Everything about the Best Chainsaw Raker Gauge

You can call it depth gauge, raker, or rider. Whatever you call it, you always need to maintain a certain distance between the top end of the tooth and the raker. And What does this job? Definitely, the best chainsaw raker gauge.

But not all depth gauges available out there will take care of the raker in the same manner. Some might wear too quickly, while others won’t give the correct measurement. In either way, you are risking yourself.

To avoid this hassle afterward, invest a few minutes of your life reading these reviews, followed by a complete buying guide. Be aware before you buy.

Why Maintaining the Raker Is Important?

Let’s explain the thing a bit more. If you closely watch a chainsaw chain, you will see two areas in each cutter. The longer and tilted part are usually called the tooth, and the smaller part with a rounded edge is called depth gauge or raker.

What does the raker do? Raker works as a guide to determine how much wood will be fed to the cutter. That means, if the distance between the top of the raker and the top of the tooth is larger, more wood will be fed into the cutter, and it will make thicker chips.

On the contrary, it will produce thinner chips if the distance between the raker and the tooth is smaller than usual. If the raker is positioned too low, chances of kickback are increased as the cutter will bite more aggressively.

But if the raker is way too high, chances are the cutters will merely cut any wood. To be in a safe position, maintaining the proper depth gauge or raker is very important.

Usually, depth gauge clearance is kept at .025 inches to ensure smooth operation.

Different Types of Chainsaw Depth Gauge or Raker Gauge Tools

Let’s introduce you to some different types of chainsaw depth gauge tools.

Depth Gauge Tool

These are very common and popular. Usually, they have notches on either end but with a different offset. The most common is to have .025-inch clearance on one end for hardwood and .030-inch clearance on the other for softwood.

Center Gauge

If your chainsaw chain has drive links in the center, then it might not fit in the narrow slots of a depth gauge tool. In that case, you can use this tool.

Roller Guide

This is basically a 2-in-1 tool. With the depth gauge tool, you can file rakers to the optimal height both for soft and hardwood. The roller part is used to guide rounded files to sharpen the chain.

Feeler Gauges

These are used to check the current setting of the depth gauge and adjust them accurately.

Reviews of the Best Chainsaw Raker Gauge

This list of chainsaw depth gauges is going to offer you some exciting tools. See them for yourself.

1. Oregon 27742 Depth Gauge Tool with Flat File

Key Features

• Material: Heat-treated Steel
• Depth Gauge Clearance: .025 inches
• Country of Origin: USA
• Compatible With: Any Chain Pitch and Gauge
• Accessories: Flat File

Oregon 27742 is the best value for money raker gauge that you will find around. No matter whatever the chainsaw gauge is, filing it under .025 inches is never a good idea. And this depth gauge tool sits right at the point.

The depth gauge tool is made of stainless steel. But it’s not ordinary steel. It is heat-treated to give it the maximum hardness possible. As a result, the depth gauge tool will be very durable.

Also, as the depth gauge tool is hardened enough, the file coming with it won’t cut into the tool. As the tool is compatible with all chain pitches and gauges, you know this one is very versatile.

And the file coming with the package cuts rakers to the desired depth in one or two passes. That’s very efficient and less time-consuming, so you will do the whole chain in a few minutes.

2. Husqvarna Depth Gauge Tool for .375 Pitch Chainsaw Chain

Key Features

• Material: Stainless Steel
• Depth Gauge Clearance: .025-.030 inches
• Country of Origin: Sweden
• Compatible with: .375 Chain Pitch

Husqvarna is a common name when it comes to making excellent chainsaws. But they also produce high-quality raker depth gauges like this one. It is specifically for chains with a pitch of .375.

Even if it’s not so versatile in terms of the chain pitch, the depth gauge tool will allow you to file the depth gauge for both softwood and hardwood. The softwood side has a bit more clearance than the hardwood side, which is almost .030 inches.

This will help the chain cut more aggressively into softwoods. But on the hard side, the clearance is .025 inches which are just fine.

But remember, you might need to hold the tool at an angle because this depth gauge tool doesn’t sit flat on the saw chain. As adjacent links are taken as reference in this tool, the depth gauge setting will be more accurate.

It’s the best depth gauge tool for soft and hardwood.

3. Husqvarna Combination Roller Guide for .375 Pitch Chainsaw Chain

Key Features

• Material: Steel
• Depth Gauge Clearance: .025-.030 inches
• Country of Origin: Sweden
• Compatible with: .375 Chain Pitch and .050 Chain Gauge

This roller guide is from the same brand as the previous product. The tiny device with two rollers will help you drive your round files easily at the right angle to sharpen the teeth of the chain.

