No Nonsense Guide to Chainsaw Sharpening. How To Sharpen A Chainsaw Properly. FarmCraft101

[@kevanpetracco7635]

I just accidently stumbled across this video. I am a long time...30 plus year, professional chainsaw user. This is hands down, the best chain sharpening video I've ever seen. It's clear, the close ups....I've never seen that in a video before....are perfect. THIS, is how you hand sharpen a chainsaw. Wow. Thanks FarmCraft101!

[@doinsngoins]

I don't even use a chainsaw. I've watched this 5 times now .

[@vicstein288]

I have same thing to say..

[@doinsngoins]

@@vicstein288 Haaahaaa Right !

[@terririvenbark7961]

Is there a certain diameter file I should use? Or maybe that's dependent on the chain?

[@doncrossan487]

I came across your video by chance, so glad I did. Far and away the best demonstration of chain maintenance, now I understand the "why" everything makes sense. Your explanation and demonstration is the best I've seen, Gonna get at my chain first thing thanks.

[@sheridanfitzgerald143]

An object lesson in how to make an information video; clear, concise dialogue, and perfectly focused camera work. This guy should have his own TV series.

[@ricksgarage8069]

Clear, concise dialogue, and perfectly focused- he'd fail in politics.

[@Bob_Adkins]

He does!

[@nigelliam153]

And some suttle humor

[@KevinPughCM]

Yes, what fantastic clarity and a great choice of examples to consider. If you can't sharpen a chainsaw or figure out why a blade isn't cutting well after this you need to get someone else to do your cutting for you! :-)

[@AA-zq1sx]

@@ricksgarage8069 Haha

[@EricRShelton]

Holy crap, best sharpening video on KZbin! Nobody else shows a close-up of the rakers or explains the chain anatomy so well for those of us still learning! THANK YOU!!!

[@ianpaterson6111]

We are all still learning I have been using chainsaws often for 45 years

[@kenbleckley3431]

Totally agree finally found someone with knowledge and common sense. Thank you.

[@bradlogan5750]

Absolutely agree! A model "how-to" video..

[@gorancarlzon6931]

Yes, the best video by far!

[@charleswettish8701]

Agreed. I've watched about a dozen and I wish I just watched this one and none of the others.

[@danncreel5044]

I’m 72. My husband just passed and he was the Fix It man for our 20 acre ranch. I’m left to my own devices trying to keep the place running and do repairs etc. What the heck! I was the Chief Cook and Bottle Washer and took care of the inside, while he did the outside. THANK YOU 🙏. I’m so grateful for your channel. I’m going to be sharpening my blades and cutting tree limbs…..albeit small ones… but it’s a start. Thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge!

[@knowledgeishalfthebattle]

OMG! It took me nearly an hour to find a chainsaw video that explained how the chain cut and not just the anatomy of the chain. And he has up close clearly focused video! TWO THUMBS UP!

[@SandiKlein]

I’m so glad I lucked on this first one, hope I do it justice!

[@terjeoseberg990]

Bro. You can tell how it cuts just by looking at it.

[@_JuicyJ]

I have watched professional arborist and still was lost on how to properly hand sharpen a chainsaw chain and you have 100% made it clear and easy to understand. Using the cheese to show how it cuts side to side was genius. I also know what the rakers actual purpose is now. I thought they raked saw dust/chips out of the kerf. I am saving your videos for easy reminders. Thanks a million!

[@hamptonnetworks9051]

Thank you for teaching me how to sharpen my chainsaw. This is great skill to have. I'm 65 years old, and this proves "you can teach an old dog new tricks". Thanks for the lesson.

[@patrickodonnell5988]

I just sharpened mine in 10 minutes. Wouldn't cut at all yesterday. After following your instructions, today it's cutting like a champ. Thanks a million. Sharing .

[@DanielLee89501]

I worked as a logger for several years in my youth. Needles to say, it was very hard work. Our saws were only turned off when they needed fuel. We touched up our chains every time we gassed up. We only took off enough metal to get the job done. The boss bought chain in 25 foot rolls. At times we used a Stihl 090, with a 72 inch bar. Often it wasn’t long enough for some of the enormous trees we cut down! I found this to be a very informative video with some great advice.

[@011CJ]

It helps to have a few spares as well then sharpen at home but that is more to carry and ya i agree buy by the role and make your own i was afraid to watch this vid but he did it right

[@canamrider7195]

@@011CJ I have priced out chains by the roll, and find them to be quite expensive. More cost effective is to buy your chains at sale prices, of any length. When you need a new chain make the chain from the any size chains that you have bought on sale. Of course it helps to run the same chains on all your saws. I use skip/chisel 3/8 0.05. Get a chain rivet spinner and you will be set.

[@patricknevin177]

Aaaaaaaaaa4aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaàaaaasàaaßẞ££s£$s££s£¥№#5£££45££#£s

[@jesseisaac8808]

Kkkkkkkkj Kkkknkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

[@genelyda1102]

My father in law was just that good ! He always would touch up the chain every time that we would gas and oil up ! I would always tell him you have the right touch 😍He taught me everything that I know about chain saws! I miss him when it comes to cutting wood, he knew so much trees.

