Chainsaw Chain Sharpening Files: How To Sharpen A Chain With A Round File At Home With Your Own Hands? How To Choose The Diameter?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-09 13:15

A chainsaw can be very expensive and, accordingly, of high quality, but sooner or later the time will come when you need sharpening for its chain. Professionals recommend using a special machine, but such equipment is not cheap. You can use a simple file to make the chain sharp - the main thing is to know how and in which direction they work.

Advantages and disadvantages

Sharpening for electric saws is carried out in two ways:

• manual;
• mechanized.

A file for sharpening chainsaws is purchased in stores that specialize in such tools. Sawing machines - in the same place. Special kits are sold for electric saws and their hand sharpening. They are compact, lightweight, and can work autonomously, even without electricity. Sometimes it is important to be able to grind the chain aggregate away from the power source.

Moreover, with such a set, the resource consumption of the chain saw is not as active as in the case of using the machine.

Despite all this, professionals advise sometimes to use machine tools. Of the advantages of this method:

• positive effect, which is reflected in the calibration of the cutting link;
• you can quickly solve the problem;
• the quality of sharpening is always high.

Experts advise to always have a supply of the chain so that you can replace it during operation and not be distracted from the process. Sharpening with high quality will take a long time as the process requires confidence and the necessary skill. The set, which is intended for manual sharpening, includes two products: flat and round.

Description of species

There are many tools used to make a chain sharp, and they can have unusual shapes. There is also a diamond version with spraying. The simplest and cheapest is flat, where a special abrasive layer is applied to the surface, which has sufficient strength to remove the metal layer from the teeth . Such a manual device eventually deteriorates and cannot be restored.

A sharpening roller can be used. There are many options, it is worth choosing, given the pitch of the chain teeth. Not so long ago, a device with the short name FG 4 gained popularity. Its design has two guides, by moving them, you can change the sharpening angle.

Popular brands

Stihl

There are enough chain sharpening kits on the market - the main thing is to make the right choice. Stihl branded products are branded, models may differ significantly from each other. Sometimes you come across a set that is adapted for a sharpening machine. It comes with several files in a package. The peculiarity of such products is that there is no handle in their design, therefore it is inconvenient to use without a holder. There is a product presented in individual packaging. It is offered for sale as part of a kit or separately. There are two versions:

• with a template;
• no template.

The advantage of the Stihl brand is that it took care of the release and additional tooling. For example, filing gauges can be found in expensive kits or sharpening mandrels. Various templates and clamps are also produced under the brand name. Beginners are advised to take a filing gauge, as it helps to check the depth of the sharpening being carried out, clean the grooves and check the corners. The mandrel will also be a useful addition. It is made in the form of a plate on which there are guides. Due to them, the angle at which the chain is sharpened is determined. The mandrel is fixed with a magnet to the metal bus. Clamping can also serve as a holder. Its use can significantly reduce the time spent on work.

Oregon

The files of this brand are sold in a wide variety. They are made from quality materials. There are special lines on the guide frame, which makes the work process easier. The design includes a wooden handle.

On store shelves, you can see it in a transparent blister pack through which you can easily view the product. These files are convenient and easy to use.

Sadko

The file models of this brand are made from carbon tool steel. A distinctive feature is that the edge does not heat up during processing . On the surface of most models, there is a small notch. The length of flat products is up to 20 centimeters. The manufacturer has taken care of an ergonomic handle.

Other

Of the other, no less popular brands, it is possible to note MD-STARS … These products will help to quickly restore the chain to its previous performance. And also in a large assortment on the market brand "Tundra " … All models are also made of tool steel and are comfortable.

Nuances of choice

To acquire the necessary tools for sharpening, you will need to pay attention to the diameter. Fits 3/8 and 4mm. The size should be indicated on the kit. The selection of such tools is a complex process, in the absence of the necessary experience it is better to consult with a specialist . The purchased set may not be cheap, but not the best quality. To select the desired round file in diameter, first determine the chain pitch on the saw being used. This moment is very important, so it should not be overlooked.

There are always several products in a standard set . The set of more expensive models may additionally contain a couple of templates and a special cleaning product. Both options in the set are used to process each link. In this case, the cylindrical one is designed to form the cutting edge of the teeth, as well as the blades, including the end and upper ones. The cutting depth gauge is processed with a flat file. After such a simple straightening, the performance of the saw increases dramatically.