At the same time, you get a depth gauge tool that can be used to set the depth gauge for both softwood and hardwood. So, this is basically an all-rounder.

On most websites, you will only find that the tool is compatible with .375 pitch chains. But, it actually fits only on .050 gauge chains. So, keep that in mind before buying.

Roller guides are made of aluminum and plastic. But the rate of wear is very low, so you can use the tool for a longer period. As files can steadily sit on roller guides at the right angle, every sharpening will be more precise and efficient with the best roller guide.

4. Tecomec Accurate Depth Gauge Tool

Key Features

• Material: Stamped Steel
• Depth Gauge Clearance: .025-.030 inches
• Country of Origin: Italy
• Compatible with: Any Chain Pitch and Gauge

Tecomec is a pretty new brand compared to other giants in the industry, but they are fighting for their place by making excellent tools like this. The best chainsaw raker depth gauge from Tecomec looks very simplistic, almost like a long metal piece.

You will see two notches on either side of the tool. One of them is used for softwood, and the other is for hardwood. It provides a depth gauge clearance of .025 and .030 inches, which is ideal for cutting hard and softwood.

It is made of stamped steel and won’t face much wear even after long use. As the whole tool is straight, it will sit flat on saw chain teeth. So, taking reference to chain links is pretty easy.

But if there is any broken link, you might need to replace that first. Also, remember not to file depth gauge lower than .025 inches.

5. Universal Chainsaw Chain Depth Gauge Tool

Key Features

• Material: Carbon Steel
• Depth Gauge Clearance: .025, .030, .035, .040 inches
• Compatible with: Any Chain Pitch and Gauge

Wanna opt for the best chainsaw gauge tool with the most versatile options? You can choose this depth gauge tool with 4 different depth gauge clearances. The lowest clearance will be suitable for hardwoods.

Where most other depth gauge tools will have a depth gauge setting up to .030 inches, you get up to .040 inches of clearance here which helps set the depth gauge for very softwoods.

The tool is longer than other depth gauge tools, so it sits on several teeth to give you the perfect reference for the right adjustments. This way, you will have accurate depth gauges for pulling out the best performance from your chainsaw with the least effort.

But remember, this is a pricy option. If you are okay with investing in such a versatile tool that will make your job easier, it can be a great choice indeed. A highly recommended tool to have.

6. Katzco Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit

Key Features

• Material: Steel
• Depth Gauge Clearance: .025, .030, .035, .040 inches
• Compatible with: Any Chain Pitch and Gauge
• Accessories: Flat File, Round File, File Holder, Handle, Pouch
• Number of Tools: 7

This should be called the best depth gauge for a chainsaw as it is a complete set of tools and accessories needed to keep your saw chain in tiptop condition. Everything you need to sharpen and adjust the chain is present in the pouch.

From a standard flat file to three different round files, from a file holder to a hardwood handle for files, you will get all these in the set to make your job a lot easier.

It is also the best-rated chainsaw raker gauge for its ultimate performance in a wide range of conditions. The depth gauge tool is suitable for chain saws with any pitch and gauge.

Flat and round files will also work for different chain configurations, so you might not need to buy another toolset ever again. An all-around solution for your needs.

7. BACKRIDGE TOUGH Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit

Key Features

• Material: Metal
• Depth Gauge Clearance: .025, .030, .035, .040 inches
• Compatible with: Any Chain Pitch and Gauge
• Accessories: Flat File, Round File, File Holder, Handle, Pouch
• Number of Tools: 7

We all love to have the required tools organized around our workplaces. And this set will not only provide all the necessary tools for maintaining your saw chain but also keep them organized in a beautiful pouch.

Along with the depth gauge tool, you get one flat file, three round files, one filing guide, and one wooden handle that goes with all the files. These high-quality tools will come in handy even if you are a beginner.

With these tools, you can sharpen and adjust the depth gauge of your saw chain any time, anywhere. Whether you are outdoor or indoor, you will be able to work with any saws with different-sized files.

The variety in filing angle makes this depth gauge tool even more versatile. You will have 10, 25, 30, and 35 degrees of filing angle.

8. Husqvarna Mini LoPro Depth Gauge Tool

Key Features

• Material: Metal
• Depth Gauge Clearance: .025 and .030 inches
• Compatible with: .375 Chain Pitch
• Accessories: Nil

This file-o-plate is here for its affordability and usability. No complex accessories required, no technical knowledge required, you just use the depth gauge tool for .375 pitch chains and set the raker height to the optimal level, that’s it.

