How to sharpen a chainsaw chain by hand

Chainsaw chain sharpening: on the machine and manually

Who else but a gardener knows how important it is to have always working equipment at hand. Especially when it comes to a tool on which the speed of work and a high-quality final result depend.

In this article, we will tell you how important it is to carry out timely maintenance of consumables such as equipment such as a chainsaw. If you often use this device, then you need to be prepared for the fact that the chain headset will require regular sharpening. Because it is this process that allows you to achieve the best performance, without wasting power and excessive fuel consumption.

How to sharpen a chainsaw chain?

So that you can ensure the proper condition of your gasoline saw, it is enough to know when, how and with what tools you can sharpen, so that the sawing process is as efficient and safe as possible.

How to determine the state of a circuit?

When it is necessary to sharpen a chain, there are no exact guidelines. It depends on the intensity of the use of the tool. However, it is also impossible to specially wait for the moment when the saw stops working efficiently. It is very important to pay attention to early signs of bluntness.

First of all, you need to make sure that the chain is securely fixed. If, when cutting wood, you notice that you are starting to apply more force than before, then the tensioner is most likely not able to provide the proper working tension. In this case, the chain is slightly stretched or sagged.

Pay attention to the quality of the chips. Ideally, it should be light, uniform and about the same size. With poor sharpening, the chips have a fine fraction of a dark color and with an abundance of visible impurities in the structure.

Sometimes you may notice that the chainsaw is tilted to the side. this is also a reason for sharpening.

How to sharpen a chainsaw chain correctly?

To learn how to sharpen correctly, it is enough to follow a few simple rules and have the necessary set of tools with you. Since the chain tooth is a complex geometric shape, this operation may seem quite complicated, but this is only at first glance.

Each tooth of the saw set is represented by two cutting edges. lateral (vertical) and upper (horizontal), which has a bevel at a certain angle and is directed in the direction of the chain movement. Chip size and productivity depends on the depth gauge, which is located on each cutting tooth and serves to determine the maximum immersion of the cutting edges in the wood. They are sharpened only if necessary, as a rule, when you notice that the distance between the teeth and the separator has significantly decreased.

Household chain sharpening tools

There are two ways to sharpen the chainsaw chain. using a set of hand tools and a special mechanical or electric sharpening machine. Naturally, the first method is the most popular. However, professionals do not recommend using it very often, as this can lead to rapid wear and tear and disruption of the normal operation of equipment.

If you still prefer this method, then in your arsenal should be such devices:

• Round (cylindrical) file for sharpening cutting teeth.
• Depth gauge flat file.
• Template for ensuring rational sharpening parameters.
• Hook for easily removing sawdust, dust and other debris from the chain.
• Construction gloves to protect hands from unexpected cuts.

To fix the chain at home, you must use a round file of the appropriate diameter:

For chains with a groove width of 10.3 mm and a pitch of 3/8. a file with a diameter of 4 mm is suitable.
For chains with a groove width of 1.6 mm and a pitch of 3/8. file 5.2 mm
For chains with groove widths 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6 mm and chain pitch 0.325. files with diameters of 3.8 mm, 4.2 mm and 4.8 mm can be used.

If you are starting this process for the first time, then it will not be superfluous to watch an educational video, where experienced craftsmen share useful tips and gradually reveal all the secrets of successful sharpening.

How to sharpen a chainsaw chain with a file, and what rules must be strictly observed so as not to harm the tool

First of all, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the chain from oil, dirt and other debris. Inspect the blade carefully for damage, worn links and teeth. If flaws are found, its further use is dangerous for work. It is also worth paying attention to the length of the upper tip, it should be at least 1/4 inch. If the sharpening is shorter, then there is a high probability that the tooth will break during work.

Correct positioning of the device on the work plane is very important. It should be a flat and solid surface. For a high-quality performance of the operation, it is recommended to clamp the saw bar in a special vice. This will not only allow the blade to move freely, but also to adhere to the correct angle of inclination. The chain should be in a vise at an angle of 80 to 90 degrees to the surface. The sharpener, in turn, should move at an angle of 15. 35 degrees relative to the placed fixed chain.

