# Raker (depth gauge)

The small rounded projection immediately ahead of each cutter on the chain, which limits how deep that cutter can bite into the wood. The height difference between the raker and the cutter's top plate sets the chip thickness.

Source: https://chainsawdata.net/en/glossary/depth-gauge/
Site: ChainsawData (chainsawdata.net) — open technical specification database
Last updated: 2026-08-24
License: free to quote with attribution to chainsawdata.net

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Rakers are the most commonly overlooked part of sharpening. Every time you file a cutter its top plate gets lower, so if the rakers are never touched the chain gradually stops cutting no matter how sharp the edges are — the classic symptom of a chain that is sharp but produces only dust. Manufacturers specify a raker setting for each chain type, and it is set with a depth gauge tool and a flat file, checking every few sharpenings rather than every one. Filing rakers too low is the opposite mistake: the chain grabs, cuts roughly and becomes much more prone to kickback.