HOW TO USE HARBOR FREIGHT CHAINSAW SHARPENER - Sharpen Your Own Chainsaw For Less Than $25

[@TinkerForward]

Thanks For Watching! How often do you use your chainsaw? Let me know in the comments! TINKER FORWARD HIDDEN ROBOT CHALLENGE! Did you find the hidden robot popup somewhere in the video? If so, be the first person to indicate the time you saw it along with your best comment to get your name and KZbin channel featured in our Hall of Fame on our Tinker Forward website at www.tinkerforward.com

[@roberthubbard2824]

Robot at 8:18

[@quilrock]

Does it sharpen both 5/32 and 7/32 teeth or do you need 2 wheel sizes?

[@rmcalhoun4543]

My dad passed away and I found this sharpener in his garage practically new but with no instructions whatsoever. This video helped me use it for the first time moments ago. I wouldn't have even known where to start without watching. Thanks.

[@TinkerForward]

Awesome! Glad I could help!

[@TheMopar97]

You’re a natural instructor/teacher! I literally can’t say anything negative about this video. Not too short, not too long. No fillers but nothing left out. Great job and thank you!

[@TinkerForward]

Wow, thank you!

[@1925sk]

Tough crowd here.

[@rockycarr395]

The more times you sharpen a chain, the longer/taller the rakers get. Eventually you have to file the rakers. You might include checking raker height and filing as an update.

[@BrianFDeVore]

This video was exactly what I wanted to see, thank you for taking the time to film it and put it out there. I just bought this sharpener and now I don't have to waste any time figuring out how to set it up and use it; I can get straight to sharpening my chains.

[@elebeu]

I have had the earlier model of this sharpener for 10 years. I have sharpened many chains and I am still on my first wheel. It does a wonderful job and is easy to use. People complain about having to remove the chain to sharpen but it only takes an additional minute and gives me a chance to clean the debris from the chain guide on the bar and the oil feed holes.

[@Mauroheck]

Very well-made video. The close-ups really help. Most instructive. Thank you. It depends a lot on the season but this summer used my chainsaws just about every day

[@TinkerForward]

Thanks so much! Thanks for watching!

[@MESKITE04]

I just purchased this same sharpener and you've made learning how to use it quite simple, thank you very much

[@TinkerForward]

Glad I could help!

[@ttommytom]

My mistake was the back adjustment for height/depth. It seems that most of it is common sense but it's still nice to go step by step. So many 'training' videos skip past the basics that some of us fail to see or get stuck on. Thank you.

[@TinkerForward]

I'm glad my video helped! Thanks for watching Tom!

[@charliehos3936]

Bought one at a discount (open box) two years ago and never used it. After watching your, very detailed and clear video, I’ve decided to get it out and mount it to my work bench. I’ve just started cutting firewood for my new wood furnace and I’m sure I’ll need it. Thanks very much for the info!👍

[@cheskybaba4864]

I just bought one - works very well and very easily. Once you got it set up - you're good to go. It's not a precision made instrument, but it gets the job done..

[@TinkerForward]

Glad to hear that you are enjoying it! Thanks so much for watching!

[@shaunjohnson0115]

The sharpener works like a charm! Never needed one till we moved a year ago to a wooded lot and it’s been used multiple times with a few chains. So easy to use. Just have to figure out how often to replace the wheel.

[@karolinaopaczynska7562]

Having declared my dissatisfaction with this sharpener last night kzbin.infoUgkxDcr-y2Pf6xdnrFHrSP7dl9kpKaCozcSQ I thought about the problem some more. It occurred to me that I might be undoing each attempt at achieving a sharp edge by the repeated attempts. So, I tried to clean up the unsatisfactory result by honing with only positions 3 and 4.Miracle!! A really nicely sharpened chef's knife, more than enough to handle my needs. Admittedly, it did not reach professionally sharpened razor-fineness, but it is now significantly sharper than it was. A bout of breaking down carrots convinced me. So, major apologies to the manufacturer, Amazon, and all happy and potential owners! Follow the directions: don't buy it if you have ceramic blades; and don't overwork your knife blade.

[@christopherhamm1574]

I have the older (orange) model. I noted how the chain moves when you squeeze the lock handle. This appears to make the system grind too much off of the chain. I rarely throw that many sparks when I sharpen. Unless I hit a rock or metal I only graze the chain enough to basically hone the chain and not sharpen it. I also believe that grinding too much too fast will alter the metal and its temper and perhaps soften it making the chain go dull faster. This method seems to have worked extremely well over the past 15 years of ownership. It is a great and cheap way of keeping my saws cutting properly.

