How do I sharpen my electric chainsaw?

[Muse]

I encountered a McCulloch AC electric pole chainsaw for sale at Costco in 2002 for around $75, and after doing some research decided to buy it. I've used it quite a bit on the property, almost always to work on the two huge old plum trees here. I've whittled them down to 1/3 their size, may take them down to the stumps soon, plant some other fruit trees. I cut some of the thicker limbs into pieces for firewood in my fireplace or just to get them small enough for my yard waste recycling bin.

I have quite a problem with my neighbor's trees hanging over my property. They are actually rubbing against one side of the house. I could get on my roof (2nd story) and work on those trees. Maybe not get all off I need to, but get a lot of it, have the rest done by an arborist. But I figure sharpening the chain first would be smart. I'm on a tilted roof. The easier I make it on myself, the better, and part of that is having a sharp, optimally functioning saw.

Well, I've never sharpened the chain. It's just the chain it came with. I try to oil the chain like they prescribe. I don't usually use the button provided that expels oil onto the chain's plate. I've always found that not so friendly. I have to press that button really hard with my thumb. It doesn't always work. Instead I dribble some oil directly from a bottle of oil onto the chain's plate, give the chain a whirl, repeat. I used up a bottle of chain oil, started using canola oil instead, as advocated some places online.

Well, I figure the chain needs sharpening. It still cuts but I figure it's slower than it should be. I mean that plum tree's some pretty hard wood. I cut green wood and dried wood with that saw.

How do I sharpen the chain? What do I need? What do I need to know? How do I go about it? I see some stuff for sale at Amazon but have no idea what if any of that stuff to consider buying/using. Or should I go to a local hardware store and buy some things? Do I need nothing more than a file? A file and a gauge? Or is some designed system better? Amazon's selling some very disparate looking systems for ~$40.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N4L2LO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010JJNOUE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ANJT5HY3YU017&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PBKWHX3/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A22N7UP1RTMKVC&psc=1

 

[Gardener]

You use a round file, a very small diameter, depending on the size (pitch) of your chain. You will have either a 1/4" pitch chain, or a 3/8" low profile chain. Determine the size of your chain https://www.ereplacementparts.com/r...insaw_Chain_Measurements_Sizes_and_Types.html
Then look up a youtube on sharpening the cutters. About every 3rd sharpening you need to reduce the height of the rakers, which determine how deep the chain cuts, with a flat file and a gauge. But don't worry about that right now.

To sharpen a chain,

I like to put the bar in a vise, and lock the chain in place with the blade brake. I don't use a filing guide, as for my purposes (limbing and cutting waste) getting it close enough on the angles is ok, as long as the cutter is sharp. So I sharpen all the teeth angled one way first, then turn the saw 180 degrees and sharpen the other direction cutters. Remember that when filing you are cutting on the push stroke, and lift it out on the pull stroke.

 

[Greenman]

A little off topic, but why are you caring for your neighbors trees? I understand being a good neighbor, but climbing around on a tile roof with a chainsaw to maintain their property is a little much. As I recall, you're not a spring chicken anymore.

 

[Muse]

A little off topic, but why are you caring for your neighbors trees? I understand being a good neighbor, but climbing around on a tile roof with a chainsaw to maintain their property is a little much. As I recall, you're not a spring chicken anymore.

Well, the trees are rooted on my neighbor's property, which is a corner lot with a two story apartment complex on it, around a dozen apartments. They have a row of trees rooted just on their side of the chain link fence separating the properties. The trees have continued to grow and grow and overhang my property by something like 10 feet and probably reach up to around 25 feet. I'm given to believe that it's not my neighbor's duty to trim what hangs over my side but that I can legally cut back to the property line. If anyone knows better, please explain. I'm in Berkeley, CA.

Yes, no spring chicken, but for a guy my age, hell of hale.

Edit: A guy I know told me I should have a conversation with the owner, but I don't have contact info. I've been meaning to try to get that, at least the phone number but I don't often interact with anyone there, and it hasn't happened. In any case, AFAIK, the owner has no responsibility concerning their trees' portion over my property.

