10 Best Chainsaw Sharpeners In 2023 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Best Chainsaw Sharpeners 2021 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

We need to always sharpen our chainsaws every now and then. The chainsaw will eventually become blunt after being used for a given period of time.

To retain the sharpness of the chainsaw, there are two options involved and these include sharpening or replacing the chain. It is a somehow better deal to sharpen the chainsaw than making a replacement.

That is why we have decided to make the best chainsaw sharpener reviews in this article for those who have decided to sharpen their chainsaws.

10 Best Chainsaw Sharpener Reviews

1. Oregon 410-120 Bench or Wall Mounted Saw Chain Grinder

Oregon 410-120 Bench or Wall Mounted Saw Chain Grinder

Buying a chainsaw sharpener is an important investment if you always use your chainsaw on a regular basis. The Oregon 410-120 chain saw grinder is high quality and the versatile sharpener that you can use for many years to come.

Once you buy it, you can either mount it on a wall or a bench. It is designed with a host of features that will appeal to you.

The grinder operates on a 3500 RPM motor that makes a very powerful chainsaw sharpener. The grinder also features good controls that let it function seamlessly and enables you to sharpen your saw precisely.

What we liked about the Oregon 410-120 chainsaw is its self-centering chain vise. This feature helps you to align your chainsaw’s teeth to your grinder’s mechanism. In terms of build quality, the 410-120 has a sturdy design. Made of high-quality aluminum, the Oregon 410-120 is very durable and features great geometry that makes it easy to use.

Since it has a high-power motor, it operates smoothly. Its compact and rugged design makes it excellently light so that you can sharpen your chainsaws for longer periods without getting tired. Its rubberized handle gives you great control.

Pros
  • Can sharpen a large number of chainsaw models.
  • Easy operation even for beginners.
  • Sharpening is extremely fast due to its powerful motor.
  • Easy assembly and installation.
  • Comes with an accessory package to let you start sharpening straight away.
  • Its grinding settings are customizable.
Cons
  • The instruction manual is not comprehensive.
  • It is not portable.

2. Buffalo Tools ECSS Electric Chainsaw Sharpener

Are you looking for a powerful chainsaw sharpener that is budget-priced? Then you should look at the Buffalo Tools ECS Electrical Chainsaw Sharpener. Its powerful 4200 RPM motor gives it enough power and speed to make your chain saw sharpening fast.

When you buy the Buffalo ECS Chainsaw Sharpener, you are assured of being able to sharpen any chainsaw models. You shouldn’t be worried if you have several chainsaws of different types.

It is designed to be mounted on workbenches and walls. Using it is, therefore, very convenient. When using it, you don’t need to set up any special power connections. The Buffalo ECS Chainsaw sharpener can be plugged into a 120-volt power socket since it has an 85-Watt motor.

Another desirable feature about the Buffalo ECS Electric Chainsaw Sharpener is that it is a very lightweight device. Using it won’t take much of your effort. As a result, you will have an easy time positioning it for precise sharpening. You won’t also need much space to store it.

The Buffalo Electric Chainsaw Sharpener does a great job in terms of performance. It is fitted with a knob that allows you to adjust its angle so that it can fit different chain designs. It uses 4-1/4-Inch x 1/8-Inch grinding wheel along with a 7/8-inch arbor.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Can be mounted on a bench, wall or vise for sharpening accuracy and stability.
  • Compact and lightweight.
  • Designed to fit most chain designs.
  • Reasonably priced.
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • First timers need some time to understand how to use it.
  • The 1/8 inch can’t sharpen some chain designs.
  • A lot of plastic parts not high-durability

3. STIHL 2 in 1 Easy File Chainsaw Chain Sharpener 3/8″ P

STIHL 2 in 1 Easy File Chainsaw Chain Sharpener 3/8

The STIHL 2 in 1 Chainsaw Sharpener is made to serve two purposes. First, its main purpose is to sharpen chain saw blades. Secondly, it also serves the purpose of lowering the depth of the chainsaw gauges to make it easier for you to sharpen the chains. It consists of two round files, a filing guide, a file holder and one single flat file.

