How to Sharpen Chain Saw Chains

Chain saws, like knives and axes, need regular sharpening to work properly. Dull chain saws teeth, like dull knives, require more force to get the job done. Dull teeth can also cause the saw to overtax the engine and cause it to break down. Unlike an axe head, a chain saw has many tiny teeth, each with its own blade, requiring a major, but necessary, investment of time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chainsaw file
• Mineral spirits
• Used toothbrush
• Old rag
• Chainsaw bar oil

1. Use an old toothbrush, a rag, and a bottle of mineral spirits or other degreasing agent. Pick any tooth to start. Place a chainsaw file into the notch before that tooth. Make sure the top of the file is level with the top surface of the tooth.

2. Lift the chain saw file so that it is at a 25-degree diagonal angle, the normal angle for sharpening a chain saw. The angle could be different for a specialized cutting chain, so you should check the instructions that comes with a new chain saw to make sure what angle you should use.

3. Push the file across the face of the tooth's blade, turning as you go to release the metal shavings. Repeat two to four times per tooth. Do this for each blade facing the same direction as the first tooth you filed, then file the blades facing the opposite direction.

4. Lubricate the chain with a little bar oil when it is fully sharpened.

Tips & Warnings

• If any teeth are worn out, cracked, or bent, replace the chain. Do not sharpen it. Using a damaged chain is hazardous.

References

• Loews: Chainsaw Maintenance