 

[BoomerD]

Well, the trees are rooted on my neighbor's property, which is a corner lot with a two story apartment complex on it, around a dozen apartments. They have a row of trees rooted just on their side of the cyclone fence separating the properties. The trees have continued to grow and grow and overhang my property by something like 10 feet and probably reach up to around 25 feet. I'm given to believe that it's not my neighbor's duty to trim what hangs over my side but that I can legally cut back to the property line. If anyone knows better, please explain. I'm in Berkeley, CA.

Yes, no spring chicken, but for a guy my age, hell of hale.

Edit: A guy I know told me I should have a conversation with the owner, but I don't have contact info. I've been meaning to try to get that, at least the phone number but I don't often interact with anyone there, and it hasn't happened. In any case, AFAIK, the owner has no responsibility concerning their trees' portion over my property.

That was always my understanding when we lived in CA. You SHOULD be able to trim what hangs over the property line...

As for sharpening the chain...it's a fairly easy DIY thing...OR, you can take it to a saw shop and they'll do it for you. Looks like Ashby lumber is a Stihl dealer. If they don't sharpen chains, I'm sure they can direct you to someone who can, (or you could just buy a replacement chain)

 

[mindless1]

The owner does have responsibility for their tree's portion over your property, if lack of reasonable upkeep causes damage. You have the right to trim that portion over your property you have more limited rights in CA to trim over your property line and some potential liability attached, but it is still the obligation of the land owner the tree is on, to maintain the entire tree.

Small chains can be inexpensive. Don't know exactly what you need but here's one for $15:

Amazon.com : McCulloch 10” Oregon Chain Saw Repl. Chain Model #MS1015, MS105P, MCP1510 Pole Saw For Micro-Lite (9149) : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : McCulloch 10” Oregon Chain Saw Repl. Chain Model #MS1015, MS105P, MCP1510 Pole Saw For Micro-Lite (9149) : Patio, Lawn & Garden

www.amazon.com

 

[Muse]

The owner does have responsibility for their tree's portion over your property, if lack of reasonable upkeep causes damage. You have the right to trim that portion over your property but it is still the obligation of the land owner the tree is on, to maintain the entire tree.

Small chains can be inexpensive. Don't know exactly what you need but here's one for $15:

Amazon.com : McCulloch 10” Oregon Chain Saw Repl. Chain Model #MS1015, MS105P, MCP1510 Pole Saw For Micro-Lite (9149) : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : McCulloch 10” Oregon Chain Saw Repl. Chain Model #MS1015, MS105P, MCP1510 Pole Saw For Micro-Lite (9149) : Patio, Lawn & Garden

www.amazon.com

I'll look into requesting that the owner address the wildly overgrown trees. It's a problem in that they brush up against the house and actually over the edge of my 2 story house's roof. Those trees also shed lots and lots of leaves and I routinely gather them up into my 6 cubic foot wheel barrow and dump on my compost pile. It's free compostables, but extra work for me.

The tree closest to the curb has been dead for a couple years. Branches from it sometimes fall and they can fall on my car, which is parked in the driveway. I know for sure they're supposed to remove that tree. I mentioned it to the gardeners who occasionally service the property, who are not even ESL, I gather. Probably Vietnamese, maybe Cambodian, I don't know. In the most fractured English imaginable I was given a few words that they would take care of the dead tree, but that must be ~8 months ago now.

Another problem is this weird whitish fuzzy stuff I find on the ground, it's been happening for years. My theory is that it's insulation coming from the building's heating system.

I figure the owner may well address the issues, but it's just a guess. I should approach tenants and request a phone number. I was told "Brenda," don't know if that's the owner or possibly the manager, I figure probably the owner.

 

[iRONic]

Buy a new chain.

 

[Hans Gruber]

Buy a couple of new chains. They are under $10 each. I suggest an Oregon Chain.

