If you want to speed up the process of maintaining your cutter and depth gauge, brands like Stihl make a 2-in-1 Filing Guide that file down both at the same time. How to Sharpen a Chainsaw ...

A dull chainsaw blade is more than an efficiency issue; it's a safety hazard. Here's how to tell when your blade needs sharpening and what you need for the job.

Using a chrome mill file, place it flat on the ski at about a 45-degree angle to the tail. With your thumbs over the ski edges make arm-length strokes working from the tip to the tail.