How to sharpen a chainsaw with a file?

29th February 2020


	How to sharpen a chainsaw with a file


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			Sharpening a chainsaw follows a similar principle to sharpening a crosscut hand saw, although it’s easier to see the lateral angles (fleam) as the blades are much bigger than saw teeth.

			Choosing the right size chainsaw file
			Before you start to sharpen your chainsaw, you will need to determine the gauge of the blade. This is the distance from the bottom of the curve of one of the cutters to the top.

			The most common gauges are 4mm (⁵/₃₂“), 5mm (³/₁₆“) and 6mm (⁷/₃₂“).

			The diameter of your chainsaw file (widest point when measuring through the middle) should match the gauge of your chainsaw blade.

			This is the only occasion where the precise measurement of your file is very important



			Sharpening the saw blade
			Step 1 – Secure chainsaw blade Clamp your chainsaw firmly into a vice. In this case, it is less important to use a file block, as the chainsaw blade needs to be able to rotate.

			Step 2 – Mark starting point Using a marker, or any other available means, mark the link that you will be sharpening first.

			You will be sharpening only the teeth that point towards you each time, so make sure it’s one of those that you are marking.

			This will help you to work out when you’re finished, as the mark will come back around the chain as it is fed through the saw.

			Step 3 – Sharpen blades Holding your chainsaw file’s handle with your dominant hand and gripping the point of the file with your non-dominant hand, locate the file against the blade of your starting link, making sure you tilt it so that it is fully in contact with the face of the blade.

			Push the file forwards as you would for a normal file stroke, but twist it slightly as you do. This will help to release the material you are removing from the file’s teeth, and prevent it from becoming clogged.

			Repeat this process with every other tooth, moving the chain each time so that you don’t have to unclamp the saw. Once your starting link comes back around, it’s time to change sides!

			Step 4 – Repeat on opposite side Turn the chainsaw around so that the opposite side is facing you, then clamp it once again.

			Mark the starting link and repeat the sharpening process one more time.

			Step 5 – Check rakers Now that your blades are sharp, it’s time to check to see if the rakers are the right height. These are the fin-shaped parts of the chainsaw blade that act as a depth gauge when cutting.

			Look carefully at your rakers and check to see if any of them are sitting higher than the blade behind them.

			If they are, you will need to grind them down with a mill file so that they do not prevent the blade from engaging with the wood.

			Your blade is now ready to be oiled and used.