One of the essential tools to cut a limb or trim a tree is a pole saw. A pole saw is considered the perfect equipment to cut dry wood due to its durability and superior sharpness.
However, just like every tool out there, pole saws require regular repair and maintenance. When a pole saw loses its ability to cut through wood cleanly, it fails to produce the best results.
Now the question becomes, how can I sharpen a pole saw blade?
Learning how to sharpen a pole saw blade requires practice, and it might be difficult at first. But after you’ve done it a couple of times, it will come naturally.
Just follow the steps in this guide!
Two Ways to Sharpen a Pole Saw Blade
There are two methods you can use to sharpen the blade of your pole saw:
- Using a grinder
- Using a file
How to Sharpen a Pole Saw Blade Using a Grinder
An angle grinder works wonders when it comes to sharpening the blades. It is a faster option in relation to using a file. You can sharpen your pole saw by following these steps:
Step 1: Remove the Blade
The first and most important step is to remove the pole saw blade carefully before sharpening it with a grinder. You can remove the blade either by loosening the bolt or by any other method, depending on how the blade is fixed to the pole.
Step 2: Clamp the Blade Firmly
Next, make sure that you clamp the blade to the workbench securely. Don’t forget to wear proper safety gear, which includes a face mask, a helmet, a pair of gloves, goggles, and a long sleeve shirt for working on the process.
Before you start the process, hold the grinder up to the blade in a way that ensures the grinding disc remains aligned with the angle of the blade.
We suggest not applying too much pressure while grinding, as it can cause the pole saw blade to overheat. Keep in mind that the blade should be sharpened the same way you would sharpen a kitchen knife.
Step 3: Check Your Progress
Check your progress after every few passes with the grinder to make sure that you have not taken too much off the blade.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the balance of the blade should be maintained throughout the entire sharpening process.
Step 4: Reinstall the Pole Saw Blade
After you are done with sharpening your blade, the last step is reinstalling it. Make sure that you have reinstalled the blade back to your pole saw in the correct manner, and you will be good to go.
How to Sharpen a Pole Saw Blade Using a File
If you do not have a grinder at home, there is no need to panic. You can also sharpen the blade of your pole saw with a file.
Here’s how it’s done!
Step 1: Put the Pole Saw in a Blade Vice
The first step is to secure the pole saw, so it does not move while you work on the blade.
Then, put the blade of the pole saw in a rounded or beveled manner, keeping the edge facing upwards and securing it to prevent accidental slipping.
Using a control rope, pull the pole saw into an open position and fasten one end of it so that it remains open.
Step 2: File the Beveled Blade
Next, kick off the sharpening process by sharpening the pole saw from its rear. Hold a metal file on the teeth at a 45-degree angle.
File the edge of the beveled blade and push it along the teeth shape. Ensure that you’re holding the pole saw tightly while moving the file to avoid injury.
Make sure you repeatedly strike the blade in a balanced and continuous motion by moving only your hand in a one-way direction. This is done because moving the file in a back and forth direction will cause the metal to get textured, resulting in a duller and less effective blade.
After you are done with sharpening the backside of the teeth, move to the front one and repeat. Remember to also sharpen the top edges as well.
Brush the file in a front-to-back motion carefully on the top edges. Be sure to strike the entire cutting side, then file the other end of the blade to make it smooth and sharp.
Step 3: File the Pole Saw Blade
A small, round metal file is required to sharpen a pole saw blade. Be careful when you do this, since it’s very easy to slip and cut your hands on the saw teeth.
As we stated earlier, each tooth of the pole saw has a rounded and straight edge. Push the file forward using only the small metal file on the rounded edge.
Step 4: Oil the Blade
After the sharpening process is completed, put some oil that is geared toward the metal parts to all the pole saw’s joints. The lubricant goes a long way when it comes to cutting through the branches neatly.
Step 5: Keep the Pole Saw in Good Condition with Regular Maintenance
If you want that your pole saw to work like new every time you use it, it is important to regularly maintain it. In order to do that, you need to file the blade on a regular basis.
If you intend to do a great deal of pole saw trimming, consider bringing some files with you into your backyard or garden. Not only will this save you time, but it will also let you work on the blades quickly and conveniently.
Extra Tips
- It is recommended that you begin the sharpening process by spraying orange oil on the teeth and the blade. This will clean out the dirt and other impurities.
- Spray lubricant to prevent corrosion after you’re done sharpening the blade.
- If possible, file every tooth. It helps to number the teeth using a permanent marker.
- Have patience when you’re sharpening the blade and teeth
- The rod needs to be much longer so it can file away correctly. Whenever you choose a small rod, it becomes difficult to carry out the process. We recommend that you use a diamond file and the whetstone file for sharpening the edge, as these seem to be the most effective.
- When choosing a file, make sure you get one that fits between the teeth. Whetstone and diamond files work well for this purpose.
Wrapping it Up
As we conclude this article, we hope that you were able to learn something useful about how to sharpen a pole saw blade. It is essential that you keep the pole saw stabilized when sharpening.
If you’re not sure about any of these steps, just hire a professional. But if you maintain your focus and follow this guide, you’re going to be ok. Good luck!
