The 10 Best Chainsaw Sharpeners
If you spend a lot of time outdoors cutting down trees or working with lumber, you know the importance of having a good chainsaw – but have you discovered the best chainsaw sharpener to use with your machine? Using a chainsaw sharpener means you’ll be able to work more consistently and accurately because you’ll never have to worry about having dull blades while you’re working outdoors.
Additionally, you’ll be able to extend the longevity of your chain and save a lot of money in the long run. Most people make the mistake of just throwing their chainsaw blade away and buying a new one, but this is extremely costly and wasteful.
By simply investing in the best chainsaw sharpener, you’ll be able to save big time and spend more time working instead of seeking out new chains. Never heard of one before? That’s okay! In this guide, we’ll explain the basic uses of one, the differences between a manual and electrically operated one, and give you a list of the the 10 best chainsaw sharpeners on the market today!
Table of Contents
- View the Best Chainsaw Sharpener for the Money, Below.
- 1. STIHL 2 IN 1 EASY FILE Chainsaw Sharpener
- 2. Oregon 520-120 Bench Chain Grinder
- 3. Granberg Bar-Mount Sharpener
- 4. Timber Tuff CS-BWM Benchtop Sharpener
- 5. Blue Max 5655 Bench Sharpener
- 6. Oregon 30846 12-Volt Sharpener
- 7. Sportsman Earth Series Chainsaw Sharpener
- 8. Husqvarna 653000035 Chain Sharpener
- 9. ELECTRIC GRINDER Chainsaw Sharpener
- 10. SDMS Chainsaw Sharpener
- Buyers Guide Questions
- Top Pick
- Premium Choice
- Great Value
View the Best Chainsaw Sharpener for the Money, Below.
1. STIHL 2 IN 1 EASY FILE Chainsaw Sharpener
Read Customer Reviews Here »
The STIHL 2 in 1 Easy File Chainsaw Sharpener is a great tool that we’d recommend to anyone who needs a reliable cutter sharpener that doesn’t weigh too much and is easy to transport from place to place. The design is small and compact. It is also incredibly light , weighing in at about 12 ounces and could even be carried to and from your workplace in your pocket. You’ll love the consistency and accuracy of this device and its ability to help you sharpen your chain cutters quickly and efficiently. You’ll be able to focus more on your work instead of the tedious tool maintenance process and be ready to get going in no time.
Why We Like It
- Is small and easy to transport
- Ideal for occasional users
- Produces accurate results
- Is great for people who work in the field or areas that don’t have a readily available power source
- Can be fit into a pocket
2. Oregon 520-120 Bench Chain Grinder
Read Customer Reviews Here »
The Oregon 520-120 Bench Saw Chain Grinder is a great tool that will help you get your blades back into working condition in no time. The grinder is one of the top tools available for workers who work near a studio or on onsite locations, or for people who work with multiple chain sizes. The Oregon 520-120 Bench Saw Chain Grinder has three different grinding wheels to help you get your cutters back into pristine working condition. It also comes with a handy built in light that allows you to check your work and make sure you’re sharpening each cutter at the exact same angle and sharpness. It’s one of the top stationery sharpeners on the market and we highly recommend it to anyone who does their work from a shop or studio.
Why We Like It
- Can sharpen a ¼ inch or ⅜ low profile
- Can sharpen a .325 inch full profile
- Can sharpen a .404 inch pitch chain
- Has a dressing brick
- Has three different grinding wheels to work with
- Has a built in light
- Has a self centering chain vise
3. Granberg Bar-Mount Sharpener
Read Customer Reviews Here »
The Granberg Bar-Mount Saw Chain Sharpener is an excellent machine for anyone looking to make a budget buy that still has all the quality and productivity of a top tier device. The innovative design allows you to sharpen the cutters on any standard sized chain pitch and will help you to file all cutters down at the same angle and same sharpness every time. You’ll be able to finish sharpening your chain within minutes and because of the lightweight design, transporting the device from place to place is an easy task. The Granberg Bar-Mount Sharpener is a top notch device and is the top choice for anyone looking for a great tool on a budget.
