Chainsaws are at their best when the chain is newly replaced. The rhythm and the feedback are great and using it becomes extremely easy for the user. But changing chains regularly can be costly and can be hectic. To have the same sharp cut, the blades of the chain have to be sharpened. Flat files can do that effectively and at a very low cost. The article elaborates on how to sharpen a chainsaw with a flat file.
Why a flat file?
A flat-file is a sharpening tool that’s widely used to sharpen different types of saw blades. There are a lot of other options available in the market for sharpening a chain in the chainsaw. Even though other options are efficient, a flat file is the most portable one on the list. It’s lightweight and extremely cheap compared to other tools. Sharpening chains with a flat-file is easy and safe.
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How to sharpen a chainsaw with a flat-file (step by step)?
There are different sizes of the flat file available in the market. The user of the chainsaw will have to pick their own based on the space between two teeth on their chain. After finding the perfect one for the chain, purchasing a flat-file is suggested. There is no point in buying a flat file that won’t fit the space between the teeth.
Before jumping into this the user will have to take some precautions. Since this chainsaw sharpening process is a manual one and its little risky, it’s suggested that the user wears safety gloves. Then loosen up the pinch bolts. After that tightening the chain in the chainsaw is a must. It will make the process more efficient.
After finding the perfect flat file, the user will have to find the dullest tooth in the chain. After identifying the dull tooth, according to the blades’ direction, the flat file has to go front and back. The user will have to count the times they are filing the dullest tooth. Ensure that the file is leveled with the tooth perfectly and keep it that way while filing.
When done with the first dull tooth, each tooth will have to be filled the same amount of time. If it took 7 rubs then other blades will have to go through the same number. If not then the chain will be sharpened unevenly and the cutting process is going to get tough. Any sort of accident can happen too so this is a must.
Make sure to not push down the file while filing. It sharpens the chain in unwanted areas. The user will have to level the file with each tooth’s direction and then file accordingly. A chain can be sharpened ten times before changing it. With a flat-file, five to six sharpening of the chain is suggested. But if
Why should one sharpen their chainsaw?
Chainsaws are the most efficient way of cutting off trees precisely. But if the chainsaw isn’t sharp enough then different accidents can occur. Especially when it comes to bigger chainsaws which are used to cut down huge trees. A dull chainsaw can backfire during the process and can be extremely harmful to the user and the people around them.
Besides, it is suggested that the chainsaw is perfectly sharpened before use. Changing the chain regularly can be cost-inefficient. Flat files can become handy in this process and cost-effective. Since the chain can be sharpened ten times before changing it, investing in a flat-file is a wise pick.
When should you sharpen a chainsaw?
Most of the time, it’s not easy to find out if your chainsaw needs sharpening.
If you don’t know the time, you can harm the chainsaw more and make it a completely useless tool soon enough. However, if you know the accurate time, you can take a decision to sharpen the saw and make it useful again. But, a sharp chainsaw can make the work quick and easy.
There are some common things you can observe to find out the real picture. You can examine the wood that you already have cut with the chainsaw. The chainsaw will not cut the wood perfectly and produce a high volume of wood dust.
Bottom Line
A flat file can be a helpful extension in the toolbox. It is small and efficient. But as mentioned before, it is suggested that the user changes the chain after the 10th sharpening. Because any kind of unwanted incident can take place if the blades of the chain are not evenly sharpened.
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