What Is A Chainsaw Depth Gauge And How Do You Use It?

It is common knowledge that, without a sharp blade, your chainsaw will not perform as well or be able to be used as safely as it would be otherwise. A depth gauge is used to provide a flat surface across the teeth of your chainsaw’s teeth to provide a guideline for filing them down to the same height.

Step 1: Place a round file on a tooth on the left hand side and, holding it at a 45 degree angle, pull it in a single direction across the tooth. You will need to do this 5 times for general sharpening and up to 10 for a blade that is extremely blunt. Repeat this step for each tooth of the left hand side of the chain.

Step 2: Sharpen each of the teeth on the right hand side of the chain using the same process.

Step 3: Place the chainsaw depth gauge over 2 of the teeth on the blade. These teeth, one on each side of the chain, will stick through the corresponding slots on the gauge. Use a 6-inch file to slide over the exposed teeth until they are level with the gauge (this should only take 2 to 3 strokes).

Step 4: Remove the chainsaw depth gauge and place it over the next 2 teeth on the chain. Repeat the process outline above for each of the teeth on the chain to ensure that they are all the same size.

Ensuring that the teeth of your chainsaw’s blade are all the same height is important for ensuring that the machine works as smoothly as it did when it was brand new. Crooked and uneven teeth will cause the chainsaw to operate more on the rough side, even causing accidents.