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. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

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

    • 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.

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