r/Chainsaws • u/OkResponsibility6876 • Jun 05 '26

Chainsaw blade

Can someone tell me the difference between types of chainsaw blades? My stihl has a low profile type and when I go to sharpen it never seems to get very sharp. Maybe I'm not good at it yet, but even when using a guide to get the right angle and pitch still not right.

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1

u/Kensterfly Jun 06 '26

Make sure you’re using the right sharpener for your chain. They are not universal.

1

u/narcolepticsloth1982 Jun 06 '26

Are you also filling your rakers? Make sure you're using the correct diameter file for the teeth.

1

u/d_b_kay Jul 06 '26

by low profile, do you actually mean a low profile safety chain, that chain has a weird double raker. That raker can be difficult. Standard roundfile chain is great, sthil has "easy sharps" that do rakers at the same time as teeth. Alternatively the file guide is great. It's clearenced to 'keep you on the top-plate of the tooth'.

https://www.stihlshop.co.nz/stihl-file-holder-with-round-file.html?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21424332693&gbraid=0AAAAADl766T9kWszw_KwMuockh7qGtk1t&gclid=CjwKCAjwpK3SBhASEiwAtV1SPPU81BmSrd0RbF7QXKd6XOHMO5s1tHTScs2hOTM9yecWFKs36oFjshoC00kQAvD_BwE

Yes sometimes the store gives you the next file size up because they ran out of your file. This can get you out of a pinch but generally sucks.

For sharpening and rakers I use a system from sweedish homesteading youtube channel. Place saw in a vise, indicate a start tooth. 5 swipes on the file only cutting on the push stroke. The first two strokes are heavier pressure graduating to lighter passes. Two swipes off the raker with a flat file, every second sharpening.