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!

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.

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!

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

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.

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.....

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....

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!

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!!

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.

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 !

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.

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 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.

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.

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’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 KZfaq.

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.

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 🇦🇺

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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. 🤙🏻

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

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.

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

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.

Best Chain sharpening video I've seen yet!

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

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!

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

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.

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

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!

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. 😃

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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

We finally got past our rainy season so I am going out to cut some trees. This video is my favorite one to revisit at the beginning of each season. You are a good instructor and your attention to sharing detail is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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

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

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.

A perfect presentation with some great tips. I worked in the bush and learned a couple of tips from this great video. I recommend this for anyone, amateur or pro. Thank you for putting this together for us.

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

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

Very well done. I had started to sharpen my chain and just didn't think I was on track, I then searched and pulled the video up and it reminded me of what I needed to do with all the details. Thanks for taking the time to put this together, share and explain.

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

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 😁

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....! :-)

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

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

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!

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!

The most comprehensive, detailed instruction video I've ever seen on YT about any subject. GREAT! I now have complete confidence in evaluating and sharpening my chainsaws.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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! 👍

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

New homeowner here with a 3 acre forest. I can’t thank you enough for the depth of advice in this video. I learned heaps and especially how to avoid doing it wrong. I also definitely appreciated the humor in it lol. New subscriber and I will likely return often. Thanks again!!

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

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.

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

I just wanted to say. excellent job on explaining. very 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!!

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

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!

Best chain video that I've come across. I don't cut regularly enough to remember these things so your talkthrough is perfect. Thanks.

OMG! Best video I have seen for sharpening blades! Very in-depth view of not only sharpening but how the blade works and how the bar can cause issues as well. Job well done!

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.

You are awesome! Incredibly comprehensive. It’s one thing to show someone something but even better to show the ‘why’ it is done that way. The rakers part blew me away. And I never thought about burrs on the bar. Thank you sir!

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.

This is an excellent video. Clear focused closeups show exactly how to file teeth and rakers. Well explained and very helpful. Many thanks.

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!!!

Chainsaw newby here and this is very helpful. Explain the what and the why in an easy to understand manner.

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

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...

I'm building a cabin from planks that I am milling from logs ... from trees I have cut down. Really great video. Just the basics of keeping the chain clean, sharp and in working order. No fancy equipment. Just the basics, which works great out in the woods. Thanks.

Been sharpening for years but still learnt something. Just hit metal and was struggling to get it back to work but this has taught me I can do it. And very simply. Top quality video work as well.

The most informative video I’ve seen in chainsaw Chan sharpening. Great job. Learned a couple things. The bar chain guide edge burr and chip raker height. Also uneven cutting teeth length.

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

I'm a little guilty at times myself but my grandpa would have had a fit if he saw you drag that file backwards. That can dull a file prematurely. Only push a file when it's cutting pick it up off of the material when coming back.

Absolutely OUTSTANDING...this was perhaps one of the best tutorials I have ever watched. God bless you.

That’s the best explanation I have come across. Your demonstration with the cheese helped me understand that the raker tooth sets the depth of cut for the main teeth. I always wondered why they were there and what the function was.

Best, most informative video on chain sharpening! Thank you.