The next step is to locate the leading torch. It is usually the shortest on the chain. If you are not observing it, then you can start sharpening from any blade. For convenience, mark with a marker the place where your work will begin.

Before you start sharpening the chain, place the template so that it fits into its slots. Then move the file along the cutting surface of the tooth and make several light movements with a protrusion of 3-4 cm, parallel to the lateral edges of the template. The direction of the file must be continuous and directed in one direction only. Moderate circular motions can be made to remove the resulting metal shavings. It is also important to keep the same number of strokes for each tooth. In the process of work, in no case should you rush. At this stage, it is very important to adhere to accuracy, care and accuracy.

Turn the tool over in a vise and move on to sharpen teeth that are in the opposite direction from those that you sharpened before.

If necessary, increase the distance of the depth gauge. Place the template and use a flat file to carefully grind off what falls under its slot.

Finally, lubricate the chain with special oil and check the tension.

Also on sale you can find such a set for sharpening, which consists of a flat file, a gauge template for filing a limiter and a round file placed in a special metal plate (holder) with engraved fishing lines.

When sharpening the chain with these tools, the cylindrical file with the plate should be positioned on the tooth in accordance with the indicated lines. The holder, in turn, rests on the top of the tooth and stop, and the file under the cutting edge.

To control the cutting depth limiter, a filing gauge is used, which contains special shaped slots. It is fixed on the cutting tooth and, using a flat file, that part of the stop that protrudes from under the surface of the caliber is grinded.

How to sharpen a chainsaw chain on a machine?

If you do not want to sharpen the chain by hand, you can use a manual or electric sharpener. The most popular, of course, is network technology.

The electric machine has a solid base, a movable upper part and fixing components, consisting of a fixing screw, a set screw, and a set wedge with a chain holder. The base of the case is represented by one start button, a depth stop and a scale for setting the angle and sharpening level. An abrasive grinding wheel is used as a working component. For the most convenient use, there is a handle and special protection elements.

The main advantage of the electric machine is that it has a certain system of settings, making it possible to place the cutting blade at the correct angle and bring the disc to the sharpened edge with maximum accuracy. Each tooth is sharpened separately, the user only moves the chain along the holder. There are also models that automatically clamp the vice when lowering the disc chain onto the tooth.

The procedure for sharpening is more than simple:

• Place the saw head in the machine, with the links towards the blade.
• Find the shortest tooth on the chain. this will be the main reference point for determining the level of sharpening.
• Set the required machine settings. Lower the circle to the shortest tooth, then without changing the settings, go to the next.
• At the end of sharpening, blow out the headset and treat it with oil.

To ensure that the sharpener will serve you as long as possible, after each use blow the mechanism with clean compressed air and lubricate with machine oil.

As for hand-held machines, they resemble the construction of a ray saw in shape, but instead of a saw blade, a cylindrical file is used. The use of such a device has several advantages. Firstly, all the working edges of the chain set are sharpened in exactly the same way. Secondly, the movement of the file occurs at a given angle and the likelihood of even the smallest deviation is completely excluded. The required sharpening parameters are set by the user independently before starting work.

You can buy a machine for sharpening chainsaw chains on our website, where a large selection of equipment of this type is presented, each model is described in detail, all technical characteristics are given.

How to tension a chain on a chainsaw

After you have sharpened, do not forget to make sure that the chain tension is correct. A saw head that sags may come off the tire or get stuck in the wood during operation. Padding is also bad. excessive load on the engine is created.

Therefore, it is very important to control the chain tension and, if necessary, make adjustments before each start of work with the power off. The process of tensioning the chain is not difficult, all that needs to be done is to follow the correct sequence of actions, which is prescribed in the instructions for each tool.

First, loosen the fasteners on the chain saw cover that holds the saw headset. Then insert the screwdriver key into the corresponding groove, and carefully rotate, while pulling the chain. A couple of turns is enough. To check the tension, pull the chain by hand at the bottom of the bar in the direction of travel. If it does not move, then the fastener is too tight and needs to be slightly loosened. Ideally, the sliding of the blade should be smooth without snags and unnecessary sagging.

