How to Sharpen Chain Saw Depth Gauges

After giving the chain saw a workout during the summer, your tool probably needs sharpening. For a smooth-cutting tool, it's important to sharpen chain saw depth gauges as well as the teeth. Follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leather gloves
• 6-inch flat file
• Depth-gauge guide

1. Tighten the tension on the chain until you can move it with your hand, but no slack is left. The added tension makes the chain easier to sharpen.

2. Keep the chain in place by tightening the slot-head tension adjusting screw. Depending on the model, you'll have to trip the chain brake to keep the chain in place.

3. Sharpen the teeth (cutters) before sharpening the depth gauges. See the related eHow article on "How to Sharpen Chain Saw Teeth."

4. Put the depth-gauge guide on the chain so that it covers 2 teeth. The depth gauge will stick out of the hole in the middle of the guide.

5. Use a 6-inch flat file to level the depth gauge down to the top of the guide. Usually only a few strokes will do the job. Work from inside the teeth to outside. Move on to the next depth gauge and work your way around the chain.

6. Remove the guide. Go back along the chain and use the file to flatten the rounded top of each gauge. Just take the edge off with a few strokes, don't lessen the height.

7. Release the tension on the chain after the sharpening and readjust the chain to the proper tension for cutting.

Tips & Warnings

• Protect your hands by wearing leather gloves. These are sharp cutting tools you're working with.
• It's not necessary to sharpen depth gauges every time you sharpen the teeth. Sharpen the depth gauges after the teeth have been sharpened 4 times.

Resources

• Learn more about chain saws at Mother Earth News.