[@kabluey_louie1718]

I'm really glad I found your video. My father in law recently bought this exact brand and didn't know how to use it.

[@JDMcKenzie]

Thanks, very helpful. I bought this sharpener but had no idea how to use it.

[@robertemberton8190]

I just purchased this same sharpener and you've made learning how to use it quite simple, thank you very much. I saw Tinker at the 8:17 mark.

[@Saw_Squatch]

Mount it to a block of 2x4 and then you can just mount it into a bench vise

[@llamathefuzz]

I'm late to the show here, but thank you! I just bought this and struggled getting it setup right. Your close up shots really helped!

[@wyattbottorff2473]

Ive used mine about a week and just wanted to confirm I was on the right track, and I sure am! Thank you for beig so clear, your instruction is just as easy yo follow as the tool is easy to use. It is a game changer

[@franklaw996]

Great video! I would think you would want to set the angle, chain stop and depth stop adjustments with the lever engaged as when you squeeze the lever the chain moves a bit

[@camjess60]

Thanks for sorting me out on how to use this machine. You provided detailed setup info I failed to get from other KZbin sources. I primarily use my Stihl 251* for cutting 5 cord of firewood per year, and also for property maintenance and an occasional piece of chainsaw furniture.

[@TinkerForward]

You're welcome! I'm glad the video was helpful! How do you like you stihl 251? Would you recommend it? I've done a review on EGO's lithium battery pole saw that I've been impressed with, but I'm always looking at options for a great chainsaw.

[@marckrevo1970]

Hey Jeff, Great job with the video. After watching it, there was nothing left to learn about the sharpener. The close ups were very helpful and the video was just the right length. Thanks!

[@RetroMan4321]

I could not figure this weird product out and gave up... now I actually see how it works thank you!

[@arthurultsh7812]

Very well-made video. I learn a lot from the video! The close-ups really help.

[@TinkerForward]

Awesome, thank you!

[@moneybags7064]

Robot was at 8:20 I just got this saw and really appreciate being as thorough like you were. Now going to try and not cut my fingers off! Cheers!

[@sgt.rattlesnake6483]

I just picked this up. Have yet to use it yet but looks easy to use and will help me process Firewood alot faster as I won't have to wait on a shop to do them for me which takes a couple days to get em back. I cut wood everyday and run a MS391 and a MS271 farm boss. Also nice mower I got the same one.

[@andyanaoutdoors2487]

Thank you for this. Picked one up new in box at a yard sale. Now I can get right to work and get my saw back up to snuff.

[@grish8314]

The video was very well done. Very good close-ups. Very well put together. My families been cutting wood for generations and some still call them tooth some call them blades. Don’t listen to the people that nitpick

[@TinkerForward]

Thanks Mark! I appreciate your comments! Thanks for watching!

[@stephenroberts7459]

Thank you! I now know how to set up my grinding machine! Thank you for taking the time to make and post this video, it makes the interweb thingy an immensely useful resource!

[@TinkerForward]

You are welcome! I'm glad the video was helpful!

[@andycuellar8125]

Great video man! I got exactly what I cane here for! Your video was detailed correctly, not too much duration, you were straight to the point and your video was edited and filmed with all the desirable characteristics!!!! :D

[@WatzaMataU.]

Nice video; simple to understand; well done. No pop-up robot. Use Stihl MS 251 C-BE saw daily. Video is short & to the point. No excess BS. Thank you.

[@purdyboi8078]

Wake up...robot was @ 8:18

[@dondavidson1909]

If it’s time to sharpen the blade it’s probably time to clean all the sawdust debris out so taking the chain off instead of filing it while on the saw is not an inconvenience. Thanks for the video for those of us too lazy to read instructions!!

[@purdyboi8078]

Chainsaws don't have blades. Just a guide bar with a chain

[@fredpesina4817]

Great video on how to use the Harbor Freight chainsaw sharpener! Informative, good tips & well presented! You helped me make up my mind in buying it after all!. Thank you Jeff! God bless.

[@TinkerForward]

Glad I could help!