Important! In no case should the chain be tightened or replaced while hot, as after cooling it tends to contract again. Doing so can lead to irreversible deformation of the guide bar and damage to the motor. Wait until the moment of complete cooling, and only then proceed with the adjustment.

Tooth configuration and sharpening angle of the chainsaw chain

Chainsaw teeth have a complex configuration, which depends on the direction of movement of the chain. The tooth has two working edges: the lateral one, located perpendicular to the axis of movement of the links, and the upper one, which is at a certain angle to the direction of movement of the chain. Each tooth has a cutting depth stop. It determines the height of the chips to be removed. The main cutting force falls on the cutting edge. The sharpening angle of the tooth determines the quality of the tool.

Important! The configuration of the tooth should be checked regularly, especially before starting long-term work.

Each saw model has its own cutting edge pitch, the value of which for household and semi-professional models is associated with the power of the unit and the drive torque. For rip sawing, the pitch is taken less (eg 0.325 inch). This will reduce the work performance, but the required effort will also decrease. When felling trees with a large trunk diameter, the engine power does not exceed 2500 W. The thickness of the cutting edge for most chainsaws is set to 1.3 mm.

The height of the chain profile is either 0.625 mm or 0.762 mm, and a low profile is used for household saws. At the same time, the vibration of the saw increases slightly.

The edge of the tooth for longitudinal cutting should be very sharp and have an angle in the range of 6º… 12º, for transverse. up to 25º… 30º.

In the first case, sharpening should be done more often, since an unacceptably small angle of inclination of the tooth contributes to its rapid chipping. This is especially noticeable in links that are made of structural alloy steels containing silicon and manganese, for example, 40KhGS or 35KhGSA.

How to sharpen a chainsaw chain correctly on a machine

Sharpening the chain on the machine is much faster and more accurate than with your hands. There are many different electric sharpeners on the market. Household units are compact, operate on a 220 V network. Abrasive wheels are easily replaced on them, they can be easily rebuilt to different chain parameters: tooth pitch, upper edge thickness, sharpening angle. All machined cutting edges are the same. The process is going fast.

Do-it-yourself chainsaw sharpening using an angle grinder

Experts strongly recommend not to use this method for inexperienced craftsmen. He’s pretty dangerous.

But if there is no other way out, then you must follow the safety rules. The angle grinder must be installed in a vice and clamped securely. After switching on the tool, bring the edge to be sharpened to the rotating surface of the disc. Since it is impossible to maintain a constant sharpening angle using an angle grinder, a tooth sharpened in this way will differ significantly from a filed one. In addition, there is a risk of notching with the disc of the angle grinder of the tooth attachment ear.

Chain sharpening angle grinder

Chainsaw chain sharpening frequency

The decision to sharpen saw chains is not made according to the calendar, but according to the assessment of its performance. First of all, you should inspect the sawdust. If they look like fine dust, then the chain needs to be sharpened. Otherwise, the engine may overheat, which will lead to the formation of scoring on the cylinder. A dull saw has increased vibration and a difficult entry of the headset into each new cut, which significantly reduces the productivity of sawing work.

Electric chainsaw chain sharpener

The main part of the machine is an electric motor, on the shaft of which a sharpening disc is installed. The controls are located on its handle. There is a clamp for securing the machine to the chain. The spring clamp provides adjustment of the pressing force on the sharpened element. Differentiated clamping provides for the self-centering of the product in the machine. For the safety of work, there is a hinged safety guard.

Electric saw chain sharpener

A saw chain is installed in a special guide mounted on a turntable. The retainer holds the sharpened tooth, to which electric emery is installed at a predetermined angle. The operator turns on the engine and controls the immersion of the disc

A file for sharpening chainsaws: types and tips for choosing

The diameter of the round file is selected according to the pitch of the saw chain. The pitch values ​​of 1.3 and 1.6 mm correspond to files with a diameter of 4 and 5.2 mm. A flat tool will be required to reduce the height of the cutting link stops.

How to properly sharpen a chainsaw chain with a file

On the processed area, you need to fix templates and patterns. They will give the right direction to the file, making the process easier. When all the preparatory work has been done, you can proceed directly to sharpening the chain.

