DIY Chainsaw Sharpening - Roller File Guide and Depth Gauge Tool - Stihl Husqvarna Echo

Using a Roller File Guide to properly sharpen your chainsaw and set depth gauges or rakers.
Link to the products...
Oregon Gauge-It
www.amazon.com...
Husqvarna Roller File Guide
www.amazon.com...

[@Lee_Steel]

I needed to see how to use the huskvarna depth gauge part!

[@samn8309]

Me too. It showed on the thumbnail and he ends up using another style. I've not seen anyone using the husqvarna version so maybe it isn't very good. I find it doesn't work well anyhow.

[@Lee_Steel]

@@samn8309 I dont really like the husky tool after trying it several times. I will seek a more professional way in the end.

[@bernhard8540]

It's a good file kit for sure I do wish they would include a square file or round edge I prefer to square file my chains but this husqvarna kit is a great tool especially for anyone who's not confident in sharpening 😀

[@glngib]

You can use the other part of the roller guide to hit the depth gauge part too.

[@aaron7t]

Thanks. A friend who's a climber gave me a couple of these and I hadn't figured them out one time, but it might have been a skip-tooth chain. It looks like the slots put the tool at a slight upward slope to give a slope on the cutter that some chains suggest. I normally only run the file 3-4 times unless trying to get out rock damage. My depth gauge is starting to wear through, but I use it on just the first raker, counting the file strokes, and then just file each raker that way, using the end of the gauge as a cutter guard. Freehand for the cutters is normally good enough for my needs, but it's good to know how these things work, and it's small enough to keep around in my field bag.

[@FYMM69]

If you haven’t already, get yourself a 13/64” file vs the 7/32, it’s only a .64” smaller diameter but cuts 10% faster and far smoother and that information was given to me over 20yrs ago by the head of the technical department at Stihl Canada. Amazing difference!!!

[@dgsports69]

Should have shown how to use the roller from Husky on the rackers also instead of using the old Oregon depth gauge. Would have been great if you did

[@randomtask9029]

Definitely get great results with that Husqvarna guide. I've tried everything else and the guide is the best. Make sure you don't press down too much on the rollers, as they will wear and get grooved and lose accuracy. Also you MUST get the correct guide that matches the chain type! Don't be told 'they're all the same' (like I was told) - they are not.

[@tallfarmboy]

Good advice! I've got many miles out of my 3/8" file guide. It still works great, but the rollers are definitely showing a little wear.

[@randomtask9029]

Me too. I grooved my first one badly through inexperience, as I was pressing down too much instead of across and slightly up. Realised what was going wrong with my technique and bought a new gauge that is still in great shape after many sharpenings. 👍

[@Giszmo]

How do i find the guide for my chain?

[@randomtask9029]

@@Giszmo Husqvarna state on the packaging and on their product literature which chains match the guide.

[@Giszmo]

@@randomtask9029 thanks!

[@patricko8275]

Thanks for your video. I had turned mine every which way but lose and of course the right way. Your video cleared up what I should have been able to figure out myself. I will say to others that watch this video, you have to have a very clean chain or you will have to use a rubber hammer to TAP the guide thru the gunk that maybe on your chain when using to resharpen out in the field. Small inconvenience for the ease of getting a sharp chain. Thanks again!

[@tallfarmboy]

I actually took a flat file and widened the gap where the guide fits over the bar. Makes it much easier to slide on. Thank you for the comment! Glad it helped you out a little.

[@patricko8275]

@@tallfarmboy I may try that. Probably don't have to take much off. Thanks for this tip.

[@tommymcweedface229]

We'll, dang. Found these somewhere on the road and didn't know what they were till now. 2 years after splitting hickory ruined my back!

[@burnsidedad5260]

I see your warning that it can be put on backwards and I'm wondering if that is what I'm doing as it isn't working as smoothly for me.

[@wheresWaldoCmill]

The rollers don't go low enough to file on my chain. How do I get the file out the the orange guide handle? Its stuck like chuck.

[@craftyha]

How does the Husqvarna depth gauge fit on the rake to file down.?

[@brettblack7049]

The depth gauge tool on the husky guide gives a better depth(progressive), and it leaves a better angle so the chain is smoother. Which farmboy is this, Canadian?

[@LostCaper]

I used both these tools. They work very good. I also put a small hook in my tooth with a Dremel tool first.

