How to Sharpen a Chainsaw Like a Pro

Don’t know how to sharpen a chainsaw? and looking for a solution? Then this article will help you out to sharpen a chainsaw like a pro. A sharp chainsaw plays a vital role in cutting heavy objects like trees.

In contrast, a dull chainsaw will not work correctly. Sometimes it can be harmful or dangerous. 

Here’s the method to sharpen a chainsaw. Before going into guide we recommend you to also visit other chainsaw’s guide so you can get  basic knowledge about product e.g. What Size Chainsaw Do I Need? and How To Use A Pole Saw Safely And Effectively?

Now, let’s get started.

Requirements:

For sharpening a chainsaw following tools are required:

1. Gloves
2. Protective eyewear
3. Chainsaw Filing Kit (Round File, File Guide
4. Flat File and Depth Gauge Measuring Tool 

Prerequisites before getting into sharpen the chain:

You need to do some precautionary steps before actually sharpening the chainsaw. These steps will make the task much easier and safer.

• You need to know the type of chain and angle specifications.
• Put on your protective gear, gloves, and eyewear. 
• Make sure the chain is tensioned correctly.
• Make sure your chainsaw is off before performing any maintenance.
• Swab oil and grease off the chain.
• Inspect the Chainsaw chain.
• If the chain is damaged, repair or replace it. You can check How to put chains on chainsaws if you need any help here.
• Check and adjust depth gauges.
• Sharpen your Chainsaw according to recommendations.

How to Sharpen a Chainsaw (Step-by-step):

Here’s the best way to sharpen a Chainsaw using a file guide. We will divide our task into two parts: Setting the file and sharpening the chain. The following are the techniques to sharpen a chainsaw:

Part 1: Setting the File

Step-1 Clamp the bar of Chainsaw

• Clamp the bar of the Chainsaw at your suitable level.

Step-2 Tighten the Chain

• Clip the chain in the middle of the vice, not in the edges of the vise. Tightly climb the chain in the vise.

Step-3 Mark the teeth

• Mark teeth with any marker to find a starting and ending point.

Step-4 Select the round file according to Chainsaw’s teeth: 

• The diameter of the edges is different from each other but is typically 3/16-inch, 5/32-inch, or 7/32-inch. Use the same diameter round file to sharpen these curved cutting edges.

Step-5   Set your file on the front of the cutter:

Place the file inside the mark of the tooth so that the file’s diameter is above the tooth.

Step-6 Use File holder

• Use file holder to hold the file at the same level

Part 2: Sharpening a Chainsaw

Step-1 Pass the file:

• In one smooth motion, push the file through the cutter and lift it out
• Reset it into the same angle and same place
• You shouldn’t need to apply much pressure

Step-2 File the edge until it is sharp 

• Pass your file on the right side of the tooth. Move this file into the tooth in a forward and backward direction.
• Seize the chain until the next tooth points towards us.

Step-3 Sharp the teeth from the starting point 

• Now again, take the file, and move it into the tooth.
• Make the same number of passes as you did in the first tooth.
• Follow this pattern around the whole side of the chain.

Step-4 Rotate the Chainsaw: 

• Flip the saw after completing the one side.
• Tightly climb the other side of a chainsaw in the vise.
• Put your file on the right side of the tooth. Pass this file into the tooth in a forward and backward direction.
• Repeat this method until the saw gets sharped.

After sharpening a Chainsaw:

• Check and adjust depth gauges using instructions.
• Lubricate the chain thoroughly with bar and chain oil. Soak the chain overnight for the best result.
• Keep the sharpened saw chain in a container with lubricant so that it’s ready for its next use.

Summary:

To sum up, please follow all the precautions mentioned above. By succeeding in all the steps, you can sharpen a chainsaw easily. If this article helped you, or you want to give any suggestions, please drop a comment down below.