[@MaybeSomeday833]

This is the best, most comprehensive chainsaw sharpening video I've watched so far. Thank you! BTW, my late husband once DID put the chain on backwards, threw a fit when it wouldn't cut, and never tried to use it again. Wasn't till after he passed away and I needed it that I found out what he'd done. I do all the sharpening and maintenance work now on the tools. (Machinist in a former life)

[@nervousordo]

Way to dis your late husband.

[@zamichhakchhuak4961]

🙄❤️

[@zamichhakchhuak4961]

❤️

[@danielkutcher5704]

@@nervousordo Well, he was a putz on one issue, but I wouldn't judge his intellect on one statement. Lots of accomplished people have little mechanical aptitude, and sometimes people with simple mechanical skills accomplish amazing things. The Wright brothers invented the airplane. They owned a bicycle shop - my former trade.

[@bcarnett5930]

Ok I'm sorry hun about this, but he's actually doing it wrong, though he does have his angle right, but you don't slide it straight, as your doing the push stroke you turn your wrist, you only have to make about 3 to 4 strokes that way ! Give it a try ! 😉 also if you're making a straight cut on a block of wood, if your cut goes crooked it means you have one side sharper than the other! 🤫😉🤗

[@dcarter3601]

That was one of the best, most comprehensive, and clearly narrated instructional video I have ever watched. Awesome!

[@ZEBULON181]

Agreed

[@edwardlavierijr8568]

Indeed. This was wonderful.

[@daviddudeck5656]

I am NOT a professional. This video, and then 10 mins with my Stihl MS170, and it cuts like new again. Much more importantly: I fully understand exactly how the chain works, and will be able to effectively sharpen and maintain any chainsaw bar and chain from now on. Thanks!!

[@keithobrien2162]

I am a retired sawdoctor, this is by far the best layman’s explanation I have seen and listened to. Nothing wrong with a very small pair of calipers to help a learner, and a 7inch slim taper file for the rakers , gives you three sides to wear out .Well done mate !

[@BoilersRock]

> sawdoctor It's been a while since I saw a doctor

[@makattak3550]

@@BoilersRock What a cutting remark......

[@traviscarr6536]

⁠​⁠@@makattak3550yours was pretty good too. I Stihl have to say @boilersrock ‘s was treemendously better though.

[@ATHIP12]

As a DIY guy, I've been hand sharpening, but had no idea what I was doing until watching your video. Now I know why the chainsaws weren't cutting properly and can go fix it. I'm so glad I stumbled across this video randomly. The algorithm knows....

[@brettmeares9716]

You’re the first person, in all the videos I’ve ever watched, to address the burr that can form on the bar… Thanks from Australia 🇦🇺

[@TheBruceenz]

I have been using chain saws and sharpening the chains for 45 years. This is the most well explained and best video photography packaged in one great video. Great teaching tool.

[@NewCuber4u]

There are plenty of good videos on this subject, but few this great. Your language is straightforward and easy to understand, you back it up with clear visuals, and your sequencing is perfect. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with us!

[@bobnunnery5074]

As a chain saw user, this is the best, clearest, most logical and yet simplest how too video I have seen in a long time. Thanks

[@owenwiseman6112]

Working with my first chainsaw and this was exactly the video I needed. You're a great teacher. Thanks!

[@PeterBrownPianist]

Superb video! Plus points: No irritating background music, just clear, well delivered advice which is SO easy to follow! This guy is a natural communicator. No attempts at trying to funny; just tells it like it is, with an informative, slow and clear delivery with an accent that is understood throughout the English-speaking world! Like so many on here, I've been using a chainsaw for around 35-40 years, yet I STILL learnt things from this video! 100/100!!!

[@ellistreloar2047]

I’m a chainsaw newbie, using a battery powered saw for cutting limbs and small trees. Thank you for explaining so carefully and pointing out all the additional checks to make. I love the generosity of skilled tool users on KZbin.

[@MarkElmore]

Agreed

[@traviscarr6536]

He seems like he’s done it before. I’d recommend wearing gloves,, especially if you’re ever stuck filing with just the file and no guide or handle for your file.

[@AsheLockhart]

Your explanation and instruction is head and shoulders above everything else I've seen. Clear, articulate, concise. Thanks!

[@glorybound7599]

I’ve used a chainsaw for 20 years around my home with never a good understanding as to how to properly sharpen the chain. Thank you very much for making a comprehensive and understandable video which will greatly benefit me in my future endeavors.

[@MrScottJ87]

I've watched 4-5 chain sharpening videos the last two days and this is by far the most comprehensive, AWESOME!

[@cuzimadapapushkian799]

I just sat through a 20 minute video on sharpening a chain. Rather than thinking, "get this over with", or fast forwarding, I watched and listened intently to all your tips, especially the quiz. Not only was the content good, the quality of the video, closeups, and editing was first rate and you had a flow to whole thing from beginning to end. Great job.