[@bernhard8540]

Yup need to watch buckin billy ray he will show you how to properly sharpen your chains without a dremel . You need to get the gullet out of the tooth and it will run better and last longer

[@yotaismygame]

Stihl 3/8s chain calls for a 13/64 file, but a 7/32 will work. I also wanted to see the depth gauge used. I’ve read the Oregon depth gauge doesn’t allow adjustment for individual teeth because it sits on multiple teeth at a time

[@tallfarmboy]

Ian joustra I use a smaller file about every 3rd sharpening to remove a little bit of the gullet. And, you are correct, the Oregon guide has the limitation of using multiple teeth to set the depth gage, so you can't use this guide on a chain where you have removed a large amount of material from some cutters... Such as a damaged chain. I prefer to use the Oregon Gage-It because I can move faster than the Husqvarna depth gage. Thanks for the comment! I'm always learning and enjoy good conversation.

[@wildwoodtop]

will this depth gauge work with low profile chain 3/8 pitch

[@warryckscown5620]

yoiu do have a good technique to the filing of the tooth, but 13 strokes?

[@mikebeaulieu9485]

I was hoping you would show how to use the other part of this guide, the part that says "hard" "soft", I love this little guide but I can't for the life of me figure out how to sit the rake guide part on the teeth to file the depth. I have to use the other type but that defeats the purpose of having the Husqvarna guide in your pocket that has both guides on it.

[@sampreston4184]

What about the file guide built on to the roller gauge?

[@lorinkramer5805]

Forgive my ignorance, if the chain doesn’t have witness marks, not all do, how do the rollers alone keep the file at the proper angle? Thanks in advance!

[@tallfarmboy]

The rollers are set at the proper angle for the top plate. There aren't lines on the rollers, so to speak, but the file should follow the rollers without changing the top plate angle too much.

[@lorinkramer5805]

@@tallfarmboy Thank you for getting back to me so quickly.

[@pyrog.c.c89]

Thanks i've Forgot how to use one.

[@greggerstner5599]

To use the depth gauge, select the "hard" or "soft" notch. Push the notch into the cutter _in front_ of the raker you're checking and the raker will protrude in the box if too high. The notch has to fit in the back of the cutter in front, not the cutter attached to the raker. This is only for full comp chains, useless for skip tooth, which I prefer, and I use a guide as in the video. Stihl recommends a 13/64ths file for 3/8ths chain. For hand filing, probably doesn't matter. In fact, I usually use a dremel (hitachi cordless) and the stones wear quickly, kinda losing any machinist tolerance.. My own preference for a file jig is the granberg, but I rarely use that, usually free-hand touch-ups in the field. Husky used to sell their own combination file for cutters and rakers, they were notorious for knocking the rakers down too far and making the saw grabby and more likely to kick back. Haven't had an excuse to try the Stihl combo, but hear good things about it. Stihl may call your chain full chisel, but real full chisel has a flat inner bevel and requires a bevel file, a triangular file, or a purpose built grinder, which does the best job. You can sharpen full chisel cutters with a round file, but then it would become semi-chisel, which is my chain of preference.

[@tallfarmboy]

I call the chain that you are describing as "Square Chisel". To me, full chisel contains a point on the outer edge of the cutter and can be filed with a round file, where semi-chisel has a round "tip" of the outer edge of the cutter and is also filed with a round file. You can convert full chisel chain to "square chisel" with the correct square filing technique, but that is not a skill that I possess. I am merely a weekend firewood cutter...LOL! Thank you for the knowledge and comment!

[@brettblack7049]

@@tallfarmboy correct, semi chisel has a rounded leading edge that will hold up better in dirty, frozen, or very hard woods.

[@phillipcrouch4716]

What about the small silver bar says hard and soft. What's that about?

[@44special9]

If you cut hardwood like oak , maple , cherry , locust , hickory ( typical good firewood ) you use the hard side and a flat file to set the depth gauge height ; if you only cut softwood like pine you can use the soft side if you want . Depth gauge height tool .

[@bobbyhempel1513]

Why did you not show how to use the raker gauge on the Husqvarna sharpening guide?

[@julianalderson3938]

Do you think it matters if raker is filed on an angle up. Or just flat?

[@tallfarmboy]

I honestly don't think it would matter much. The raker barely contacts the wood, and the profile of the raker is already rounded from the front. So, I don't think it would be a measurable difference in performance, either way.

