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.
Table of Contents
Requirements:
For sharpening a chainsaw following tools are required:
- Gloves
- Protective eyewear
- Chainsaw Filing Kit (Round File, File Guide
- 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.
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