According to the rules, it is necessary to sharpen the teeth in one direction, then in the other. Work begins with light clicks with a file in the direction away from you, the pressure gradually increases. Reverse file movement. without pressing. The circular tool must be continuously rotated along its axis. The chain is sharpened by movements from the inside of the tooth to the outside. In this case, the file should be located parallel to a special mark on the chain, which is applied by the manufacturer to indicate the standard sharpening angle.

The sharpened tooth should be located approximately in the middle of the tire, this is necessary for ease of work. In the process of processing, you need to move the chain along the tire, not forgetting to set the brake to the working position every time.

The angle of inclination of the tool should be right, and the angle of sharpening of the chain of the chainsaw horizontally should be sharp, while its changes are allowed in the range from 10º to 30º. The smallest tooth in the row should be taken as a basis. Turn the tire over and do the same job for the teeth that go in the opposite direction. The disadvantage of this sharpening method is the high time consumption.

Sharpening the chain with a file

You can insert a round file with a broken handle into the chuck of an electric drill or screwdriver. You will get a very convenient mechanized sharpening device.

Sharpening the chain with a drill and file

Stages of work for manual sharpening at home

• The bar with the chain is fixed with a vise so that its upper line is in a horizontal position.
• Take the shortest tooth as a reference point and mark it with a marker or nitro enamel.
• The body of the round file is brought under the main cutting edge, pressing it to the corner along the entire mowing line and at the same time pressing the holder against the surface of the tooth. Thanks to the holder, the round file will automatically take the desired position, protruding in relation to the upper plane of the chainsaw tooth.
• With confident even movements from oneself, without changing the feed angle, two or three times are filed along the beveled surface of the upper cutting edge.
• Rotate the file along its axis so that the development of an abrasive surface does not occur, and repeat the operation until the tooth sharpens.
• After that, using a chain sharpening template, check the height of the limiter and, if necessary, grind it with a flat file.
• Then, through one tooth, the entire cycle of operations is repeated until they reach the originally marked tooth.
• Turn the tire over with the opposite side and sharpen all the other teeth of the chainsaw through one.

Hand-operated machines

The design of such a machine is similar to a bow saw. Only where the saw blade is located is the round file. With such a machine, you can sharpen and straighten the teeth, adjusting the proportionality of the upper edges to the smallest (control) size. The mechanism allows you to accurately set the parameters. After adjusting the “control” tooth, sharpening is carried out in two or three movements. And then the transition. to the next tooth.

When it is necessary to grind off the stopper, we change the round file to a flat file.

Advantages of the method: Allows you to sharpen teeth, including those that have lost their original shape, in a high-quality, convenient and without large physical costs.

Disadvantages: The price of the tool and the distance from the possible site of the saw operation.

“After finishing the“ sharpening procedures ”, blow out the chain with compressed air (from a compressor or pump) and put it briefly in clean engine oil. Of course, almost no one does such events, but for the chain, they will only benefit. “

What to choose for sharpening is up to you. This is due to how often you use your chainsaw. From the accuracy of handling it. From the quality of the purchased chain. And, of course, from the opportunity to spend a certain amount. It is impossible to compare methods, because as the German proverb says. “apples should be compared with apples”.

How to sharpen a chain on a chainsaw with your own hands

A person who has a chainsaw in his household should know how to sharpen a chainsaw chain with his own hands. There are several ways:

• Sharpening with a file (the most common method of sharpening, as it allows you to sharpen the tool directly at the cutting site.)
• Sharpening using a special machine (this method is used in service centers, but can also be used on a personal farm)
• Sharpen using an angle grinder. To sharpen in this way, certain skills are required. Uncommon method, because it is quite difficult to sharpen with an angle grinder correctly.

In this video, you can familiarize yourself with the sharpening process, the most popular methods and tools used for this.

Than manual sharpening is inferior to machine

• Difficulty keeping the required angle. You don’t need to think that you can sharpen the chainsaw chain with just one round file; for this operation you will need at least a special guide and a second flat file.
• Low speed of the operation. It is necessary to fix the guide on the tooth, manipulate with a round file, check the gap of the limiter, if it is necessary to correct it with a flat file, and only then proceed to the next tooth.
• The need for experience. Despite the various helpers for sharpening a chainsaw by hand, first of all you need to feel the process, and this requires some experience.