[@perry44442000]

I am wondering why Husqvarna doesn’t include the rake guide in the kit .

[@russhall4780]

What controls the correct angle of the tooth? It looks like you could get all different angles on your chain teeth.

[@tallfarmboy]

The tool locks onto the guide rail, thus locking the angle of the tooth and file on the roller guide. As long as you keep the file perpendicular to the rollers, it will maintain the same angle on each tooth. Really nice tool, if you haven't used one, I would recommend that you try one.

[@joshblick]

There's a depth gauge right on the Husky tool!!!

[@cdurch1]

I've tried 10 ways to Sunday to figure out how to use the depth Guage on the husky roller tool. The diagram on back of the package did not help, and there are no videos because anyone that even addresses the depth rakes whips out a different tool to do it, just like this guy did

[@croyfer]

Thank you for the video!

[@chadwalker50]

Thank you, never seen one before.

[@JasonTylerRicci]

I bough a field kit that came with a strange looking depth gauge. It has several openings on top, instead of just one. It had two 30° openings (for filing the cutter?), two on each end, and two off center. Not sure which one to use. They're labeled, but poorly

[@canadianboyee]

I find that it doesn't allow enough hook in the tooth and there is always a bunch of material left on top of the strap

[@jrpreslar7555]

Great diy video...

[@deernutOO]

Use the depth gauge that comes with the combi gauge, it is better than the old one..

[@gustavobarajas6155]

I know how to position the combination swedish file guide. The thing that I have trouble is this: I have a file of 7/32" file guide is 3/8 and the chain is of the same measurement. When I use the guide it with my file it only sharpens the top portion of the "tooth" and not the whole bottom portion of the "tooth" I have the right measurements but I guess it does not work for me. I think the rollers are too high maybe thats why the file only sharpens the upper portion of the "tooth" what do you think? Suggestions?

[@anitagarvey465]

Do you have it flipped the right way?

[@aleksandarmaksimovic8155]

Do you use this kit for all chisel 3/8 chains like ,h42,c85,stihl rsc cgains

[@tallfarmboy]

I use this particular kit for 3/8 chain... they also make a guide for .325 chain and 3/8 Low-Profile chain.

[@metalmikey2]

Are these things designed for specific types of chain? I have seen one shop site that seems to indicate it is as they list 5 different Husqvarna versions of the tool sorted by "Size". I have a Hyundai chainsaw with an Oregon chain and chainbar.

[@tallfarmboy]

These are built for a specific size of chain. The main sizes of chain are (from biggest to smallest) 3/8", 3/8" Low Profile (Picco for Stihl chain), .325, and 1/4". Those are the different pitches of chain.

[@shawnmichael6190]

Jig only works for sharpening I bought the 325 gauge for my 325 Husqvarna chain and the rakers won't even fit through the holes they are too short but almost level with the chain which means this gauge doesn't work did it per Husqvarna instruction video

[@tallfarmboy]

I don't like using this for setting the rakers, that's why I use the other tool.

[@nathanratchford9996]

Good vid. Thanks for posting it!

[@gman922]

Nice for a Klutz like me that looks Klutzproof! Now will it fit my ECHO CS 400 with a 16" bar.

[@tallfarmboy]

+Graham Sherrington If you pick the correct pitch sharpener, it'll work just fine. Happy sharpening and cutting!

[@gman922]

@@tallfarmboy did not fit I needed one of these for a 5/32 file

[@perpersson1072]

im a sweden since late 80 ive only use this file guid not that oregon thing i do all the same stuff with the file guide no need to carry extra tool out in the wood.husqvarna file guide a file a flat file then ya good to go why make life more complicated for thats why you have those soft hard holes to file down the dog tooth depends on hard wood or soft wood in summer

[@rogerwhiting9310]

I cant find a file gauge for my chain that takes a 5/32 file. The saw is an Echo c350. Thanks.

[@tallfarmboy]

Well, you need to find what pitch your chain is. To get that, you measure across any 3 rivets and divide by 2. The chain could be 3/8 (.375), .325, or 1/4" pitch. I haven't seen a guide for 1/4" chain, but I'd assume that you have 3/8 low-profile chain or .325 Good luck!

[@rogerwhiting9310]

@@tallfarmboy I have one for .325 and it doesn't fit the smaller chain. It certainly isnt 3/8 because thats a big saw. Is there no smaller one than .325? I can live without it but it would be nice to have.

