Use a depth gauge tool, not your eyeballs.

Yes, you need a dedicated depth gauge tool (usually a flat file guide) and a flat file. It’s the only reliable way to keep the rakers consistent.

The depth gauges (the little humps in front of each cutter) control how much wood the chain bites. File them too high and the saw just scrapes. File them too low and the chain goes full throttle, bogging the engine and risking kickback. The factory spec is usually around 0.025″ – 0.030″ below the cutters, but check your chain’s manual.

The technique: place the depth gauge tool over the chain so the raker pokes through the slot. File it flat with a smooth, level stroke across the top—never angle it. Don’t touch the cutter teeth here; that’s a separate step. After filing, check that the tool’s little feeler gauge or notch fits correctly. Move to the next raker.

One stupid mistake: filing the rakers while the chain is still on the bar. Do it, but clamp the bar in a vise or use a stump vise so the chain doesn’t flop. A few passes per raker, then test on a log. Too aggressive? File a tiny bit more off the cutter instead.

A flat file and a $10 guide tool will save you from burning up your engine and wrecking your chain. Buy the right tool.