HOW TO SHARPEN A CHAINSAW CHAIN.

[@r-fw-bpk1109]

I started using & sharping chain saws in 1966. This is a good, straight forward video on how to sharpen a chain. Good video ! Great job !! I'd like to mention, I was taught to make the same amount strokes on each tooth & on both sides of the chain. Sometimes when cutting, you might hit some metal & it often damages just one side. I suggest you sharpen the worst side first, smooth it out the best you can. Same amount of strokes on each tooth, both sides. If you get one side sharper that the other, the saw will not cut straight & on a big cut it might jam the bar & make it hard to get out....my point, both sides need to be evenly sharpened for a good clean cut....for you newbies, start it straight & let the saw do the work....If you're working the saw hard, somethings wrong. If you're getting small bits of sawdust, your chains dull . They should look something like ugly worms. You might need to relax a bit too.....these saws are dangerous & can eat through a arm or leg in 1-2 seconds...know where the tip is every second. Make helpers stay back several feet. Please be careful !!

[@Andyshine77]

You're tips on safety are the truth. And thinks for the positive comments. When it comes to getting the teeth equal lengths, well that's a bit of an old wives tail. Usually they saw cutting crooked is because the depth gauge are not set property or at all. Buckin' Billy Ray has a video with all the teeth on one side of the chain half the size of the other, with the depth gauges set properly, the chain on a 32" bar, cut true as ever. Now I agree both sides need to be sharpened properly tough, if one side sharp and the other not you'll have problems.✌

[@chewyduck1355]

This is the best sharpening video I've yet found and I've watched a lot of them. Good,clear instructions. Thanks.

[@roncorbyn507]

I've cut down 50,000 big to small trees over 20 years. Your tutorial is excellent, and it matches my experience. Kudos.

[@cds1223]

Gentlemen and a scholar u are sir. I “thought” i knew how to sharpen a chain. More to it than just the right angle and dragging a file thru there. Great instructions i never comment but this is deserving. Thanks.

[@Rob-xz6uv]

There's no shame in commenting on other videos, if you have something useful to add or ask.

[@clarkdouglas6517]

Came here from a recommendation from an Amazon commenter on the Oregon Powersharp system. You make it very clear and understandable. Never thought about cleaning my chain before sharpening but it makes a ton of sense. Thank you very much.

[@Andyshine77]

Clark Douglas Thanks for commenting. Glad you found my video helpful.

[@MaryAnnNytowl]

Thank you! This is the most in-depth guide I've seen! I really needed to know this, since I've gotta do it by myself now. Been abandoned by my husband (after 38½ years, no less, with no warning, and he filed for divorce the day after our 39th anniversary), but still need to get stuff done around the farm, so ... I knew YT wouldn't let me down, at least!

[@Andyshine77]

You're welcome, I'm glad the video helped.

[@dalehammond1704]

It's simple to you because you've done it for a long time. But thanks much for your careful presentation. You answer a lot that most others leave out of their videos.

[@MrGeoffHilton]

First timer here, thanks for the thorough theory and practical of chain sharpening, totally feel confident now, cheers.

[@Andyshine77]

You're welcome!

[@johnbigger8806]

One of the best explanations of how the chain functions as well as how to sharpen/maintain it. Well done!

[@Andyshine77]

Thank you!

[@wildwoodtop]

Dude why is it every sharpening video I come across they're sharpening full chisel chain. Is semi chisel wimpish Or difficult to sharpen

[@Andyshine77]

@@wildwoodtop semi chisel is not as efficient cutting so cuts a little slower, but is actually easier to sharpen and holds an edge a bit longer.

[@jackrich821]

Absolutely the best video I’ve ever seen on sharpening a chainsaw chain. I’ve watched a few and none have come close to a perfect explanation of how to do it like your video, two thumbs up keep up the great work of informing people how to sharpen their chainsaw.

[@Andyshine77]

Thank you!✌

[@quintonriley3468]

I do a lot of land clearing at work and I sharpen my chain around once an hour if I'm cutting a lot. I have always just used a file until last week. I found a file guide with a flat file for the depth gage all in one. it is awesome!! It does it all at one time and with one tool! saves a lot of time!

