How To Sharpen A Stihl Chainsaw: A Step-by-Step Guide

How do you sharpen a Stihl chainsaw? Sharpening a Stihl chainsaw involves using chainsaw chain sharpening tools like a round file, flat file, file guide, and depth gauge tool to restore the cutting edges of the chain’s teeth. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process for effective and safe chainsaw chain sharpening, covering everything from tool selection to fine-tuning your chain.

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The Importance of a Sharp Chainsaw

A sharp chainsaw isn’t just about cutting faster; it’s about safety and efficiency. A dull chain forces you to work harder, puts unnecessary strain on your saw’s engine, and increases the risk of kickback. Regular stihl chainsaw chain maintenance, including sharpening, keeps your saw running smoothly and safely.

Benefits of Sharpening Your Chainsaw

• Increased Efficiency: A sharp chain cuts faster and with less effort.
• Improved Safety: A sharp chain is less likely to kick back.
• Reduced Strain: A sharp chain puts less stress on the saw’s engine.
• Cleaner Cuts: A sharp chain produces smoother, more precise cuts.
• Extended Chainsaw Life: Regular maintenance prevents premature wear and tear.

Essential Chainsaw Sharpening Tools

Before you begin, gather your chainsaw chain sharpening tools. Having the right tools makes the job easier and ensures a professional result.

Must-Have Tools

• Round File: This is the primary tool for sharpening the cutting edges of the chain’s teeth. The size depends on the chain pitch.
• File Guide: This helps maintain the correct chainsaw sharpening angle and depth.
• Flat File: Used for adjusting the depth gauges.
• Depth Gauge Tool: Ensures accurate depth gauge setting chainsaw height.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from sharp edges.
• Vise or Chainsaw Holder: Securely holds the chainsaw bar in place.
• Marking Pen: To mark the starting tooth.
• Cleaning Brush: To remove debris from the chain.

Choosing the Right File Size

The correct round file size is crucial for effective filing chainsaw chain. The file size corresponds to the chain’s pitch (the distance between the chain’s rivets).

Chain Pitch (inches)	File Size (inches)	File Size (mm)
1/4″	5/32″	4.0 mm
.325″	3/16″	4.8 mm
3/8″ Low Profile	5/32″	4.0 mm
3/8″	7/32″	5.5 mm
.404″	13/64″	5.2 mm

Step-by-Step: Sharpening Chainsaw with a File

This stihl chainsaw sharpening guide will walk you through the process of sharpening your chainsaw chain using a round file and file guide. Following these steps will help you sharpen a chainsaw properly and safely.

1. Prepare Your Chainsaw

• Secure the Chainsaw: Place the chainsaw on a stable surface. Use a vise or chainsaw holder to secure the bar. This prevents movement and makes sharpening easier.
• Engage the Chain Brake: This prevents the chain from moving during sharpening.
• Clean the Chain: Use a cleaning brush to remove any dirt, sawdust, or debris from the chain. This ensures the file makes clean contact with the metal.

2. Identify the Cutting Teeth

Chainsaw chains have two types of teeth: left-cutting and right-cutting. You’ll sharpen all the teeth on one side before moving to the other.

• Mark the Starting Tooth: Use a marking pen to mark the first tooth you sharpen. This helps you keep track of your progress and ensures you sharpen every tooth.

3. Positioning the File

Proper file positioning is essential for achieving the correct chainsaw sharpening angle.

• Insert the File: Place the round file into the tooth’s cutting edge.
• Use a File Guide: Use a file guide to maintain the correct angle. Most file guides have markings indicating the correct angle for your chain. Generally, the angle is between 25 and 35 degrees, depending on the chain type. Refer to your chainsaw’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation.
• Angle and Depth: Ensure the file is at the correct height. The file should protrude slightly above the top plate of the tooth.

4. Filing the Teeth

• Consistent Strokes: Use smooth, consistent strokes. File from the inside of the tooth outwards. Apply light pressure on the forward stroke and release on the return stroke.
• Count Your Strokes: Count the number of strokes you use on the first tooth. Use the same number of strokes on each subsequent tooth to ensure consistent sharpening. Usually, 3-5 strokes are enough.
• Maintain the Angle: Keep the file guide aligned to maintain the correct sharpening angle throughout the process.
• Inspect Your Work: After a few strokes, inspect the cutting edge. You should see a clean, shiny surface where the file has removed the dull metal.

5. Sharpening All Teeth on One Side

• Move to the Next Tooth: Rotate the chain to the next tooth on the same side.
• Repeat the Process: Repeat the filing process, using the same number of strokes and maintaining the same angle.
• Check for Consistency: Periodically check your work to ensure all teeth are being sharpened evenly.

6. Sharpening the Opposite Side

• Rotate the Chainsaw: If necessary, rotate the chainsaw in the vise to access the teeth on the opposite side of the chain.
• Repeat the Process: Repeat steps 3-5 for the teeth on the opposite side. Remember to file in the opposite direction to maintain the correct cutting angle.

7. Adjusting the Depth Gauges (Rakers)

The depth gauges (also called rakers) control how deeply the chain cuts. As you sharpen the teeth, the depth gauges become relatively higher and need to be filed down to maintain optimal cutting performance. Ignoring the depth gauge setting chainsaw can lead to inefficient cutting or kickback.

• Use a Depth Gauge Tool: Place the depth gauge tool on top of the chain. The tool has slots that indicate the correct height for the depth gauges.
• File the Depth Gauges: If the depth gauge protrudes above the tool, use a flat file to file it down until it is flush with the tool.
• Round the Front: After filing the depth gauges, use the flat file to slightly round the front edge of each gauge. This helps prevent the gauge from catching on the wood.