[@lit1023]

Pretty sure that saw runs 3/8 Lo profile chain. Husqvarna makes a combi gauge for that size chain. Their is 3/8 and 3/8 Lo Profile. Regular 3/8 uses a 7/32 file and 3/8 Lo Profile uses 5/32.

[@rogerwhiting9310]

@@lit1023 if they do I cant find it. Thanks

[@rogerwhiting9310]

@@lit1023 I just found it and ordered it. $16 on Amazon. Thanks.

[@raulhogland7309]

I wanted you to show me how to use the depth gauge on the roller guide dummy! The one attached to it. Then you pull out the old style.

[@tallfarmboy]

You're not the first person to say that... Maybe I need to make another video. I just don't like using that depth gauge guide. I like the old one... LOL!

[@TheVTRainMan]

I was thinking the same thing... This is a good video for the depth gauges: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmLci3xvdrCfppY

[@paddycaker]

Hahaha when he pulled out his old one I audibly said what the fuck lol.

[@brettblack7049]

@@TheVTRainMan one of the only guys on KZbin that gets it correct. Progressive gauges set the angle which is what you want, the other style sets the depth.

[@NBO3028]

Where to buy that jig?

[@tallfarmboy]

Link in the description to Amazon.

[@kyleleague2566]

Not noted in your talking, are the openings on the file guide placed at the center (between rivets) of the links?

[@tallfarmboy]

Yes, the notch on the roller guide will just fit between the rivets on the chain. I don't think it's possible for you to get it on a rivet. There is only one "right spot" for the guide to fit onto the chain. Once you find it, you'll know.

[@williamcaldwell3665]

Nice information...Thank you for your time! Bill Caldwell

[@Schiznt13]

Thank you for this. But you weren't clear, I think, regarding the orientation of the arrows. When in proper position, the near side arrow will point down the bar away from the engine and toward the nose of the bar. Also, the silly swiveling depth gauge guide will always be on the engine side of the bar on my Husky 460 Rancher.

[@tallfarmboy]

Yes, you are right. The comments are great places to find clarification...lol!

[@davidmontague1907]

Very helpful, thank you

[@orwiest]

I went to the video because I have trouble seeing how things fit together. I saw a warning that it's possible to attacj=h the guide backwards but nothing about how to make sure you don't do that. He notes the arrows, biut not what they mean.

[@catinaround2211]

The arrows mean you put them going in the direction the way the chain moves . Hope that helps you out

[@johnclarke6647]

Why didn’t you use thebraker gauge on the roller guide.

[@bernhard8540]

You can use the husqvarna tool as a guage for The depth gauges/ rakers, as well

[@TheYohan831]

good job thx,,, never used that type, always wondered how rollers were used, great idea !! personally, got Lazy, bring 2 to 3 chain's, and use Buffalo bench mount grinder, to sharpen chain's, but do file raker's too. do carry a stump mount vise Oregon n Northern tool offer, n used cordless dremel or Milwaukee rotary , with dremel chain guide, jus find Buffalo n more chain's easier.

[@denisvincent3249]

Now I know how to use it thanks for the video mate

[@Normanb15]

Is the depth guide on yout roller tool usable? I see you used a separate depth tool

[@tallfarmboy]

Normanb15 It is usable, I just prefer the Oregon Gauge-It style as opposed to the one that's on the roller guide. Much easier to use in my opinion

[@Jim-Wade]

@@tallfarmboy I'd still like to know how to use the depth gauge on the tool. I'm pretty mechanically minded but I guess old age has caught up with me.

[@CatDaddySteve]

ONLY PROBLEM: Everyone is either eight or left handed / hand dominant, and so one side will get a different horizontal and vertical degree / angle and file different pressure....Still a good gadget.....Most of us who cut for a living free han file with no cutter tooth device, but most of us use a raker gauge....cheers

[@keranzhuo2640]

Easy to install.

[@psystealth]

thanks!

[@kencrouch5325]

Noticed that the chain was not adjusted to the proper tension .. It was sagging. Always adjust the chain tension before sharpening.

[@tallfarmboy]

+Ken Crouch thanks for the comment... But, curious as to why tension needs to be set before sharpening? I enjoy being easily able to spin the chain between teeth. I can't think of a reason why tension should be set before sharpening, so I would like to hear your justification. Thank you!

