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If you enjoy using your chainsaw to cut firewood, work on woodworking projects, or just to generally get things done around your property, you are going to need to sharpen it every now and then. Many people don’t know how to sharpen a chainsaw blade and therefore buy a new chain each time the old one becomes dull. This is a costly mistake – the best chainsaw sharpener will make it easy for you to do the work of a professional chainsaw sharpener at home.
Learning how to sharpen a chainsaw safely is often a lot easier than finding the perfect chainsaw sharpener. Read through the chainsaw sharpeners reviews on the Internet and you will likely find an overwhelming amount of information about the best products.
We’re here to help you make sense of all that in our roundup of the ten best chainsaw sharpeners around.
Stihl is the name to know when it comes to chainsaws, and the Stihl 2-in-1 Chainsaw Sharpener is no exception. This product is unique in that it can function as both a chainsaw sharpener and a depth gauge.
This professional chainsaw sharpener is easy to use and results in a saw that is sharp and has superior cutting angles. The depth gauge is an added bonus and both are long-lasting. The file can only be used on .325 chains, but the company does offer other chainsaw sharpeners for various chains, too.
What We Liked:
- Works on almost every brand of chain
- Easy to remove files for cleaning
- Sharpens tooth and depth gauge
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can be difficult to learn how to use this sharpener at first
The Oregon Chainsaw sharpener is a great pick as a professional chainsaw sharpener. It is both versatile and powerful, rotating the grinding disk at 3400 RPM. This speed means that you will get through your chain quickly so you can get back to your most pressing outdoor tasks. This is one of many chainsaw grinders that is compatible with chains that are ¼, .325, ⅜, ½, and ¾ inch pitch.
The Oregon 520-120 is a dynamic pick, equipped with three separate grinding wheels of ⅛”, ¼”, and 3/16” to give you the most versatility and adaptability to blades of all sizes. It comes with a wheel-dressing brick, a template for depth-gauging, and a wheel contouring. This chainsaw grinder also has a self-centering vise that automatically adjusts to the blade angle, giving you a uniform sharpening effect each and every time.
What We Liked:
- Comes with a built-in light
- Mountable to walls and benches
- One-way motor for added safety
What We Didn’t Like:
- Very heavy – so it’s not very portable
This electric chainsaw sharpener by Buffalo Tools is one of the easiest electric sharpeners to use. All you have to do is clamp it to a surface, such as a table or a wall. Then, you can power on the device and use it to sharpen each individual blade.
With a 4200 RPM gridnik speed, this chainsaw sharpener can be used in any 120-volt wall outlet and has a 4 ¼” by ⅛” grinding wheel. It can be used for just about any type of chain blade. The ⅛” disk width is not custom fitted for various blade sizes, but it is still extremely effective.
What We Liked:
- Works with any chain style
- High grinding speeds
- Can be mounted to wall, vise, or bench
What We Didn’t Like:
- Does not sharpen 0.043-inch chains
The Timberline chainsaw sharpener has a 7/32” carbide cutter that allows you to attach to any chainsaw bar. It can sharpen individual teeth effectively and is incredibly durable.
Although this sharpener takes some getting used to, once you do you will be able to use it in any setting. It’s extremely small so you won’t have to go back to your shop each time you want to sharpen your blade. To use it, all you have to do is turn the crank, which will move the chain through the stones and cut them down at a 30-degree angle.
This chainsaw grinder works quickly, making short work of all of your chainsaw sharpening tasks. This device is incredibly popular and as a result is available in several sizes. That being said, the 7/32” is one of the most common.
What We Liked:
- Does not require removal of the chain
- Made out of durable machined aluminum
- Easy to use
What We Didn’t Like:
- Sharpens only at a 30-degree angle
The Granberg Bar Mounted Chainsaw Sharpener is perhaps the best manual chainsaw sharpener equipment you will find. This sharpener is a bar mount by itself and although it does not come with a sharpener – you will need to purchase a file to retrofit onto the bar mount to sharpen your chain – it is ranked in many chainsaw sharpeners reviews because of its utter value and effectiveness.
This bar mount is compatible with just about any kind of chainsaw, giving you a solid foundation upon which you can use a file for the blades made out of zinc-plated steel and cast aluminum, this chainsaw sharpening tool has the kind of quality you would expect out of a professional-grade tool.
You can easily make micro-adjustments of the depth gauge by using the knobs to match the chain angle. It’s an essential product for anybody who prefers to use bar mounts for sharpening their chainsaw chains.
