[KTM rider]

yes filing by hand is the pros way to do it but it takes some basic knowledge of technique and principles or it is a waste of effort.

However if you dont mind buying a lot chains the grinder may be your style, the chain will last 10 times longer by hand sharpening I cut down a lot of trees and brush when wildland firefighting and working for a tree service so I know a little about it

[onona]

I guess I have some research and learning to do :)

[panaxanax]

“..filing by hand is the pros way to do it”

Real pros use a grinder. Preferably the Silvey. Not cheap, but made in the USA.

I can tell you firsthand that after a day of cutting on steep ground, running from yellow-jackets, dodging rattlers & widow-makers and driving 2 foot wedges the last thing a ‘real pro’ is going to do is spend 2-3 hours hand filing a 48” chain.

Believe me, I know these things.