For servicing and sharpening saw chains with a square gullet.
SAW CHAIN MAINTENANCE FAQs
VIDEOS: How do I sharpen saw chain? (Handheld Files, Bench Grinders, Electric Sharpeners)
SHARPENING YOUR SAW CHAIN
If your saw chain is no longer self-feeding, you have to push on the saw, or the waste material from your saw creates sawdust, it is time to sharpen your chainsaw chain. A good rule of thumb is to sharpen your chain every time you refill gas.
Please view the video below to see how Oregon recommends sharpening saw chain with files:
Please view the videos below to see how Oregon recommends grinding saw chain with their 520-120, 620-120, 410-120 and 700-Series Bench Grinders. Please use the video time-stamps to jump to the section of the video that you need.
★ FILES (Handheld): What size should I use? What are filing angles for my saw chain?
DETERMINING THE CORRECT FILE TO USE FOR YOUR SAW CHAIN
There are a handful of file sizes that are each meant to sharpen different saw chains, determined by the Pitch of the saw chain. In order to determine the correct file for your needs, you would need to locate the Pitch of your saw chain by using one of the methods mentioned above: finding the code on drive links, etching on bar, or directly measuring the saw chain.
If you have determined the pitch of your saw chain, this table above can be used quite universally with most brands of saw chain.
However, there are some key notes to be careful of when determining the right file:
Round files go only with round grind teeth. If you notice straight sections and multiple angles on the cutting edge, check the specific filing instructions for that chain model.
Regular and Low Profile Saw Chain require different size files. 3/8” and 1/4” Pitch chains come also in Low Profile (Picco) versions, which have lower cutters and take a smaller file.
Manufacturer recommendations vary from time to time, meaning it's always worth it to check your specific saw chain’s manufacturer recommendation. ***Sometimes intermediate sizes, 11/64” and 13/64”, are recommended instead of the XX/32” sizes.***
FILE SIZES/ANGLES FOR OREGON SAW CHAIN
FILE SIZE CONVERSIONS BY POPULAR BRANDS
Please view the recommended file sizes for common Husqvarna saw chain and Stihl chainsaws, below:
★ GRINDING WHEELS (Bench Grinder): What size should I use? What are grinding angles for my saw chain?
GRINDING SIZES/ANGLES FOR OREGON SAW CHAIN
★ What are the main differences between Oregon's Bench Grinders?
OREGON BENCH GRINDER COMPARISON CHART
Oregon's bench grinders offer plenty advantages over handheld saw chain sharpening. Customers have reported the significant decrease in time it takes to get the job done, meaning more time outside for the real job of cutting.
Please view this chart below to determine which Oregon Bench Grinder may be the best for your needs.