8. Final Inspection and Cleaning

• Inspect Your Work: Carefully inspect each tooth to ensure it is sharp and consistent with the others.
• Check Depth Gauges: Verify that all depth gauges are set to the correct height and are evenly rounded.
• Clean the Chain: Use a cleaning brush to remove any metal filings or debris from the chain.
• Lubricate the Chain: Apply chainsaw chain oil to the chain before using the saw.

Tips for Best Chainsaw Sharpening Techniques

• Consistent Angle: Maintaining a consistent chainsaw sharpening angle is crucial for optimal cutting performance. Use a file guide to help you.
• Even Strokes: Use even, controlled strokes when filing. Avoid applying too much pressure, as this can damage the file or the tooth.
• Sharp Files: Use sharp files. Dull files will not sharpen the chain effectively and can make the process more difficult. Replace files when they become worn.
• Regular Sharpening: Sharpen your chainsaw chain regularly. A slightly dull chain is easier to sharpen than a very dull chain.
• Proper Tension: Ensure the chain has the correct tension before sharpening. A loose chain can be difficult to sharpen accurately.
• Protective Gear: Always wear gloves when sharpening a chainsaw chain to protect your hands from sharp edges.

Alternative Sharpening Methods

While filing is the most common method, there are other options for sharpening your chainsaw.

Electric Chainsaw Sharpener

• Pros: Faster and more precise than filing.
• Cons: More expensive than files, requires a power source.
• How to Use: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Electric sharpeners typically have settings for angle and depth, making it easier to achieve consistent results.

Chainsaw Sharpening Bar Mount

• Pros: Easy to use and portable.
• Cons: Not as precise as filing or electric sharpeners.
• How to Use: Mount the sharpener on the chainsaw bar and follow the instructions. These sharpeners typically use a grinding wheel to sharpen the teeth.

Signs of a Dull Chainsaw Chain

Knowing when to sharpen your chainsaw chain is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and safety. Here are some signs that indicate your chain needs sharpening:

• Sawdust Instead of Chips: A sharp chain produces long, thin chips of wood. A dull chain produces fine sawdust.
• Harder to Push: A dull chain requires more effort to push through the wood. You may need to apply more pressure to make the saw cut.
• Uneven Cuts: A dull chain may cause the saw to cut unevenly or wander to one side.
• Smoke: A dull chain can cause the saw to smoke, especially when cutting hard wood.
• Vibration: A dull chain can cause the saw to vibrate more than usual.
• Slow Cutting: A dull chain will cut slower than a sharp chain.

Safety Precautions

Sharpening a chainsaw involves working with sharp objects, so it’s essential to take safety precautions.

• Wear Gloves: Always wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.
• Wear Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses or a face shield to protect your eyes from metal filings.
• Work in a Well-Lit Area: Ensure you have adequate lighting so you can see what you are doing.
• Keep Your Work Area Clean: Keep your work area free of clutter to prevent accidents.
• Disconnect the Spark Plug: For added safety, disconnect the spark plug before sharpening the chain. This prevents the saw from accidentally starting.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Chain Cuts at an Angle: This could be due to uneven sharpening. Ensure all teeth are sharpened to the same angle and depth.
• Chain Smokes: This could be due to a dull chain or insufficient chain oil. Sharpen the chain and check the chain oil level.
• Chain Kicks Back: This could be due to improperly set depth gauges. Adjust the depth gauges to the correct height.
• Chain Binds in the Cut: This could be due to a dull chain or improper cutting technique. Sharpen the chain and use proper cutting techniques.

FAQ: Sharpening Your Stihl Chainsaw

• What is the best way to sharpen a chainsaw?
  • The best way to sharpen a chainsaw depends on personal preference and the level of precision required. Filing is a common and effective method, while electric sharpeners offer faster and more precise results.
• Can I use any file to sharpen my chainsaw?
  • No, you should use a round file specifically designed for chainsaw chains. The file size should match the chain’s pitch.
• Who is qualified to sharpen my chainsaw if I don’t want to do it myself?
  • You can take your chainsaw to a professional chainsaw repair shop or a hardware store with a chainsaw sharpening service.
• How often should I sharpen my chainsaw chain?
  • You should sharpen your chainsaw chain whenever it shows signs of dullness or after every few hours of use.
• What is the correct chainsaw sharpening angle?
  • The correct sharpening angle varies depending on the chain type, but it is typically between 25 and 35 degrees. Refer to your chainsaw’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation.
• What is the purpose of the depth gauges?
  • The depth gauges control how deeply the chain cuts. They should be adjusted to maintain optimal cutting performance.
• How tight should my chain be for sharpening?
  • The chain should have the correct tension, but it doesn’t need to be overly tight. A properly tensioned chain allows for smooth filing without excessive movement.
• Are there specific stihl chainsaw sharpening guide recommendations I should follow?
  • Always refer to your Stihl chainsaw’s manual for specific recommendations on chain maintenance and sharpening. Stihl may have specific guidelines based on the chain type.
• Is it better to sharpen a chainsaw by hand or with a machine?
  • Both methods have their advantages. Sharpening by hand with a file allows for more control and is often preferred for touch-ups in the field. Machine sharpening is faster and more precise, ideal for heavily dulled chains.

By following this comprehensive stihl chainsaw sharpening guide, you can keep your chainsaw in top condition, ensuring safe and efficient cutting for years to come.