the_logan•22d agoProlific Poster

Chainsaw files vs flat files for sharpening - huge difference

I spent way too long trying to get a decent edge with a standard flat file on my chain (Stihl 271). Finally picked up a proper round chainsaw file last weekend and the cut is night and day better on just my first try. Anyone else waste time with the wrong tool before figuring out the right one?

3 comments

3 Comments

hayden46622d ago

Did you try using the round file at the right angle too? That made the biggest difference for me once I switched from flat files.

logan70521d ago

Yeah, switching from flat to round fixed my binding issues too. @hayden466 is right, angle matters just as much as the file type itself.

parker_park821d ago

Wasted a full weekend fighting with a flat file on my 271 before I got smart. Kept thinking the chain was dull or I was doing something wrong. Finally grabbed a round file and the first pass was like cutting through butter compared to the flat nonsense. Those flat files are good for metal work but they just skate over the rakers and mess up the tooth profile. Starting to think half the guys complaining about chainsaw chains just never tried the right file.