Chainsaw Sharpening Instructions - How to Sharpen a Chainsaw

Chainsaw is a mechanical saw used basically for cutting trees and wood. If your chainsaw is not sharp enough, then using it over and over again would damage the teeth. The main parts used for cutting and slicing are the cutters, which are plated with industrial chrome. When the cutters are used for cutting woods filled with dirt and debris, this chrome layer slowly wears away and makes the cutters dull. In such a situation, you will need to push the chainsaw harder into the object, in order to cut it. This is a clear sign that it requires sharpening.

Maintenance of Chainsaw

The proper way to sharpen this equipment begins with cleaning it, to remove any dirt and grime. Both mineral spirit and detergent can be used for cleaning any hard surface to remove greasy dirt. Look out for any damage to the teeth of the saw. Check the length of the top plate, i.e. the flat surface on the top of each tooth. The length of this top plate should be ¼ inch and if it is not, then replacing the chainsaw would be a better option than sharpening it. Another important point is to get right-sized files or sharpeners. For this, first make a proper measurement of the chainsaw and its teeth. Depending on the size of the chain and cutter styles, files of different diameters would be required.

Now, for sharpening the blade, place it on a solid surface like a workbench. Now clamp or fasten the bar of the chainsaw to the holding device or the vise, that can hold any work device firmly with its two strong jaws. So, it will hold the bar of the chainsaw firmly, which will allow the chain to rotate freely. If all the cutters of the chainsaw are of equal length, you can begin with any one of them. Otherwise, you have to locate the leading cutter and start with it. Identifying the leading cutter is quite simple, as it is the shortest cutter. File each of the cutters, in such a way that the flat surface on the top of the cutter is of the same length.

The next step is to place the file in a suitable position. Usually, the notch located on the front of the cutter is the proper place for putting the file. It should be placed at the same angle, as that of the cutter on ground, i.e. at an angle of 25 degrees. Now, you can start sharpening this equipment by sliding the file across the face of the cutter, pushing it from the short side of the angle to the long point on the tip. Remember to maintain the same angle, while working on each tooth. The number of strokes applied in filing every tooth should be the same. Usually, 3 to 5 stokes for each tooth are sufficient. Once you are done with one side of the blade, follow the same procedure for the other side.

Before using it, always check the condition of the teeth. Make sure that the chain is, neither too loose nor too tight. If possible, clean the surface of the object to be cut with a brush. Removing dirt, grime and small rocks from the surface before using the chainsaw would be helpful in maintaining its sharpness for a long time. It would also make further sharpening easier. Clean its air filter, after every use. For any kind of engine problem, it is advisable to take the help of a professional.

Do not forget to wear safety glasses, hand gloves, hard hat and also ear plugs, while using it for your own safety considerations.