Chainsaws cut cleanly – if they’re sharp. To get the best performance out of yours, you need to know how to sharpen a chainsaw properly.
You’ll notice immediately if chainsaw blades have started to dull. The chainsaw may pull to one side forcing you to compensate to keep it straight. The chain will also chew into the wood, rather than slicing it cleanly. If you don’t pick up on this straightaway, your arms will quickly let you know: cutting will require a lot more manual effort, and you’ll see the ragged edges.
Even more importantly, a blunt chainsaw can bite into the wood erratically, causing what’s known as kickback. This can make you lose control of the chainsaw, and even though those blades are dulled, they can still severely injure you.
The obvious solution is to ensure that your chainsaw is always sharp. So here’s a chainsaw sharpening guide that gets straight to the point. We’ll tell you the best way to sharpen a chainsaw, how to sharpen a chainsaw with a file, and discuss the correct chainsaw sharpening angles.
We’ll also recommend reliable chainsaw sharpening tools that you can get from JAK Max. We’ve been a trusted supplier of chainsaw tools and parts in Australia for many years.
When Does Your Chainsaw Need Sharpening?
Diagnosing whether you need to sharpen your chainsaw chain or whether there’s a different issue isn’t too difficult. As we said above, a sure sign is when your chainsaw pulls to one side while you’re trying to cut straight. You’ll also notice that the cutting creates a much finer sawdust than usual, rather than producing wood chips. This indicates that the blades aren’t able to bite into the wood properly. You could also feel the chainsaw bouncing in your hands, and you’ll need to apply more pressure to cut through. Your saw may even start smoking.
How Often Do You Need to Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain?
This depends on how much you use it and what you use it for. If you’re only trimming branches to neaten up trees in your garden on the weekend, you won’t have to sharpen it as often as someone who uses a chainsaw to cut hard wood every day as part of their job. Even if you only use yours now and again, a good rule of thumb is to sharpen the chain each time you refill the fuel. If you’re doing heavy-duty work, you may need to give it a quick sharpening every few hours.
There will come a time when you need a new chain due to constant use and regular sharpening, which eventually compromises its structural integrity. You can get replacement chainsaw chains and other parts directly from JAK Max. These deliver premium cutting performance with reliable durability.
What Chainsaw Sharpening Tools Do You Need?
With a few easily available tools and the right technique, it’s not hard to sharpen a chainsaw.
You’ll need some of the following tools to do a complete job. Depending on how you approach it, you can use:
- A flat or round file
OR - A chainsaw grinder that delivers precision sharpening without the manual labour that filing requires.
- A filing guide to keep the file at a constant angle and sharpen the cutting teeth consistently.
- A depth gauge tool that controls how deep you go when sharpening. This ensures that each tooth is sharpened to the same height for safe and efficient cutting.
- A 2-in-1 chainsaw sharpener combines filing tools with a depth gauge in a single device.
You can get chainsaw sharpening kits from JAK Max. These contain a choice of round files, a flat file, a file holder and a handle, and a file mate to guide the filing angle and depth.
If you’re a professional tree-feller or if you use your chainsaw a lot, consider investing in an electric chainsaw sharpening machine. You simply enter the angle and depth you want, and then it’s a hands-off process. It’s a lot faster and produces very consistent results.
How to Sharpen a Chainsaw (Step-by-Step Guide)
Here’s an easy step guide on how to sharpen a chainsaw at home, using the above tools.
Secure the bar and engage the brake
Place your chainsaw on a flat, stable surface and engage the chain brake so that it can’t move. For even more stability you can secure the saw with a vice.
Match file size to chain
Check your user manual for the correct diameter of the round file you need to use on your specific model. Most chainsaw chains also have pitch and gauge specs marked on them. You need to use the right size file to sharpen the blades properly. Otherwise you risk ruining the chain. If you’re still not sure, just call JAK Max and we’ll advise you on the size to use.
File each blade tooth at the correct angle
Use a chainsaw sharpening guide to keep your file at the right sharpening angle as you work. Usually this will be between 25° and 35°, depending on the kind of chain. Place the guide so that you can see about a fifth of it above the blade teeth.
Keep strokes consistent
Don’t rush things by trying to file down as hard as you can. You only need light, even pressure. Focus on keeping each stroke smooth and consistent. You shouldn’t need more than about 5 to 10 strokes per tooth. Remember to always file outwards from the inside of the tooth.
