What Size File Should I Use For hand sharpening Steel Chainsaw Chains? A Handy File Size Chart

For those of you who are still using Steel chains and hand filing them.

We recommend you ignore the following and purchase our no-sharpen chains instead.

However, here it is for those of you who need it.  :-D 

Chainsaw files are essential for sharpening the cutting edge of a Steel chainsaw chain, which is totally necessary for Steel chains.  But what size file should you use to sharpen it? It can be quite tricky to know, as there are so many different types of chains.

The main thing to remember is that the pitch of your chain will be the biggest determinant of what size of a file to use. The pitch is the distance between any three drive links, divided by two. The larger the pitch, the higher the cutting teeth rise and the larger the file you will need.

See below for a diagram of the chainsaw chain, which illustrates the pitch and various parts:

So, to decide what type of file to use, you first need to determine what length of pitch you have. Chain sharpening with an incorrect file size can result in ineffective sharpening and damage to the cutters, so it is crucial you get it right. There are various pitch sizes with accordant file sizes.

See below for our handy chainsaw file size chart, which includes the most common pitch sizes:

The specific shape of the file you need will depend on the cutter of your chainsaw chain, but it will either be flat or round. Round file sizes are much harder to measure than flat ones, so always check the size on the handle. There are three main cutters that each need a different type of file. 

The different cutter, or tooth, types and their most suitable file shapes, include the following:

• Round tooth (or chipper), which will require a round file
• Square tooth, round grind (or semi-chisel), which will need a round file used with a file guide
• Square tooth, square grind (or chisel), which will need a flat-shaped file 

You may have a chainsaw chain with a slightly different pitch or cutter type, which means you may have to adjust the file size and shape. Just remember that the pitch is the most important thing in determining the right size and adjusting the file accordingly.

Sharpening Steel chains is complicated isn't it? 

Do all this and you could still end up with crooked cutting chains.

Instead just buy our chains and use them to failure which on average is 10,000kg of wood cut, saving 10 sharpenings.
Saves a lot of time and Frustration!