Many users are faced with a choice problem . Branded sets are expensive, you can pick up on store shelves and a cheaper option. The question is whether it is worth saving so that you do not pay twice later. Of course, a branded product has much higher capabilities than an analogue. As practice has shown, the use of sets of companies Oregon, Stihl guarantees high quality of work. Using poor equipment, the chain may need to be sharpened for more than one hour. That kind of time is not worth it.

The diameter of a round file can reach 4-4.5 mm . It is always worth relying on the size that the saw teeth demonstrate. It is useful to purchase a special holder, it facilitates the process of completing the task. Often, professionals use special rollers, on which the sharpening angle is immediately indicated. Special attention in the set for a flat file. Requirements apply to its width. It should not be more than 1 centimeter.

The sharpening of the stop tooth is carried out using a bar. They put it on a chain, determine the required depth. Thus, it is easy to achieve the desired functionality from the saw.

How to sharpen a chain correctly?

If you do not know the technology, then you will not be able to sharpen the chain yourself at home with your own hands. The first thing to start with is the installation of a clamp. In its absence, it is allowed to use a regular log as an emphasis.

To manually sharpen the saw chain teeth, follow this pattern:

• the unit, in our case the saw, must first be placed on a flat surface;
• a log or clamp is placed under the tire;
• safety precautions are also observed in this case, therefore, the brake mechanism on the chain is necessarily activated;
• a round tool should be moved from the inner surface of the links to the outer;
• one of the most important tasks is to maintain the angle, you can work with a ruler, standard 30 degrees, easily achieved with the file perpendicular to the tire.

Beginners prefer to work with templates or with a plank. Editing poor sharpening is possible, but then the chain resource is consumed faster than expected . Better to use a longitudinal cut, then the angle will be sharper, only 10 degrees. In this case, a holder or sawing gauges should be at hand. Responsible manufacturers of such equipment leave a special mark when releasing chains for a chainsaw. It helps to quickly determine the dimensions of the teeth.

For successful work, you will need to position the file parallel to the indicated risk . The advantage is that the required sharpening angle is obtained the first time. It is very important that the number of movements for each of the machined teeth is equal. This is the only way to assert that the grinding process is going smoothly. Correct the work done from all sides. This is the most correct and beneficial approach, since he does not have to constantly change his position.

Only after the main teeth have been sharpened can one move on to the limiting component. It is sharpened as follows:

• a filing gauge is applied to the chain, while the tooth, which is the limiting one, must coincide with the existing slot;
• now it's time to work with a file.

Experts give practical advice on how to facilitate the sharpening process. It is imperative that the saw motor is not running and the chain is tightened to the state in which it is during operation. The brake is fixed in the working position, gloves are put on the hands.

In order not to get lost, the number of movements performed by the file will need to be counted aloud.

Sharpening can be done on the machine. He, in turn, can be manual or professional. The latter can only be powered by electricity. The principle is simple:

• first, the chain is fixed in the guides
• the groove is adjusted and the angle is selected;
• the sharpening disc is lowered;
• the chain is moved along the installed holder, clamping, each tooth is processed.

In such machines, the emery stone acts as the main grinding element . Such equipment is expensive, therefore it is used most often in workshops. It is difficult to say whether it is worth purchasing such a unit for the home. In this case, a grinder or a grinder may also work. For work, they must use a special nozzle and a 2.5 mm disc used for metal. Sharpen at minimum speed, each tooth separately. Be sure not to forget about safety precautions, so they wear gloves and goggles. Observing these simple rules, you can sharpen the chain yourself with high quality.

Storage tips

Any toolkit, if stored incorrectly, will quickly become unusable. This also applies to saw chain files. They are made of steel, which, although quite hard, is very fragile. Even if you simply transport several files together, which in the process will come into contact with each other, they can be damaged, which will negatively affect the operating parameters.

Factory sets are stored in a special case. So they are in optimal conditions for themselves. If the file is dirty, it is easy to restore it, just use a stiff brush and a special rinse for this. The latter is made from dish soap.

You can use acetone to remove the oil or unleaded gasoline.