Are you not satisfied with chainsaw cuts?🤔 If you’re not getting the clean and precise cuts you want from your chainsaw, there’s a good chance that something went wrong when you sharpened the blade.
A chainsaw that is not sharpened correctly can be dangerous. Improper sharpening techniques can also cause the saw to wear down more quickly. Most common chainsaw sharpening mistakes people made that they do not follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
I am Robert Levi, Chainsaw Expert providing chainsaw product reviews from more than 10 years, where information and guidance play a pivotal role. My research centered on the captivating world of chainsaws. Through my writing expertise I embarked on an in-depth exploration of this powerful tool, unraveling its intricacies, functionalities, and practical applications.
In this article, I have discussed 10 common chainsaw sharpening mistakes and myths and their solution to avoid. These tips can help you avoid making these mistakes when sharpening your chainsaw.
Chainsaw Sharpening Mistakes: The Most Common Scenarios
Here are 10 common chainsaw sharpening mistakes 👇 people make while sharpening their chainsaws.
Are you making these Chainsaw Sharpening Mistakes?
- Not Following the Manufacturer’s Instructions
- Not Filing the Cutters at the Proper Angle
- Not Using a Chainsaw File Guide
- Not Maintaining the Chainsaw File
- Not Removing All the Burrs
- Not Filing the Depth Gauge Enough
- Not Sharpening the Teeth Enough
- Not Filing the Raker Too Much
- Not Sharpening Often Enough
- Not Using the Right File Size
1- Not Following the Manufacturer’s Instructions
The first chainsaw sharpening mistake people made is they do not follow user’s manual while sharpening chainsaw. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid unusual chainsaw sharpening mistakes.
Solution: 👉 Different chainsaws have different specifications, and if you don’t follow the specific instructions for your chainsaw, you could end up damaging the blade. Moreover, you should identify which chainsaw size you need that fits to your requirements.
2- Not Filing the Cutters at the Proper Angle
If you sharpen a chainsaw blade at too high of an angle, you’ll end up with a duller blade. Each cutter tooth needs to be filed at a specific angle for the chainsaw to work properly. If the cutter teeth are not filed at the proper angle, they will be unable to cut through wood properly.
To avoid this problem, make sure that you file the cutter teeth at the proper angle.
Solution: 👉 The ideal angle for chainsaw sharpening is between 20 and 30 degrees. The angle you file it is important for two reasons.
First, it determines how sharp the teeth on your chainsaw will be.
Second, it affects the depth of the cut. If you file at too shallow of an angle, the teeth won’t be sharp enough, and the chainsaw will bog down. If you file at too steep of an angle, the chainsaw will likely kick back.
It’s important to file all the way to the tip of the chainsaw tooth. If you don’t, the chainsaw won’t cut as well.
The filing angle is different for every chainsaw. be sure to consult your chainsaw’s manual to find the correct angle, and then stick to it.
3- Not Using a Chainsaw File Guide
One of the common chainsaw sharpening mistake people do is not using a Chainsaw file guide. A chainsaw file guide helps to ensure that you’re sharpening the blade at the correct angle. Without a guide, it’s easy to make mistakes that will result in a duller blade.
Solution: For better understanding, you can follow the chart given below. 👇
| Code Number on Depth Gauge | Alternative Marking on Depth Gauge | Chain Pitch | Round File Diameter |
| 1 | 1/4 | 1/4″ | 4.0 mm |
| 2 | 325 | .325″ | 4.8 mm |
| 3 | 3/8 | 3/8″ | 5.2 mm |
| 4 | 404 | .404″ | 5.5 mm |
| 6 | P, PM | 3/8″ Picco | 4.0 mm |
| 7 | – | 1/4″ Picco | 3.2 mm |
4- Not Maintaining the Chainsaw File
Chainsaw files wear down with use, so maintaining them is important. When a chainsaw file gets too worn, it can damage the blade. Using a dull file will make it more difficult to achieve a sharp edge on your chainsaw blade.
Solution: 👉 Be sure to replace chainsaw files when they get too worn to avoid damaging your blade.
5- Not Removing All the Burrs
If you don’t remove all the burrs from the chainsaw blade after sharpening it, those burrs will quickly cause the blade to become dull again.
