Your Stihl chainsaw makes it easier and quicker to bring down trees and manage growth. The chainsaw chain is the most critical component of this tool and should be kept sharp to get optimal performance. There are many ways to sharpen your chainsaw and we’ll walk you through how to sharpen a chainsaw with a file in this guide. It is as simple as setting the file, sharpening the cutters and filing the rakers. Let’s move on to reading for file selection and the detailed sharpening process.
5 Signs You Should Sharpen Your Chainsaw Chain
Even a strong chainsaw chain will become dull after repeated use. Friction and heat can take a toll on the edge, reducing its cutting power. But when should you sharpen it? Here are 5 clear signs telling you it’s time for sharpening.
- The saw chain does not pull itself into the wood and needs to be forced to cut by applying pressure on the powerhead
- The saw chain produces fine sawdust instead of coarse chips when cutting or cutting to length, i.e., when cutting vertically through the wood
- You can see visible smoke in the cut despite chain lubrication and correct chain tensioning
- The chainsaw pulls in one direction and the cut becomes crooked
- The chainsaw chatters and bounces when sawing, making it hard to position precisely
Normally, you can sharpen your chain around 10 times before a replacement. The sharpening frequency varies based on the working conditions and the arborist’s technique. Usually, inexperienced operators are more likely to forget to check the tree for dirt and hit the ground while cutting. However, there’s no fixed schedule recommended by manufacturers. If you feel your chainsaw chain isn’t performing as well as it used to, it may be time to sharpen it.
Choosing the Right File for Sharpening Your Chainsaw
The chain pitch assigns a chain to certain chainsaw performance classes. You can find out the chain pitch for saw chains by checking the identification number on the depth gauge. For Stihl chainsaws, you can simply check the required fill diameter in the Stihl conversion table below. If the number on the depth gauge is no longer legible, the chain pitch can be determined by means of a chain reference gauge.
The table below helps you search for the corresponding saw chain file diameter.
| Marking on the depth gauge | Alternative marking on the depth gauge | Chain pitch | Round file diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1/4 | 1/4″ | 4.0 millimetres |
| 2 | 325 | .325″ | 4.8 millimetres |
| 3 | 3/8 | 3/8″ | 5.2 millimetres |
| 4 | 404 | .404″ | 5.5 millimetres |
| 6 | P, PM | 3/8” Picco | 4.0 millimetres |
| 7 | – | 1/4” Picco | 3.2millimetres |
Simple Instructions: How to Sharpen A Chainsaw?
The ways to sharpen your chainsaw are manifold, including with a grinder, a Dermal or with an electric sharpener. In this part, we’ll show you the step-by-step instructions on how to sharpen a chainsaw with a file. The sharpening process involves the following:
Setting the File
- Clamp the bar of the chainsaw to your work surface with a tabletop clamp or a vise
- Tighten the tension-adjusting screw to tighten the chain on the side of the saw and perpendicular to the direction of the chain
- Mark your first tooth with a permanent marker to prevent sharpening the same section twice
- Select a round file the same diameter as the chainsaw’s teeth
- Set the file in the notch on the front of the cutter
- Position the file guide at the factory default angle of the cutter
Sharpening the Cutters
- Slide the file across the face of the cutter
- File the cutter 3 to 10 times until it is sharp
- Sharpen every second tooth from the starting point
- Rotate the chainsaw 180 degrees
- Use the same motion to sharpen every other tooth
Filing the Rakers
- Place a depth gauge over the chain and check the rakers
- Use a flat file to level the raker to the gauge
- File every raker down to the top of the depth gauge
- Loosen the chain and release the chainsaw
- Refill the bar oil reservoir in your chainsaw, and clean the saw
Conclusion
To get optimal chainsaw performance, it’s crucial to keep it sharp. A sharp chain does more than ensure peak performance and efficiency. It can also reduce chainsaw repairs and make it safer to operate. Regular inspection and maintenance of your chainsaw is the most efficient way to keep your saw in peak condition. At FridayParts, we offer a vast range of quality Stihl chainsaw replacement parts for you. Stay tuned to our blogs and learn more tips about your chainsaw maintenance and repairs.
