Chain Sharpening 

With normal use of you chainsaw, the saw chain blades will eventually become dull. 

To ensure that your chainsaw operates properly, the chain blades periodically need to be sharpened.

There are several easy methods to keep the teeth of your chainsaw sharp. You can purchase kits, rotary tool attachments, or just spend a couple of minutes with the proper files. For the first-time chainsaw owner, your chainsaw storeowners and technicians can show you how to correctly sharpen your chainsaw. Many major home-do-it-yourself stores also offer classes during the fall and winter months, or perhaps you may ask a neighbor experienced in saw sharpening to show you how.

To tell if your chain needs sharpened, follow these guidelines:

• If you have to apply pressure on the bar to cut.
• The chainsaw produces more sawdust than wood chips
• There is light reflecting off the leading edges of the cutters. Sharp cutters do not have flat edges to reflect light.
• Do you have any bent or burred drive links
• If you have any broken cutters or tie-straps
• Loose or broken rivets, or rivet heads

If you have broken parts, it is best to replace the chain.

To sharpen your chainsaw it is important to know that different types and sizes of saw chains, require different sizes of round files to sharpen them. Make sure you have purchased the correct size of round file for the size of saw chain you use. In addition to the round file, you will also need a flat file to lower the rakers, (depth gauges). Many experienced chainsaw owners sharpen their saw chains without using sharpening guides, however, you will achieve a better and consistent job is you using a sharpening jig, which you can purchase from wherever chainsaw parts and accessories are sold.

How to Sharpen a Chainsaw blade:

Make sure you have the correct size file and file guide.
If you are hand filing, ensure that you hold 20% of the file’s diameter above the cutter’s top plate. The easiest way to hold the file in this position is to use the correct file guide. Most cutters have a guide mark that is stamped near the rear edge of the top plate that can be used as a guide for the filing angle. Make sure to keep the correct top-plate filing angle line on your file guide parallel with the chain. You want to sharpen the cutters on one side of the chain, filing from the inside of each cutter to the outside. Next, turn your chainsaw around and repeat this process. If you notice damage on the chrome surface of the top plates, or side plates, then file back until you remove the damage. Start with the cutters that have the most damage and hand file all cutters back until they are equal. It is important that all cutters are kept equal.

Important Note: Never attempt to file or alter the tops of the kickback reducing bumper tie straps, or bumper drive links.
 

More hardware and equipment information:

Material handling equipment
Work equipment
Home construction equipment
Work truck equipment
Finish construction accessories

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