[@Andyshine77]

The all-in-one guides work well enough, but the depth gauges can only be truly properly set with a progressive gauge. This is in particularly important after the chains tooth is more than 50% used. That said if it's working well enough to make you happy, that's what matters.✌

[@quintonriley3468]

bobe8888 I did not think about that. Thanks for the info! And if you have any advice for a chain that has came off and the sprocket spun on the chains bar guides and boogered a few up. I'd be much appreciative of that. I've got a few in my shop that wont fit the bar now... I got lazy and didn't tighten up my chain a few times and boom 35 dollar chain burned. Not to mention what it's most likely doing to the sprocket.. thanks!

[@Andyshine77]

@@quintonriley3468 A flat file and a little work and those chains will be fine. Some put the chain on loose and rev the saw a bit, while this works it causes excessive bar wear.

[@quintonriley3468]

bobe8888 thank you so much for you time. Do you have a video on dressing a bar when it develops a burr?

[@Andyshine77]

@@quintonriley3468 No I do not, but that is a good idea for a video. Thank you for stopping by, I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@jeffreystroman2811]

Ok, you are being very generous by sharing the wealth of knowledge you have accumulated. Thank yoy

[@collinlamont3855]

Awesome video... Sharping chainsaws and thinning saw blades for years but first time I seen the gullet cleaned out... Thank you

[@cdestrib]

Thank you VERY MUCH for this simple, clear and pragmatic video. Yours explanations will really help me work better

[@tonymontana897]

It's amazing how much you think you know until you do some research only to discover how little you know. Thank you for the information in your video Sir. It was very helpful. Much appreciated.

[@Andyshine77]

Glad the video helped.

[@jamesa6272]

Simple and clear. Thanks for the explanation without the theatrics, hidden religious beliefs and life lessons like other KZbinrs! Thank you!

[@Andyshine77]

You're welcome!

[@general5104]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for posting a good tutorial on file-sharpening a chainsaw chain! ❤ ((and why would someone, "thumbs-down" a choice video like this one!? It's excellent quality and content and information loaded!!! Someone answer that!)) There's a couple of things, that I have done, in the past, semi-professionally. (I'm too old now.) I have a bent 1/8" 7018 welding rod, with all the flux off it, and bent like a lower case "h". The top part is glued into a little piece of 3/4" wooden dowel 3" long as a handle. The bottom part of the h is bent to go straddle the bar and go down a few inches evenly on each side. When you put your bar in the vice, you center it up good and then, right up close to the motor housing between your bark claws, you shove the tool on there. It needs to have a spring pressure to it and slightly bend the side that is the end, out just a little so it won't scratch the bar. The bent side is already bent out at the bottom. This locks the chain from moving. Lift it out and use it to pull another bite of chain to work on and shove it in place again. This is worth a lot, if you file lots of chains! Another item that I refuse to sharpen without; is my LEATHER SKIRT. I cut a foot long piece of 5/6 oz leather, 8" wide and cased it, (wet it with warm water), and folded it long ways, in half, and allowed it to dry, folded, with a board laying on it so it would case, flat. Then I cut out a "working window" just big enough to work on one tooth at a time, 5 1/2" from each end, and 1/4" deep, right in the fold. That gives a 1" working window. (Speed sharpening, one time and 3 knuckles sewed up, caused me to make a PPE for this purpose.) Just lay it atop the chain & it comes down 4" on each side of the bar, and a full foot of protection, in case you slip, like I did once; and work safely. Bill from Tennessee 🇺🇸

[@Andyshine77]

Some very interesting solutions, they sound effective, thank you for sharing them!

[@oscarsweeney8901]

Terrific video! Just got my filing kit today. I have never done chain sharpening before, so this video is perfect for me! Thank you!

[@papajpapaj3426]

not exacly perfect: 9:15 - 9:25 - HE CAN'T DO THAT WITH THAT TOOL BECOUS HE JUST RUIN THE TOOL WITH FILE, NEWER DO THAT !!!

[@uMpzZ26e03]

Also joining here to comment that this is really excellent video and want to thank the author for his effort.

[@Andyshine77]

Thank you. Are you from Serbia? A good friends parents are from Serbia, Banat region.

[@uMpzZ26e03]

@@Andyshine77 Yes, I am from Serbia. Banat is little on the north. It is the flat agricultural area. They like to eat good and have beautiful cousin.

