File your chainsaw rakers with a guide, not by eye.

Yes, the depth gauge (raker) controls how deep each cutter bites into the wood, and you should never file it freehand. Use a dedicated depth gauge tool that fits your chain pitch.

The raker sits in front of each cutter. It limits the chip size: too high and the chain barely cuts (just scrapes), too low and the chain grabs too aggressively — that’s how you get kickback or a bogged-down saw. You want the raker height to match the recommended clearance for your chain pitch (usually about 0.025" or 0.65mm, but check the manual).

To file it: get a flat file and a depth gauge tool (a little metal plate that bridges two cutters). Place the tool over the cutter and raker, then file the raker down until the file hits the top of the tool — that’s your stop. Don’t file past it. Some guides have a built-in file guide; others are just a flat plate. Either way, don’t guess. File every raker the same number of strokes, then check with a depth gauge key or a simple feeler gauge.

A sharp chain with wrong raker height is worse than a dull one.