[@KykuitTheWitch1]

Finally cleared off the old table and unboxed mine.... very instructive and attention to detail....now I just have to REMOUNT mine...I installed it to a 2x4 and mounted that to the table. I have a12' 8" Electric Pole Saw, a Ryobi 6' 10" Pole Saw, a Dewalt 12" Brushless, a Greenworks 16" and a Husqvarna 20" Ranch. It's been non stop for almost 2 years and I have about 10 chains to freshen up. Your little tech dude appeared at 8:17-8:18 I think....Thanx for helping me save money on my chains this year... I'm Dave... Brightest Blessings from Stonehaven Farm & Gun Range... McBean, Ga.

[@TinkerForward]

Hi, thanks for watching! Blessings from Milwaukee, WI as well! Thanks for supporting Tinker Forward! The robot has already been found by someone else in this video. Be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell to get notified when we release future videos and lookout for the robot in future videos to be the first person to spot him in that video on Tinker Forward!

[@mnhoss2100]

Good video. I have this sharpener. You have taught me how to get started with it. Thanks.

[@cal88usa]

Jeff thank you very much for the video. You provided a very informative and educational video. I am planning on buying the EGO pole saw to ad to my EGO collection.

[@TinkerForward]

You are welcome! Thanks so much for watching! I'm glad the video was informative and helpful! The pole saw is great, I've been very happy with EGO products. I've done reviews on several of their products on my channel including the pole saw. Be sure to check them out!

[@cal88usa]

@@TinkerForward I will definitely check out your videos. Take care.

[@PossumPityParty]

Thank you so much! After i repaired the stop cable, it disconnected from the screw and gorilla gel super glue worked perfectly, this works great with your instructions. Very much appreciated! My chains are so sharp finally!

[@billybobleeward3765]

Excellent vid bro, went through it all thoroughly and it wasn't too long. Good job!

[@TinkerForward]

Glad to hear it was helpful, thanks so much for watching!

[@shawnreeder871]

Tinker was at 8:18. Glad I came across this video. Thanks.

[@curve5746]

Took out all confusion. Thanks!

[@TinkerForward]

I'm glad the video was helpful! Thanks so much for watching

[@joshuakenyon3207]

Fine video! Excellent camera angles and close ups. Absolutely confident in my ability to get this tool set up properly now.

[@TinkerForward]

You can do it!

[@milesfifer171]

What a great video thank you you explained this process perfectly and thoroughly, looks like I'm heading to harbor freight to pick one of these up.

[@TinkerForward]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thomask4836]

Jeff, I really wish KZbin gave us the opportunity to click on the Like Button up to ten times instead of just once. You would definitely get a 10! If you are not in a training department, you definitely should be. I don't think I have seen clearer or more organized instructions anywhere on KZbin. This video is excellent. Thank You Sir!

[@TinkerForward]

Thanks so much Thomas for the comments! I'm glad the video was helpful!

[@nyhost101]

Wow best vid ive found so far on hf sharpener...

[@TinkerForward]

Thanks! I'm glad the video was helpful!

[@Sparta-nd7ln]

Thank you for making this, it really helped considering it's my first time. My only criticism is I wish it had contained the instructions for attaching the cable and setting up the blade mount. The manual actually has no information on this which obviously your aware of. Took me longer to get set up having to actually use my brains to figure it out while second guessing if it's actually correct. I think it would save people time. Overall it was a helpful video. One blade at a time, everybody.knows the rules " I give it a 7.8

[@cocinaycocteleriaconjunjun7823]

Good video thanks for sharing. I have two chainsaws one uses 3/8'' p and the other 3.25''. Can the same grinding disc be used for both chains or do I have to buy different discs for each one?

[@captainspire9094]

Well if anything, you convinced me this is a cost effective and practical tool to get.

[@dondelbert334]

The sharpener is complicated and the instructions are confusing, to say the least. This video was very helpful. Thanks!!

[@recordball]

Nice video. Thanks! I’m going to probably pick one up.

[@grish8314]

Are used to heat my house with wood. I took the word for about seven years. Needless to say I went through many chains. I always paid somebody to sharpen my chains. It’s been about five years since. I got my chainsaw the other day to cut down some mailbox posts. My first cut I had a nail And doubled the blade. I have a sharpener like yours but I’ve never used it before. That’s why I was checking out your video, so I can sharpen my own chain.

[@markrichardson2509]

8:20 is when I saw Tinker. Excellent video, just what I was looking for.

[@TinkerForward]

Thanks for watching Mark and thanks for supporting Tinker Forward! The robot has already been found by someone else in this video. Be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell to get notified when we release future videos and lookout for the robot in future videos to be the first person to spot him in that video on Tinker Forward!