 

[lxskllr]

That Stihl 2in1 is a credible system. It's made for them by Pferd, so you could search that to see if you can get it a bit cheaper. A single round file for the teeth, and a flat file + gauge to do the rakers will work too, but it takes a bit of practice. You need to know what kind of chain you have. It's probably 3/8" low profile, but it could be 1/4" chain. Files/sharpening systems are for specific pitch chain, so you need to know.

Don't get any kind of electric grinder. You'd have to pay at least double what the saw cost to get anything decent, and if you don't use it right, you can ruin the teeth.

 

[Muse]

That Stihl 2in1 is a credible system. It's made for them by Pferd, so you could search that to see if you can get it a bit cheaper. A single round file for the teeth, and a flat file + gauge to do the rakers will work too, but it takes a bit of practice. You need to know what kind of chain you have. It's probably 3/8" low profile, but it could be 1/4" chain. Files/sharpening systems are for specific pitch chain, so you need to know.

Don't get any kind of electric grinder. You'd have to pay at least double what the saw cost to get anything decent, and if you don't use it right, you can ruin the teeth.

Is that Stihl 2in1 not the same as this one, which is ~$4 cheaper at Amazon???

https://www.amazon.com/STIHL-Easy-Chainsaw-Chain-Sharpener/dp/B00HY90LAE/ref=psdc_9425917011_t2_B010JJNOUE

 

[lxskllr]

Is that Stihl 2in1 not the same as this one, which is ~$4 cheaper at Amazon???

https://www.amazon.com/STIHL-Easy-Chainsaw-Chain-Sharpener/dp/B00HY90LAE/ref=psdc_9425917011_t2_B010JJNOUE

The first one you linked is 3/8" pitch. This one is 3/8" low profile, or in Stihl's terms, picco. That's what the "P" stands for. If I had to just guess, I'd say you need the 3/8"P. That's what your saw /probably/ takes, but there's a chance it's 1/4" pitch, and the 3/8" of any kind won't work with 1/4".

Your saw is either 3/8"lp or 1/4." There's zero chance your saw is any other pitch. Your manual should tell you what chain it takes, or if you lost the manual, a web search with the exact model# should tell you.

 

[Muse]

The owner does have responsibility for their tree's portion over your property, if lack of reasonable upkeep causes damage. You have the right to trim that portion over your property but it is still the obligation of the land owner the tree is on, to maintain the entire tree.

Small chains can be inexpensive. Don't know exactly what you need but here's one for $15:

Amazon.com : McCulloch 10” Oregon Chain Saw Repl. Chain Model #MS1015, MS105P, MCP1510 Pole Saw For Micro-Lite (9149) : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : McCulloch 10” Oregon Chain Saw Repl. Chain Model #MS1015, MS105P, MCP1510 Pole Saw For Micro-Lite (9149) : Patio, Lawn & Garden

www.amazon.com

I believe that's the chain. It says for MS1015, mine's a MS1015P. This listing explicitly says for both and is for 2 chains for ~$25:

OREGON Chains 2-Pack for McCulloch MCP1510 MS1015 MS1015P Pole Saws 91VXL039G(2) | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for OREGON Chains 2-Pack for McCulloch MCP1510 MS1015 MS1015P Pole Saws 91VXL039G(2) at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[Muse]

The first one you linked is 3/8" pitch. This one is 3/8" low profile, or in Stihl's terms, picco. That's what the "P" stands for. If I had to just guess, I'd say you need the 3/8"P. That's what your saw /probably/ takes, but there's a chance it's 1/4" pitch, and the 3/8" of any kind won't work with 1/4".

Your saw is either 3/8"lp or 1/4." There's zero chance your saw is any other pitch. Your manual should tell you what chain it takes, or if you lost the manual, a web search with the exact model# should tell you.

Yeah, it's MS1015P model McCulloch. I have the manual and I just looked through it and couldn't find any spec on the chain at all. Their website appears to be no help either. In fact I haven't found anything other than around 4 Ebay listings that specify Oregon chains for Model MS1015P, which appears to be 3/8". I may buy those two chains, get that Stihl sharpening system as well.

