Everything You Need To Know To Sharpen + Maintain Your Chainsaw Like A Pro

Learn from someone who uses a chainsaw 8 hours a day! Huge THANK YOU to @stihlusa for sponsoring this video.
Professional arborist Daniel returns to the farm to share some chainsaw sharpening wisdom for the beginner and the well seasoned pro.
#stihlgreatamericanoutdoors #realSTIHL #STIHLBattery #stihlusa
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MORE ABOUT ME
I'm Anne of All Trades. In NASHVILLE, I have a woodworking, blacksmithing and fabrication shop, a selection of furry friends, and an organic farm. Whether you've got the knowledge, tools, time or space to do the things you've always wanted to do, everything is "figureoutable."
I became "Anne of All Trades" out of necessity. With no background in farming or making things, I wanted to learn to raise my own food, fix things when they break and build the things I need.
8 years ago I got my first pet, planted my first seed and picked up my first tool.
My goal is to learn and share traditional techniques and skills while showing my peers how to get from where they are to where they want to go, how to do the things they are passionate about, and what can be done TODAY to engage their own community and grow deep roots.
Whether it's carving spoons, making my own hand tools, restoring my antique truck or growing heirloom tomatoes, the farm and workshop definitely keep me busy and support - whether financially through Patreon, through shopping my affiliate links, through buying merchandise, plans or project videos, or even just liking, commenting, and sharing my content with others helps me GREATLY to keep producing quality content to share.
Get a better roadmap of how to grow deep roots and live the life you want by subscribing to this channel and be sure to check out my blog for even more info anneofalltrades.com
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[@tracykeffeler9870]

This lady asks the right questions at the right time with great follow-up for reinforcement. nice job

[@dontblameme6328]

Yea... It was scripted.

[@lowellfunk8974]

There is no guesswork involved in sharpening chains! He explained it very clearly at the beginning. This is the only video that I've seen that explains it logically from a professionals point of view! Every other one I've seen has been from a non professional view!

[@MissBetsyLu]

That chainsaw company owes you bigtime Great picture!!!!! 🤔🤷🤔🤷👍💕👍💕🤯🤸🤹🤸🤹🎉🌺🤹🤸🎉 Blessings everyone everywhere and always

[@bryansmant870]

I learned how to do it free hand from my dad when I was young. And many other things about running saws. Like add oil every time you fill the gas, and I usually touch up the teeth about every second or third tank of gas depending on the wood I'm cutting.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Cutting firewood every year with my dad is one of my favorite childhood memories

[@bryansmant870]

@@AnneofAllTrades Mine too! I helped my dad cut wood for my grandma, later for him and my step mom after they bought my grandmas house, and more recently for my step mom after he passed. It was a big moment when I was trusted to do the felling, not just limbing,, logging, and splitting.

[@StanErvin-yo9vl]

​@@bryansmant870felling for the first time is special, but felling for Widowmaker clearing up in the canopy deserve a round of cold beer at the end of the day! 🍻

[@floob247]

I'd recommend everyone start out with the smallest chainsaw possible then work their way up! Less dangerous and you become extremely comfortable with each increasing size over time.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That’s great advice!

[@taylorseigler]

This is great advice. I taught a chainsaw class a while back, and had my tiny Echo 2500t, as well as my full size Stihl 260 (which isn't a huge saw, but still), and I think the first timers were much less intimidated by the small saw, which let them get proficient that much quicker!

[@flashwashington2735]

Becareful! I bought too small. Can't find chains, let alone files. I ended up buying a second matching and made hoop earings for my wife. Presented on our 40th wedding anniversary. She through at me. How was I to know I should worn protective gear!!? Like I said, be careful. Remember I got your back. God bless.

[@mattevans-koch9353]

Thank you Anne and Daniel. Excellent demonstration.

[@djinniferstonecastle7540]

Thank you sooo much! I was just looking at my chain saw, which I haven't had a need for one for several years, and trying to remember how to sharpen it. I was never that good at it then, just adequate. But now I feel I can do this well! You rock! Thanks so much!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

So glad it was helpful! That’s absolutely the goal with these vids!

[@FarmsteadForge]

Good information, thank you. As long as I've been using a chainsaw I never knew to flip the bar...now I know why I was wearing them out. Thank you.

[@sdspivey]

Like a bandsaw, loosen the tension on the blade after you're done using it. As you use it, the blade gets hot and gets longer, if you leave the tension snug, the blade cannot shrink proper and will damage the linkages and can warp the bar.

[@sgsax]

Great walkthrough here. I've tried sharpening the chain on my saw a few times and have had poor results, which is why I now have three chains... I'll give it another try and see if I have better luck. Awesome info. Thanks for sharing!

[@markbernier8434]

Very good, but I wood have added a few seconds showing the bar oil ports on the bar and explaining they have to be clean.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That is a great point, we’re working on a maintenance video and will be sure to include that!

[@Swamp-Fox]

I learned a lot about chain sharpening! Thanks!!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad to hear it!

[@williamwhite1596]

Most clear instructions I've seen ! Good video ! God Bless !!!

[@roberta.brokaw3829]

Nice video young lady. Really like my Stihl chain sharpener. Stay safe.

[@clifc6351]

Thank You for sharing this super helpful chain sharpening lesson. Thank You Adam for your production work.

