How to Use a Chain Saw Grinder

Consult the owner's manuals for both your chainsaw and chainsaw grinder to determine the filing stone size you require, and the depth and angle at which you must set your chain when you sharpen it.

Install the proper filing stone on your chainsaw grinder. Installation of filing stones will vary slightly with different models of grinders. However, there is usually a central screw or bolt in the middle of the wheel assembly that holds the grinding stone in place. This can typically be removed by loosening it with a screwdriver or open-ended wrench.

Place the chainsaw blade between the two metal guide rails and tighten it in place with the hand knob at the base of your grinder.

Set the depth and the angle of the grinder according to your type of chainsaw blade and the guidelines in the grinder's instruction manual. Lower the arm of the grinder to make certain the settings look correct.

Set the grinding stone against the first tooth you're going to sharpen and lower the safety shield (if your grinder has one) into place.

Power up the grinder and sharpen the first tooth of your chainsaw blade.

Loosen the guide rails once the top of the first tooth is sharpened, flip the chain inside out, then sharpen the other side of the same tooth. Continue this process until you've sharpened all the teeth of your chainsaw's blade.