[@GoodDayFarm]

Good video, thanks. How about using the depth gauge on the roller guide? Take care!

[@tallfarmboy]

I have tried using it, I just don't like the ease of which it is used. I definitely prefer the Oregon depth gauge tool.

[@GoodDayFarm]

I can't figure the depth gauge, only one side fits... The Oregon is way simpler, that's the one I currently use too. Thanks for the reply.

[@muratyilmaz4848]

Hello from Turkey This apparatus aegeans all chains

[@raulhogland7309]

I agree now that I saw how on another video. It sucks. Now you can just say that at the end.

[@tallfarmboy]

Haha, I told ya... Honestly, the only time I use the Husqvarna tool is when the cutters are at very different heights. I rocked out a chain and all of the LH cutters had to be filed about 1/2 off, but the Husqvarna tool sets the rakers at the height for each tooth, so it still cuts great.

[@raulhogland7309]

I agree now that I saw how on another video. It sucks. Now you can just say that.

[@richiej2640351]

The depth gauge on your roller guide is way better

[@tallfarmboy]

I don't disagree with you. But, for touching up the rakers on a chain that hasn't had much of the cutter removed, I really prefer the Oregon gauge. If you have cutters of different length, you absolutely should use the Husqvarna depth guide. Thanks for the comment! The Husqvarna depth gauge is just a bit more difficult for me to use, quickly... If that makes any sense.

[@richiej2640351]

tallfarmboy makes perfect sense and in a way I agree with yah, atleast your hitting the rakers , I see a lot of ppl that don’t even touch them and scratch their head why their saw is sharp but cuts like crap. Thanks for the response have a good one

[@MarkRushow]

I was hoping you'd show how to use the depth gauge guide on that first tool. The included instructions are garbage and I really don't get it.

[@tallfarmboy]

Mark Rushow I really don't care for that depth gage tool... So, I use the Oregon tool.

[@lit1023]

That depth gauge tool is the key to a very sharp chain, it sets the rakers to the correct angle for the chain as the tooth gets filed down. Try it on a chain that has been sharpened to about 3/4 down and compare it to the Oregon depth gauge. You will see a big improvement in the chips your saw throws.

[@horaciocastillo1435]

@@tallfarmboy What about the gauge from Husqvarna, looks similar to the one you used here. I ordered theis guide kit today as well as the same brand 3/8 depth gauge, hope is good. Great video. Thanks so much. Regards

[@ligngood3787]

That guide does NOT work for me. Holds the file too high. You don't realize the problem until the second sharpening.

[@ampatriot]

You have to get the gullet to truly sharpen a chain.

[@despoinastefanidis9407]

Kombi quality economy technology

[@cpranger59]

Check the packaging your Husqvarna chain came in. Much better instructions on how to use the depth gauge.

[@anitagarvey465]

They are terrible directions on the back of the package- which is why I am here!

[@oldcrowsracing7479]

the husqvarna video at :59 shows that the file should be perpendicular to the rollers, not angled across them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqrPlqh5dpZ9eq8

[@CaryOhMa5]

I was also noticing the angle of the file in the guide in this video. I was concerned he'd dull his file on the guide edge. It seems it might be the better practice, from watching your linked Husky Australia video, to keep the file going straight across the guide, in the center of the rollers. To me I am a little surprised, because it appears that it would be up to your hand to control the proper tooth angle, and the guide isnt doing much to keep it accurate, except by giving your eye an approximate marker. Better than free hand, and also helping with the pitch, but still lots of wiggle room.

[@1d1hamby]

This is an interesting way of adjusting the depth gauges by using the angle from the top plate to the depth gauge to 6 degrees for hard woods and 7 degrees for soft woods. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmLci3xvdrCfppY

[@djangoholic]

How to use depth gauge in this video. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqrPlqh5dpZ9eq8

[@georgedavall9449]

Tighten that fracking chain saw boi

[@peanutman3746]

The Pferd/Stihl chainsaw sharpener has made this device obsolete.

[@tallfarmboy]

Peanut Man I beg to differ. This is the easiest and most portable way to have a file guide, in my opinion.

[@marklemist6928]

save yourself the trouble, and get yourself a Dremel tool with the right bit and throw this piece of s*** in the trash can.

[@thomashare6211]

learn how to use the husqvarna tool fully before you post a 'how to' video lol