Are you searching for the best chainsaw sharpener?
I have reviewed the top electric and manual models available and after reading this article you will know the best for your particular needs.
Keeping your chainsaw sharp at all times is important so that you can handle any situation that life throws at you. No matter if you use your chainsaw on a regular basis to clear the woods around your home or only have it in case of an emergency, such as a tree down in your driveway or on your home, you need to make sure that it is sharp. I find that having the best chainsaw sharpener makes this task incredibly fast and easy. That’s why I put together this guide so that you can find the right chainsaw sharpener for your needs.
Check the quick list below for links to customer reviews and prices for the best chainsaw sharpener picks, or read on for the full review:
Table of Contents
Selecting the Best Chainsaw Sharpener
There are a lot of different chainsaw sharpeners available on the market, and not all of them are going to be as high quality as others. Because of this, I think that you need to spend a little time comparing available sharpeners before making your purchase.
One of the first things that you need to consider is your budget. Chainsaw sharpeners can vary widely in how much they cost, which means that it’s a good idea to have in mind how much you are willing to spend. By considering how often you are going to use the sharpener, as well as how much you can spend, you can easily decide if this purchase is a smart one for you.
You also have to take into consideration the size of the chain that you want to sharpen to ensure that it will fit in your new chainsaw sharpener. Since sharpeners come in different sizes, not all of them are a one-size-fits-all option. I find that it’s best to opt for a sharpener that can easily handle a wide range of chain sizes and designs so that you aren’t buying multiple sharpeners.
Benefits of Having a Quality Chainsaw Sharpener
If you own a chainsaw, then you need to consider buying a chainsaw sharpener. These tools will not only save you time when you have a dull chainsaw because you don’t have to take it to a professional for sharpening, but offer other benefits, as well.
While they may cost a little more at first to purchase than simply hiring someone to sharpen your chain for you, in the long run you will save money. Not only will you be able to sharpen any dull blade that you have, but when you use a sharp chainsaw, then you won’t be using nearly as much fuel as you would if you were trying to cut with a dull chain.
I find that when I keep my chains sharp that I not only have a better cutting experience, but I’m also safer. Dull blades are very dangerous to use and can quickly cause an accident. For this reason, I recommend that everyone sharpen their blades on a regular basis.
What to Look For
You will first need to decide if you want to buy an electric or a manual sharpener. They both have their own set of pros and cons. I like having an electric sharpener because I feel like I can easily sharpen my chains in a shorter period of time.
Also consider what conditions you will be in when using your new chainsaw sharpener. There are some that have a built-in light that you can shine on your work so that you are able to easily see what you are doing. If you are going to be sharpening your chainsaw in a darker location, then this feature is one that you will definitely want to consider.
Another great feature to consider is how the sharpener is mounted. Look for one that can be easily mounted in a variety of ways so that you can use it no matter where you are. Common mounting arrangements include on the wall, a bench, and even in a vise.
How to Best Use Your Chainsaw Sharpener
How you use your new sharpener will depend a little on what type you buy. Electric sharpeners and manual sharpeners are going to vary some, but the overall idea is the same.
You want to make sure that you have the angle on a manual or handheld sharpener that is suggested in the guide to ensure that when you file the teeth of your chainsaw that you are moving in the right direction. I find that when there is a shiny gleam that I can see on the metal that that is a clear indication that the blade is sharp and I can stop filing it down.
With an electric sharpener, put the chainsaw under the sharpener and line it up so that the cutters and rivets are directly underneath it. Once you turn on the motor, it will file down your cutters for you. Make sure that you don’t run the sharpener for too long, as this can file it down too much and make your chainsaw less accurate.
Considerations
It’s imperative that you always wear heavy-duty gloves when using a chainsaw sharpener. The chain can easily slip, and when this occurs, you don’t want your hands to be unprotected, as they can get cut. I also recommend users to wear eyewear, especially if they are working with an electric sharpener.
While it is rare for accidents to happen when sharpening a chainsaw, they can occur, and it’s best to be prepared.