Do one side first, then the other
When you sharpen a chainsaw chain it’s much easier to sharpen all the teeth on one side and then pivot to the other side by rotating the saw. Trying to do both sides at once creates awkward filing angles. Rather do one side first, then turn the chainsaw around and do the other side. This will ensure that both sides are sharpened at a consistent angle, in a way that feels more natural and requires less effort.
Adjust depth gauges every 2–3 sharpenings
Check your depth gauges after you’ve sharpened your chainsaw a few times. They need always be at the correct height. Too high and the teeth won’t bite properly. Too low and the chain might bite too aggressively, creating a safety risk. Make sure that yours is always at the correct height before starting to sharpen.
How to Sharpen a Chainsaw with an Electric Sharpener
You can save time and effort using an electric chainsaw sharpener from JAK Max. They’re quicker and more precise than manual sharpening. They work by mounting the chain in a guide, adjusting to the correct angle and then smoothly filing each tooth on a grinding wheel. If you haven’t used one before, you could be surprised at how fast they work. Each tooth only needs a few seconds to sharpen, so make sure you don’t over-grind the chain.
Common Chainsaw Sharpening Mistakes to Avoid
Here’s a checklist of the most common mistakes that people make when learning how to sharpen a chainsaw. Take note to avoid damaging your chain:
- Wrong file size – it’s crucial that the file diameter matches the chain pitch. Check your user manual and what’s written on your chain or use a universal chain file guide to find the right size for your model.
- Inconsistent filing angles – your chain’s teeth all need to maintain the same angle to cut efficiently. Make sure that you file each one in exactly the same way, as even small variations can lead to uneven wear or erratic cutting performance.
- Ignoring depth gauges – these control how deeply each blade bites. If your chain is set too high, the teeth with skate over the surface of the wood. If too low, it tends to grab the wood too deeply, causing stuttering or dangerous kickback.
- Over-sharpening – it can be tempting to file your teeth to a fine edge, but it’s not a good idea to file them too much. If you sharpen your chain too much you can shorten its working lifespan.
- Filing backwards – always file forwards in the right direction, from the inside of the tooth outwards. If you file backwards you can reduce the chainsaw’s performance or damage the teeth.
Bonus tip: How many times can a chain be sharpened? You shouldn’t sharpen them too often. An average chain can take a maximum of about 10 sharpenings, depending on what it’s used for. Remember that sharpening removes material, wearing down the chain over time. So once you’ve hit the sharpening threshold you should replace the chain. JAK Max offers standalone chains, and bar and chain combos.
Chainsaw Sharpening Angle Guide
It’s absolutely critical to maintain the correct sharpening angle. For quick reference, most domestic chainsaws with a standard 3.8″ pitch need a filing angle of 30°, using a 5.2mm file.
Some have chains with a .325″ pitch, require a 20° filing angle and a 4.8mm file. If you’re not sure about any of this, you can get a handy JAK Max chain measuring chart sticker.
How to Sharpen a Chainsaw: FAQs
What is the best way to sharpen a chainsaw?
For regular touch-ups by casual users, a round file is the best tool to use, combined with a filing guide and a depth gauge. For professionals or those who use their chainsaw a lot, an electric sharpener is the most efficient method for consistent sharpening.
How much does it cost to sharpen a chainsaw chain?
It’s not too costly to have your chainsaw sharpened. Australian service centres usually charge roughly $15–$30.
What do professionals use to sharpen chainsaws?
Professional tree-fellers and pros use electric sharpeners for efficiency and speed. They also carry hand files for quick edge sharpening on the job.
How many times can you sharpen a chainsaw chain?
You can sharpen the average chain up to about 10 times.
Why does my chainsaw chain dull so quickly?
There are various reasons, including hitting hard objects or tree trunk knots, and cutting dirty timber. It could also be because it the teeth were sharpened at the wrong angle. They may also simply be worn from overuse.
Sharpening vs Replacing the Chain
Once a chain has been sharpened a certain number of times, the blades can become too filed down to be effective. They can also become uneven or break. In these cases it’s best to replace the chain – not only for efficiency and performance, but also for your own safety and to spare wear and tear on your chainsaw bar and engine.
Why Use JAK Max Sharpening Tools?
From basic files to full electric sharpeners, JAK Max has a premium selection of chainsaw sharpening tools and other accessories. We have a nationwide dealer network, making it really easy to find a store near you. And if you’re not quite sure how to sharpen a chainsaw, no worries – we’ll show you.
We have everything you need for domestic work, and we also cater for professionals. Our products are durable, built for tough Aussie conditions and trusted by the trade.
Get the right tool for the job – view our chainsaw sharpening tools here.