Supplies
Reasons to Sharpen Your Chainsaw Blade
- A chainsaw cuts more efficiently with a sharp blade.
- A dull blade will not cut cleanly, and it causes you and the chainsaw to work harder.
- A well-maintained chainsaw will perform better long-term.
Before You Get Started
- Wear work gloves and eye protection when using power tools.
- Always follow directions from the manufacturer.
- On a gas chainsaw, make sure the spark plug is disconnected.
- On a battery chainsaw, make sure the battery is not plugged in.
- Visit your local Ace for advice if you have questions.
Choose the Correct Attachment
Rotary tools, including Dremel, are especially handy to have around the home or workshop. How effective they are at any particular task depends on having the right attachment. In addition to the grinding stone attachment, there is an additional attachment that screws onto the end of the tool to align the tool at the correct angle for sharpening a chainsaw blade. You can also use this attachment to sharpen a lawnmower blade.
How to Sharpen a Chainsaw Blade
Step 1 Disable the Chainsaw
Make sure that the chainsaw cannot turn on by either disconnecting the spark plug on a gas chainsaw or unplugging the battery on a battery-powered chainsaw. Keep the brake off so that you can manually advance the blade to move onto the next part you want to sharpen.
Step 2 Attach the Sharpening Accessory on the Rotary Tool
Dremel makes an effective blade-sharpening attachment that uses two pieces. A sharpening stone in various thicknesses, and a guide that is attached to the end of the tool. The guide helps position the grinder at the proper angle to sharpen the blade.
Step 3 Sharpen the Blade
Run the grinding stone across the edge of each individual cutting tooth on the chainsaw blade. Only sharpen the cutting portion of the blade, which is usually a shiny tooth-like section attached to the chain. The sharpening stone attachment should fit right into the pocket of the cutting tooth. Pay close attention to the angle of the cut on the tooth, and position the Dremel at that angle. As you sharpen, you will see shiny, fresh metal exposed.
Step 4 Enjoy the Improved Performance
With a sharp blade, your chainsaw will now make clean, smooth cuts.