[@Andyshine77]

@@uMpzZ26e03 They do! And I've had plenty of it. My father is from Hungary so we share a lot of the same foods. Thanks for stopping by, take care.

[@uMpzZ26e03]

@@Andyshine77 Nice meeting you, bye.

[@nigelmoore7890]

Excellent lesson. I wish I knew this on Saturday

[@frugallandlord6974]

Great advice man I have never cleared the gullet or cleaned the chain before filing, I file my rakers but not with any gauge and I think I don’t have enough hook but my saw still cuts great, I bet I can improve it some

[@P997C4S]

Really well done! Concise and to the point. Thank you.

[@EmilyTienne]

I’ve watched three or four of these on KZbin, and your instruction tops the rest. Thanks.

[@Andyshine77]

Thank you.✌

[@shaggyda2758]

Yes, I found it to be just- to the point! no bull, great job, thanks for taking the time to make this great video!

[@TruckingWithTay]

Super awesome video buddy I love how close and detailed the video was💪

[@rodneychapman197]

Very nice video sir! I appreciate people like you that take time to make helpful videos to help people. I have not yet made a KZbin video, but I’m thinking about making my first. I’m a Stihl man. I own 9 Stihl saws and I love EVERYONE of them!! Just love Stihl saws and I’m very very familiar with each of them. Being that I love Stihl saws so much it really upsets me when I hear “STIHL SAWS ARE HORRIBLE!!! THEY ARE CRAP!!” EVERY TIME I have asked them why they hate Stihl saws EVERYONE of those people say the SAME thing!!! They say “They wont crank!!! You can pull on em all day!!! They just horrible at cranking!!” Now! Being that I’m pretty much a professional on Stihl saws I understand why they say that. When you have a Stihl saw on choke and you pull it ONE time too many on choke it’s going to flood the carb and it’s NOT going to crank!! Nope!! She just ain’t gonna crank!! Now!! If you listen to the saw when you’re trying to crank it you will notice a distinctly different sound after a few pulls. When you hear that different sound after the pull you better get her off choke RIGHT THEN!!! Because as I said, if you you pull her again on choke after she makes a different noise SHE AIN’T GONNA CRANK!! SHE’S FLOODED!! Go ahead and put her down for 30-45 mins or take the plug out, pull her a few times and blow out all that gas. Anyway. Sorry for the novel, but l enjoyed your video and I hoped that you would appreciate my input. So. My whole point of this is that I’m thinking of making my first KZbin video about HOW TO CRANK A STIHL CHAINSAW SO YOU DON’T CUSS IT AND TOSS IT BACK ON THE TRUCK!!! Like I said before, I LOVE STIHL SAWS and it aggravates me when people say bad things about Stihl just because they can’t crank the dang saw!!! Being that it aggravates me so much I think it’s imperative that I make this video! Lol If it helps just ONE person be able to crank a Stihl saw then well… Hey! Glad I made the video! Again, awesome video sir! 😎

[@kevinbungles]

Brilliant I learnt a lot from this video. I have a new stihl and not used before and need to give it a first sharpen after using it. This has showed me what I was doing wrong thank you.

[@Andyshine77]

Glad the video helped.

[@LadyoftheFarm]

Thank you I like how thorough you were!

[@skipviator4993]

Great explanation on the chain geometry. Understanding that should really help when you start to sharpen the chain. Thanks for doing the video.

[@ca49633]

Thank you for posting this video. Very helpful.

[@Fishcop-326]

Buckin Billy Ray Smith is the only other person that I’ve seen that sharpens this way. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@Andyshine77]

Billy is a good dude.

[@Rob-yo5ch]

Thank you for the video and info. Appreciated.

[@joserodriguez-cf7ft]

I have to say have seen multiples videos trying to make sure I learn the Right technic and this video is so complete I have to take the time and great job say thank you so much for a very informative video keep up the good work 👌 J Rodriguez

[@Andyshine77]

Thank you!!

[@GOODNESS-sp4hm]

Excellent presentation and explain it so well!!! Thanks👍🙏 You are a great teacher 😘

[@douglastroutman6825]

Very good video, helps a lot being shown the correct way to do it.thanks.

