Will a Chainsaw Cut Through Shingles? (Beginner’s Guide)
The chainsaw is without any doubt one of the most powerful saws out there. But the question is: will a chainsaw cut through shingles?
Yes, a chainsaw can cut through shingles without any problem as long as it is equipped with the right chain. Most professionals recommend using a carbide-tipped chain for cutting through shingles and demolishing related tasks.
But that’s not all, there are a lot of things that you must know before going out and cutting shingles with your chainsaw. Cutting shingles and using your chainsaw for demolishing related tasks can be extremely dangerous.
You can easily damage your tool or hurt yourself severely therefore, I highly recommend reading this article to the end.
So without any further ado, let’s get into it!
Will a Chainsaw Cut Through Shingles?
As you’ve already got an answer to this question, let me elaborate on it a bit further.
A chainsaw is one of the most versatile tools that you can have in your arsenal. It can be used for various tasks such as cutting down trees, trimming branches, and even cutting through shingles.
But before you start using your chainsaw for any of these tasks, it is important to know that a chainsaw can be extremely dangerous if not used properly.
One of the most important things that you need to keep in mind is the selection of the right chain for the right job. Now you might be wondering how do I know which type of chain will do the job or how many types of chains are available in the market.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this article, I will not only tell you about the types of chainsaw chains but also which type of chain is best suited for cutting through shingles.
Types of Chainsaw Chains
There are broadly three main types of chainsaw chains available in the market, including a full chisel, semi-chisel, and low-profile chain.
Each type of chain has its own set of characteristics and is better suited for a specific type of task.
Full Chisel Chain
A full chisel chain is one of the most popular types of chainsaw chains. It is made up of a series of square cutters that are placed at an angle on the drive link.
The chain has a greater cutting surface area as compared to other types of chains. This makes it ideal for use on softwoods and hardwoods.
However, one of the main disadvantages of using a full chisel chain is that it is more likely to kick back as compared to other types of chains.
Semi Chisel Chain
A semi-chisel chain is a great choice for general-purpose sawing on both hardwoods and softwoods. It’s also a good choice for frequent users who want a little more durability than what you’ll find with a standard chisel chain.
The teeth on a semi-chisel chain are more robust than those on a standard chisel chain, making them less likely to dull as quickly. And, because they’re less likely to dull, they’ll also require less frequent sharpening.
Low-Profile Chain
A low-profile chain is designed for use on smaller saws, such as those in the 16-inch to 18-inch range. As the name suggests, a low-profile chain has shallower teeth than other types of chains. This makes it better suited for use on smaller, more maneuverable saws.
Low-profile chains are also less likely to kick back than other types of chains. Now that you know about the different types of chainsaw chains, it’s time to learn about which type of chain is best suited for cutting through shingles.
Now that you’ve learned about different types of chainsaw chains, let’s see which one would be the right choice for demolishing and shingle-cutting jobs.
Choosing the Right Chain for Chainsaw to Cut Through Shingles
As mentioned earlier, the best type of chain that will help you cut through shingles is a carbide-tipped chain. Now you must be wondering why is it so? Well, there are actually many reasons that make it the right option.
First of all, a carbide-tipped chain is extremely durable and can last much longer as compared to other types of chains.
This is because the carbide tips are extremely hard and are designed to resist wear and tear. Another reason why a carbide-tipped chain is the best choice for cutting through shingles is that it produces much less vibration as compared to other types of chains.
This is extremely important as it will help you stay comfortable while working and also reduce the risk of injuries. Last but not the least, a carbide-tipped chain is also much less likely to kick back as compared to other types of chains.
Here’s a good carbide-tipped chain that can be used for shingle cutting.
Picking the Right Chainsaw That Cuts Through Shingles
While selecting the right chain is important, it is still not enough. Especially when you don’t have a good chainsaw even a carbide or diamond-tipped chain won’t do much for you.
Under such conditions, the best thing to do is to get the right chainsaw for the task. Now there are hundreds of saws available on the market. However, you will need to look for the saw’s engine and the power it produces.
A good chainsaw should have an engine that is at least 40 cc in size. This will ensure that the saw has enough power to cut through shingles without any trouble.
The next thing you should look for is the bar length. Ideally, you should go for a chainsaw that has a bar length of 18 inches or more. This will help you reach the higher areas with ease and also make it easier to cut through the shingles.
Speaking of the right chainsaw, here’s what I found on amazon.
Safety Tips for Cutting Through Shingles with a Chainsaw
Now cutting wood is something a lot different compared to cutting through shingles. This is because while cutting wood the chainsaw will only be in contact with the wood.
However, when you’re cutting through shingles the chain will also come in contact with nails. This can cause serious injuries if you’re not careful enough.
That’s why it is extremely important to take all the necessary safety precautions while using a chainsaw. Here are some tips that will help you stay safe while cutting through shingles.
Wear the Right Gear
One of the most important safety precautions you need to take is to wear the right gear. This includes items like gloves, boots, helmets, and earplugs. Wearing the right gear will help you stay protected from injuries in case of an accident.
Keep the Saw Well Maintained
Another important safety precaution is to keep the saw well maintained. This means that you should regularly clean and oil the chain. You should also sharpen the chain on a regular basis. Doing this will help you avoid accidents and also increase the life of the saw.
Be Careful of Flying Debris
One of the most dangerous things about using a chainsaw is the flying debris. This debris can cause serious injuries if it hits you. That’s why it is extremely important to be careful of flying debris while working. You should also wear goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris.
Is it a Good Idea to Cut Through Shingles with a Chainsaw?
Cutting through shingles with a chainsaw is not an easy task. However, it is still the best option available as compared to other methods. This is because a chainsaw can easily cut through any type of shingle without any trouble.
But there are certain things you need to keep in mind while using a chainsaw for this purpose. First of all, you need to make sure that the saw is properly sharpened and oiled. This will help you avoid accidents and also increase the life of the saw.
Secondly, you need to be very careful of flying debris while working. This debris can cause serious injuries if it hits you. So, if you’re planning to cut through shingles with a chainsaw, make sure you keep these things in mind.
Final Words
So, will a chainsaw cut through shingles? The answer to this question is yes. A chainsaw can cut through shingles however, you will need to mount a carbide-tipped chain and make sure your saw is powerful enough for the job.
Cutting through shingles is not an easy task. But if you have the right chainsaw and take all the necessary safety precautions, you can easily do it.
I hope this article was helpful and you now know everything about cutting through shingles with a chainsaw. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.
Thank you for reading!
