Wear gloves and safety glasses
Secure the chainsaw and engage the chain brake
Clean the chain and inspect for damage
Identify the correct file size for the chain
Mark the starting cutter
Place the file in the cutter at the correct angle
File each cutter with smooth, even strokes
Keep the same number of strokes on each cutter
Sharpen all cutters on one side first
Move to the cutters on the opposite side and repeat
Check and adjust the depth gauges if needed
Rotate the chain by hand to confirm smooth movement
Reinstall the bar cover and tension the chain properly
Test the chainsaw on a small piece of wood