What's the most common MISTAKE newbies make while sharpening a chainsaw chain?

northmanlogging · Apr 5, 2023

sean donato said:
The back drag thought had been shot down numerous times and yet here we are debating it again and again

Don't get to machine much aluminum on heavy duty diesels. Files were a tool that wore out, when it was junk it was junk. None of the machinists would back drag files but none of them had files that lasted for years either.

hastalloy, Inconel, 316, 304, 440 stainless, lots of various chrome molly steels, not just aluminum.

Brushpile · 2025-03-14T15:46:48-0400

Is it ok to pull instead of push through? I'm only filing one direction, on the pull (however beit poorly) first sharpening on a new chain after 30min run time this morning

Philbert · 2025-03-14T16:14:09-0400

Brushpile said:
Is it ok to pull instead of push through? I'm only filing one direction, on the pull (however beit poorly) first sharpening on a new chain after 30min run time this morning

Yes.

I use 2 hands to control the file.

With some file guides, it can help to pull, if that works for you.

Philbert

Philbert · 2025-03-14T17:03:21-0400

Philbert said:
Yes.

I use 2 hands to control the file.

With some file guides, it can help to pull, if that works for you.

Philbert

UPDATE: your video did not load the first time I viewed this post!

It looks like you are pulling the file backwards?

However you file, your goal should be to move it on a consistent path. Like a pool cue. Not to rock it through the cut.

One hand. Two hands. Whatever.

And move it in the direction that the file was meant to cut.

Philbert

Brushpile · 2025-03-14T17:56:39-0400

Philbert said:
It looks like you are pulling the file backwards?

Damn, you're right

Wood Doctor · 2025-03-14T19:08:11-0400

Most common mistake is when one side of the chain is sharpened more than the other. So, the "sharpened" chain pulls left or tight and does not cut straight down. Sometimes this will happen on a brand new chain, and even the bar can cause it.