The manual says this (never noticed before):

BAR WEAR - Turn guide bar frequently at regular intervals (for example, after 5 hours of use), to ensure even wear on top and bottom of bar.

I had no clue! I've never turned the guide bar! Have no idea how many hours I've used this. I'd guess 15 anyway.

 

[lxskllr]

I flip the bar whenever I take it off for some reason. If I spend any time cutting, I take the bar off and clean everything up, and I flip it then. You should do that also. Brush out the clutch cover, and clean the bar rails and oil holes after use. Use a piece of metal strapping to clean the rails, and a piece of wire to clear the oil holes.

 

[Muse]

I flip the bar whenever I take it off for some reason. If I spend any time cutting, I take the bar off and clean everything up, and I flip it then. You should do that also. Brush out the clutch cover, and clean the bar rails and oil holes after use. Use a piece of metal strapping to clean the rails, and a piece of wire to clear the oil holes.

I was hoping you'd chime in. I'm going to try to service the saw as best I can, following your ideas here, probably dig up some YT videos.

I ordered a couple of Oregon 91VXL039G chains off Ebay for $23+tax. This Amazon listing looks as good or better and the info says it will fit my MS1015p McCulloch, is $10. However, hadn't heard of the brand and my impression is that Oregon is highly respected brand. Same specs

SALEM MASTER 10 Inch Chainsaw Chains 3/8 LP Pitch - .050" Gauge - 39 Drive Links, Semi-Chisel Gas Powered Chainsaw Chain Fits for Echo, Poulan, McCulloch

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TV9S9MP/ref=vp_d_pb_TIER4_cml_lp_B006U3NWTW_t_carl_pd?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07TV9S9MP&pd_rd_w=ZIkl7&pf_rd_p=2482037c-0e6c-41b3-b0cb-39771460be9d&pf_rd_r=RW4JNA9DF1GFHQ8NHT1C&pd_rd_r=d104686f-807f-4658-b142-84bb4905a808&pd_rd_wg=DDxVT

 

[lxskllr]

Oregon's decent chain. It's the best, and biggest brand most people will come across. They make a lot of oem chain for the different brands also.

IMO, the best at any price is Stihl chain, but you can only get that at a dealer, or online from someone who shouldn't be a dealer since Stihl doesn't allow their dealers to sell online. It's also the most expensive. Husqvarna recently started making their own chain, and it's supposed to be good, but I haven't tried it. Carlton makes a quality budget chain, but I've never seen that on a store shelf.

 

[Muse]

My 2 Ebay-ordered Oregon chains for my McCulloch electric pole chainsaw were supposed to arrive yesterday. They didn't arrive. Now supposed to arrive today.

Couple days ago I found a site that's AFAIK not specific to any locale, so I have to wonder if I can take its recommendations:

https://www.thebalancesmb.com/right-to-maintai-trees-over-your-property-line-4165795

So I called the City of Berkeley (CA) a couple days ago to try to find out what my standing is with regard to ordinances concerning the neighbors trees hanging over my property... i.e. city/county/state.

So, I get a woman on the phone at the City of Berkeley offices and explain my situation. She gets my name, address, email and contact phone number and says she'll pass it along to "On Call." I inquire exactly what that is and she says it's the "Forestry Dept." She says they'll call me and arrange when they'll come

Around 1/2 hour later I'm in front of the house doing a few things and a city truck is cruising slowly in front and I'm wondering if this is them surveying the situation. After a few seconds I establish contact with the guy. So, he didn't call, just came over. I'm talking to him and he's in his City of Berkeley truck, double parked. We talk. He says this is private, not a park or whatever, i.e. a Berkeley problem. I say I explained the situation to the woman on the phone, don't know why there was any confusion. He gets out and we talk, eventually parks his truck.

I show him the tree line at the west end of the property. He immediately IDs the big trees hanging over, brushing against my house and hanging over the roof by ~2 feet as "podicarpus" trees. He also spots one or two small dead trees I hadn't noticed.