[@AXNJXN1]

After 4 decades and living and felling trees from AK to AZ, I finally find the most comprehensive, detailed, straight to the point definitive explanations! Can't wait to get my chainsaw out, tear it apart and NOW see what is wrong with it! Thank you Brother! I'm now 'equipped' with the right knowledge!

[@neilatkinson7259]

As a total newbie I found this video awesome. Simple, clear instructions and great explanations. Thanks 👍

[@donchandler5672]

Thank you for sharing your time and expertise. I owned chain saws for many decades but never ventured into sharpening the blades. Your instructions are easy to follow, and the quality of the video is great. Thanks again.

[@AdrianDunevein]

I had never used a chainsaw before and borrowed a 24" Homelite to cut a tree and found out it wouldnt cut at all. I followed your video to the letter, sharpened all the teeth with the sawblade in the vise, filed some of the risers and then took the blade off and filed the burr and cleaned all the old sawdust. It went through the tree like a hot knife through butter! Excellent video thanks so much!

[@shawnbuckendahl1968]

I'll bet the person you borrowed the saw from used it and wondered wth you did to his/her trusty saw.🤣

[@dougfergusson]

I DREAMED I BOGGED THE DONKEY WITH PRINCESS HORSE GEE IT WAS S TREMENDOUS RIDE HORSE WAS A FULL GALLOP😅😅😅

[@gordonmitchell729]

I appreciate the closeups and clear instructions thank you. My son was in the Scottish forestry for some years and showed me how to sharpen a chain, but I never got it perfect but didn’t use a vice. I will tomorrow lol. Never too old to learn even at 75 years young. Great video!

[@blessed7fold]

Wow! This was an incredible presentation. You are an excellent teacher. You made a perfect video.. I'm glad to finally see a video that shows and explains all the intricate details to sharpening a chain the right way. Good job man! This was definitely a well thought out and well produced KZbin video.

[@guntario5712]

I worked for 7 years as a lineman clearing power lines in northern Canada in thick bush. Never was properly taught these sharpening methods and wish i had seen this informative video sooner. You laid out the information very thoroughly and easy to understand, you should teach courses on this to arborist's and lineman. I now live on a 320 acre farm and have been cutting, processing and splitting large hardwood logs constantly for my wood stove. Ive got about 3 chains for my STIHL MS250 and MS390 to alternate but tonight i plan to do a proper sharpen on everything. thanks again

[@andrewstehr713]

I use a chainsaw almost everyday at work. This answered a lot of questions Ive had. Best explanation on how to properly file a chain that I have come across. Thank you.

[@johnyates6371]

Great video, when I first learned to sharpen I was taught that every tooth needs the same # of strokes with the file. Years later, I talked to a logger and he filled me in on why this advice was wrong. He said: " if you hit a rock or dirt, there is no way to know how much damage any one individual tooth received, so each tooth is unique, some teeth may have severe nicks and may take 10 to 12 strokes with the file, and some teeth may have no damage at all, and may only take a few strokes". This is expertly demonstrated in the video, his first tooth( starting at 4:27) only took 8 strokes, but the next tooth took 16 strokes as it was very badly nicked, thanks for posting

[@sheepdog271]

But I disagree with the length of the teeth, I hand file all my chains, the teeth are different lengths and the chain cuts straight. Keep the bar well maintained and the chain tight and sharp, and you will have fast great cutting saw.

[@traviscarr6536]

You’re both right. Never could figure out why people would think every tooth needs the same amount of strokes when you can look and see that can’t be right. As with anything it’s practice that gets a person good enough to where they can get the chain sharper than when it was new.

[@brettrice7571]

I learned more in this one video than in my entire 40 yrs of life as far as chain saw chain maintenance goes. Thank you sir

[@thegoodgorilla287]

Oh man!! This is a master class on sharpening the chain. Can't thank you enough!! I've been fighting with my chainsaw for about 5 years and could never figure it out completely. This was EXACTLY what I was looking for. God bless you, your work and your family sir!

[@mjhvids]

When I first found the video I thought “20 minutes?! This is going to have lots of padding or ads or something”. I’m glad I watched it all. Very informative for a beginner, and your experience and understated enthusiasm really show. Thoughtful production with the close ups too. Thanks so much!

[@funkadellicd]

Thank you!!! The quiz at the end was awesome, it's so easy to think you have absorbed info in a video until you get to the shop and realize you have no idea. I really appreciate you making me do a knowledge check before I run out to try this 😁

[@daveterry8572]

One of the most practical videos on sharpening I have seen. No garbage only the basics.

[@robertvan3084]

I always use the pointed edge of depth gauge guide to clear out the bar groove

[@spoolinscubadoej20]

Most educational how to chain sharpening video I’ve ever watched. I’m one of those guys who can figure anything out most of the time, I’ve tried and tried to sharpen chains and always failed, I tried one the other day and had all the teeth razor sharp and it was only making dust (scratches head) I had no idea that you had to file down the depth guides as well…. Makes sense now!! Thank you so much for your great video sir. Hats off to you!!!!

[@steveamiaga2327]

Great material, I particularly liked the study of the rakers' height...I've been sharpening and re-sharpening chainsaw blades many years, and never taken that into consideration. I think this will greatly help me going forward...