Solution: 👉 Use a chainsaw file guide to help remove all the burrs from the blade before putting the chainsaw away.
6- Not Filing the Depth Gauge Enough
The depth gauge is the metal rod that runs along the side of the chainsaw blade, just above the cutter teeth. This gauge needs to be exactly level with the tips of the cutter teeth in order for the chainsaw to work properly.
Solution: 👉 If the depth gauge is too high, it will prevent the cutter teeth from doing their job. The chainsaw will produce a lot of sawdust, but the wood won’t be cut.
If the depth gauge is too low, it will cause the chainsaw to “ride up” on the wood. This can cause kickback, which is extremely dangerous.
To avoid these problems, ensure you file the depth gauge down until it is level with the cutter teeth.
7- Not Sharpening the Teeth Enough
If you don’t sharpen the cutter teeth enough, they will not be able to cut through wood properly. The chainsaw will produce a lot of sawdust, but the wood won’t be cut.
I also recommend you to watch this video guide 👇 for better understanding of filing chainsaw teeth.
Solution: 👉 To avoid this problem, make sure that you sharpen the teeth until they are nice and sharp.
If you file too aggressively, you can remove too much metal from your chainsaw. This will make the chain weaker and more likely to break.
8- Not Filing the Raker Too Much
The raker is the metal piece that runs along the side of the chainsaw blade, just below the depth gauge. This raker needs to be slightly higher than the depth gauge in order for the chainsaw to work properly.
Solution: 👉 If the raker is too high, it will cause the chainsaw to “ride up” on the wood. This can cause kickback, which is extremely dangerous.
If the raker is too low, it will prevent the cutter teeth from doing their job. The chainsaw will produce a lot of sawdust, but the wood won’t be cut.🪵
To avoid these problems, make sure that you file the raker down until it is slightly higher than the depth gauge.
9- Not Using the Right File Size
Another common chainsaw sharpening mistake is not using the right file size. The size of the file you use should be matched to the pitch of your chainsaw chain.
If you use a file that’s too small, it will take forever to sharpen your chainsaw, and the results won’t be good. If you use a too large file, you can damage the teeth on your chainsaw chain.
Solution: 👉 Be sure to use a file that’s the same size as the chain’s cutting teeth.
10- Not Sharpening Often Enough
How often to sharpen chainsaw? When you have last sharpen your chainsaw? Dull chainsaws are more dangerous than sharp ones because they’re more likely to kick back. Always keep your chainsaws up to date.
Solution: 👉 Be sure to sharpen your chainsaw regularly to keep it in good condition.
You can keep your chainsaw blade sharpener for longer by avoiding these common chainsaw sharpening mistakes. Make sure you always get the best possible performance from your chainsaw. These healthy guides can keep your chainsaw in good condition and ready to use.
Chainsaw Sharpening Mistakes: Bonus Tip
To make your work easier you can use a timberline sharpener this will let you switch filing path so you’ll sharpen all the cutters quickly.
Chainsaw Sharpening Mistakes: Conclusion
Chainsaw sharpening is a critical part of chainsaw maintenance,😬 yet it’s something that many people don’t know how to do properly. I hope that now you are aware about what are the 10 Common Chainsaw Sharpening Mistakes and Myths. By following the proper chainsaw sharpening guide👇, you’ll be able to avoid these mistakes and keep your saws in top condition without any trouble.
Be sure to always use caution when sharpening and handling a chainsaw. Safety should always be your number one priority.💪 And remember, if you are ever unsure about anything related to sharpening or using a chainsaw, consult an expert before proceeding. If you also want to know about chainsaw sharpening techniques review our guide for pro sharpening techniques.
How do you sharpen a chainsaw blade? Have you tried any of these techniques? Let us know how they worked for you in the comments below. 👇 If you have any questions or need help sharpening your chainsaw, don’t hesitate to contact us. I will happy to help! Get out there and start cutting! 😃
Chainsaw Sharpening Mistakes | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What angles to sharpen chainsaw chains?
