Tension the chain prior to sharpening. Refer to
Adjusting The Chain Tension.
Use a 5/32 in. diameter round file and holder.
Do all of your filing at the midpoint of the bar.
Keep the file level with the top plate of the tooth.
Do not let the file dip or rock.
Using light but firm pressure. Stroke towards
the front corner of the tooth.
Lift the file away from the steel on each return
stroke.
Put a few firm strokes on every tooth. File all left
hand cutters in one direction. Then move to the
other side and file the right hand cutters in the
opposite direction.
Remove filings from the file with a wire brush.
WARNING:
Improper chain sharpening increases the poten-
tial of kickback, which could result in serious
personal injury.
WARNING:
Failure to replace or repair a damaged chain
could cause serious injury.
NOTICE:
A dull or improperly sharpened chain can cause
excessive motor speed during cutting, which
may result in severe motor damage.
TOP PLATE FILING ANGLE
See Figure 41.
CORRECT 30° – file holders are marked with
guide marks to align file properly to produce
correct top plate angle.
LESS THAN 30° – for cross cutting.
MORE THAN 30° – feathered edge dulls quickly.
MAINTENANCE
RIGHT HAND
Page 28 — English
LEFT HAND
CUTTERS
CUTTERS
TOP PLATE FILING ANGLE
30°
CORRECT
LESS THAN 30°
INCORRECT
Fig. 38
Fig. 39
Fig. 40
MORE THAN 30°
Fig. 41