A well-sharpened chainsaw can save you substantial time and effort in running a farm or homestead, and the safest, fastest use demands frequent sharpening. Sharpening a chainsaw yourself is simple, requiring just a few basic tools and a little know-how.

Mechanics
There are three steps in sharpening a chainsaw; shaping the cutters (teeth), adjusting the depth gauges (which determine the depth of each cut), and adjusting the chain's tension. The chain should move easily around the bar, but without any slack. The goal is a chain of sharp, balanced cutters that will easily make clean and equal cuts.

Tools
A filing guide, round file and depth-gauge guides are all the equipment you need for successful sharpening. The filing guide attaches to the chain bar and directs the path of the round file as it moves across the cutters. The round file must be sharp and correctly sized for your chain. (Check the owner's guide for the required diameter. New chains come with saw-chain guides that also list recommendations.) You'll also use the filing guide with a flat file for your depth-gauge guides. The depth-gauges should be filed down to maintain accuracy as the chain teeth wear down; though, this needs to be done only every third or fourth sharpening.


Practice
The best introduction to chainsaw sharpening is to practice on a practically new chain. A chain that's ready for its inaugural sharpening would be perfect. The angle of the cutters and height of the depth-gauges will be closest to optimal at this point, making sharpening easier for a beginner, while still providing the experience you need.

These tips are adapted from Steve Maxwell's article, 'Keeping Your Chainsaw Sharp,' from Mother Earth News magazine. You can find additional information and detailed sharpening instructions in the full article.