A SINGLE badly damaged cutter

mredden · February 07, 2019, 11:15:10 AM

I have a relatively new chain that has one VERY badly damaged cutter. Chipped beyong the witness mark! Rest of the chain is solid. Older threads indicate that you can still use the chain if you grind off the damaged cutter.

My primary question is: Do you need to do anything else after you grind off the cutter? What do you do with the rakers before and after the now-missing cutter? Do you need to do anything to the two cutters on either side of the now-missing cutter to balance out the chain?

Thanks for any help to a newbie like me.

doc henderson · February 07, 2019, 11:27:57 AM

I would start by getting the bad cutter out of the way, I think you need the rakers to keep the chain on an even path across the cut. give it a try, it may be your dirty jobs chain, if it works ok

luvmexfood · February 07, 2019, 11:40:42 AM

If you have anyone in the area that makes chains they can replace the link for you. Not sure about using a different type of chain but as long as it is the same no problem.

sawguy21 · February 07, 2019, 11:48:41 AM

I would grind out the bad cutter and carry on, I doubt you will notice much difference.

mredden · February 07, 2019, 12:32:50 PM

Quote from: luvmexfood on February 07, 2019, 11:40:42 AM
If you have anyone in the area that makes chains they can replace the link for you. Not sure about using a different type of chain but as long as it is the same no problem.

I have a pocket breaker and some straps, but no extra cutters. It's a 32" chain. I have thought about cutting it down to a 24' inch chain, but I hate to not have a backup for my one good 3" chain. I rarely cut under 30" except when limbing, so 32" is my favorite size.
Only guy who makes loops locally is the repair man for the local Husqvarna dealer. I have no idea what they would charge for a cutter, strap(s) and his time - they ain't cheap on anything I know of.

doc henderson · February 07, 2019, 01:23:18 PM

Use it as is if it works, If not go buy another chain. Thems the breaks! :D

Skip · February 07, 2019, 02:02:31 PM

Cut the bad one out and keep on truckin. You have the start of a skip tooth chain .

thecfarm · February 07, 2019, 02:54:33 PM

I had a bad one,just once. It was bent.

??? I just ground it off and kept on using it. I never even knew it was gone.

doc henderson · February 07, 2019, 02:56:25 PM

Quote from: Skip on February 07, 2019, 02:02:31 PM
Cut the bad one out and keep on truckin. You have the start of a skip tooth chain .

Is that why they call you Skip?!lol .

mredden · February 08, 2019, 06:10:44 AM

And the cutter is gone!

Thanks everybody!

barbender · February 08, 2019, 10:17:23 AM

Grind the cutter off the rest of the way and carry on. Don't make a mountain of a molehill, you'll soon forget it's even missing 👍

luvmexfood · February 08, 2019, 10:35:47 PM

Quote from: mredden on February 07, 2019, 12:32:50 PM
Quote from: luvmexfood on February 07, 2019, 11:40:42 AM
If you have anyone in the area that makes chains they can replace the link for you. Not sure about using a different type of chain but as long as it is the same no problem.
I have a pocket breaker and some straps, but no extra cutters. It's a 32" chain. I have thought about cutting it down to a 24' inch chain, but I hate to not have a backup for my one good 3" chain. I rarely cut under 30" except when limbing, so 32" is my favorite size.
Only guy who makes loops locally is the repair man for the local Husqvarna dealer. I have no idea what they would charge for a cutter, strap(s) and his time - they ain't cheap on anything I know of.

They should have some off pieces laying around they would give you. But like everyone else said I have never noticed an difference using one with a broken tooth. Heck. I got some broken teeth and it don't slow my eating down any.