Mike,
I also volunteer with a non-profit storm clean up group and have had to learn how to save/salvage abused chains. Volunteers and disasters are both hard in chains.
I frequently see drive links burred from jumping out of the guide bar groove when run too loose, or when branches get tangled.
Here's what I have learned:
1. Flat file on the burrs. Round file to reshape the scraper/ gullet portion if needed. I do this on a small anvil, small block of steel, or the back of a machinists vice.
Slow, but effective.
2. Hold loop 'inside out' and guide drive links against grinding wheel on a bench grinder.
Faster, but leaves rough finish.
3. As above, but use a 3M ScotchBrite (or equivalent) deburring wheel ($30 - $50).
About as fast as a grinding wheel, but leaves a smooth finish. ***My preferred method.*** Expensive, but 'pays for itself' by saving even a few chains.
4. 'Redneck Method #1' : force burred links through the bars till they loosen up.
Not always possible. Causes extra wear on bars and sprockets.
5. . 'Redneck Method #2': lay burred drive link on small anvil and flatten burrs with ball peen hammer. Then follow up with . 'Redneck Method #1'.
6. I guess you could also clean up the burrs with a Dremel type tool. Never tried it.
Philbert
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