Let us start with the anatomy of a chainsaw chain. Knowing what you are looking at it is a necessity to chainsaw maintenance. The chain on a chainsaw rotates from the top of the bar to the underneath of the bar. You want to make sure that your teeth are facing the correct direction. You want the edge that has a tip, pointing forward, also called the cutting tooth (see photo). Knowing this is also key to knowing what to sharpen.
You will want the proper chainsaw file as well to sharpen the chain. When choosing a file to sharpen, your tooth pitch (size) will matter, be sure to find the correct match. Once you have your tools, you can begin. You will want to make sure your chainsaw in secured with a clamp to hold firm while you sharpen.
After locating the cutting tooth, you will look for the file guide. This is a small line located on the top of the cutting tooth. This line with be your guide in angle for sharpening your chain. (See photo)
Before you start filing, you will want to keep your file level with the ground. You want to file each tooth to be about the same length as the last in length. Some teeth may have rough edges; you want to make them smooth again. You will push the file forward against the tooth, never pull back when filing. This will mess with your tooth as well as the file. You will make your rounds on the chain till you have touched on each one. You can keep track of where you started by marking the tooth that you started on with a marker.
Once you have made it through the first side your will need to sharpen the other side. Rotate chainsaw and repeat the process for the opposite side. You chainsaw should now be sharp and ready to use. You want to make sure you have checked the lube and fuel in your saw and also the tension. A chain on a chainsaw should have no visible slack as you hold it. When you lift the chain up from the bar it should have 1/8th inch of give, and snap back when you release it.
If you have any questions about your chainsaw maintenance or tree trimming, we are happy to provide the knowledge we have.
Lacey North
Project manager
541-621-5873