What We Liked:
Affordable option that allows for quick chain sharpening
Durable cast aluminum build
Comes with calibration swivel guide markings
What We Didn’t Like:
Files are not included
The Drixet Chain Saw Sharpening Kit is a great option if you are looking for chainsaw sharpening tools for occasionally sharpening. This manual sharpening kit comes with everything you need for various types of chains, including flat files, round files, a hardwood handle, a tool pouch, and a guide.
An inexpensive option, this kit include files from high-quality, durable steel. The tool pouch makes these tools easy to store and hard to lose. A complete kit, it’s a bargain for people who only need to sharpen their chains every now and then.
What We Liked:
- Comes with a sturdy hardwood handle
- Tool pouch protects files from damage and misplacement
- Built with high-quality steel
What We Didn’t Like:
- Manual tool that requires some practice to get used to it
This battery-operated chainsaw sharpener is the best chainsaw sharpener if you are looking for a lightweight, mobile unit. While it’s not as powerful as comparable electric chainsaw sharpeners, it will still get the job done each and every time.
This chainsaw sharpener can work with 20, 25, and 30-degree blades – you don’t need to add an additional angle guide if you are working with a conventional saw. The stones rotate at surprisingly quick speeds to grind your saw down to a sharpened percetion.
While the sharpener takes some getting used to, it’s hard to beat the quality of this automatic chainsaw sharpener.
What We Liked:
- Comes with three grinding stone sizes
- Has a cover to protect against impact and aging
- Has a spindle lock for changing grinding stones easily
What We Didn’t Like:
- Sharpening stones only last for three or four sharpenings
The XtremepowerUS 86W Electric Chainsaw Grinder Sharpener is an efficient little chainsaw sharpener – what you see is definitely not what you get in this pint-sized product.
Despite its small size – which in itself is a great feature because it takes up so little space – this chainsaw sharpener runs off of 85 watts of motor power and has an impressive grinding speed of 4,200 RPM. It is an excellent automatic chainsaw sharpener that can be used on a table or vise angle, either of which can be adjusted up to 35 degrees either left or right.
What We Liked:
- Requires minimal set up
- Designed to sharpen multiple chains in a row
- Has a brake handle to keep chain in place
What We Didn’t Like:
- Produces serious vibrations while in use
This chainsaw teeth sharpener is made by Sportsman. It is a powerful sharpener that will allow you to quickly sharpen your cutters accurately and efficiently. It can sharpen semi-chisel and chisel tile cutters because it has a tilting vise.
This chainsaw sharpener is extremely easy to operate, making it a great tool for inexperienced novices and busy experts alike. It can save you time and money on tool maintenance over the long run, making it a good choice for somebody seeking a long term solution.
What We Liked:
- Easy to use
- Comes with an overhead work light
- Has long-lasting grinding wheels
What We Didn’t Like:
- Heavy and not portable
If you’re familiar at all with the home and garden market, you’ve probably already heard of Husqvarna. This company makes hundreds of outdoor tools, from weed eaters to riding lawn mowers.
The company also makes an easy chainsaw sharpener that could be considered the best chainsaw sharpener for people looking for a good handheld device. This is one of the sharpest handheld models you’ll find, designed as a 3/16” sharpener.
This chainsaw sharpener can get your chain back to its original razor-sharp condition in just 20 minutes of work. Since the sharpener is so sharp, it allows you to fine-tune each blade without breaking a sweat. You can use it with a vise to make it even easier to use. It’s highly portable, making it a good choice for the busy worker who needs to take it with him on the go.
What We Liked:
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Economical choice for everyday sharpeners
- Can be used with a vise.
What We Didn’t Like:
- 3/16” pitch only
Chainsaw Buyer’s Guide Questions
How to Sharpen a Chainsaw Blade
Chainsaws can be tricky to work with. In addition to the skills needed in order to operate a chainsaw safely and effectively, you need to make sure you have one of the best-performing saws to begin with, too. If you’re interested in learning more about how to find the best chainsaw for your needs, be sure to check out our article covering the best chainsaws here.
Otherwise, it’s important that you understand exactly how to sharpen a chainsaw blade. Often, people are quick to run out and buy new blades when their saw becomes dull and ineffective – but knowing how to sharpen a blade will save you tons of money. Plus, it’s a relatively easy thing to do.
Before beginning, make sure you put on a pair of thick gloves. This will protect your hands while you are sharpening. You should engage the chain brake on your saw so that it won’t slide while you work. Clamp the bar securely so you can use both your hands.
Depending on the type of chainsaw and kit you have, the technique that you will use to sharpen your saw may vary. If you have a manual kit, you will place the guide down on the rivets of the chain. The arrows should face downwards. Then, you will take the file and follow the angle that the guide directs you rotward. After a few strokes, you should see a shiny finish on the metal that will indicate that you are ready to move on to the next cutter.
