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

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!

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

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

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!

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.

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.

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 .

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!!

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)

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

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....

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

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

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 🇦🇺

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.

I wish all videos on how-to could be this perfect. Ain't you just the most perfect Presentor ever!? I sharpened one chain in my life and now I know why it won't cut.

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 !

What a complete and easy to understand instructional video. I understood everything you talked about and I totally understand why it doesn't work, what to look for and how to fix it! Great job man. I feel like I'll be better at it now. Theres a couple of chainsaws with similar issues that I've set aside for a while because I just wasn't aware. Thank you for taking the time to make the video.

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!

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!

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!

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

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 RU-vid.

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.

Best Chain sharpening video I've seen yet!

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.

After 67 years I have finally learned how to sharpen my chainsaw. Will sleep good tonight!

Well, now I know why my chainsaw cuts to the left. I thought I had not sharpened the left side enough, but upon examination, I notice the left cutters are much shorter than the right. So I guess I've OVER sharpened the left cutters. You're a good teacher.....

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. 🤙🏻

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....! :-)

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

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

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.

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.

This is the BEST presentation I've ever seen describing proper tooth sharpening.

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.

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

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.

Probably the best sharpening video on YT. Many thanks. 👍

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.

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

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!

Best description of all the major issues involved with sharpening a chain. Thank you!

Thanks, Gavin I soon after read an article as to why you flipped the bar, and I had never realized that it makes sense

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Nice video - For 10 years I cut for a regional power company. We cut and moved - no waiting for the wood to be removed. Two 2-man crews - each crew using 5-gallons of gas per day. We had to file often - wood can be dirty - river bottoms and muddy floods, dust along field sides, etc. You got this correct. Some things I did differently, but they were essentially the same. I sharpened one side of the chain and then turned the saw around so I could use my right hand to file. I was always concious of getting the top of the tooth sharp - and as you said - keep from putting a hook into the tooth. I always figured the top of the tooth does the most cutting and the side (hook) keeps the channel clean - like the 'set' on a hand saw. It was good to 'hear' your file 'cut'. As I tell novices - you aren't trying to shine the tooth, you're trying to sharpen it. Too many people keep a file way too long - past it's useful life. And they don't put pressure on the file to cut. The 'raker' or guide tooth can be filed a little lower if you're cutting softer wood - evergreen, etc. For oak, elm, etc, you don't want the raker too low og the chain will 'catch'. Yes - learn to file. You can't cut with a dull saw and you can't be running to town to get your chain sharpened or swapping out a chain. I've had to file a chain multiple times to cut river bottom soft maple. Just full of mud. ; You did a great job and if people learn and follow your instructions, they'll be cutting a lot better and easier.

Thank you for this excellent video. I've been putting off sharpening my chain and pole saw, because I thought it was complicated. You and your cheese made it clear and less intimidating. Perfect!

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 😁

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

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. 😃

Best video yet on chainsaw sharpening... concise, clear and no nonsense. Thanks for sharing!

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!

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

This is an excellent clear visually demonstrated sharpening lesson. Thank you for posting!

Ive watched about 6 videos on this subject. And needed a refresher course. This is the best i have watched so far. Very in depth. Thanks!

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

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

I have binge-watched a few of your videos this morning...probably the best I have seen on explaining how to maintain and use a chainsaw! Thanks.

Probably the best sharpening video I've seen on RU-vid. Very practical. Thank you sir!

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

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.

By far the best chain saw sharpening video. From A to Z everything you need to know, and were afraid to ask.

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!

I've been cutting wood for 30 years. And I think this video is excellent. Sometimes when you've been doing something for so long you forget about the simple basics of how something works. Loved the video. Thanks

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...

Never needed to sharpen a chain saw, I've always just bought a new chain. Well I'm trying to get better at what I do, so great video, I should be a professional now :)

Thank you. Million times thank you. Your videos are so well put together and are priceless for the amount of chainsaw education I receive from them.

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!

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!!

Not difficult to learn, but essential to know. love stuff like this

As someone who is working terribly hard to teach myself the right way to do things, I very much appreciate the depth and clarity of this video. Absolutely love the close ups and quizzes. Thank you for what you are doing.

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

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

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!

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

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.

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.

This is so much more informative than the other 10 videos i tried. Thank you

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

Thank you. I could not wrap my head around all those damn devices for sharpening. I knew it had to be simple.

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! 👍

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.

Been cutting firewood for personal use for a long time. But I definitely learned from this video. Always got the chain sharp, but too often it would cut at an angle and bind. You helped answer why. That, and the tips regarding the bar itself, most definitely helpful!! I appreciate it very much!!

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!

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 RU-vid video.

The most informative video on chain saw blades I've ever seen. I've noticed most people are not aware of ever fileing the raker down.Thanks for the details.

Absolutely the best video ever for simple and practical chainsaw sharpening. Explains every aspect and possible scenario covered. Great job on the video, closeups and detailed explanations. This is the most information packed 20 minute video you can watch. Thank you for explaining everything so nicely.

Thank you for taking the time to create this video. Excellent content! I feel pretty confident about sharpening my chain now.

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.

Just wanted to applaud you for covering all the bases. Great instructional video here.

You have a great clear voice for making instructional videos.

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.

this was easily the best lesson on chain sharpening I've ever seen. Concise and clear. I also enjoyed your humor. I've been sharpening my chains for years now w/ moderate success. I've always done "good enough". I have no doubt when I sharpen my chain tomorrow I will do even better. Thanks a ton!

Well done. The slow motion chisel cut on each side with cheese was soberly illustrative. Thank you for clearing up my understanding and adding details.

I want to personally say thank you. Your wisdom shared completely triumphs over the other videos I have watch.