[@fermat2112]

Wonderful tutorial. Right to the point and easy to follow. I saw the little robot guy at 8:19-8:20.

[@bluegill2030]

Nice review. Would like to see a really dull blade cutting wood then sharpening it then cut again for a actual comparison

[@michaeln807]

Very great instruction video! Very thorough. Thank you very much.

[@gonzo2.0]

Great demonstration, I have the same pole saw and will buy the HF sharpener thank you!

[@Amarillobymorning777]

GR8 VIDEO CLIP. Greetings from North Texas

[@TinkerForward]

Hello there! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Mark-ei5bx]

Very good and easy to understand presentation.

[@TinkerForward]

Glad it was helpful!

[@terryk52]

Great video. Great presentation. It really helped me a lot. Thanks.

[@TinkerForward]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@patrickrevelo6568]

thank you, very good video very well explains,

[@TinkerForward]

Glad it was helpful!

[@budmanzoom4441]

Excellent demonstration!

[@christiancowboy352]

Thank you so much for the instruction. I just bought the very same on.

[@ThePsychman-us7dl]

told me everything i need to know, i think i will buy one thank you

[@gabbycreswell7031]

Excelente vídeo, you you explain everything very well, i learned a lot thank you 👍🏻👏🏻

[@alexgor5408]

Great job of tutorial. Thank you.

[@pattiannyawn9879]

Thank you for sharing the sharpening tips. I was going to buy new bar and chain every time. Also I saw your little robot at 8:20 on the time stamp. I am new to your channel but I have found it most useful than the others. Very well made. Also I am a smaller female 5'2" amd about 125. I would like a regular chainsaw to cut through some cedar logs I have. I am new to using power tools. Would you recommend I have these logs cut somewhere? Or is there a chainsaw that you recommend. I also don't prefer using gas so a more powerful battery chainsaw I suppose.

[@TinkerForward]

Hi Patti, Thanks for watching! I'm glad the tips were helpful. Our Tinker robot was found by somebody else first in this video, but be sure to subscribe to watch my weekly videos as they come out to try and be the first one to spot Tinker on the newer videos. In regards to a chainsaw for the cedar logs, EGO makes a battery powered chainsaw that I've heard good things about. I haven't had the chance to review it, but I have reviewed the EGO pole saw which I have been very happy with. You might want to check out more information about the EGO chainsaw.

[@cowboyup6438]

Stihl makes a good battery operated chainsaw.

[@Muddinguy]

Was thinking about picking this up, thanks for the video!

[@TinkerForward]

You're welcome!

[@cctandemedclincctandemedcl7155]

Great detailed to the point video

[@whiteknightcat]

Regarding the work surface mounting setback, I don't know about older models but the one I just bought for myself (after having relied on someone else's for a while) has mounting stops molded on the underside of the base. You just slide the base back onto the work surface until the stops hit the edge, then mark and drill your mounting holes.

[@drummergods]

8:20 🤖. Just bought this at Harbor freight. This vid was helpful. Thanks

[@TinkerForward]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

[@UnitedStates.]

Awesome tutorial. Thank you so much!

[@TinkerForward]

You're welcome! I'm glad the video was helpful.

[@XspeedXracerX]

Thank you for going to the effort of making this video! I found it very helpful since I just purchased one of these chainsaw chain sharpeners from HF! BTW: Saw the little robot guy between 8:17 and 8:19 :-)

[@billyjack6084]

8:17 on the robot. Now I know how to use this chainsaw sharpener. Great video, TY!

[@davidhitt4027]

Have you tried to grind the rakers down with the sharperner's grinding wheel?

[@MMAAgent]

Great video, thank you for the quick learning curve. Much apprwciated!

[@TinkerForward]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lgiraldo81]

Great video. Very thorough. Thank you.

[@andrewscott1253]

I find I have to grind more than the few amount of slight touches you did to get lasting sharpness. Am I doing it wrong?

[@Baz4]

Excellent instructions - thank you! Summerfest 2022!

[@TinkerForward]

You're welcome!

[@1925sk]

Have you tried this machine on the little mini chains that take the 1/8 “wheel? Thanks.

[@kwells4438]

I saw when you clamped the blade it made the blade move and actually lift the blade which will change the initial settting. Making the saw cut different than originally desired. Can this be fixed.

[@DAGJason]

Well done sir. Thanks for the information.

[@JamesMangle]

Any tips on filing the depth stop in front of the tooth?

