If you have trees you need to cut down and your chainsaw chain is dull, it’s time to sharpen it. Not only will a dull chainsaw be extremely difficult to use, but it’s also a safety hazard.
With the help of Blain’s Farm & Fleet, you can get your chainsaw chain sharp again in no time by following the steps below.
1. Read and understand the owner’s manual before operating any chainsaw chain sharpener.
2. Always wear personal protection equipment when sharpening your chainsaw chains, such as work gloves and safety goggles.
3. Make sure you make any and all adjustments with the chainsaw sharpener unplugged or switched to the “off” position. Also make sure the grinding wheel is completely stopped.
4. Clean the chain before sharpening it. You don’t want anything clogging it.
5. Position the chainsaw chain onto the base/vise, with clamps holding the guide bar.
6. Rotate the vise to the appropriate angle. Use the chain manufacturer’s reference chart to determine the proper angles.
7. Set the chain stop to the desired grinding position.
8. Lower the sharpener arm into the sharpening position, and adjust the depth gauges as needed with the depth adjusting knob.
Be sure the sharpener is powered off or is unplugged at this point.
9. Once you’ve made all the adjustments, clamp down the chain. Pull the clamp/handle in a counter-clockwise position to firmly hold the chain in place.
10. Turn the unit power on, and lower the sharpener arm with the grinding wheel into the sharpening position. Sharpen the chain.
Use several light downward motions to avoid aggressive sharpening. Make sure not to take off too much material.
11. After each sharpening, raise the sharpener arm, and disengage the clamp/handle by rotating it clockwise. Rotate the chain forward to the next position in the vise, and clamp down again.
12. Once you’ve sharpened all cutting positions on one side, repeat the steps above on the opposite side.
At Blain’s Farm & Fleet, we service what we sell. If something goes wrong with your chainsaw from us, we’ll repair it onsite in our in-store Small Engine Service Center.
For more tips and how-tos, check out our Outdoor Equipment & Tools Blog.