Top Rated Chainsaw Sharpeners
Oregon Bench or Wall Mounted Saw Chain Grinder
This powerful chainsaw grinder is great for users who only need to sharpen their chainsaws once in a while. The three grinding wheels make it easy to sharpen all chainsaw chains perfectly. With a rated RPM of 3,500, this grinder has a lot of power, and it can easily sharpen up to .404” pitch chain without any problems, slowing down, or loud noises.
Pros
● Easily mounts to a bench or the wall
● Includes built-in light for safety
● Adjustments are easy to use
● Has three grinding wheels to make sharpening easy
● Switch is protected from dust damage
Cons
● Can be difficult to mount the motor of the sharpener to a bracket
● Wheel changes are not very easy
Buffalo Tools ECSS Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
Users can easily save time and money when they use this chainsaw sharpener instead of taking their chainsaw to a professional for sharpening. Not only does it easily mount in most any position in your garage, which gives you a lot of control over where you use the sharpener, but it can handle most chain designs without any problem. It plugs into a 120-V outlet and can be used immediately.
Pros
● Adjusts quickly and easily to most chain designs
● Grinding speed of 4,200 RPM
● Mounts to vise, wall or bench
● Motor is very quiet
● Hinges on the sharpener are metal, which means they will last a long time
Cons
● Can be difficult to sharpen shorter chains
● The chain lock on the handle is difficult to use
Stihl 2 in 1 Easy File Chainsaw Chain Sharpener
Thanks to the incredibly small size of this sharpener and the fact that it doesn’t need any electricity to run, it’s a great option to put in your toolbox or store with your chainsaw when you are going to be away from home. Being able to sharpen your chainsaw at any time means that you’ll be prepared for anything that you may encounter. Because this sharpener is easy to use, it’s a great option for any chainsaw owner.
Pros
● Weighs under a pound, making it incredibly portable
● Etched lines make it easy to keep the right angle
● Provides even depth gauge on each tooth
● Works quickly
Cons
● Can be difficult to tell how sharp the teeth are when using this sharpener
● Difficult to sharpen all teeth evenly
Granberg Bar Mount Chainsaw Sharpener
Thanks to the adjustability of this chainsaw sharpener, you will be able to use it on any saw that you have without worrying about ruining the teeth or making a mistake. Because it is so portable, it’s easy to put in your truck or toolbox so that you don’t ever have to worry about having a sharp chainsaw when you need it. Because it’s made from durable materials, the chance of it breaking and failing are slim to none.
Pros
● Mounts to any saw
● Made from steel and cast aluminum
● Portable and great for jobs away from home
● Great for getting all cutters to the same length
Cons
● Hinge isn’t very durable and can easily break
● Tends to be more time consuming than filing free hand
Katzco Eight Piece Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit
The durable hardwood handle that is included with this kit is comfortable to hold, which is great because you have all of the files that you need to ensure that you have a sharp and ready to use chainsaw. With the included depth gauge you will be able to easily determine if you are sharpening correctly and to make sure that you don’t make a major mistake.
Pros
● Portable, doesn’t require electricity
● Ships with round and flat files
● Finished wood handle makes it easy and comfortable to use
● Roll-up pouch is great for storage and taking tools on the go
● Switching files is easy
Cons
● Can be difficult to learn how to use
● Angle guide tends to fall off of the file, making it hard to use correctly
For more tool guides and tips check out these articles:
Even though all of these five chainsaw sharpeners have their benefits, I really love the Buffalo Tools ECSS Electric Chainsaw Sharpener. It’s not as portable as some other sharpeners, because you do have to have a wall outlet to power it, but it’s incredibly fast, durable, and easy to use. Thanks to its fast grinding speed and how easily you can mount it in almost any position, it’s a great option for home and work use. At just over four pounds, you can easily take it with you to any location with electricity without it taking up too much room in your truck. It’s simple to plug in and start using without any delay.
Fred is the Ready Zeal owner and editor. He has been passionately pursuing all things emergency preparation since working alongside his grandfather as a boy growing up in the Midwest. When not working on the family homestead he can be found brewing coffee and reading a good book or backpacking in the wilderness. Contact Fred at fred@readyzeal.com