Brooks in the area, both of whom sharpen chains???]
– Bruce Hively (aka Bear of Little Creek OPE Service and Repair, 919.837.5557) [author’s note: fellow chatlister]
– Western Auto in Siler City
– Josh Ellis (919.524.4332)

I also received DIY suggestions, by Dremmel, and by a file and guide kit available at places like Lowe’s.

For what it’s worth, I am going to try the DIY system first – it seems like the chains just aren’t as well made anymore and dull so quickly that being able to do it myself makes some sense, both in cost and convenience (ironically). We’ll see!

Best,
Allen Baddour