How to Sharpen a Chain Saw Blade

Chainsaw cut more effectively when their blades are sharp.

In order to maintain the effectiveness of your chainsaw, you must sharpen the blade. A sharp chainsaw blade will reduce the amount of effort it takes to cut an item and; as a result, reduce the amount of wear and tear on the chainsaw (and you). So, you need to sharpen the blade as part of its general maintenance. Here’s how to do it.

Things You'll Need

• Heavy Gloves, File, Vise, Flat Surface, Gauge File, Time, Patience

Instructions

1. Measure the size of the gauge (teeth) of your chainsaw. Chainsaw have different gauze sizes. For this reason, it’s important to narrow down yours. You’ll want to write it down on a piece of paper for use in the next step.

2. Choose the file you’ll use to sharpen your chainsaw blade. This file should be based on the size of the gauge of your chainsaw. Use the piece paper with the measurements on it in this decision.

3. Clean your chainsaw. Before you sharpen the blade, the chainsaw should be free of oil, dirt and debris. You may need to use a cleanser. Be sure not to use too much of it. A little will go a long way.

4. Check your chainsaw for damage. This inspection should include worn out links and teeth. Discard and repair these pieces before you attempt to sharpen your chainsaw blade.

5. Stabilize your chainsaw by sitting it on a solid surface and clamping the bar into a vise. By making sure your chainsaw is unable to move, you will increase your own safety as you sharpen it. The only thing that should move as you sharpen your chainsaw is the actual chain.

6. Find the lead cutter. It is the shortest cutter on the chain. If all of the cutters are the same size in length, it doesn‘t exist and you can start filing anywhere on your chainsaw. Your goal is to even out the cutters and file them down to the same size.

7. Insert your file into the angled tooth in front of the cutter. The rounded portion of your file should fit into the curve of the face of the cutting tip. The top of your file should be almost flush with the top of the tooth.

8. Hold your file at a 25-degree angle. This angle should be similar to the angle at which the cutter faces the ground. Certain chains may have different angles. If this is the case, adjust your file accordingly.

9. Twist and slide your file against the face of the cutter. You should push the file from the short side of the angle toward the long point. Be sure to use medium pressure. Do this to each tooth on the chain working your way around it.

10. Reverse the sides of your chainsaw and file it. These are the teeth that go in the opposite direction of the side you just sharpened with the file. Use calipers if necessary to make sure the teeth are even.

11. Look at the clearance of the rakers (depth of gauge) and the curved hook shaped links in between the cutters. They should sit about one tenth of an inch lower than the cutter. If the depth of the gauge is too high, file it down. You will need to use a different tool if you have to file it that can be purchased from a chainsaw dealer.

12. Check your tension. If all is in order, apply oil. After the lubrication sets in, you should be ready to use your chainsaw again.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient as you sharpen your chainsaw. It is not a 5-minute job.

• If you are a novice at handling chainsaws, take your chainsaw into a professional for sharpening.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Video on How to Sharpen a Chainsaw