The STIHL 2 in 1 is one of the best manual chainsaw sharpener tools in the market. It not only makes the sharpening process extremely quick but also neat and tidy.

With just a few strokes, your chain will look like you have just bought it from the store. Instead of spending more time sharpening your chainsaws, you will have more time for actually putting your chainsaw to work.

Using this sharpener is easy. It has markings on it to guide you on how you can use it properly. You won’t need to be a pro to use this sharpener on your chainsaw. It also comes in different versions. Each version is suitable for use on different chain sizes.

As a result, when buying STIHL 2 in 1 Chain Sharpener, you need to check its description to ensure that it matches your chain size. In terms of portability, it is lightweight and portable.

Pros
  • Can be easily attached to the guide bar.
  • Taken anywhere since it is lightweight and portable.
  • Can sharpen various chain saw pitches.
  • Easy to perfectly match with the chain manufacturer’s angles.
  • Affordable.
  • The filling guide made of steel hence durable and of high quality.
Cons
  • You need to learn how to use it first.
  • Requires a vice to hold it.
  • Slow operation since it is manually operated.

4. Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener with 3/16″ Carbide Cutter

Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener with 3/16

It features a solid design that will not flex, bend or move during sharpening. It has a hand crank operated carbide cutter that will give you professional sharpening results. The carbide cutter is designed to sharpen each tooth individually.

You can also set the length of your chain’s cutting tooth by adjusting the stop or pawl to push the chain forward into the cutter. Handling the Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener is easy. Its 3/16 inch carbide cutter gives you incredible precision when sharpening your chainsaw teeth.

It operates at great sharpening speed to leave every chainsaw teeth sharp within seconds. This is one of the best automatic chainsaw sharpener. You will save time in making your chainsaw sharp and instead spend more time cutting wood with your chainsaw.

Made from high-grade aluminum, the Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener will last long with you. You can rely on it to sharpen your chainsaw teeth for years. Weighing only 2 pounds, carrying it is very comfortable.

It also comes with its own carriage bag to help you carry it. With this chainsaw sharpener by your side, your chainsaws will never grow dull. In terms of accuracy, the Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener is designed to sharpen every tooth to similar lengths and angles.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Suitable for commercial use.
  • Sharpens every chainsaw tooth in seconds.
  • Very precise as it sharpens every tooth at the same angle and length.
  • It’s portable
  • Well engineered
  • Automatic chainsaw chain sharpener
Cons
  • Its cutter teeth tend to break.
  • Quite expensive

5. CO-Z Electric Chainsaw Sharpener Kit Chain Saw Blade Grinder

CO-Z Electric Chainsaw Sharpener Kit Chain Saw Blade Grinder

The main reason why chainsaw sharpeners that are powered by electricity are the best over the rest is that they are very fast and efficient. With a power rating of 230W at 110V, the CO-Z Electric has a motor that can rotate up to 3000 RPM. When you purchase it, the chainsaw sharpener comes with two grinding wheels of 1/8 and 3/16-inches.

Made of cast aluminum, the CO-Z Electric Chainsaw Sharpener is built to last and to deliver top performance for longer. Its handle is relatively large to make it easy to operate and control.

It also features reinforced hinges to make it tough and sturdy. You can adjust the chain angle from 0 to 30 degrees to suit various sharpening requirements for different chainsaw models.

That’s not all, you can also adjust the motor’s angle from 0 to 70 degrees if you want to achieve a more comfortable movement. Setting the tool up is quick, making it very easy to use. What we loved about the CO-Z Electric Chainsaw is its work light feature.

This feature promotes accuracy by helping you to clearly see where you are sharpening. Since its motor runs at top speed, you will be done sharpening your chainsaw in no time.

Pros
  • Its two grinding wheels are long lasting.
  • Come with safety guards.
  • Designed to support both chisel and semi-chisel cutters
  • Has aluminum casings to prevent splashing of iron filings.
  • Versatile since it can accommodate several sharpening needs.
Cons
  • Does not have manual instructions
  • Has breakage issues

6. XtremepowerUS 85W Mini Electric Chainsaw Grinder Sharpener w/Brake

XtremepowerUS 85W Mini Electric Chainsaw Grinder Sharpener w/Brake

Just from its name, the XtremepowerUS 85W Mini is a powerful grinder. It gets its power from an 85 Watt motor that is capable of 4200 RPM. As a result, the XtremepowerUS will sharpen your chainsaw teeth within a short time.

