Sharpening the chain of our chainsaw is a maintenance task that we must do often, since the cutting capacity and durability of this will depend largely on how sharp it is.
- How to sharpening chainsaw chain and products
- How to sharpen the chainsaw with file manually
But if you have been with one of them for a short time or simply have never done it, you may have the question of how to sharpen your chainsaw and it is normal, so in this article we want to explain step by step how to sharpen the chain of your chainsaw.
Steps on how to sharpen the chain of a chainsaw correctly and easily
How to sharpen the chainsaw with file manually
Explaining how to sharpen a chainsaw can be tricky. Therefore, before writing the steps to follow, we will include an explanatory video for those who prefer to see it visually instead of reading.
The 10 steps to follow for sharpening chainsaw chain with file:
- 1. You must determine the size or gauge of your chainsaw chain. First of all you will need to buy a rotary wheel or file to sharpen chainsaw chains which match the chain tooth. You must be especially careful in this, since there are different file diameters.
- 2. Clean the chain. To do this you can use a solvent, a degreasing detergent or a little gasoline to clean the oil, dirt and particles from the chain. You can use a brush to clean properly.
- 3. Check each link to see if they are worn or damaged. This step is important as there is some danger in the event that individual teeth are chipped, broken, or bent. As a basic rule, the top of the tooth should be at least 0.6 cm long. If that length is shorter there is a risk that the chain may break when in operation. Therefore it is important to discard the chain in case it is damaged or worn.
- 4. Place the chainsaw on a stable surface or hold the sword or rapier with an element that allows it to be fixed and prevents movement. It is important that the chainsaw is stable in order to sharpen the chainsaw correctly and safely.
- 5. Set a main starting blade. For this it is necessary that you mark it with some tied wire or with a marker. This is necessary to have a starting point and not make the mistake of sharpening a tooth twice, which would lead to increased wear.
- 6. Place the file in the front notch of the blade. We must introduce the file in the tooth gap with a position about 30ยบ, so that it fits perfectly with the front curve of the tooth.
- 7. Start filing. Slide the file keeping the previous position carefully and taking care that the possible remains of the file fall down to discard them.
- 8. Perform the procedure with all teeth. Following the guide of the starting point, file all the teeth in that position.
- 9. Invert the sides of the saw and start sharpening the teeth in the other direction.
- 10. Check the depth gauges and file them if necessary. These are the hook-shaped links. These should have a difference in height with the top of the cutting teeth of about 0.3 cm to ensure that the teeth work properly. If the distance is less, you should carefully file them with a flat file until you reach the proper height.
Once these steps are done, you just have to lubricate the chain and check the tension of the chain. Once this is reviewed, the chainsaw will be ready for use.