[@lisa2stewart]

Yes, that was the most informative thing in the whole video for me. I haven't seen that discussed anywhere else.

[@bparker86]

Yea rakers are the most overlooked part of filing. My father taught me to sharpen young. And in my many years of cutting I've learned what does and doesn't work when filing. This is all good info for sure. But yea rakers make the difference because it determines how deep those teeth wanna cut. I Dont think depth Guage is a correct term either. I think depth regulators would make more sense. Or just call em rakers like the rest of the world lol

[@skyraider2021]

I'm glad to finally see a video that shows and explains all the intricate details to sharpening a chain the right way. Good job man! Thank You!

[@Nderak]

We just had a big ass ice storm in Oklahoma in the beginning of November, I have a very dull chain and all the shops i called are backed up 2 weeks in sharpening it, so I cannot describe how happy I am to see this timely video in my subs!! thank you

[@gregevans6741]

Yes, went to Lowe's to get a new chain, but were all sold out , everywhere, so I had to learn how to sharpen my chain. Never knew so many details on sharpening

[@jeremybartlett1706]

A two-week wait to sharpen a chain?! I thought my shop was bad! Well, they are, they blue chains and don’t file the rakers and the worst part is blueing the chain, but at least they’ll ruin them in about a day or two, not two weeks! That’s outrageous!

[@Nderak]

@@jeremybartlett1706 i went to home depot to buy a file yesterday, the chainsaw and axe aisle was bare and they only had 2 files and 3 chains. Surreal.

[@DadIsADork]

Since retirement I've been improving my DIY skills and came upon this video when my chainsaw was cutting a bit slow. I never knew how little I knew about chainsaws until I found this video. It is, by far, the best chainsaw video I've ever seen. You do a masterful job of explaining and demonstrating the techniques for sharpening and using a chainsaw. Subscribing, for sure!!!

[@chrisoriel4823]

Thanks for including Step 3, the bar. One of my saws was basically unusable because of that issue.

[@crazeyspivey]

One very important tip you forgot to mention: Before you sharpen the teeth, be sure to tighten the chain to a point that it is tighter than it is when you adjust for cutting. You want to screw the adjuster in and put a bit of torque on the 2 bar nuts, and have the chain tight enough so the teeth dont "roll" as you apply pressure from the file when sharpening. This keeps the teeth flat and ensures a better sharpening angle. Give it a try....I think you will agree. But be sure to immediately loosen the chain when done, as you dont want unnecessary pressure on the little crank bearing under the clutch.

[@bccradventures84]

I agree on tightening the chain but just make tight like the manual recommends, then just use the brake on the chainsaw.

[@crazeyspivey]

@@bccradventures84 I should have said that you only want to have the chain this tight during sharpening only, to help keep the teeth lined up and not "rolling" as you sharpen. After sharpening both rows of teeth, then of course loosen the chain to where there is about 1/8 inch of "droop" on the lower chain (below the bar at about the middle point). And be sure that the nose of the bar has a block of wood under it so the bar is being raised up to its max when making this adjustment. I also always loosen the chain after using so there is not unnecesssary stress on that poor little needle bearing under the sprockett.

[@EverybodyLovesMoe]

I just watch this video as a refresher. It appears i was doing everying right but the loose chain was bugging me with the teeth trying to roll. I figured it might effect the angle sharpened. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@crazeyspivey]

@@EverybodyLovesMoe Youre welcome Pilgrim. Another tip on using the file: I use my left thumb (wearing gloves) to put a bit of pressure on the file when I sharpen the left side, and only use the upper 1/3 portion of the file when doing the sharpening strokes. On the right side I use the lower 1/3 portion of the file, but cant get my thumb to apply pressure at that angle.....however, since I am using the lower portion of the file, some extra pressure on the file will not break the file. Also a good idea to use a small wire brush and brush "sideways on the file" to remove metal particles from the file teeth before sharpening the saw.....this ensures the file teeth is giving a proper "bite".

[@EverybodyLovesMoe]

@@crazeyspivey This pilgrim says "thank you". The video is excellent as I never did maintenace in the bar. I decided to take the bar off and sure enough there was a grove, albeit small as I haven't done lots with the saw. In cleaning the grove in the bar I noticed it was pintched tight in a few spots. My bar would smoke and get hot and it was getting oil. I like to read comments for this very reason. I also use the bottom 1/3 of the file (stop it from bending) and I use short strokes to minimize bending etc. Seemed to work well, gonna run it very soon. Cheers.

[@Studio_Earth]

I'm glad I found this video. I didn't have many people in my life when I was younger that tolerated me being around them let alone teach me any sort of skills. the overhead view of the sharpening was like having somebody guide my hands from over my shoulder. Makes me wish there were more men like you around when I was little.

[@tonyfourpaws4511]

i didn't know anything about saws until i became a wildland firefighter Sawyer. i definitely learned a lot. i have been oit of the game for a few years and got a bit dull. i start a new job as a tree trimmer tomorrow and this vid was the perfect refresher for saw maintenance. thank you.