[@daniastry8088]

Thank you so much your video far above the rest very detailed and you took the time to explain for all us beginners thank you agian the tool kit was confusing until your explanation thank you so very much

[@Andyshine77]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bullmastiff4494]

Thank you! My electric chainsaw was pretty sharp but my gas one is so dull its almost impossible to cut yourself. The logs would smoke and burn instead of cutting. Very imformative. Thanks again.

[@Pondy974]

cleaning the chain before sharpening : thats a good advice. one more thing i would like to say for beginners , change your file regularly. i realise my file was not taking much material because it was worn out, when replacing by a new you ll see lot of difference and efficiency.

[@Andyshine77]

The second the file stops biting replace it.👍

[@artdewerk2192]

I can only repeat the same favorable comments as those before me. I've seen many chain-sharpening videos, this one is outstanding in by all measures. Thanks!

[@Andyshine77]

I appreciate the feedback! I thank you for watching the video.

[@ellissmithjr6599]

Thanks my friend,great demonstration.👍😎🇺🇸

[@Andyshine77]

Thanks 👍

[@derekcomer4858]

Superb video, and it shows me there is always something more to learn, no matter how long you have been in the game. Thank you 🙏

[@Andyshine77]

Thank you!

[@USSBB62]

The Simplest is the best and this is the Greatest Correct and Simplest way. Thanks so much...

[@jwgjrich300]

Thank you very much, very helpful!! I've been taking too much hook off, no wonder it's not cutting well. Thanks again!!

[@littlefootinalaska6253]

Great video! You are an excellent teacher!

[@Andyshine77]

Thank you! I appreciate the feedback.

[@alexpearson8481]

All you guys have like 15 chainsaws on shelves in the background. I only have 2. 😂. But I will say they are immaculate condition. Great vid on sharpening - thanks.

[@Andyshine77]

🤗 I collect, some get used, some not so much, some get sold, the cycle repeats lol. Thanks, glad you liked the video.

[@loupanella9632]

Very helpful information! Thank you for sharing!

[@universalchiro]

Thorough video presentation for a city slicker. Lol. Just kidding. I was pleased with the content.

[@Reitz86]

Well that was an ASMR video, great presentation 👍, tremendous help

[@organicdudranch]

great video,thanks, i never worried about a clean gullet before, ill pay more attention to that, i usually clean it up with the harbor freight grinder,it is fast and cheap, the grinder wheel removes a ton of metal and never seems to wear much, the files are expensive and wear out quickly. you said many file 90 degrees from the floor, i think everyone knows you meant parallel to the floor, but you like about a 5 degree angle up, i agree, i saw a diagram in an old saw shop in bend oregon that preached that as gospel. it was called Had's saw shop. a funny story or 2, Had was almost 80, still spry, he saw my old 2100 husky and had to have it. he said ill give any new saw in the store for it,i picked a 266 , i still use it after 35 yrs. i put a new cylinder in it, couldn't get a 266 piston, but bought another that was the same bore, then i found the carbs didn't match, got a new one for 14 dollars on eBay, then the calibration was off, had an old expert fix it for me, i always ran husky, but for 40 yrs have heard sthil is best,from pro's. i bought one 6 months ago, i HATE it !! love the husky 266, with a 34 in bar, it is a cutting fool, i rip huge amounts of lumber with it,i use the eyeball sawmill,it works fast,with a chalkline. . always dependable.

[@Grahams-Grass]

Thank you picked up a couple of tips there ... I'm gonna sharpen a pruning saw and give it ago 👍👍👍

[@Andyshine77]

It's not that hard really, practice makes perfect.✌

[@TheBambie86]

Nicely done and I got it thanks , now time to get out and try it out

[@myname295]

Still a great learning video in 2021. Thanks for sharing. I came across a battery powered sharpening tool, much like a Dremel tool. It has a guide feature, Since I didn’t have 6 size D batteries, I put the stone in my Dremel. Total failure in cutting. But I really didn’t know what I was doing. I have a hand file w guide so maybe I’ll stick to that.

[@LawpickingLocksmith]

Way to go! Never use anything that throws sparks! Cold sharpening keeps the hardened chain hard and lasting.

[@1pcfred]

If steel is hard you cannot file it.

[@rogerlimoseth4790]

Very well done! I feel as though I took a class.

[@audreybarnes6527]

I'd be interested to know your views on filing with oil on the file.

