No matter how often you use your chainsaw, you always want to have a sharp chain when your ready to use it. In order to always have a sharp chainsaw chain, you must know the correct way to sharpen a chain so that the chain will continue to cut correctly for the life of the chain. 

Instructions

There are many different methods for sharpening chainsaw chain.  I am going to tell you the easiest method, using a round file.  The file can be purchased a your local lawn and garden dealer. 

Step1

Always make sure the chainsaw is not running and the spark plug wire is disconnected from the spark plug.  Before you begin sharpening you need to make sure that your chain is clean of debris by using a wire brush.  Prepare to sharpen your chainsaw chain by making sure that you have the proper tension on your chainsaw blade.  This method will be done without removing the chain from the saw.  The right tension helps you hold the chain in the correct position as you sharpen.

Step2

Start by sharpening one side of your chainsaw chain. You will notice that you have alternating cutting teeth on the chain, so you need to sharpen one side completely before going on to the other side. Different chains have different sized teeth. It is critical that you have the right file for your particular chainsaw chain.  For help in determining the correct file size you can visit a couple of websites that have good information about that.  www.stihl-usa.com, www.oregonchain.com.

Step3

Sharpen a chainsaw chain by making the same amount of strokes on each cutting blade. This makes the chain wear the same. The angle at which you hold the file as you sharpen the chain is also important. If you have too much pitch or not enough.  You can use a guide for this, or you can free hand if you have some practice.  If you don't use the correct pitch you will notice that the chains may want to pull to the left or right as your cutting thru a log.

Step4

Check the height of the rakes on the chain when you sharpen a chainsaw chain. The rakes is in between the right and left hand chisel points. If this link is too high, your saw chain won't cut very well. You can take a flat file and cut the rakes down to the correct height. The rakes actually pull the material out as your cutters cut. 

You have just successfully sharpened a Chainsaw Chain.  Congratulations