[@kurtsimmons1587]

WOW! I just recently started running a chainsaw. This is definitely the best video on explaining how , why , do’s and don’ts ! Thank You

[@firemason4837]

Hi Kurt :-) You from Illinois too by chance?

[@kurtsimmons1587]

@@firemason4837 no sir I am from Ohio. I do have relatives all over the place. Are you a fireman? I have a couple of uncles retired from the fire department

[@lucdelhaize4029]

I have been using chainsaws for many decades yet still learned some valuable points from this video so thank you very much!

[@MyChrisable]

Thank you very much! I really needed to know this, wish my grandpa was still around so I could tell him what i just learned.

[@martintu512]

I'm a beginner using a chainsaw. Before watching this video, I cut a few trees and my chainsaw became blunt. By watching this video, I gained a lot of knowledge about using and sharpening a chainsaw. Now I feel much confident in using and sharpening a chainsaw. Thank you FarmCraft101.

[@golgothadiver]

As a novice, this is by far the best video on chainsaw sharpening that I've seen, and at last I really understand what all the issues are - thank you! Very well presented too - I just wish you could do videos for all the other subjects that I'm interested in....! :-)

[@qwerty90615]

I wonder if he's figured out women.

[@christianriddler5063]

@@qwerty90615 They are easier than chainsaws, that's for sure.

[@darkallyrecordings4931]

@@christianriddler5063 Uh huh....sure they are....Id like to introduce you to my wife.

[@christianriddler5063]

@@darkallyrecordings4931 Make her feel safe and use her own imagination to make her attracted to you. Get this done and the marriage will be fixed.

[@darkallyrecordings4931]

@@christianriddler5063 Ya lost me at imagination....I was mostly just talking shit but I gotta hear this...explain please kind sir...

[@davidwyby]

For those learning to file, I recommend a husqvarna roller guide. You can see what’s happening as you are sharpening and practice for freehand. Also the depth gauge guide matches each DG/raker to it’s individual tooth so teeth to not have to be all exactly the same length, such as in the case a few get severely damaged. Also, there are two options for raker height depending on type of wood, saw power, and length of bar. 🤙🏻

[@j.d.wilson7134]

I agree, the teeth do not have to be the same length. Just set all of your rakers to the same height and it will cut straight.

[@davidwyby]

@@j.d.wilson7134 …each raker same height in relation to each tooth. Husky roller or progressive gauge like WCS

[@joshuachristian3102]

That is one of the best explanations for taking down the rakers I've heard! Awesome job!

[@Nosferatu1022]

This video was a lifesaver. I've been having every imaginable issue with a lemon Stihl I bought in 2022. Today it just wouldn't cut. I wasted a good hour on what I thought was a bad chain. Thanks to this video, I got it back up and running in no time flat! Thanks again.

[@Mark1959Holladay]

You Rock, Thank you for being so in-depth I'm 64 and my bride and I just moved onto a 5 acre farm very deep in the mountains of western NC. I did a lot of cutting on the farm I grew up on, but dad always sent our saws to be serviced so I never sharpened a chain. Now I cant wait to get my saws wood ready. Again thanks a new subscriber! Well done!!

[@randyt8150]

Welcome to NC !

[@notmyname3883]

I was in the same boat til just a couple of years ago. Whatever their Communist bent, KZbin is a GREAT THING for learning!

[@peterrauch3445]

I generally don't comment on KZbin, but this was among the best how-to's I've ever seen. Nicely done.

[@MySickstring]

Great video! A ton of useful info for every level of experience. I would like to add one little tip… I always put two neodymium magnets on either side of where I am sharpening. They catch the filings and help keep them out of the chain and cog. Metal filings will def contribute to the wear of your bar and chain over the life of sharpening it. Don’t believe me? Try it and see how much you catch after. That is all hardened metal sticking to the magnet and you just stopped it from going in your chain ways. Thanks again for the information here!

[@george2113]

If you do use magnets to catch filings, put them in plastic ziplock bags to simplify chip removal

[@kiesha104]

Buddy, you made this video 2 yrs ago... You opened my eyes today... I do small engine repair, lawnmowers and sniwbkiwers... Now that I live in the south not so much snowblowers.. But I brought a stack of chainsaws people brought to me and when I told em I don't work on em, just said keep em.. 5 of them ended up running fine, the chains were spent... smells like money... New skill set, thanks

[@kostas010151]

From A to Ω as we say in my country! This video and the guide to tree felling, are the essential lessons for the diyer chainsaw user! My compliments! Greetings from mount Olympus, Greece!

[@jeffe.8727]

Thanks so much for this! At nearly 50-years old, I'm just getting started with using a chainsaw, and although I'm just doing it "recreationally" (trimming low limbs, or the occasional downed limb or tree in my wooded yard), I'm REALLY enjoying it! Not growing up around this type of stuff, I was intimidated by the thought of sharpening my own chain, but thanks to this video, my feelings of intimidation have been replaced with anticipation! :D Thanks again for taking the time and effort to make this well-done video!