[@t190uk]

Great video mate easy to understand Thanks

[@sarahloscalzo2416]

Thanks! Much appreciated

[@lazio9492]

Thanks for those great tips

[@LaMostraVia]

Great stuff man you’ve helped me out a ton! Cheers!

[@Andyshine77]

Great to hear!✌

[@tudyk21]

Good, clear information.

[@RollingEasy]

I'm going to try the Stihl 2 in 1. Just bought one the other day and sharpened up a damaged chain in the shed and I was pretty impressed with how it did the job..... Main reason is that out in the bush when you're working and you just need a quick sharpen up, the 2 in 1 seems as if it might be the easiest thing to grab. Especially when when you've left your glasses back in the vehicle or elsewhere. So with benchtop comfort, I give it a tick... and soon in the field I'll see if I'm just as happy with it there too.

[@66gassy66]

Reall good video instruction . Now I can sharpen mine properly !!

[@grokshop]

Are there different size file guides though? At 5:52, you state the 3/8" marked on the guide indicates its for a 3/8" chain. I have one that is marked 3/16", but I couldn't find much information on file guide sizes needing to match chain sizes.

[@grokshop]

Following up my own question. I contacted the mfg of the guide I have ( the one that says "3/16 FILE"). Apparently, all that means is that the optimal FILE SIZE for that guide is 3/16" (or 3/8" in your case in this video). It has nothing to do with the chain ("pitch") size, other than you need to make sure the file size specified by the chain manufacturer is CLOSE to the optimal size. Eg, my chain calls for a 5/32 file which is 1/32 smaller than the optimal size for my guide, so that should be close enough. However, a 5/32 file in a guide designed for a 3/8" file is 7/32 smaller and might be too large a guide resulting in the file slipping around.

[@gtb7138]

Very good video. Thank you for sharing.

[@Andyshine77]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheJonsberg]

Great video, talking about the gullet 5 years ago😀 Blessings my friend.

[@Andyshine77]

Thanks brother! Yeah been filing chain since I was about 12.✌❤

[@PaulGappyNorris]

Great clip! Thanks!

[@huseinkerkuk]

this useful for me> husein - from iraq . thank you

[@stevewebster317]

One thing I would add, sharpen the chain before it goes dull, just a couple of strokes every so often will keep the chain AND saw in good order.

[@Andyshine77]

I agree 100%

[@uncabull999]

I use an air compressor to to clean off the chainsaw after each use.

[@neddelamatre9572]

Well done. Thanks for sharing.

[@Andyshine77]

Thank you!

[@dougnelson8121]

Thank you sir. Very informative.

[@Andyshine77]

You're welcome.

[@torsteinraaby]

Thank you so much for this!

[@Finom1]

Great educational video!!!

[@Andyshine77]

Thank you!

[@444gtb]

Great video thank you for sharing!!

[@soleslayer91]

How do I know what size file to use for my saw?

[@Andyshine77]

It depends on the chain. What pitch and style is the chain? That info will be stamped on the side of the bar.

[@soleslayer91]

@@Andyshine77 3/8th pitch. .050 ga?

[@Andyshine77]

@@soleslayer91 Sounds like full size 3/8 I use an prefer Stihl 13/64 size files, some like 7/32 which is slightly larger. Now if this is on a small saw you could have low profile 3/8 chain, that chain is used on small saws with short bars. the file for that will be 5/32.

[@soleslayer91]

@@Andyshine77 thankyou sir it is a small poulan 14" bar

[@Andyshine77]

@@soleslayer91 OK that will be Low pro 3/8 chain.

[@johnmills3163]

Great video, thanks ! 👍

[@Andyshine77]

Glad you liked it!

[@D3vice1]

awesome vid!! Even better that the big name chainsaw companies, thank you

[@stephenhawkins6389]

Excellent video

[@Andyshine77]

Thank you!

[@danmccarthy8822]

Great video 👍

[@Andyshine77]

Thanks 👍

[@tombeckett4340]

Thanks nice and easy 🇨🇦👍

[@uncabull999]

A great video! In a Dremel, I use these: Oregon 28840 5/32-Inch Chainsaw Replacement Sharpening Stone along with a file guide placed below the chainsaw to maintain the angle. Seems to work OK. I learned three things from you: to clean the gullets, to sharpen from the inside when the cutter is on the opposite side and to place the file on a slight downward angle. Is the angle of the cutter the same as the 30 degree sharpening angle? It seems to be close so I eyeball it.