Ans: The best way to sharpen chainsaw chains is to hold the file at a right angle (90°) to the guide bar. The file only sharpens on the forward stroke – lift the file off the cutter on the backstroke. Rotate the file a little at regular intervals while filing to avoid one-sided wear.
Q: Why does my chainsaw get dull so fast?
Ans: There are several reasons why a chainsaw blade may dull quickly. Some common ways are from overuse, steep angled cutting teeth, cutting through dirty wood, or working with difficult wood like hickory, ironwood, and black oak. To make your chainsaw up to the mark you must know about how to sharpen chainsaw blade first.
Q: How to sharpen chainsaw blades by hand?
Ans: Simply clamp the chainsaw in a vise, using wood blocks as a backboard to hold the spine of the saw rigid. Then file the teeth until they are of uniform height. Use a double-cut, smooth metal file for the job, clamping it to a piece of scrap in order to keep it square to the chainsaw blade.
Q: Is it worth sharpening a chainsaw?
Ans: Simply clamp the saw in a vise, using wood blocks as a backboard to hold the spine of the saw rigid. Then file the teeth until they are of uniform height. Use a double-cut, smooth metal file for the job, clamping it to a piece of scrap in order to keep it square to the saw blade.
Q: What is the secret to sharpening a chainsaw
Ans: If you’re using a file to sharpen the chainsaw, file every other tooth along the chain. Then, reverse direction and begin sharpening every other tooth in the the opposite direction. After sharpening a couple of the teeth, release the chain brake and rotate the chain forward to continue sharpening.
Q: How many strokes does it take to sharpen a chainsaw?
Ans: Using steady, even strokes with the file, give each cutter 5 or 6 strokes until the face of the cutter is shiny silver. Pro tip: When you feel a burr along the cutter’s outer edge, the cutter is sharp. Pro tip: Count your strokes, and use the same number of strokes on each cutter.
Q: How many times can you reuse sharpen a chainsaw blade?
Ans: A chainsaw chain can be sharpened up to 10 times, sometimes more, before the entire chain needs replacing. It’s mostly dependent on two things; the amount of wear your chain incurs and the amount of metal removed every time you sharpen. Different materials can have a harder impact on the chainsaw chain.
Q: How to sharpen chainsaw chain?
Ans: Do not force the chainsaw file or use too much pressure, which could damage both the file and the cutter. Wear gloves and safety glasses/goggles during the sharpening process. You are dealing with extremely sharp edges, and without gloves, you could easily cut yourself. Not all chain bars are standard in how they are attached or adjusted.
Q: How often do you need to sharpen a chainsaw?
Ans: Sharpening a chainsaw chain isn’t difficult but how often you need to do it depends on how much you use the saw. If you only use your saw once in a while, there’s no harm in going months without sharpening the blade only if the teeth remains intact.
Introducing Robert Levi: A Proficient Writer and Chainsaw Expert
In the realm of product reviews, where information and guidance play a pivotal role, few individuals possess the expertise and finesse of Robert Levi. With an extensive background in professional writing and a passion for exploring various products, Robert has established himself as an authority in the realm of product review writing.
Having honed his skills over the years, Robert has developed a reputation for delivering insightful and comprehensive assessments that cater to the needs of consumers seeking reliable information. His dedication to meticulous research ensures that readers receive an accurate portrayal of the products he scrutinizes, enabling them to make well-informed decisions.
While Robert’s writing prowess extends across a wide range of subjects, his recent focus has centered on the captivating world of chainsaws. Combining his writing expertise with his inherent curiosity, he has embarked on an in-depth exploration of this powerful tool, unraveling its intricacies, functionalities, and practical applications.
Robert’s dedication to providing readers with accurate and up-to-date knowledge about chainsaws is unmatched. Through rigorous research and hands-on testing, he strives to present a comprehensive overview of the market’s top chainsaw models. His expertise extends beyond mere technical specifications, delving into usability, safety features, performance, and even maintenance, leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of delivering valuable insights.
Whether you are a seasoned professional in need of a reliable chainsaw or an enthusiastic DIYer looking to tackle your next project, Robert Levi’s articulate and well-researched reviews will undoubtedly serve as your guiding light. Prepare to be informed, inspired, and empowered as you embark on your chainsaw journey with the guidance of an expert like no other.
