We’ll cut to the chase: Even the most high-performance saws become dull over time. And if your chain is forced to work harder to get through a job, then so will you. Fortunately, sharpening a chainsaw isn’t as complicated as you may think! In this "How to Sharpen a Chainsaw" guide, we’ll walk you through the ways you can tell your chain needs sharpening, step-by-step instructions, and best practices to ensure that your chainsaw is ready to tackle any task with ease.
Does my Chainsaw Really Need Sharpening?
Answer: Yes! Even the best chainsaw requires regular sharpening to keep working like a champ. Once you know how to sharpen a chainsaw, here are a few signs it’s time to break out the file:
You’re seeing fine sawdust instead of wood chips. A properly sharpened chain produces large, uniform chips. If your saw starts kicking up fine sawdust—especially when you're cutting vertically through the wood—that’s a clear signal your chain has dulled.
There’s smoke coming from the cut. Even with good lubrication and correct chain tension, a dull chain can cause friction and overheating. If you notice smoke coming from your cuts, it’s time for sharpening.
Your saw pulls to one side. If the chainsaw starts veering off in one direction and your cuts are coming out crooked, your chain might be dull—or worse, the teeth could be unevenly worn on one side.
The chainsaw chatters or bounces while cutting. A sharp chain should glide through wood smoothly. If your saw chatters, bounces, or feels like it’s fighting you, the cutting teeth aren't biting properly anymore.
How to Sharpen a Chainsaw Explained
Before you learn how to sharpen a chainsaw, gather the following tools to ensure a smooth sharpening process:
- File for sharpening the cutter teeth. To determine what file size you need for sharpening your chainsaw, read our chainsaw sharpening blog!
- File angle plate to maintain correct filing angles.
- Flat file for adjusting depth gauges.
- Filing gauge for accurate depth setting.
- Felt-tip pen for marking starting points.
- Protective gloves for safety.
- Optional: 2-in-1 file holder to simplify sharpening.
STEP 1: Prep Work
Turn off your chainsaw engine and engage the chain brake to keep the chain from moving. Set the saw on a stable surface (or better yet, secure it in a bench vice for extra stability).
STEP 2: Inspect the Chain
Look over the chain carefully for any damaged or excessively worn teeth. Replace the chain if you spot cracks, missing teeth, or heavy damage.
STEP 3: Mark Your Starting Point
Use a felt-tip pen to mark the first tooth you sharpen. This will help you keep track of where you started and ensures you don't miss any cutters.
STEP 4: Set the Filing Angle
Position your file at the correct angle, following the manufacturer's recommendation found in your owner’s manual (usually around 25° to 35°). Use a file angle plate or guide for consistency.
STEP 5: File the Cutters
Starting with the marked tooth, file in one direction with smooth, even strokes. Apply light pressure and make sure to maintain the correct angle. Typically, it takes a few strokes to sharpen each tooth properly. Once you complete one side, turn the saw around (or reposition yourself) and sharpen the cutters on the opposite side.
STEP 6: Check and Adjust the Depth Gauges
After sharpening all the cutters, use a filing gauge to check the height of the depth gauges (the small bumps in front of each cutter). If they’re too high, gently file them down with a flat file.
STEP 7: Final Inspection
Once you're finished, inspect the chain again to ensure all teeth are evenly sharpened and the depth gauges are properly adjusted.
STEP 8: Lubricate the Chain
After sharpening, apply a bit of bar and chain oil to help the freshly sharpened chain run smoothly on its next use.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
- Inspect your chain and start with the cutter in the worst condition. By starting with the most damaged tooth, you can determine the necessary amount of file strokes to get it sharp and then apply that same amount to all other teeth for a more balanced chain.
- Use the proper filing size for the best results.
- Always push the file away from you (from inside to outside the cutter) with smooth, even strokes. Never drag the file backward over the tooth. Use short consistent strokes on each tooth—about 2 to 4 firm strokes per cutter is usually enough—and avoid over-filing, which can wear down your chain faster.
- After filing, measure each of the teeth with a depth gauge to ensure that they’re as a close to identical as possible. Adjust if some cutters need additional strokes. High rakers can make your saw cut slower and less aggressively.
- If you chain has cracked teeth, severe damage, or has been sharpened too much, it’s smarter and safer to simply replace it. Don’t take chances with your chainsaw!
If you found this blog helpful, you might enjoy reading a complete chainsaw maintenance guide.
And if you’re in the market for a low-maintenance electric chainsaw, shop Greenworks chainsaws!
Written by The Green Team, a creative arm within Greenworks Tools.
Our team of writers, designers and content creators bring a breadth of experience and a touch of fun to all things tools. With an assist from the Greenworks product teams and technology experts, we’re here to provide helpful and engaging content to make your yard (and life!) beautiful.
