Sharpening Your Chainsaw

If you own a chainsaw then you know that the chainsaw chain needs to be sharpened. Like just about every power tool, a chainsaw requires maintenance. Chainsaw sharpeners come in a variety of styles and prices, but you can't do without one because the chain will get dull with regular use (and this can happen rather quickly sometimes). You'll want to make sure that you keep the cutting teeth sharp and ready as this will cut down on fatigue and wear and tear on both you and your chainsaw.

Try these tips: File until all the shiny spots are gone, some times you will see a small burr rolled up along the top of the cutter. File the teeth in the file guide by stroking toward the edge of the teeth. Two or three strokes may be enough, but check the sharpness. File each tooth the same number of strokes. File every second tooth from the right, and those in between from the left. Sharpen each tooth the same number of times, usually 3 to 5 strokes. You will have to take you chain off to do this. Sharpen a chainsaw chain by making the same amount of strokes on each cutting blade. This makes the chain wear the same. Sharpening your saws chain increases the both its effectiveness and it life because it will then cut quicker saving you time and energy.

For a quick touch-up I have found that a round file works very well for sharpening a chainsaw chain. It allows for a quick on site sharpening without a lot of downtime, and you don't need to remove the chain. The file is passed over the chain, sharpening just the tip. Since this procedure is done by hand, it requires a little skill because you want to make sure, as much as possible when you're out in the woods working, that the file is always at the same angle otherwise, the cutting angle of the chain would be changed.

Following these simple chainsaw sharpening steps will ensure that your chainsaw chain will be poised and ready for use anytime.

By: Mumby

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