We discuss the issues and he offers to do the trimming himself. Says he'll trim back the trees to property line for $825. Takes his card out of his wallet, hands it to me. I ask him if he's insured (I'm wondering because some of the branches are quite large and heavy and could conceivably crash into my house). His response, "yeah, I have all that." He says I'll move my car out of the driveway and he'll bring in some equipment. I ask and he says he'll dispose of the wood, etc. We continue to talk a while and as we part, he says he'll do it for $650. He's maybe Mexican, judging from his name, Francisco. His card has email address, phone number, "Pruning and Tree Removal", cell, home number, doesn't actually have his full name, just says "Francisco's Tree Service."

Well, I'm tempted to just call him and ask him to come by and firm this up, but I am hesitant for a few reasons:

I was thinking for months that I wanted to,

1. Contact the owner or property manager
2. Contact several arborists and talk turkey: Ask about options, pricing, my legal standing, etc.

So, I haven't done those things. I looked in my data and found contact info that I didn't know I have for the apartment building next door. I knew that the tenants of the apartment building contact "Brenda," didn't know if she was owner or manager and she turns out to be property manager. I have phone numbers for both owner and property manager, both women. Haven't called either yet.

I haven't talked to arborists. I could look for recommendations. There's a Berkeley Parents Network online where I can very likely get recommendations and short messages from local homeowners about their experiences with various companies. I could check out Yelp, even Craigslist.

Now, I'm thinking that $650 might be a really good quote. I suspect it is, but I really don't know. I've lived here a long time, as a renter for years, finally bought the house in 2000. I have an interest free loan through the city and have had a couple jobs done under their aegis where they were involved in approving the projects (roof replacement and trenchless sewer job and water main redo), but never have I actually hired a contractor personally!

I figure I should maybe, if I call this guy, ask for proof of insurance, maybe ask to see his contractor's license, even look him up with the BBB or something. Maybe ask for references too.

My other concern, and it does worry me, is my relationship with the owner of the apartment building. I mean, technically it's a sensitive, risky area. This Francisco guy says he'll cut here and here. Will he be exact in making sure he doesn't cut the trees back too far and put me at risk for a lawsuit? Where exactly is the property line? I don't recall having my property surveyed when I bought it. There's a chain link fence between the properties, but I don't know for sure that the fence is built precisely on the property line? And even if it is, judging from Francisco's gestures I get the idea that where he intends to cut the boughs off might take off wood that's on the apartment property's side of the line. I don't know how the law plays out there. I don't know the owner or the property manager. They may well be no problem, and I figure not, but don't want to find out the hard way that they are. I don't have a lawyer! Could find one, if needed, but don't want to need one. Would rather have my ass covered on this. Maybe I could get a contract with this guy that he will guarantee that he won't put me in jeopardy with what he does?

You can see the trees and property line in the OP in this thread I started in Feb. 2020 (my house is on the right, that's my car in the driveway):

Neighbor's tree(s) a serious problem for me... please help!

I've lived here since 1983. This is Berkeley, CA. Bought the house from owner in 2000, before that I rented with other people here. The house is next door to a corner apartment building that has maybe 10 tenants (guess). See 2 photos below, my house is on the right. There's a cyclone fence...

forums.anandtech.com

What do you think?

 

[iRONic]

Red flag on Francisco. Bet he hedges on the docs...

Dicey situation for sure. I'd try to contact city zoning for private property or the manager of the apartment building.

Good luck, mang.

 

[mindless1]

Disregard my prior statement about right to trim over your property. Apparently CA being CA, is doing things differently than most states and in the past decade or two, has adopted different standards and liabilities than other states. You still have the right to trim what's on your property but it is no longer absolute and without potential liability in CA.

Here is some applicable info, pages 6+:

https://repository.uchastings.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1325&context=hastings_environmental_law_journal

Short summary: If the tree falls under the CA legal definition of a nuisance, or is causing damage to your property, you can have the court compel the owner to trim or remove it, or in some cases have the municipality do it and bill the owner.

