whats the best way to sharpen a blade on a chain saw? thanks

 

Hi:craigco

An honest answer to your question is to remove the chain and take it to either a sharpening shop or lawn mower repair shop.

My assumtion is your refering to one chain on a saw used around the house. Therefore, the time spent and the cost factor, in my opinion, isn't worth the trouble.

Most chains up to 14/16 inches cost about 4 to 6 bucks each to sharpen. At this price it doesn't seem cost effective for the homeowner with one chain to invest in any equipment, in my opinion.

If you prefer to purchase a hand held electrical all purpose sharpener, check in the retail stores hardware departments.

Want to go the least expensive way, stop off at a local hardware store that carries chains for chain saws and purchase just the hand held files for your chain saws type and style of chain.

Follow the manufactures instructions inclosed in the kit.

TIP:
Use caution while sharpening or lowering the rakes. One slip of the hand and you could windup with a nasty cut! Especially if you do an excellent sharpening job!

Good Luck,
Sharp Advice

 

Tom is 1,000% right. The best way to sharpen a chain saw chain is to take it to a pro shop that has the automatic sharpening machine, etc. I bought all of the alternative d-i-y-by-hand stuff, once long ago, and after trying it, I decided that my time was worth more than a -$1 an hour, plus I'd get a much better job. LOL!. It only costs about two bucks to get a chain sharpened right. As always, YOUR choice. Good Luck! Edit: Of course, some of my "friends" didn't think that my time was worth $1 an hour, but then again, their chain saw chains aren't as sharp as mine. LOL!

[This message has been edited by OldGuy (edited March 28, 2000).]

 

If you have anti-kickback chain (very likely) you will have a difficult time sharpening it yourself. They have triple thick rakers, and will wear out a new mill ******* file quickly.

If I were you I'd take it to the local saw dealer. Have it tuned up and the bar trued while you are at it.

I worked 14 years for the US Forest Service and taught chainsaw use. I can freehand sharpen a chain, but I wouldn't recommend it to you.

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if you've got one of them rotary tools, u can get a chainsaw sharpening kit