[@DapperDavo]

Heheheh, fear not.... I bought my first chainsaw at the age of 51 after purchasing a rural property and went through a massive learning curve on just about everything to do with a rural property. I am "self taught", through youtube videos like this one as I also did not grow up around power tools. KZbin has been my goto site for all sorts of rural fixes and rural solutions. I too was intimidated by chainsaws and rightly so. I must have watched every chainsaw video on youtube heheeh..... Nothing like nice sharp chainsaw teeth though.....

[@dennisconstantine624]

Remember, strip your saw often and clean clean clean, and lubricate, so many saws I get brought in are problems associated with lack of cleanliness. Cheers

[@FinnieFinnster13]

Consider myself a novice when it comes to chains (5 years) and always questioned if I was sharpening correctly. Turns out I wasn't too far off but I'll take everything from this video and improve no doubt. We'll done and thanks for taking the time man.

[@dougmacpherson6732]

I thought I was going to have to view a dozen clips before learning how to sharpen my chain properly. Thankfully this was the 1st one I viewed. Everything explained perfectly for a first timer. Thank you so much.

[@christopherhaak9824]

There are a couple of things not covered here. 1) the file only cuts in one direction, and that is when it is moving along from the end to the handle end. You can feel this. As such, don't touch or drag the file against the teeth on the backstroke when sharpening, it doesn't do any sharpening and it dulls the file. 2) almost all full chisel and semi-chisel chains need a slight negative angle on the file at the handle end when sharpening. This is typically -5 to -10 degrees. So the handle of the file should be below the bar as you push in the file and the far end should be above the bar. Lastly, it is much faster to hold the file only on the handle end and just push the file in and file and sharpen. You can use your free hand to keep the chain steady and in place. The file is plenty stiff to do this. You should also rotate the file some as you use it and knock the filings off the file every couple of teeth as they will fill up the file and reduce your filing efficiency. Filing by hand should allow you to sharpen your chain 25-50 times by hand when doing it each tank of gas, you can get extremely long life from a chain. I can cut at least 12-15 cords of wood with a single chain as long as I don't hit something. Also, there really isn't any need to clamp the chainsaw, or squeeze it between your legs for filing when you file with one hand, as the other hand can hold the chain and resist the force. Just set it up on something so you aren't bending over all the time.

[@rickplatinum9896]

AND....the size of file to use....wasn't mentioned

[@angryagain68]

File cutting in only one direction was covered on screen @ 3:43. File size was mentioned on screen @ 4:59

[@nervousordo]

The purpose of the vise is mentioned at 6:40 and it makes sense. Holding the chain with your other hand you better wear gloves and sometimes its hard to move the chain with your hand.

[@randyheiman9124]

Great masterful addition to a Great article!

[@i.p.freely2035]

@@rickplatinum9896 I use 1/32 over what they say to use.

[@daveboyt6810]

Some of the best close-ups & explanation anywhere on KZbin! Glad you touched on the oil channel in the bar. Another rookie mistake is sharpening a loose chain. Can't be done!

[@EPeltzer]

This video somehow made me really go want to go and sharpen a chain. And that is no mean feat. I have a chain that's quite sharp and won't cut and now I know it's because I never filed down the height of my rakers. Thanks for solving that mystery. This is the best chainsaw sharpening video I have yet to come across direct clear and to the point.

[@jackbills9938]

Eric Peltzer the on,y addition I would add, each tooth should receive the same number of files strokes. In a rare sit where a tooth (or a few) is beat up, maintain the same number of stories with minimal pressure/ effort

[@ureasmith3049]

@@jackbills9938 Old wives tale. Condition of the teeth vary.

[@traviscarr6536]

@@ureasmith3049 you’re exactly right, you file each denture till it’s sharp. No set rule on how many times you need to run the file across them.

[@mikeclare4008]

I’m just a DIY guy and the information on this video is priceless in my opinion. I have learned so much about my chainsaw and the maintenance of it to help keep me safe and keep the saw running smoothly. Top bloke 👍🏻

[@woodbaron86]

Finally someone that knows what they are doing. Very good video. Been logging all my life and no one covers it better then you.

[@charlestaylor8566]

Buckin Billy Ray ! Get the Gullet , he’s the man .

[@Profeex22]

@@charlestaylor8566 if you weren’t saying it I was

[@traviscarr6536]

Logging your whole life then I’d say you’re pretty good at sharpening one as well.

[@shane3261]

Thank you so much for your time and energy. Just a guy in Australia that needed to use a chainsaw for the first time and experienced every problem you've described and had no idea what was wrong. Best tutorial on the net. You may have saved me from injuries too. All the best and regards to family.

[@garydoyle6255]

What a fantastic video. I've had numerous issues with my saw, and you addressed all of them! Not only how to recognize the issue, but how to resolve the problems. Excellent! Thank you very much!!!

[@agui1969]

I’m a newbie at using a chain saw. I bought one of those Chicago Electric saw blade sharpeners, and it was difficult to use, didn’t stay at the right angles, and ruined more blades than it sharpened. This video was very helpful to me. Now I know not only how to sharpen, but also what to look for. Thank you for sharing this information! Loved the quiz at the end, it helped look for what we just learned!