It also features a pivoting head together with vice angles that you can adjust left to right through a 35-degree angle.

Whilst grinding, you can hold the chain using a brake. To get a stable working base, you should mount the chainsaw grinder on a bench.

Setting up the chainsaw grinder is very easy. It is also engineered with a lot of features to make it deliver high-quality chain sharpening. You can sharpen several chainsaws with a lot of ease and efficacy.

Even better, the XtremepowerUS also has some safety features that ensure you are safe when using it as compared to other sharpeners.

Given its performance as compared to its price, the XtremepowerUs Chainsaw Sharpener will offer you great value for your money.

Pros
  • Can be adjusted for various chain sizes.
  • Comes with a brake handle.
  • Setting it up is easy.
  • Affordable
  • The motor is quite powerful.
Cons
  • Its chain clamp system is average.
  • The grinder wheels get worn out after some time and need to be replaced.
  • Its grinding wheel isn’t well-centered.

7. Granberg Bar-Mount Chain Saw Sharpener, Model# G-106B

 Granberg Bar-Mount Chain Saw Sharpener

You will save a lot of money by learning how to sharpen your chainsaw without outsourcing sharpening services. However, you cannot learn how to sharpen if you don’t have the right tools.

That is why you need the Granberg Bar-Mount Chainsaw Sharpener. The best thing about this chainsaw sharpener is that it is designed to sharpen chainsaws by mounting it on the chainsaw bar.

As a result, you won’t have to replace and re-tighten it after sharpening each tooth. This will save you a lot of time. It features a mounting bracket that you will use to mount to the bar of your chainsaw. The mounting bracket enables this sharpener to move freely so you can sharpen every tooth.

Its depth gauge ensures that you are not going into your chain’s cutting link when sharpening it. As a result, you won’t end up slipping while sharpening your chainsaw.

Granberg’s file guide works to help you set your cutting file’s angle. Whether you are using a standard cutting surface or a ripping chain, it is important for you to properly and consistently set your angle.

The Granberg Bar-Mount Chainsaw Sharpener also features file rail so that you can smoothly grind your chains.

Pros
  • It’s lightweight and portable.
  • Designed to prevent chain damage by locking-in its depth gauge.
  • Delivers a consistent cutting edge as a result of its angle gauge.
  • Durable since it is made of zinc-plated steel and cast aluminum.
  • Enables your chain to cut faster and longer.
  • Can use with any file
Cons
  • Must rotate it if you want to sharpen your entire chain.
  • Need to readjust its grinding angle if it sags.

8. Katzco 8 Piece Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit

Katzco 8 Piece Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit

When it comes to matters to do with convenience, this kit is one that will seldom let you down. It comes with all the tools you could possibly require to help you bring your chainsaw back to its normal life.

With the special roll-up tool pouch, everything you will need is kept in a single location and this enhances the portability of this file set.

The other thing is variety. This file kit has several files of various types to meet almost all the chainsaw sharpening needs that you may have. If you are interested in fast filing and cutting, the premium round and fine tooth file will come in handy and are available in sizes of 3/16”, 7/32” and 5/32”.

The good news is that the handle that is been made of hardwood has the capability of attaching to any of the files while the depth gauge tool works on any chainsaw as well. The comfortable quality of grip that these files offer when being used is second to none and this will help in keeping the chain sharp and safe to use.

While you don’t expect other chainsaw sharpening kits to include several accessories, that is not the case with this chainsaw sharpener kit. What’s more Moreover, even though this kit is less expensive compared to the others, it performs at par with the other most expensive brands.

Pros
  • Offers the best convenience.
  • Has a variety of files in a single pouch.
  • High-quality performance.
  • Somehow affordable.
  • Strong and quite portable.
Cons
  • Angle guide never stays attached to the file.
  • The handle comes off easily.