[@davidp.eutsler2583]

Good video you helped me out, thanks I have one of those.

[@rickdefalco1676]

How do you adjust the rakers with the tool

[@ryannalbach]

What about the rackers or depth gauges

[@RobDog-23]

Good video...told me just what I needed to know. Thank you Tinker Forward!

[@ronaldupchurch9752]

Great Field Kit

[@billlaporte8255]

Great video I've always wondered how to perform this simple yet extremely useful task. (8:17)

[@TinkerForward]

Glad it was helpful!

[@willkeyworth1878]

hi there, thanks for the great video. i looked and looked and couldn't find any info about whether i can use different size grinding wheels. works great for my conventional bar links, but i have a stihl pole saw with a 12" bar - any ideas?

[@BolognaAmputee]

You don't need a different size grinding wheel. I run 6,10, and 12" Milwaukee saws. All the chains have fit so far. Although I will say I got what I paid for with this one. Its not really to spec and tolerance so a little sloppy. I'm going to see how the chains I have sharpened cut. I'm probably going to look at one that is a little better built. This one is probably meant for someone who might sharpen a chain from time to time.

[@keyworthgraphics]

@@BolognaAmputee thank you so much! I bought some files for the pole trimmer. I like the old method and it doesn't require electricity! Salud!

[@crashas1515]

you have a flimsy setup, I attached my grinder to a 2x4 and held it in a bench vise. Very simple and works great.

[@bluyetiinc7553]

Thanks for the excellent video.

[@jdm603jake]

Seems like an awful lot of work for each tooth, I use a 24" bar on my Husqvarna 562xp and also my 576xp, takes me about 3-5min with each saw to have them fully sharp ready to go by hand. including bringing the rakers down. The video was super detailed and you did an excellent job showing every feature and I'm glad I found the video. It ultimately made up my mind that for me being a business owner of a small residential tree service company it just wouldn't make sense for me time wise to use one of these except maybe on the weekends just to kill some time out in the shop and relax. I'm only 28 but I'm old school and you can really dial in your chain by using a hand round file for the blade and a flat file for the rakers. Great video though, thank you for informative and detailed

[@TinkerForward]

Thanks for watching!

[@curve5746]

Once it is set up it goes very fast. A couple minutes a chain. This tool would suck if you had different chains

[@jdm603jake]

@@curve5746 I'll have to find someone local to me who uses one and get their opinion on it and have them show me. I like the idea of it but I'm just not sure it's completely practical for my situation. I'll look into it a little deeper though and give it a shot if you guys say it's worth it. Thanks for the input

[@gobblerar1]

Thank you that was very helpful

[@TinkerForward]

You're welcome!

[@ef3371]

Excellent demo!

[@marvinshook9142]

Great video-thanks. Regarding the front overhang of the mount: yes, you need enough room horizontally (and vertically) to manipulate the vise rail adjustment knob, and you also need enough of a forward overhang that the chain hangs freely below the rail so the chain will stay engaged in the rail when turning the chain advance knob(s). Why did you position the caliper handle so it's operated with your thumb? Seems awkward to me. Regarding faster than a hand file: a typical hand file jig allows you to leave the chain installed on the saw using its bar to control and maintain its sharpening position. The ability to leave the chain installed on the saw is a big time saver. If you consider the time involved in removing, reinstalling, and re-tensioning the chain, this handy electric sharpener isn't really faster than a hand file.

[@rodneychapman197]

Not sure if you have a work bench to put your saw up on to take the chain off, but I do and it takes me less than 20 seconds to take the cover, bar and chain off on any of my 9 Stihl saws. I can sharpen a 20 inch 3/8 chain in under 2 mins. So that’s about 3 mins. I challenge anyone to try and beat 3 mins. Now. I’m a professional when it comes to Stihl saws and I understand most are not so I understand most everyone can’t take the cover, bar and chain off, put it back on while adjusting the chain tightness. The key to that is having you a work bench or something flat to take the chain off. I respect your opinion and I hope you respect mine as well.

[@cardmancalvin549]

You did a great job explaining I like that

[@yker9139]

Good job, good video. Sharpener and multi tool 10".

[@tigerconway]

yes do did sir going to buy one

[@owl1873]

great tutorial. 👍👍👍❤

[@TinkerForward]

Thanks so much Mark! I appreciate you watching and I'm glad my video was helpful!

[@handydand]

Great video, thank you!

[@TinkerForward]

My pleasure!