How To Sharpen A Chainsaw?

If you own a chainsaw, keeping the blade sharp is essential for efficient and safe operation. A dull chainsaw blade can cause the chainsaw to kick back, which can be dangerous for the operator.

Sharpening a chainsaw may seem daunting, but it’s pretty simple because we are going to tell you How to Sharpen a Chainsaw? Whether you’re a professional arborist or a homeowner with a few trees to prune, this guide will help you keep your chainsaw in top shape.

Table of Contents

Tools Required

Chainsaw file guide: This tool holds the chainsaw file at the correct angle to ensure the cutters are sharpened evenly.
Chainsaw file: This tool is used to sharpen the cutters on the chainsaw chain.
Flat file: This tool removes any burrs or rough edges on the chainsaw cutters after sharpening.
Chainsaw sharpening guide: This tool helps to maintain the correct filing angle and depth for each cutter.
Depth gauge tool: This tool is used to measure the depth of the cutters on the chainsaw chain. This is important to ensure that the cutters are all the same length and are sharpened to the correct depth.
Safety gloves and eye protection: These tools protect your hands and eyes during sharpening.
Workbench: This sturdy surface clamps the chainsaw while sharpening securely.
Marker pen: This tool is used to mark the first cutter that you will sharpen so that you can keep track of your progress.

Check the Waste to see if it’s Time to Sharpen

Before you start sharpening your chainsaw, it’s essential to check the condition of the chain to see if it needs sharpening. The waste is the debris left behind after cutting, and it can give you a good idea of how well your chainsaw is cutting.

If the waste is small and powdery, this is a sign that the chain is cutting efficiently and does not need sharpening. However, if the waste is large and chunky, or if the chainsaw is producing a lot of sawdust, this is a sign that the chain is dull and needs sharpening.

To check the waste, cut a piece of wood with your chainsaw and examine the debris left behind. If the waste is small and powdery, your chain is cutting efficiently.

Sharpening chainsaws can be dangerous, so taking the necessary safety precautions and using the right tools is essential. By checking the waste before sharpening, you can ensure you sharpen your chainsaw only when necessary, saving you time and effort in the long run.

Have the Right Tools on Hand

Chainsaw file guide: This tool is designed to hold the file at the correct angle to sharpen the cutters evenly.
Chainsaw file: This is used to sharpen the cutters on the chainsaw chain. The file size should be suitable for the pitch of the chainsaw chain.
Flat file: This removes any burrs or rough edges from the chainsaw cutters after sharpening.
Chainsaw sharpening guide: This tool helps to maintain the correct filing angle and depth for each cutter.
Depth gauge tool: This is used to measure the depth of the cutters on the chainsaw chain. It ensures the cutters are the same length and sharpened to the correct depth.
Safety gloves and eye protection: These tools are necessary to protect your hands and eyes during sharpening.
Workbench: This solid surface firmly clamps the chainsaw while sharpening.
Marker pen: This tool is used to mark the first cutter that you will sharpen so that you can keep track of your progress.
Chainsaw bar groove cleaner cleans the groove on the chainsaw bar to ensure the chain moves freely.

Get Ready to Sharpen

Before you start sharpening your chainsaw, preparing it and the work area is essential to ensure the process is safe and efficient. Here are some steps to get ready to sharpen your chainsaw:

Clean the chainsaw: Remove any dirt or debris from the chainsaw and chain, including sawdust, resin, and other materials that may clog the chain.
Secure the chainsaw: Clamp the chainsaw securely onto a workbench or other sturdy surface. This will prevent the chainsaw from moving during sharpening, making it safer and more efficient.
Inspect the chain: Check the chain for any damage, such as broken or missing teeth. If the chain is damaged, it may need to be replaced instead of sharpened.
Adjust the depth gauges: Use the depth gauge tool to adjust the depth gauges on the chain. This will ensure that the cutters are sharpened to the correct depth.
Mark the starting point: Use a marker pen to mark the starting point for the sharpening process.
Put on safety gear: Wear safety gloves and eye protection to protect your hands and eyes during the sharpening process.

Taking the time to prepare the chainsaw and the work area will help to ensure that the sharpening process goes smoothly and that the chainsaw is correctly maintained for optimal performance.

File at the Right Angles

To sharpen the chainsaw chain effectively, it’s essential to file the cutters at the correct angles. Here are the steps to file at the right angles:

Use the chainsaw file guide: The guide is designed to hold the file at the correct angle to sharpen the cutters evenly. Adjust the file guide to the correct angle for your chainsaw chain.
Hold the file guide securely: Position the chainsaw file guide securely over the cutter you are sharpening. Hold it firmly to ensure that the file is guided correctly.
File the cutter: Place the file against the cutter and apply pressure with your fingers while moving the file back and forth. File the cutter until it is sharp and shiny.
Move to the next cutter: Release the file from the cutter and move to the next cutter in the chain. Make sure to maintain the same filing angle as before.
Repeat the process: Continue to file each cutter on the chain, moving around the chain until all cutters are sharpened. Make sure to file each cutter the same number of times to ensure they are all evenly sharpened.
File the depth gauges: After filing all the cutters, file them to ensure they are at the correct height. Use a depth gauge tool to maintain the correct height.
Check the chain tension: After sharpening and filing, check the chain’s tension. Make sure that it is properly tensioned for safe operation.