9. Timber Tuff CS-12V 12-Volt Portable Electric Chain Saw Chain Sharpener

 Timber Tuff CS-12V 12-Volt Portable Electric Chain Saw Chain Sharpener

Here is a better electric option that you can rely upon to keep your chainsaw in shape. With a PC material cover, you can be sure that your chain saw sharpener will be shielded against the aging agents as well as unexpected impacts that could be harmful to it.

This product will stay cool even after being used for quite some time and that is a plus that makes people love it. When it comes to matters to do with the sizes of the grinding stones, it has three known sizes which are 5/32 inches, 3/16 inches and 7/32 inches. You will have the freedom of choosing the one that fits your file and meets your requirements.

The other good news about this product is that you can use it to sharpen your chainsaw at angles of 20, 25 and 30 degrees at random and still achieve your expected excellent results. This sharpener is that it allows you to sharpen your chainsaw just about anywhere.

With the spindle lock, it is quite easy to change the grinding stones and make use of a suitable one. What’s more, with a maximum speed of 20000 r.p.m, you can expect this sharpener to bail you out when you least expected to. It is also quite portable as it weighs only 2.2 pounds and, therefore, somehow easy to carry around.

Pros
  • Quite portable
  • Stays cool while operational
  • Anti-impact and anti-aging
  • Spindle lock for easily changing the stones
Cons
  • Speed is not variable
  • Stones wear out quite fast

10. Oregon 30846 12-Volt Sure Sharp Chain Saw Sharpener

Oregon 30846 12-Volt Sure Sharp Chain Saw Sharpener

Oregon sharp chain sharpener is one of the sharpeners that are very easy to use. The process of making it keep your chain sharp is also an easy one.

This is one of those sharpeners that you can use anywhere even in those remote areas. This is because it operates from a 12-volt battery that makes it capable of being used almost everywhere.

What’s more, it comes with two sharpening stones to increase your ability to choose any that would suit your needs. The good thing about this sharpener is that it comes with a quick adjust sharpening guide to help you acquire cutters that have been uniformly ground.

As a matter of fact, this product offers a very easy and safe way of cutting and filing. The durability of this product is enhanced with the presence of a high impact motor house.

The high-impact plastic housing is design to keep the sharpener cool enough even while in use. However, there are some people who do not like the fact that the plastic cover is somehow quite smooth and lacks any textured grip. Moreover, this sharpener can work well both outdoors and indoors.

Pros
  • Stays cool while operational.
  • Very portable
  • Easy to operate
  • Has a 72-inch long cord.
  • Has a high impact motor house
Cons
  • Lacks a textured grip on the plastic.
  • Makes noise when in operation.

Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Chainsaw Sharpener

Before making the final decision to buy a certain type of chainsaw sharpener, you need to take a keen look at the factors that need to be considered before making any purchase. The following are some important factors that you must consider.

Electric Chainsaw Sharpener

1. Types Of Chainsaw Sharpener

When you decide to buy a chainsaw sharpener, you must understand that there are different types of chainsaw sharpeners. The most common types of chainsaw sharpeners are the handheld file, the bar mounted type and the electric.

  • Handheld File Sharpener

This is the best-known one that normally comes to the minds of most people when we talk about chainsaw sharpeners. It is a very basic type of sharpener as suggested by its name. It is just a simple file for sharpening which comes in different diameters so that it can suit various chain sizes.

They are the simplest to use because you simply need to run them over the tips of your chain and get the chain sharpened. You will, however, need some muscle power as well as precision to carry out the movement successfully.

A lot of care has to be taken as well to ensure that the chain’s cutting angle is not damaged. This basically means that the process of sharpening the chainsaw is normally slow and consumes a lot of time.

  • Bar Mounted Sharpener

 Granberg G1012XT PRECISION GRINDER

Bar mounted sharpeners perform much better than handheld file sharpeners even they are not electric. They are known to offer a better sharpening process as compared to the handheld ones. Such sharpeners need a flat and somehow stable platform such as a table or workbench in order to be used effectively.

They normally have the knobs that you can use in setting the saw in accordance with depth and filing angle specified by the manufacturers. A hand crank is normally needed to move the chain through the sharpener after it has been set in place when dealing with these sharpeners.

In as much as these sharpeners allow you to get a somehow more precise sharpening without having to worry so much about control and precision, you will need to remove the chain before it can be sharpened. This often leads to extended periods of downtime for most chainsaw users.