How to understand that the chain is dull

• Increased physical effort;
• Sagging (stretching) of the chain;
• Vibration and “braking” cutting passage;
• Inaccurate sawing and change in the type of sawdust (they become uneven with sharp “needle” edges, small and dusty). This is already the answer to the test.

“In the opinion of the experts, and in my opinion too: well-sharpened teeth are more important than engine power.”

Why dull? The reasons are generally known, but I will name the main ones:

• Intense or voluminous work;
• Accidental contact with stone, earth, hard knots, etc.;
• Mishandling (broad term).

We sharpen the chainsaw chain with our own hands. All possible and available ways

“A lumberjack working with a blunt ax was advised:. Sharpen the ax.

He replied:. There is no time. It is necessary to cut down the forest. “

Greetings to all readers!

Today I decided to tell you about the tool, without which, as it seems to me, today it is simply impossible. A good tool should work well, and this largely depends on its owner.

Cleaning the autumn garden, preparing firewood for winter, building a bathhouse, repairing a wooden fence will require not only time and desire, but also the readiness of the “cutting” tool. If it is a chainsaw, then it must be properly sharpened.

Of course, there are paid specialists, and you, for example, have extra money. But we know that such a procedure is performed periodically and therefore a natural question arises: how to sharpen a chainsaw chain at home? I’ll tell you about that. Go!

In this article, you will learn:

3 ways to sharpen your chainsaw chain with your own hands

Learn how to properly sharpen your chainsaw chain at home using a file, angle grinder and machine. A detailed video of the do-it-yourself sharpening process. We will show you how to work correctly with tools and devices.

It is very convenient to work with a chainsaw. Despite the fact that the unit weighs 5-7 kilograms, or even more, cutting a tree trunk into logs, you simply wonder how quickly this happens, and there is practically no fatigue. But then the moment comes when it is harder and harder for the tool blade to enter the wood. There is only one diagnosis. the saw is dull, so it is required to sharpen the chainsaw chain.

Whoever comes across this for the first time is a little upset, because it is not clear: to do it yourself or to give the instrument to the specialists in the workshop. And what is the general sharpening method? But in fact, there is nothing wrong with that, and if you have knowledge, you can easily sharpen chainsaw chains with your own hands. The correct strategy for solving the issue in this case directly depends on the load of the unit.

If the chainsaw is used from time to time, several times a year, then it may not make sense to buy a special sharpening machine or accessories, it is easier to solve the problem by using the services of a service center. But if a chainsaw is a means of earning or there is a desire to master the sharpening process yourself, then you should definitely purchase a sharpener or a machine tool and manually carry out this simple manipulation with the chain. Let’s see below what the correct sharpening of the chainsaw chain is based on.

File types and tips for choosing

Following the rules, before choosing files for sharpening the chainsaw chain, the exact chain pitch is determined by the chain marking. Further, they adhere to the recommendations:

Step size File diameter, mm

0.25	2×2
0.325	2×2.4
0.375	2×2.6
0.404	2×2.75

There are saw chains where it is appropriate to use round files with a cross-sectional diameter of 2×1.6 millimeters.

With the correct selection of the tool for sharpening the teeth of the chainsaw, its protrusion above the surface of the horizontal edge of the tooth during the process will not exceed 1/5 of its own diameter, which can be a guide when selecting a file when the chain pitch cannot be determined.

First about the horror stories

If you cut with a blunt chainsaw, you will get three negative factors:

• Reduce the efficiency of your process. For example, instead of two cubes, file one (in the same time);
• Expose the mechanism to intense wear, with the risk of destroying the drive sprocket and tire;
• Get increased fuel consumption;

There is also a fourth, perhaps not so significant factor. “torn” cut of the saw cut.

And of course, you will get tired more, you will (perhaps) be angry with yourself, like “why should I be a fool, do not sharpen in advance, now suffer.”

Here is a test question for you (photo on the right). Guess what kind of shavings “came out” from under the sharp and dull chain? (the answer will be below).