[@Andyshine77]

30° in softer wood 25° in real nasty stuff. If you have a healthy saw, just stick with 30°

[@Martin-qd9ok]

Superb. Thank you sir.

[@4Fecta]

What do you mean by “reflection” on tooth edge or corner? Thanks! Great video!

[@Andyshine77]

A dull rollover edge will reflect light, a sharp edge will not. That's the best way I can describe it.

[@blairguinea6811]

Liked the video ? I loved it Sir, thank you

[@Andyshine77]

Thanks for liking

[@arlandovillafranca1015]

Sir what is the best size of sharpener for chainsaw 22”?

[@Andyshine77]

I will assume the chain is 3/8 pitch. In that case a 13/64 or 7/32 round chainsaw file.

[@simontoole3219]

Thank you, very helpful, could you include a drawing showing the three or four key cuts particularly the clean out cut? Thank you again.

[@Andyshine77]

Great suggestion!

[@rm5902]

Exvellent Very thorough.

[@Andyshine77]

Thank you! It's an old non HD video I made on a whim.

[@markcaruso815]

Wow Excellent video tells it all

[@eastcoast2456]

great vid

[@andyjones6361]

Is the depth gauge tool hardened so the file doesn’t change the depth of the tool itself?? Great video! Thank you, Indiana Jones

[@Andyshine77]

It's also flat and wide, so the file rides over it.

[@marcfrost7175]

Thanks give can you tell me what pitch is and how to pick the right file for a chain, I just guess?

[@Andyshine77]

Pitch is the distance between three rivets center to center. If the distance is .375" it's 3/8 pitch. Regular 3/8 pitch chain will take a 13/64 or 7/32 file. Your guide bar will also have the chain specifics stamped on the side.

[@vijayt1487]

Thanks I appreciate.

[@sergeyvasiliev6820]

Very good information, have you try Archer chain? very good for the money.

[@Andyshine77]

I have not, I run mostly Stihl chain.

[@sergeyvasiliev6820]

@@Andyshine77 What about Husqvarna X cut C83? I like better than Stihl RS.

[@Andyshine77]

@@sergeyvasiliev6820 I may have to give it a try.

[@uncabull999]

I use Oregon chains. What do you think of them?

[@Andyshine77]

@@uncabull999 Well if you keep them sharp Oregon is fine. The only issue is they're softer and dom't hold an edge as long as Stihl chain. The new X-cut from Husqvarna is pretty good, better than Oregon IMHO.

[@BAKERHUSKIE]

Thanks good video

[@Andyshine77]

I appreciate the positive feedback thank you!

[@pdxbk]

Thank you.

[@stuartwhelan3258]

Thankyou for that.

[@gianni300rpm]

i think when filing the depth gages you should remove the gage this way you will save the file and your gage from being filed away

[@Andyshine77]

That's not how it works. The file glides over the gauge as the gauge is wide, flat, hard and smooth so it doesn't file the gauge down or dull the file. You're also not forcing down the file, as soon as the depth gauge is set the file will stop cutting and just glide over the gauge. Give it a try and you'll understand. Thanks for commenting.✌

[@jameskerr4174]

Buckin billy ray has some good videos on chainsaw chain sharpening.

[@Andyshine77]

I've met Billy person.

[@happycamper2976]

how much you charge to sharpen a chain

[@Andyshine77]

That would require me setting up a PO box, unless you're local. That said it would depend on the type of chain and how many drive links it is.

[@happycamper2976]

poulan pro 18inch chain s62

[@Andyshine77]

. I would charge $10 it would not be worth the cost of shipping as a new Oregon chain is only $18 a knockoff brand would be even less. So I will suggest learning how to sharpen the chain with the help of my video, or just buy new ones, which to me is very wasteful. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

[@jimvernie]

Thanks much.....Great video..

[@MarkPolley]

nice vid, nice job

[@bigmac3006]

Where did you get your flat file?

[@Andyshine77]

Oregon, Stihl and Husqvarna offer them. I believe you can even find them at Home Depot and Lowe's in a kit with a depth gauge.