How to Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain

When you use your chainsaw regularly, it is necessary to keep a sharp chain. You must know the correct way to sharpen a chainsaw chain so that it will continue to cut correctly. These cutting edges are called "chisel cuts."

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Prepare to sharpen your chainsaw chain by first making sure that you have the right tension on your chainsaw blade. The right tension helps you hold the chain in the correct position as you sharpen.

2. Start by sharpening one side of your chainsaw chain. You have alternating cutting teeth, so you need to sharpen one side completely before going on to the other side. Different chains have different sized teeth. It is critical that you have the right file for your particular chainsaw chain.

3. Sharpen a chainsaw chain by making the same amount of strokes on each cutting blade. This makes the chain wear the same. The angle at which you hold the file as you sharpen the chain is also important. If you have too much pitch or not enough, this makes your chain not cut right.

4. Check the height of the drag length of the chain when you sharpen a chainsaw chain. The drag length is in between the right and left hand chisel points. If this link is too high, your saw won't cut. Take a flat file and cut this link down to the correct height. This link actually pulls the material out as your chisel points cut.