A method for working a wall of a cylinder (2) of an internal combustion engine, in which peripheral grooves (3) are machined into the wall, wherein at least one annular saw blade (4), which is provided on a circumference with a multiplicity of cutting teeth (6), is used for introducing the grooves (3), wherein the saw blade (4) is moved so as to rotate about its longitudinal axis (7) and on an annular path (12). A subsequent forming operation on the lands (10) that are formed between neighbouring grooves (3) causes the formation of undercuts that can improve the connection of the wall of the cylinder (2) to a subsequently applied coating layer (11).