How to Sharpen a Mini Chainsaw? [6 Easy Steps]

Rudy Richard

Knowledge Based

Pruning and cutting small branches with a mini chainsaw does not seem like a difficult task.

However, with continuous use, the mini tool you have will become less effective due to a dulled chain and bar.

This is where you’ll need an answer to the question, i.e. “How to sharpen a mini chainsaw?”

Sharpening a mini saw is not that tiresome. You will still need traditional tools such as a file, depth gauge, workbench, and of course the safety gear.

Other than that, I have mentioned all the necessary steps required to sharpen a mini tool as under:

sharpening a mini chainsaw

Sharpening the Mini Chainsaw Chain in 6 Simple Steps

Now that you have done all the pre-steps along with precautionary measures, it is time to start sharpening the handheld cordless mini saw. Follow the steps mentioned for the perfect sharpening.

Step 1: Access Chain Condition:

The first step of sharpening is to determine whether you should sharpen it or not. You have to examine if your mini-saw chain is worthy of being sharpened.

If it is worn out or damaged, then you may better replace it with a new one as sharpening a worn-out chain is of no use. By doing so you will only waste your time and energy. If the chain is in good condition, then you can start the further procedure.

Step 2: File Selection:

After the inspection, you have to pick a file that matches best with your chain pitch. I am providing some examples to you regarding the perfect matches between file and chain pitch sizes.

For the chain pitch of ¼” you need to have a file diameter of 3.5mm or 9/64”. Similarly, for a 0.325” chain pitch, the file diameter should be 4mm, and for 3/8″ a diameter of 5.5mm is required.

For your mini chainsaw model and chain pitch size, you have to look for the perfect match. You can find it on the user manual or you can also find it on Google. Choosing the right file size is crucial as it is one of the factors that affect the perfect sharpening of the chain.

Read More: How Much is a Mini Chainsaw?

Step 3: File Angles:

The next step is to find and maintain the right angle for the filing. In general, between 25° to 35° is considered the perfect angle for the filing. For most specific guidelines, you can search for the right angle for the model of the mini saw, you are using.

Moreover, when you start filing, there is a huge possibility of being distracted from the right angle. Therefore, to maintain the angle, you can use a sharpening grid or filing gauge to support you.

Step 4: File Directions:

Now that you have found the right angle, place the file over the chain’s pitch and start filing. You need to be careful with the direction you are filing. Do not change the direction of strokes for filing.

You need to be consistent with the one direction. So, you would not be filing in a to-and-fro motion. After every single stroke, you have to get back to the original position for the next stroke.

Just In: How to Oil a Mini Chainsaw?

Step 5: Maintaining Depth Gauges:

While you are sharpening the chain teeth, you need to be careful with the depth gauge. What happens is that while sharpening the teeth for optimal results, the depth gauges get lowered. It will affect your mini chainsaw’s performance.

Thus, you need to be careful while sharpening the teeth so that you may maintain depth gauges. For keeping the depth gauge and teeth on the same level, you need a flat file and start filing the gauge.

Place the flat file above the slot and start filing. Once, both the depth gauge and teeth are at the same level, it is time to stop. Repeat the same process for all the depth gauges.

Read the detailed Saker Mini Chainsaw Review to make a wise decision regarding your next mini tool! You can also take a look at the latest Stihl Mini Chainsaw to compare both tools and make your choice accordingly.

Step 6: Filing Techniques:

Here are some tips that you should remember and consider throughout the filing process. Remember the one-direction tip for filing the teeth as well as the depth gauge. Also, in the beginning, you should mark the starting teeth so that you should know where the cycle ends.

Moreover, you should count the number of strokes and give an equal number of strokes to each tooth. This way, you will sharpen all the teeth equally and retain uniformity.

Testing the Chain:

After you have done sharpening the chain with a hand file, it is time to test it. Every time you sharpen it, you need to make a testing cut. It will confirm everything is fine and the chain cuts smoothly.

Tools and Materials Needed for Sharpening a Mini Chainsaw

  1. Chainsaw file
  2. Depth gauge tool
  3. Workbench or vise
  4. Safety gear (gloves and safety glasses)

Preparing for Sharpening:

Indeed handheld mini chainsaws are very useful and handy in use but you should still use them with care and precaution. Therefore, you need to follow all the safety measures before you start working on it.

As we are going to sharpen the chainsaw chain, make sure that you are wearing all the necessary safety gear for it.

Safety First:

The chain blades are very sharp and can cause severe injury. Thus, do not forget to wear your safety gear. Other than that, take as many precautions as you can. The gloves are most important as you will be holding the chain in your hands.

Secure the Mini Chainsaw

One more thing that you need to do before you start sharpening your mini saw is to secure it. It means to attach the tool to a workbench. It will prevent the saw and the chain from moving. Hence, you can work on it safely with much ease.

Learn More: How to Remove Battery from a Mini Chainsaw?

Maintenance Tips:

Excess and frequent sharpening of the chain will ruin the chain and it get blunt quickly. So, you should take care of your chainsaw chain to avoid frequent sharpening. Store your mini chainsaw chain in the right place as it greatly affects the chain.

Moreover, use the right lubricant oil for your chainsaw chain. It is better if you use prescribed oil by the brand. And most importantly, never try to forcefully cut with a blunt chain.

Keep these things under consideration for the maintenance of your mini saw to keep working with it in the longer run.

Last Words:

Here we come to the end of the guidelines regarding how to sharpen a mini chainsaw. I have elaborated on the equipment you need for the filing of the safety measures. Also, I have demonstrated the tips that you need to follow for better results.

Now, I hope you will find the information useful and follow the guidelines. One thing that I want to remind you, is your safety. Never compromise on your safety as it should be your priority.

Moreover, always work with proper attention and follow the guidelines. Or else, you will end up either damaging your mini chainsaw or hurting yourself.

Rudy Richard
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