[@jorghurtz3041]

As a German mechanic and engineer, I salute you for this great training video! Very pragmatic and easy to understand, presented with a great sense of humor. I was just about to buy an electric sharpener, but will follow your advice to save the money for that expensive tool and will probably use my chains much longer now. A share of the savings will go to you via PayPal.

[@kirksdva8310]

Hi duing wrong

[@williamclarke4510]

Electric sharperners do eat up teeth.Whats the deal? If you are paying someone $20an hour it's cheaper to buy more chains than take the time it takes to hand file.

[@paulcroft935]

Having a few issues with my saw cutting correctly, just literally stumbled across this tutorial. after going on to various sites for information, this is without doubt the best video i have seen. no longer the dark art its made out to be. well done.

[@colorocko1]

Excellent! I'm a grandpa and I am guilty of always rushing and not taking the time to check details or learn the proper way. Thank you.

[@RichardFoleher]

Borrowed a small electric chainsaw this week to cut through a few logs, realised it wasn't sharp, followed your tips, now cutting fast and clean. Thank you for taking the time to explain 👍

[@williambenner5531]

I’ve watched a lot of chainsaw sharpening videos…yours is the best yet. Your close ups a still shots help explain what’s really going on…thank you.

[@EnvisionChartBruce]

Great video. I used to do 4 sweeps on the left side vs 3 on the right because I found I always push harder on the chain with my right side, creating an imbalance. Also used to have the issue where if i didn't press down on the file consciously, I'd wear the tooth up, screwing up the file angle. Using the file to take down the rakes is so much smarter than my impatient self using a grinder and screwing up 1 or 2 rakes beyond repair. Not enough people know how to hand sharpen and just do the chain swap. you are so right with a little touch up going a long way. just like a chef.

[@OffGrid9]

Great job. You hit all the high points, and the camera work is first rate, really illustrates your thoughts. I first learned to use a chainsaw 60 years ago, USFS, Tahoe, running big old Homelites and McCullochs. And even after all these years, I managed to pick up a couple of pointers. Back then, we called the doodads rakers, like you. I still do. Lots of youngsters say we gotta call them depth gauges. No we don't. There are so many comments here, likely nobody will see this, but here goes -- I think maybe you missed a couple of things about guide bar maintenance: -- I think it's a good idea to do more than remove burrs from the sides, you also need to remove burrs on the bar's edge. They may not be as common as the side burrs, but they can occur, you can actually create them just by filing the burrs on the sides...and they can make the chain run rough across the bumps -- if they're bad, you can actually feel it when cutting. Only takes a second to check for them when you file the sides. -- Also, I check for burrs on the INSIDE EDGES of the groove, and I regularly dredge out the muck in the groove with a little old screwdriver, sides filed parallel and just small enough to fit in the groove. Mostly the stuff in there is pretty soft, and the drive links will chew it out, but it can get hardened, especially if someone hasn't been cleaning the bar-oil holes or filling the oil reservoir. I don't mean to criticize. This is the most thorough and practical video I've seen on sharpening a chain. Again, great job.

[@chrisbraid2907]

Hey old timer, Excellent comments, you probably have five years on me with Chainsaws, this KZbin is nice and concise, just the thing for the up and coming Saw Hands. Your comments and his show belong together … thanks for your knowledge …

[@cuzimadapapushkian799]

I'm just learning to how to use a chainsaw and I found the video extremely helpful. I usually scroll through the comments to see what others have to say because most of the time, some viewers who have experience can make helpful suggestions or critiques. Sometimes they have nothing to add and just make rude comments. In this case, not only did you add helpful suggestions, you explained why, and you were very respectful. Thanks for that.

[@kevinfoster1213]

I agree with you. I've found the chain guide, being a piece of sheet metal fits in the groove and really gets the goop out. That shit really puts a drag on the chain. Drag is friction, friction is heat, heat is wasted energy.

[@bustasesh]

Hands down best chainsaw sharpening video on youtube. Thank you sir!

[@dougmccoy1260]

Having sharpened chains since the early 70s, I would suggest wearing a leather glove on the hand you are pushing the file with. I have cut my right hand pointer finger a number of times when the file slipped a little. That's when a duct tape and toilet paper bandaid comes into play.