[@callmejackaroo4723]

Wow, Anne of all trades! You're my new big time crush!! Love your videos! Came for spoon carving, left in love 😊

[@hor2k]

The tutorial video the internet needs!! Thanks!!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

You're welcome!

[@tomas5376]

Great information! Gracias👏👏👏

[@johnduffy6546]

Great video! Solid advice.

[@UpperSkyDJ]

Excellent training! Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@thefroggame]

Great video. The close ups and hands-on descriptions were very helpful. Good info and camera work. Appreciated.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mygoogleemail2063]

That tool is all that. Changed my game.

[@johnstone7763]

Most homeowners have no idea how to maintain their saws that sit in the garage with old gas and dull chains. Good tip on taking a pic of the bar before it becomes illegible. If you accidentally get the chain into the dirt when sawing, you'll need to sharpen immediately. I usually end up sharpening in the field without a vise so can be tricky-any advice for doing this outside a workshop? Thanks!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Yes! Get one of these :) MaxPower 336588 Chainsaw Filing Vise a.co/d/dueFxAs

[@dpmeyer4867]

Thank You

[@SmoothAlf]

Thank you for this. I'm currently in the situation of mine not wanting to start, so needing to troubleshoot and I'm not an avid user of it. Learning curve.

[@cmmake]

I just learned how to fix this problem! I flooded mine, so you might want to try to look for flooded engine videos. Be careful!

[@SmoothAlf]

@@cmmake Thank you. I will.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Flooding is often an issue, as well as dirty carburetors. I’m far from an expert on small engine repair, but I’ve had most every problem in the book with chainsaws over the years and most are a pretty easy fix once you get the lay of the land inside the saw.

[@SmoothAlf]

@@AnneofAllTrades any good resources you can recommend?

[@suzannesimpson1672]

I add some Seafoam treatment to my tank when I start it after a long time. It helps keep things clean.

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Thanks

[@chadhenwood6007]

Stroke counting is touch ups only when you refuel your saw....for more on this check out buckin billy ray Smith

[@bobbihanratty8792]

Great info, thank you.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kplante7881]

Great info…. Thanks for sharing!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nathanieltaylor9466]

Fantastic video anne

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you 🙂

[@White_devil1980]

All do respect to the sthil 2 in 1 chainsaw file I was told that it is wrecking my chainsaw chain and it is better to free hand file with a file guide than to use the 2 in 1 sthil file 😲

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Who told you that? Every professional chainsaw user I know uses and swears by these unless they need a special grind (like rip filing etc). They’ve totally revolutionized the industry.

[@White_devil1980]

@@AnneofAllTrades yes they are very good and they do a great job of filing the chainsaw but ive been told that they are wrecking the chain of my chainsaw 😱 so I don’t know what to do really 😫🤔 if I asked 10 different people I would get 10 different answers 😮‍💨

[@annbastin6654]

Raised my saw game, thanks.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That’s the goal! Glad to hear it!

[@debbiewood7718]

Thanks for that I learned a few things. Is there a rule of thumb as to how often younshould expect to need to sharpen the chain?

[@taylorseigler]

It totally depends on what you're cutting, and how well you keep it out of the dirt, but you get a feel for when it is taking more work to get through stuff. Unless you're really hogging away the metal, it never hurts to give it a couple swipes to touch it up.

[@debbiewood7718]

The majority of the wood I cut is poplar and pine. @@taylorseigler

[@AnneofAllTrades]

The best rule of thumb is that when it stops making ribbons for shavings, and starts making dust, it’s time to sharpen. Some practice with the saw when sharp and careful observation will reveal that the saw starts feeling and sounding very different when it starts to get dull. If I’m spending all day out in the woods, I’ll sharpen at least once while I’m out.

[@markb978]

Super cool, but I have to ask - what does a new chain cost? A bit embarrassed to admit it but, to be honest, if it's ~$20, I'm probably going to just buy one.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Don’t be embarrassed, I get it. If you only use your chainsaw in short stints, occasionally, that might make sense. Cost is dependent on size and quality but for one of my saws, a new chain is only $18. But for what it’s worth, it takes longer to change the chain than to sharpen it with the guide :)

[@themachinist9408]

Is the Stihl sharpener still for specific chains?

[@AnneofAllTrades]

It is, it will fit lots of different chains though, I use Oregon chains on my saws. you just have to get chains that correspond with the specs on the stihl guide, or buy the guide that corresponds with the specs on your bar ;)

[@westtexas5754]

If you don't have bar oil, can you use 30 wt motor oil?

[@taylorseigler]

Most modern bar oil is formulated to be less bad for the environment, but yeah, in a pinch motor oil is fine.

[@westtexas5754]

Thank you.@@taylorseigler

[@zedwpd]

For you non Americans (my wife) "Before I start going to town" means, before I work at maximum capacity.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

😂😂 thank you for the clarification

[@ST-xx9rt]

Harder to learn to flat file the depth gages on a anti kickback/safety chain. Be patient and use a good sharp file. Files don't last that long.

[@bw2020]

Oh, I was doing right.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That’s the best feeling!

[@TheRodripe]

I can make that file guide out of wood.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I bet you could! Once you understand the basics of what needs to happen, a whole lot more becomes possible.