If you use a bench sharpener, you should set the saw up beneath the device and turn the motor on. The bench sharpener will file down enough of the cutter – you can tell that it is sharp enough in the same way you would when using a manual sharpener. If you choose to use a handheld electric sharpener, you will need to use your guide to get the proper angle.
Before you are done sharpening your chainsaw, you will need to find a depth gauge to make sure all of your cutters are at the right height. If any of them are not, you should use your sharpener to file them back down to the proper height. That’s all there is to it!
What Angle Do You Sharpen a Stihl Chainsaw?
If you are sharpening a Stihl chainsaw, you will need a bit more precision and accuracy in your task. In order to sharpen a Stihl chainsaw, you should hold your file at a sharp 90 degree angle – in other words a perfect right angle. Guide the file across the cutters at a 30 degree angle, which will give you the same kind of sharpening results that the manufacturers produce on their saws right out of the factory.
What Are the Best Chains for Chainsaws?
Unless you are a professional who has tons of experience handling a chainsaw, it can be confusing to know what kind of chainsaw will be best for your saw.
In most cases, it will be easiest just to sharpen your chainsaw chain rather than try to replace it. However, if you do need to purchase a replacement chain, you should look for one that’s the same brand as your chainsaw.
This isn’t necessary, but it can ensure a good match. Otherwise, you need to make sure that the pitch, gauge, and length match the existing chain on your chainsaw. You may also want to consider chains from top manufacturers like Stihl, Oregon, and Husqvarna.
Is it Worth Sharpening a Chainsaw Chain?
If you’re reading this article, you’re probably wondering whether it’s even worth spending the time and money to sharpen a chainsaw chain. The short answer to that question? Absolutely.
A chainsaw chain won’t stay sharpened on its own, and it doesn’t take long for a chain to start becoming dull. Even if you don’t use your chainsaw that often, you may find that it begins to lose its sharpness over time. You will need to conduct some regular chainsaw maintenance to keep it operating at its top capacity.
A new chainsaw chain can cost $20 or more – and sharpening your chainsaw costs nothing once you recoup the costs of a chainsaw sharpener. Therefore, this is an investment worth making.
However, not all chainsaw chain sharpeners are built alike. When you are looking for the best chainsaw sharpener, make sure you consider power, as different electric sharpener models will have different motor sizes. The more powerful the motor, the better honing you will be able to do – but the machine willa los be more expensive.
You should look for a high-quality chainsaw sharpener made out of solid materials, too. It would be terrible to spend a ton of money on a chainsaw sharpener after only a few months. Look for heavy-duty metal construction – not low-grade plastic engineering.
Finally, you will also want to consider the chain size when you are purchasing a chainsaw sharpener. Not all sharpeners can work at any chain size, so you want to make sure you have the perfect fit.
What are the Types of Chainsaw Sharpeners?
There are multiple types of chainsaw sharpeners, all of which can be quite effective depending on the tasks that you need to get done. Electric chainsaw sharpeners tend to be more accurate, as a result extending the longevity of your chain. Manual sharpeners, though generally less expensive, give you a guide to show you the angle at which to file the cutters but they do not do the work for you.
Electric chainsaw sharpeners are fast, efficient, and precise. They require minimal muscle power and although they can be pricey, they are highly effective.
Within the category of electric sharpeners, there are two subcategories. Bench sharpeners are stationary, as the name implies, while a handheld sharpener requires you to hold it in your hand. Bench sharpeners tend to have a higher accuracy because they give you more control. Since they are stationary, you don’t have to worry about things sliding around. However, they also make it easy to file your chainsaw down too much.
Thinking about manual sharpeners, you also have two options to choose from. A handheld file is the most basic chainsaw teeth sharpener you will find, and it’s also one of the most commonly used. A handheld file is an easy chainsaw sharpener to get the hang of – all you have to do is run it over the tip of your chain. However, it requires some practice in order to master the technique.
Bar mounted chainsaw sharpeners are also options. These chainsaw sharpening tools are designed for bar mounted chainsaws. You must have a flat platform to use them and you will need to use a hand crank to move your chain through the sharpener.
Recap
The most important factor you need to decide on before finding the best chainsaw sharpener for your needs will be in figuring out how often you will use your chainsaw. If you use your chainsaw on a regular basis, you should consider an electric chainsaw sharpener, as it will offer the highest performance over time. Though more expensive, it will be a solid investment.
However, if you don’t plan on using your chainsaw as often, you can probably get away with using a manual sharpener. A handheld file or a similar device will often be all you need in order to get the perfect edge on your chainsaw – so you can get back to the work that motivates you.
