How To Use An Electric Chainsaw Sharpener: 5 Easy Steps

Sharp tools used for cutting always lose their sharpness over time. This occurs as a result of constant or regular use, of which chainsaws are not exempted. But this doesn’t mean you have to through away the tool once it gets blunt. If you have a sharpener, it is easy to sharpen the chainsaw’s teeth whenever you have to.

Electric chainsaws like every other type of chainsaw lose their sharpness too. And when this happens, you can appreciate the electric chainsaw sharpener and how useful it is. It is an easy, convenient, and straightforward tool to use and it also saves the owner money.

I’ll be giving you a step by step instructive guide on how to use an electric chainsaw sharpener and I hope my guide will be very useful to you.

Before looking at the best ways to sharpen your chainsaw using an electric chainsaw sharpener, below is a quick look at the three best electric sharpeners available to buy for your home log cutting appliance.

Step By Step Guide On How To Use An Electric Chainsaw Sharpener

Step 1. Know And Understand The Specs

As I would always advise, know and understand the specifications of any tool before you operate it. Before sharpening the blade, ensure you understand all it’s specifications before you proceed to sharpen it. You’ll find essential information like the pitch and the gauge which usually comes on the box of the blade or in the manual.

If the blade did not come with a manual or you can access it, you can easily check online for the information you need.

Step 2. Prep The Sharpener

Fasten the end of the electric chainsaw sharpener to a strong workbench through the holes you’ll find on the sharpener’s base. While performing this step, you must make the locking wheel easy to access.

Other models should be kept on the ground. Whatever the scenario, this tool was not designed to be freestanding which prevents movements when sharpening the blade.

Step 3. Mount The Sharpening Stones Or Grinding Wheel

  • To keep the sharpener in the upper position, you should raise its top housing and tighten all the locks.
  • Using a screwdriver, remove the cover of the grinding wheel.
  • Unscrew the locking cap of the grinder and then install the needed wheel at its base. Ensure you use the right sharpening stone/grinding wheel for your tool.
  • First screw the grinder lock cap back on, then the wheel cover.
  • After that, the lock top should be released and the top housing lowered.

Step 4. Prep The Chain

  • First, take the chain out from the saw.
  • Using any solvent, clean the chain thoroughly.
  • Give it time to completely dry off.
  • Lift up the chain stops then fix the chain into the tracks.
  • Lower the chain stop to lock the chain firmly in place. The stop must lie on the tooth of the chain which is where the sharpening will start.

Step 5. Find The Right Angle For The Swivel

  • Loosen the locking wheel (which we mentioned in the 2nd step) so that it can freely rotate.
  • Electric chainsaw sharpeners chains come in various sizes, and they all possess diverse recommended angles. Make sure you know the right angle of the blade, but if you’re not too sure about it, you can always refer back to the manual to check the specifications. Often times, most chains have an angle ranging from 0 to 69 degrees.
  • Having known the right angle, rotate the locking wheel to it. After you’ve confirmed the right angle, from the bottom, tighten the wheel.
  • The top housing should be lowered to ensure that the sharpening stone or grinding wheel skims the blade lightly.
  • Then tighten the lock stop, preventing the wheel from deeply cutting into the chain which will cause overheating and damage.
  • Lastly, turn the handle right next to the chain track to lock it.

Now, you’re done with all the preparations, it’s time to get sharpening.

Step 5. Sharpen The Blades

  • Plug the sharpener in or turn on its switch.
  • Lower the sharpening stone or grinding wheel gently.
  • Sparks will fly as soon as you make contact with the chain with the sharpener. It will take you a few seconds to sharpen each tooth of the chain.
  • Turn off the sharpening and then pull the chain gently, so it’s positioned in the chain stop. Sharpen it and do the same with the rest of the chain till they are done.
  • When you finish with the tooth set on that current level, turn off the sharpener and unplug it.
  • Loosen the wheel located at the bottom and have the locking wheel rotated in the opposite direction.
  • As you did before, set the angle once again. Whatever angle you set it at in Step 5, you need to set it at the same angle again.
  • Lock the wheel by positioning the chain’s tooth in the lock stop. Then proceed to sharpen it as you did earlier.
  • If you succeed and the chain is sharpened, the teeth of the chain should look sharp and shiny.

Once you have gone through all these steps, then your chain is ready to be mounted back on the electric chainsaw.

Additional Tips

  • Avoid using a sharpening stone or a grinding wheel that is chipped or cracked.
  • Make sure you use safety goggles when operating this tool.

Final Thoughts on How To Use An Electric Chainsaw Sharpener

It might look like there are too many steps to take before you can sharpen your electric chainsaw which makes the process look complicated and difficult. But that is not the case.

When you have successfully completed your first session sharpening an electric chainsaw, you will find that it is quite easy especially if you’re used to operating power tools.

Follow the steps I’ve listed out in this guide and in no time, you become a pro at sharpening chainsaws.

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API