If you are a homeowner, it is always the best idea to opt for your own personal chainsaw to get your work done in no time. The best option, in this case, would be an electric chainsaw, which can provide enough power to pull off the light to medium duty cutting projects in your yard.
While working with an electric chainsaw may ease your labor for cutting and pruning trees, you may need to maintain it from time to time for its maximum output. For this, you need to sharpen the blade and chain to keep it up and running. And today, we’ll tell you how to sharpen a chainsaw blade and chain with a file or Dremel.
Sharpening with a File
Firstly, you have to select the diameter of the round file that matches the chain pitch of your chainsaw. To do so, check the code digit for the chain pitch on the outer ends of the depth gauge.
After matching the specific round file diameter for your chain pitch, hold the handle of the file firmly with one of your hands. Through a forward stroke, direct the file across the master cutter with the other hand while applying pressure firmly.
Lastly, you have to file all the cutters in that row to the same length. Turning the chainsaw at 180°, file the other row in a similar way.
You can easily tell if the chain is properly sharpened when the cutting edge is uniformly bright. If not, you will see dark areas on the edge which means, file more!
Also read: Chainsaw Mills Reviews & Buying Guide.
Simple Tips
- Always file from the inside to the outside of the cutter.
- Hold the file at a right angle (90°) to the guide bar for perfect filing.
- Use forward strokes to file and backstrokes to lift the file off the cutter.
- All cutters must be the same length as the master cutter.
- To avoid one-sided wear of the file, keep rotating it at intervals while filing.
- Hold the file in such a way that one-quarter of its diameter lies above the top plate.
Sharpening with a Dremel
Sharpening your chainsaw blades may seem like a tedious job, but you can easily avoid it by using a Dremel. Dremel is a chainsaw chain sharpener, which is a tool used to sharpen the cutters through its rotating motion.
To sharpen the blade with your Dremel, you have to place the chainsaw wheel against the cutting edges of the tool. Turning on the rotary tool, you have to drudge the cutter for a maximum of four seconds. Always make sure to apply sideways pressure to ensure proper sharpening of the chain.
Similar to a round file, you can sharpen all other cutters on a row, rotate, and do the same with the cutters on the opposite end. Don’t forget to wear safety glasses while using it, because it is better to be safe than sorry!
Also Read: Gate latches Reviews.
Ensuring a Long Lifespan for Your Electric Chainsaw – Lubricating Oil
The sole reason why your electric chainsaw requires oil is to keep the chainsaw in optimal performance for each and every usage. It keeps the chain and bar running properly, as these two require constant maintenance.
Using the right bar and chain oil for your chainsaw extends chain life and reduces friction between the bar and chain. It also prevents debris from clogging the chainsaw while ensuring safety for the user.
While choosing the right oil for your chainsaw, always select an oil with fewer contaminants and one that lasts longer because of more beneficial additives. Sticking to the oil recommended by the manufacturer of your chainsaw company is definitely the best idea in this case!
Chainsaw Sharpeners – Best Picks for 2020!
If you’re a newbie or an expert at your chainsaw game, you can always be confused in choosing a good sharpener for your chainsaw. Well, we’re here to help! Here are some of our top picks for the best chainsaw sharpener:
- Oregon 410-120 Electric Chainsaw Grinder
- Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener
- Oregon 520-120 Electric Chainsaw Grinder
- STIHL 2 in 1 Easy File Chain Sharpener
- Buffalo Tools ECSS Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
Although it is seemingly a hard task to sharpen your chainsaw chain and blade, it’s an absolute necessity to ensure the proper maintenance of your chainsaw to make it last longer and ready for that perfect cutting finish. So don’t forget to sharpen your chainsaw to keep it working smoothly!
And to adjust your chainsaw carburetor properly, you may see this post.