[@downunderfulla6001]

I agree, I always use a leather glove on my back hand. I’ve got plenty of scars to show why lol🍺

[@gilbertb8078]

I am heavy construction mechanic field service.My neice played a joke on me.One of my co workers got a cut on a finger.Dugged out my first aid kit for adhesive bandage for a finger wound.Ahhh..Power Puff Girl bandaides...the guy actually liked the bandages.lol

[@Firby1988]

I’m with you on that good advice I slipped and it was a trip to A&E for some stitches 🧵

[@trishdavi7049]

Sound advice! Thanks

[@NomDeGuerre91]

a chain cut is different. that shit hurts for weeks

[@patriciasummers8881]

I sure appreciate what a thorough and understandable video you made regarding reconditioning a chainsaw chain. I’ve needed to learn this and I’m thankful I saw your video before I bought a fancy blade sharpener. I’m looking forward to checking my chains and sharpening them. One my brother ran in the dirt multiple times but I know it just needs some attention and will be good as new. Knowledge is power. Thank you so much, again. 😃

[@570driver9]

This was an amazing informative video and I feel much more confident in sharpening my own chains. You covered every detail about it and showed many examples! I’ll definitely watch more of your videos! 👍

[@ryanjaffrey1662]

This video is better then any of my University lectures. Content, different ways of explaining the same point, comedy to keep you engaged and a friendly quiz to track your knowledge/progress. A+ from a total beginner, Thanks mate

[@johnny623boy83]

Well....i just learned more about chainsaws in the last twenty minutes than i have over the last twenty years. God damn. This video isn't just about sharpening, it's about the engineering of cutting with a chainsaw. Awesome. Thank you

[@darellsunderlin4670]

Good video , I would also highly recommend using the depth gage tool you don't care for to clean out the bar grooves, the one end has two curved hooks to clean with and I believe they are different thicknesses for different bar widths . You'd be amazed at what you get out of a bar groove , and if it has build up in it ,it can cause the chain to ride up and tip to one side or the other causing a crooked cut or jumping off the bar .

[@BenLymanO_o]

This is the best instructional video I’ve ever seen. It deserves an award. Great work!

[@warningsystemsofohio1880]

I own a Poulan predator 16 in and all I have to say is that this video is extremely well-explained! I noticed the chainsaw would start smoking when cutting through wood and as soon as I did these steps with a round file. my chainsaw was back to cutting through wood like butter! thank you!

[@adrienperie6119]

Thank you for this video, this is exactly what I have been looking for, I’ve used and maintained chainsaws for years but never found a no nonsense based on experience methodology for sharpening, turns out I was doing it right except for the depth of cut things, but now I know why you need to do it this way so I will be able to do a much better job and get progressively better instead of mindlessly doing it and stagnating. Thanks me bruthar !

[@Peter-bq6sk]

Thanks FC101, best instructional video I have seen when it comes to covering the simple solutions to issues around poor cutting. Been falling and cutting firewood for many a year, but even I picked up a couple of tips. Well explained and demonstrated. A great video amongst so many that just don't hit the spot every time. Pete.

[@sid65811]

Thanks so much for this - I’ve been struggling to figure out why my sharp chain was not cutting. After watching your video, I discovered the 2 things I didn’t know about: the bar had significant burrs and the teeth on one side of the chain were about 1mm longer than the teeth on the other. Corrected both issues and it’s cutting like new!

[@jameswilliford5478]

Still the best chainsaw sharpening video out. You just saved me money that I would have spent on a sharpener I don't need. I'll be getting the right size file and doing it by hand and getting a good flat file for when the rakers need to be shortened. Thank you!

[@spkay31]

Great video. Excellent guidance and great sharpening advice. Another tip for bar maintenance is run a putty knife through the groove to clear out any sawdust or wood fibers when you are removing the burrs around the edges as well as cleaning the oiler hole with compressed air or needle tool.

[@olddoug8945]

Extra hint for restorative filing: tighten the chain really tight to file, keeps the teeth from rocking around while you file. remember to adjust it again before you cut.

[@pamelafrancis6086]

This is the best explanation I ever saw. I will be more thoughtful when I sharpen now. Thanks!

[@adrianjoubert6625]

BRILLIANT video. I recently bought a chainsaw helping me cope with overgrown vegetation on and taking down a few messy trees. on my plot. I had no idea the abuse I was putting my machine through and why I was experiencing certain problems due to my ignorance of proper blade maintenance. This video answered all my questions. Thanks a million.

[@pliniodalmolin5263]

Good video. One thing you did not mention with the bar is making sure the edges are square to the side. If one edge is worn more than the other, the saw will not cut straight, but will curve towards the worn side. Also, as someone else mentioned, some chains require the file to be held at an angle to the side of the bar, usually 10 degrees.

[@Turnbull62]

When checking/clearing the bar oil hole it’s also worth dragging thin piece of metal along the the length of the bar grooves to clean them out as well. Also when buffing the burrs off the bar run a little set square alone along the rails to check both rails are the same height. With an older bar check the depth of the bar grooves to ensure they are deeper than the height of the drive links. You can get a single little gauge that will do all three jobs in one. Good clear video. Cheers 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@johnlong8694]

The back of a piece of broken hacksaw blade is ideal for cleaning the grooves

[@douggief1367]

Excellent overview. Great closeups. I would add: mark the first tooth with a marker pen (or start where there are 2 teeth pointing in the same direction). Try not to roll the file up and down as it cuts. Use the chain brake when you stop to cut a few teeth. Then move to a new position. (At least these are the things I find useful).

[@matthewbarrie2188]

I’m pretty much a newb with chainsaws even though I’ve used them off an on for 30 years. Hands down the best tutorial on chain maintenance I’ve seen. Demystified the entire process. Thanks a ton. Would give this 10 likes if I could.