And in this single tool, you will get two depth gauge configurations. One is for softwood, and the other is for hardwood. It’s also easy to place over adjacent teeth to get the correct reference for filing depth gauges.

Though the tool is not so versatile for all chain pitches and gauges, you will definitely love the simplicity of the tool. As it is made of hardened steel, it will wear less even after using files for a long time.

If you are up to using a depth gauge tool that gives accurate depth gauge settings without much hassle, then this should be your tool of choice. The build quality is noteworthy, and the price is on point. A very good tool to have in your pocket.

Best Chainsaw Raker Gauge Buying Guide

Getting the best chainsaw depth gauge tool in one go is a tricky job. If you aren’t focusing on all possible factors to ensure the best raker gauge tool for your chainsaw chain, you are probably doing it wrong.

Step back and take a moment to read the buying guide before you settle.

Precision

We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to buy a very precise depth gauge tool. Here, precision is measured in one-thousandth of an inch. Even if the tool you buy is .005 inches off the actual requirement, it can be a serious issue.

So, make sure the depth gauge tool your choosing has accurate measurements. Also, everything should be stamped clearly on the tool so that everyone knows what tool are they using.

Chain Pitch and Gauge Compatibility

Some raker gauge tools come in versatile configurations. That means they can accept any chain pitch and gauge. Some other tools may come for specific chain pitches and gauges.

You better check the manual of your chainsaw to find the chain pitch and gauge. Then you should check whether the raker gauge tool you are buying is compatible with the chain or not. If not, don’t even look at it again, no matter how much it offers.

Material and Build Quality

If the depth gauge tool is made poorly with low-quality material, it won’t last long, and you will need to buy a similar tool over and over again. As the tool will be used frequently around your workplace, you need a solid and sturdy tool made of hardened steel that lasts longer.

Also, if all the necessary measurements and configurations aren’t stamped properly on the tool, you will be confused while using it. In some cases, the depth gauge tool can wear from using files repeatedly and measurements can fade out.

So, closely watch for these features and choose wisely.

Additional Accessories

Some depth gauge tools come alone, like your introvert friend. Some others are experts in socializing and bring flat files, rounded files, filing guides, pouches, etc. with them.

Always try to choose this jolly-minded and extrovert friend that comes with a lot of additional accessories to make your job easier. But remember, the price will be higher accordingly. Keep an eye on that too.

Price and Brand Value

Price is a big factor in choosing depth gauge tools. People usually don’t wanna spend a lot of bucks after such a small tool. But many of them don’t even realize how important it is to have the right tool.

If you cheap out on the right tool, you might end up with an improperly set depth gauge that can be too dangerous. So, don’t do this at all. Also, don’t spend a lot of money on something that is not very efficient. Keeping the balance is the key.

Remembering the brand reputation while choosing such tools is also important. Widely known brands are there because of their sincerity in making those tools. Take that into account and choose a brand that is very popular among professionals.

For example, an established brand will take precision seriously and won’t compromise in the build quality to maintain their reputation. This is what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

As you have come this far, should you miss these interesting answers that everyone seeks? Go ahead and take a look.

How often do I need to shorten depth gauges on the saw chain?

It depends on how often do you sharpen the chain. Every time you sharpen the chain, you take a small amount off the tooth. So, it is crucial to check the depth gauge immediately and shorten it if necessary.

Can I file the depth gauge with a flat file?

Yes, flat files are commonly used to file depth gauges. But make sure you are maintaining the original rounded shape of the rakers. If you don’t do it, the chain might vibrate.

Is counting the file strokes to set the depth gauge the right method?

No, not at all. When the chain is new, this might work a few times. But depth gauges are set differently after a few sharpening. So, counting the file stroke isn’t the right method to set depth gauge.

What if I cut depth gauges too low?

Cutting the depth gauge too low means the teeth will take larger bites. As a result, the chainsaw will require more power, and the chain will wear quickly. Cuts will be rough, and the chances of kickback will increase.

What is the right depth gauge setting?

For many saw chains, .025 inches is the right setting for hardwood, and .030 is for softwood. Check the chainsaw manual for correct info.

Final Thoughts

Pat yourself on the back. We know digesting so much information might be overwhelming for many of you. But believe us, you will thank yourself for reading this once you find out your saw chain is working smoothly.

Take some more time to completely understand everything and find out the best chainsaw raker gauge. Make sure you are investing your hard-earned money in a tool that doesn’t compromise the quality and is efficient enough to do its job properly.