Stroke Away from Your Body

When sharpening a chainsaw chain, it’s important to stroke the file away from your body. Here’s why:

Safety: Stroking the file away from your body reduces the risk of injury. If the file slips or the chainsaw kicks back, the file will move away from you rather than towards you, reducing the risk of injury.
Efficiency: Stroking the file away from your body allows you to apply more pressure to the cutter, which results in more efficient sharpening.
Consistency: Stroking the file away from your body helps to maintain a consistent angle and pressure on each cutter. This consistency results in an evenly sharpened chain.
Comfort: Stroking the file away from your body is more comfortable and less tiring.

Look Through the File Guide

When sharpening a chainsaw chain, looking through the file guide is essential to ensure you are filing the cutters at the correct angle.

Here’s why:

Accuracy: Looking through the file guide allows you to see the cutter and the file simultaneously, which helps ensure that you are filing at the correct angle. This is important to maintain the correct geometry of the cutter for efficient cutting and long-lasting performance.
Consistency: Looking through the file guide helps maintain a consistent filing angle on each cutter. This ensures that each cutter is sharpened evenly, resulting in a consistent and efficient chain.
Efficiency: Looking through the file guide allows you to see the progress of the sharpening process. This helps you to know when to move on to the next cutter and when the sharpening process is complete.
Safety: Looking through the file guide reduces the risk of injury by keeping your fingers and hands away from the cutter and the file. This helps to prevent accidental cuts or other injuries.

When sharpening a chainsaw chain, always look through the file guide to ensure that you are filing the cutters at the correct angle.

Advance the Chain

When sharpening a chainsaw chain, it’s essential to advance it to ensure that all cutters are sharpened evenly. Here’s how to advance the chain:

Release the chain brake: Release the chain brake to allow the chain to rotate freely.
Advance the chain: Use your hand to advance the chain manually, moving it in the opposite direction of regular chain rotation.
Secure the chain: Once you have sharpened the cutter, secure it to prevent it from moving. This will allow you to sharpen the cutter without the chain moving.
Repeat the process: Release the chain brake, advance the chain, secure the chain, and sharpen the next cutter. Repeat the process until all cutters have been sharpened.

Advancing the chain is an essential step in the sharpening process, and it ensures that all cutters are sharpened evenly and that the chain is correctly maintained for optimal performance.

Always remember to release the chain brake before advancing the chain and to secure the chain before sharpening the next cutter.

Sharpen the Other Side of the Chain

When sharpening a chainsaw chain, it’s crucial to sharpen both sides to ensure it is evenly sharpened and balanced. Here’s how to sharpen the other side of the chain:

Flip the chainsaw around: Flip the chainsaw around so that you can access the other side of the chain. Be sure to clamp the chainsaw securely to the workbench to prevent it from moving during sharpening.
Follow the same process: Follow the same process as before to sharpen the other side of the chain. Use the chainsaw file guide to hold the file at the correct angle, stroke the file away from your body, and advance the chain to access each cutter.
Check for balance: After sharpening both sides of the chain, check for balance. Hold the chainsaw by the bar and let the chain hang freely. If one side of the chain is heavier than the other, it may need further adjustment.
Make any necessary adjustments: If the chain is unbalanced, adjust the cutters to ensure they are even. Use the depth gauge tool to check the depth of the cutters on both sides of the chain and make any necessary adjustments.

Sharpening both sides of the chainsaw chain ensures it is balanced and performs efficiently. Always remember to flip the chainsaw around and follow the same process as before to sharpen the other side of the chain. After sharpening both sides, check for balance and make any necessary adjustments.

As You Work: Check Depth Gauge Heights

When sharpening a chainsaw chain, it’s essential to check the depth gauge heights as you work. Here’s why:

Efficiency: Checking the depth gauge heights as you work ensures that you maintain the cutters’ correct height and angle. This results in a sharper and more efficient chain.
Safety: Checking the depth gauge heights reduces the risk of injury by ensuring the chain is properly maintained. This helps to prevent accidents and injuries while using the chainsaw.
Consistency: Checking the depth gauge heights ensures all cutters are the same length and sharpened to the correct depth. This results in a consistent and efficient chain.

To check the depth gauge heights as you work:

Use a depth gauge tool to measure the height of each cutter.
Ensure that each cutter is the same length and that the depth is appropriate for your chainsaw.
If any cutters are too high, file them down to the correct height.

By checking the depth gauge heights as you work, you can ensure your chainsaw chain is maintained correctly and performing at its best. Always remember to use a depth gauge tool and make any necessary adjustments to the height of the cutters.

More Sharpening Tips

Sharpening a chainsaw chain is an essential maintenance task that ensures it performs at its best. Here are some more sharpening tips to keep in mind:

Sharpen regularly: Regularly sharpening the chainsaw chain ensures it remains sharp and efficient. How often you need to sharpen the chain will depend on how frequently you use the chainsaw.
Replace damaged or worn parts: If you notice any damage or wear on the chain or other parts of the chainsaw, replace them before sharpening. This ensures that the chainsaw is in good working order and can perform at its best.
Keep the chain lubricated: A well-lubricated chain will perform better and last longer. Make sure to use the appropriate chain lubricant and apply it regularly.
Use the correct file size: Using the correct file size is crucial to effective sharpening. Use the correct file size for your chainsaw chain to ensure it is sharpened evenly.
Take breaks: Sharpening a chainsaw chain can be tiring, especially if you have a lot of cutters to sharpen. Take breaks as needed to avoid fatigue and ensure you work safely.
Maintaining the correct filing angle: Maintaining the correct one is essential to ensure the cutters are sharpened evenly. Use a chainsaw file guide to help maintain the correct angle.

Following these tips ensures your chainsaw chain is maintained correctly and performing at its best. Remember to sharpen the chain regularly, replace damaged or worn parts, keep the chain lubricated, use the correct file size, take breaks as needed, and maintain the correct filing angle.