If you want to DIY or pay for it out of your pocket, do contact the owner, and I'd seek some contribution to the cost if not the owner paying for all of it. You might mention something like "you can pay to have your tree trimmed now, or you can pay for having it trimmed and the damage to my home later", after making sure there is not yet damage - the tree owner may already be liable for damage (even if just cleaning and painting), if you want to escalate this to court.

As far as who to have do the work, as always look for good reviews online and get another couple quotes from competitors.

 

[BoomerD]

IMO, the guy (Francisco) who works for the city buy is hustling side jobs is kind of sketchy. His price seems reasonable, however.
You should definitely try to get in contact with the property owner before you cut the trees...see mindless's link.

 

[Muse]

If you want to DIY or pay for it out of your pocket, do contact the owner, and I'd seek some contribution to the cost if not the owner paying for all of it. You might mention something like "you can pay to have your tree trimmed now, or you can pay for having it trimmed and the damage to my home later", after making sure there is not yet damage - the tree owner may already be liable for damage (even if just cleaning and painting), if you want to escalate this to court.

My trenchless sewer job in December 2006 was under the center of the driveway, i.e. where the roots of that massive tree would be partly located. On the apartment building side it's completely paved over, so moisture and what nutrients the tree(s) on that side can garner are coming from my side for the most part. I have to think that the necessity to have that job done was due to their trees' root intrusions. Well, maybe. The guys who did the work were unable to not mess up my water main in the process. One of their guys, IIRC the foreman of the crew, a Latino guy, offered to do my water main on the side for a sum. I considered that but instead paid somewhat more and had his company do it, to be on the safe side, hoping the foreman would not be mad at me for doing that!

I've been wondering if my sewer line is OK. I often have to flush my toilet twice. I've also been noticing that the water in my bathroom sink looks off, maybe rust, don't know. Could be dirt, I guess. I'm colorblind, so I'm not good with stuff like that. Been noticing this for a few weeks. So, I'm thinking my water supply AND sewer feed are suspect! I'm thinking that the apartment building's trees may well be the source of those possible problems.

I'm going to read that 6 page Hastings Law article on tree disputes carefully before contacting the building manager and/or owner. Not sure who I'll call first. I've never dealt with either of them. I got info on the property management/ownership a few months before those sewer/water-main repairs when I worked with the city property management people to convert my house from 2 units to a single family dwelling. It was a two unit house during WW II. One of my upstairs rooms used to be a kitchen. House was never officially changed until I decided to go through a pretty elaborate process in 2006, including getting all my neighbors to sign off on it (I went door to door with papers and had a sign in front for some time) and presenting a floor plan to the city. I'm not sure now if it increased the value of the property. Berkeley just passed an ordinance to eliminate the Single Family Dwelling designation, I think in an effort to alleviate the housing shortage here.

BTW, the really big tree (there are others hanging over my property but what reaches the house, I think, is from one big Podicarpus tree)... it's trunk pushes against the chain link fence, pushing it over the property line (assuming the fence is on the property line), a few inches. So, the trunk, just ~3 feet above the ground is partly on my side. Don't know if and how that impacts the situation.

 

[Greenman]

If your water main was compromised you'd have water boiling up out of the ground, not dirt in the pipes. Most likely reason for discolored water is rusted out steel plumbing in the house. As I recall, your home is quite old, and unless they've been replaced, you have steel pipes.

 

[Steltek]

While the water line issue isn't root-related, the toilet flushing issue very well could be. I'm not familiar with that particular tree , but I've seen several situations (including one involving my sister's home just early last year) where invasive tree roots had penetrated and damaged/destroyed outgoing septic lines.

The easiest way to know for absolute sure is to have a plumber run an endoscope camera down the septic lines to examine them.

 

[Greenman]

While the water line issue isn't root-related, the toilet flushing issue very well could be. I'm not familiar with that particular tree , but I've seen several situations (including one involving my sister's home just early last year) where invasive tree roots had penetrated and damaged/destroyed outgoing septic lines.

The easiest way to know for absolute sure is to have a plumber run an endoscope camera down the septic lines to examine them.

It's unlikely the sewer line has been damaged by roots as it's one solid piece from where it exits the house out to main in the street.