Sharpening a chainsaw: step-by-step instructions for those who are not looking for easy ways

In this article you will learn how to sharpen a chainsaw chain, what design a chainsaw chain has, how to sharpen a chain with a file, methods for sharpening a chain with a grinder, how to use a chain sharpening machine.

How can you sharpen a chainsaw chain?

As you use a chainsaw, its chain becomes dull. This is natural, so it needs to be sharpened periodically. You can sharpen a chainsaw:

• A file – flat, round.
• File with holder.
• Bulgarian.
• Chain sharpening machine.

Before the main part, you need to understand the chain and its design.

A standard chainsaw chain consists of:

• Cutting teeth – left and right.
• A limiter is a plate that does not allow cutting the material deeper.
• Links.
• Rivets - connects the leading link with the sawing links.

The chain needs to be sharpened on both sides - each tooth separately on the left and separately on the right. Sharpening a chainsaw chain differs depending on its type.

There are two types of sawing teeth:

1. Chipper.
2. Chisel.

The first one is the most common, and we will use it to figure out how to sharpen a chain correctly. They are found in both semi-professional and household models, but more often in household ones. The thickness of the chipper link and stop is greater, which is why they are stronger than chisels. Also, the chipper stop is rounded. They become dull more often and faster than their analogues.

Chisels are used only in professional/specialized equipment.They are thinner and sharper - they cut better, faster, but also break more easily. They have a small contact area with the material, which is why there is minimal resistance. Chisels cut deeper than chippers. They have sharp edges, the profile of the link with the limiter resembles a seven in shape. It is more difficult to sharpen a chisel yourself without damaging it.

How to sharpen a chain with a file

First you need to choose a suitable file; they are distinguished by diameter. Main types: 40 mm, 48 mm, 52 mm and 55 mm.

You can sharpen a saw chain with a file in the field, but this is the longest method. If you have a special file clamp, use it.

To sharpen a chainsaw chain:

• Clamp the chain in a vise or rest it against wood.
• Mark the tooth you will sharpen.
• Position the file yourself over the cutting tooth at a 30-degree angle or use a clamp.
• Move the file away from you - forward. Do not press too hard on the tooth to avoid breaking/cutting off too much metal. Sharpen only the serrated blade. In the case of a new file, six such movements on one side of the tooth will be enough. If the file has been used/dull, make up to 12 movements.
• Move on to the next tooth.
• When you are finished sharpening the cutting teeth on one side, turn the chain over.
• Repeat all steps with the second side of the teeth.

Specialized file holders are equipped with sharpening degree marks. We recommend practicing sharpening a chain with them, only then switching to working without a holder.

Sharpening a chainsaw chain with a grinder

There are two ways to sharpen a chain with a grinder:

1. With fixed chain.
2. With a fixed angle grinder (more dangerous).

First:

• Clamp the chain in a vise.
• Mark the tooth you will sharpen.
• Install a 125mm circle on the grinder.
• Hold the angle grinder at a 30-degree angle on the blade side, tilting it.
• Follow safety precautions - wear safety glasses, gloves, and remove your head from the direct path of the disc.
• Turn on the device at low speeds or gently press the power button if you cannot adjust the operation of the device.
• Smoothly slide the grinder blade along the blade of the tooth. Don't press too hard - you might cut off too much and ruin the tooth.
• Change the cutting tooth and sharpen it as well.
• Turn the chain over and repeat all steps.

You may injure/hurt yourself and/or ruin the chain teeth when sharpening with an angle grinder, but this method is much more efficient and faster than sharpening with a file.

Second:

• Fix the grinder in a vice by putting a 125 mm circle on it in advance. Don't forget to wear goggles, gloves and protective clothing.
• Mark the tooth to be sharpened.
• Place the chain tooth on the wheel blade at a 30 degree angle.
• Also, use light movements to move around the blade of the tooth - do not grind off too much, so as not to damage the chain.
• Change the tooth and repeat the steps.
• Turn the chain over. Sharpen the teeth on the other side.

We recommend sharpening the chain teeth in the direction of the blade.

How to sharpen a chain with a sharpening machine

The process of sharpening a chain on a machine:

• A specialized sharpening machine is fixed to the table and connected to the power supply.
• The chain is installed in the holder.
• The required sharpening wheel is inserted into the working part and the protective cover is put on.
• The angle of inclination is adjusted by the rear lever. There are usually corner markings at the back.
• Check the tilt of the working part - pull the handle. To prevent the disc from cutting the chain, set the limiter - bolt/lever on the side - to the required level.
• Start the device, wait for the circle to accelerate, and pull the handle. Don't make sudden movements.
• Rotate the chain to change the tooth.
• Turn the chainsaw chain in the opposite direction and repeat the previous steps.
• Turn off the device after finishing sharpening, remove the plug from the socket.

Sharpening chains in this way is the easiest, most effective and safest way of sharpening. Disadvantages: stationary method, price. A normal chain sharpening machine costs 10 thousand rubles.