Electric sharpening machines

They are equipped with special adjustment functions to help you position the chain at a certain angle. At the same time, it is possible to accurately and accurately bring the disc to the chain teeth. There are machines equipped with automatic vices. They are switched on when the disc approaches the edge to be sharpened. Convenience and functionality are of course high. You can find models at “lifting” prices.

Hand-operated machines

The design of such a machine is similar to a bow saw. Only where the saw blade is located is the round file. With such a machine, you can sharpen and straighten the teeth, adjusting the proportionality of the upper edges to the smallest (control) size. The mechanism allows you to accurately set the parameters. After adjusting the “control” tooth, sharpening is carried out in two or three movements. And then the transition. to the next tooth.

When it is necessary to grind off the stopper, we change the round file to a flat file.

Advantages of the method: Allows you to sharpen teeth, including those that have lost their original shape, in a high-quality, convenient and without large physical costs.

Disadvantages: The price of the tool and the distance from the possible site of the saw operation.

“After finishing the“ sharpening procedures ”, blow out the chain with compressed air (from a compressor or pump) and put it briefly in clean engine oil. Of course, almost no one does such events, but for the chain, they will only benefit. “

What to choose for sharpening is up to you. This is due to how often you use your chainsaw. From the accuracy of handling it. From the quality of the purchased chain. And, of course, from the opportunity to spend a certain amount. It is impossible to compare methods, because as the German proverb says. “apples should be compared with apples”.

Possible ways and methods of sharpening the chain

We sharpen the chainsaw chain with our own hands. All possible and available ways

“A lumberjack working with a blunt ax was advised:. Sharpen the ax.

He replied:. There is no time. It is necessary to cut down the forest. “

Greetings to all readers!

Today I decided to tell you about the tool, without which, as it seems to me, today it is simply impossible. A good tool should work well, and this largely depends on its owner.

Cleaning the autumn garden, preparing firewood for winter, building a bathhouse, repairing a wooden fence will require not only time and desire, but also the readiness of the “cutting” tool. If it is a chainsaw, then it must be properly sharpened.

Of course, there are paid specialists, and you, for example, have extra money. But we know that such a procedure is performed periodically and therefore a natural question arises: how to sharpen a chainsaw chain at home? I’ll tell you about that. Go!

In this article, you will learn:

Sharpening angle grinder

Professionals consider this work to be primitive. There is a risk of tire damage, and not only.

Process (seemingly easy, but really difficult)

• The chain also stays on the bus;
• We attach a metal cutting disc with a thickness of 1.5-2 mm to an angle grinder. It is advisable to take not a new one, that is, with a worn edge;
• We put an obstacle in front of the chain and the tire (the chip will come off);
• We carry out sharpening at the desired angle;
• Upon completion of work, the chain must be properly tightened.

With a professional approach and a “full hand“, the number of sharpenings in this case can be more than 7.

“For a beginner, it is better not to“ experiment ”with a saw, a chain, etc. with your body parts! “

Advantages of the method: Fast, cheap and does not take up energy;

Disadvantages: Requires special skills, a steady hand and the ability to comply with safety techniques.

How to Sharpen a Chainsaw?

Chainsaw teeth

Chainsaw teeth have a specific geometry. You need to understand and know what part of them should be sharpened. In general, the “logic” of cutting wood resembles a plane.

The cutting surface has two edges. One is lateral, the other is slightly beveled. The cutting depth limiter adjusts the thickness of the chips. Let’s take a closer look. The elements of the cutting-working link are arranged as follows:

• Base with axle holes;
• Tooth scapula;
• Cutting depth limiter;
• End face of the blade (placement. vertical);
• Upper edge of the blade (placement. horizontal);

Sharpened edge Dull After touching the ground

After sharpening, the height of the stop and the angle of the sharpened working edges should not differ greatly from the parameters specified by the manufacturer. This is an important condition and it needs an “eye and eye” behind it. Otherwise, the saw will not work as expected.

Do not over-grind or change the location of the links. The normal operation of the instrument depends on the identity of their location. Otherwise, increased stress on the chassis, tire and engine is likely. The cut can be crooked. There is also a small chance of breaking the circuit.