How to Sharpen Chain Saw Teeth

Nothing says it's summertime like the sound of chain saws in action. With the workout a chain saw receives, the homeowner should sharpen chain saw teeth after about four hours of use, rather than wait until the saw is too dull to cut.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leather gloves
• Round file
• File guide

1. Tighten the chain until no slack is left, but you can still move it with your hand. This setting is just right for sharpening.

2. Keep the chain in place by tightening the slot-head tension adjusting screw. On some models, you'll have to trip the chain brake to keep the chain in place. Attach the filing guide to the middle of the bar and clamp it down.

3. Put the round file in the filing guide and match the angle to that of the chain saw teeth. Usually this will be 25 to 35 degrees from the perpendicular.

4. Slacken the adjustment on the filing guide so that the file fits firmly into the teeth, then tighten the guide.

5. File the teeth in the file guide by stroking toward the edge of the teeth. Two or three strokes may be enough, but check the sharpness. Be consistent and use the same amount of strokes on the other teeth.

6. Unclamp the file guide and move on to the next set of teeth.

7. Loosen the tension on the chain after you're done and readjust it to the proper tension for cutting.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the owner's manual for the correct diameter of file to buy. The manual also may recommend a file guide.
• After about six sharpenings, you may need to replace the file. A good file sharpens chain saw teeth more effectively.
• Wear leather gloves to protect your hands.

Resources

• Find chain saws for tough work at Rural King.