How to Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain

How to Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain

Chainsaw chains are typically at their most efficient near the beginning of their lifespan. Keeping your chain sharp and aligned correctly increases the quality of cuts and ensures your chainsaw is used to its highest potential on every project.

Husqvarna X-Cut chains have been designed in Sweden and developed for minimal stretch and maximum durability. Over time the cutter segments may become blunt or slightly misshapen, and Husqvarna file kits have been designed to maintain your chain without wearing down the material.

Using a Chain File

Here are the steps that Husqvarna recommend you take when using a file kit to sharpen the cutters on the chainsaw chain:

  • *Ensure the chain is tensioned
  • *Secure the chainsaw in a vice
  • *Activate the chain break on the machine
  • *Align the arrows on the file gauge towards the bar’s tip
  • *Rest the file on both rollers in the file gauge
  • *Using both hands, apply long, smooth filing strokes with both hands
  • *Note the same number of file strokes on each chain segment
  • *Mark the first completed segment to identify the starting point
  • *File all segments in the first side
  • *Turn the chainsaw horizontally to file again from the other side
  • *Once repeated on the other side, switch to a flat gauge
  • *Rest the gauge template on the chain according to the applicable wood hardness
  • *File using individual forward strokes

Part number For Chains
505 69 81 25 H25 Micro chisel .325" 1.6mm
505 69 81 27 H30 Micro chisel PIXEL .325" 1.3mm
505 69 81 30 H42 Chisel 3/8" 1.5 mm
505 69 81 30 H45 Chisel 3/8" 1.6 mm
505 69 81 38 H36 Mini 3/8"
505 69 81 92 H64 Micro chisel .404'' 1.6 mm
579 65 36 01 H37 Chamfer Chisel 3/8" mini 1.3
580 68 75 01 H00 1/4" 1.3 mm
586 93 34 01 X-CUT: SP33G
586 93 85 01 X-CUT C85 3/8"
587 80 67 01 X-CUT S93G 3/8"
579 00 46 01 X-CUT SP21G Mini .325"