  • Electric Chainsaw Sharpener

These are the most efficient, fastest and most precise among the three types of chainsaw sharpeners. Most professionals love using electric as compared to the other two types above. They are also very easy to use and require almost no muscle power when doing the sharpening.

2. Construction

It makes no sense at all spending so much of your hard earned money on a very expensive chainsaw sharpener and be shocked to see it break apart after just a few months. So you need to pay so much attention to the material that has been used to construct the sharpener. The quality of construction matters a lot and that is why you only need to go for high-quality products.

An ideal chainsaw sharpener should be able to withstand being used regularly and should also be rugged enough to survive the typical abuse expected from a job site. For those looking for something capable of withstanding wear and tear for long then you should go for heavy-duty metal construction and avoid those cheap plastic made products.

3. Power

This applies mostly when buying electric chainsaw sharpeners and not the handheld ones. A more powerful sharpener will sharpen with a lot of efficiencies. Because various models of electric sharpeners normally have different motor sizes ranging from 75 to 300 Watts, you will expect them to perform differently.

However, you also need to know that a more powerful motor costs more as compared to a less powerful one. You also need to check the motor’s RPM because the higher the RPM then it means that the sharpener will be sharpening the chains somehow faster.

Oregon 310-120 Bench Mounted Mini Saw Chain Grinder

4. Chain Size

Different chain sizes need different chainsaw sharpeners more so when dealing with handheld file sharpeners. That is why before settling for any type of sharpener, you need to ensure that it is the recommended one for the particular type of chains you want to sharpen.

It is good to realize that most majority of modern electric sharpeners are adjustable to handle various chain sizes and will be ideal if you possess several chain sizes.

5.  Cost

There is always a general belief among most people that expensive things are the best. How true this is varies from one individual to the other.

While the most expensive chainsaw sharpener will most likely satisfy your needs, there are some which are cheaper and can still serve the same purpose.

You should make sure you buy a chainsaw sharpener that will not interfere with your financial stability. However, most expensive ones tend to be better, long lasting and reliable. It is still possible to get high performing chainsaw sharpeners at relatively low prices though.

Obviously, if you use your chainsaw just a few times each year and tend to go through 2 or three chains, it would not make sense to purchase a highly expensive sharpener.

6. Experience

Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit

Experience is a very important factor when choosing a given type of chainsaw sharpener to buy. You need to buy a chainsaw sharpener that you have some experience operating because this will improve your efficiency, minimize cases of injuries and result in greater results.

While there is no problem buying a product that you have no experience using as you can learn as times goes by. You should choose one that is easy to use even for beginners. An easy to use the electric model can be a good option

If you can get one that you have some experience that would be a better option. This is because you won’t need to waste your precious time and energy trying to figure out how to use a particular sharpener effectively.

7. Frequency Of Use

The frequency with which you will be using your chainsaw must always have a great impact on the ideal chainsaw sharpener to buy.

If you are planning to use your chainsaw quite frequently then you will need to sharpen it more often and in that case, the electric sharpeners are the best.

While acquiring one is not a simple walk through the park, doing so is worth it because it will hasten the sharpening process and provide more precision and consistency.

However, if you are that type that does not use your chainsaw quite often then a handheld file should just be fine and come in handy.

Summary

In order to keep your chainsaw in an optimum performance position, you need to take good care of it. An ideal chainsaw sharpener is all to keep chainsaw in its top shape. Everything that you need to acquire an ideal chainsaw sharpener has been discussed in this article.

While all these products will perform according to your expectations, Oregon 410-120 Bench or Wall Mounted Saw Chain Grinder qualifies as the best chainsaw sharpener that we would like to recommend to any person who is undecided on which product to buy.

This is because of so many reasons including being to mount on a wall or a bench. It has adjustments that are easy to use as well. It can also sharpen for multiple chain sizes.

Our second recommended chainsaw sharpener would be STIHL 2 in 1 Easy File Chainsaw Chain Sharpener 3/8-inch P which can easily be attached to the guide bar. It can also sharpen various chainsaw pitches and doesn’t require power to be operated. It is also portable and durable as well.

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