Why We Like It
- Extremely light weight
- Works quickly and efficiently
- Adjust to any standard chain pitch sizes
- Perfect for people who work outdoors or have to move frequently to different locations during their workday.
4. Timber Tuff CS-BWM Benchtop Sharpener
Read Customer Reviews Here »
The Timber Tuff CS-BWM Benchtop Saw Chain Sharpener is an excellent tool for any craftsman and is one of the leading stationary tools to help you sharpen your cutters quickly and efficiently. The device runs off of an electric charge and is great for making fast and accurate cuts and filing the blades down to pristine working conditions. It runs off of a 110 Volt motor equip with thermo-overload protection technology to keep you safe while you work on getting your chain back into working condition. The sharpener can reach speeds of up to 3,600 rpm and will enable you to spend more time working instead of doing maintenance on your tools.
Why We Like It
- Works quickly and accurately
- Has a powerful 110 volt motor
- Has a built in overhead light
- Is able to sharpen three different chain pitch sizes
- Comes with thermo-overload protection technology
- Can attain speeds of up to 3,600 rpm
5. Blue Max 5655 Bench Sharpener
Read Customer Reviews Here »
The Blue Max 5655 Bench Sharpener is definitely one of the leading tools on the market for people who need to be able to sharpen their chainsaw blades on the go. It enables them to get their cutters back into pristine working condition in record time thanks to the innovative technology and great design. The Blue Max 5655 Sharpener is able to ensure accurate results every time thanks to the rebound plate built into the device and runs off an electric power source. Investing in the Blue Max 5655 Bench Sharpener is one of the best decisions a contractor could make - we highly recommend it to anyone who needs a fast and accurate tool to help them get their cutters in working condition again.
Why We Like It
- Runs off electric power source
- Speeds up to 4200 RPM
- Works efficiently and accurately
- Has a rebound plate to ensure consistent results
- Helps save on time and money
6. Oregon 30846 12-Volt Sharpener
Read Customer Reviews Here »
We love the Oregon 30846 12-Volt Chainsaw Sharpener for its innovative design that helps workers have a versatile tool that is more than capable of getting the job done right. The device helps to sharpen down three different chain pitch sizes and works off of a 12 volt battery. However, it also comes with a power converter that allows you to work from a more stationary power source should the need arise. The Oregon 30946 also comes with a built in depth guage that helps not only to ensure that your cutters are in pristine working condition, but that they’re also properly aligned to create the finest cutting results. It is small, compact, affordable, and one of the best investments anyone could choose to make.
Why We Like It
- Comes with three sharpening stones
- Can be used at home or in remote locations
- Works off a 12 volt battery
- Can also work with a power converter
- Comes with a large power cord
- Comes with a built in depth guage
7. Sportsman Earth Series Chainsaw Sharpener
Read Customer Reviews Here »
We love the design of the Sportsman Earth Series Electric Chainsaw Sharpener. It is a powerful machine that will allow you to stay on top of your work demands by always having pristinely sharpened cutters that will quickly, accurately, and efficiently cut through your work materials. The Sportsman Earth Series Electric tool is one of the best of its kind and has the ability to sharpen both semi-chisel and chisel style cutters thanks to the tilting vise built into the machine. You’ll also appreciate the easy to operate design that makes this tool great for both novices and seasoned veterans. The Sportsman Earth Series Electric tool will help you save a lot of time and money, as well as make tool maintenance an easy task instead of a tedious process.
Why We Like It
- Is an electrically powered machine
- Made with durable materials
- Comes with built in overhead work light
- Comes with long lasting grinding wheels
- Can accommodate both semi-chisel and chisel style cutters
- Will help you save on time and money
- Easy operation
8. Husqvarna 653000035 Chain Sharpener
Read Customer Reviews Here »
The Husqvarna 653000035 Chain Sharpener is a great tool for anyone who needs a reliable device that can keep up with their busy schedule. You’ll be able to easily transport the device and use it to sharpen the cutters on your chain quickly and efficiently. The tool allows for easy operation regardless of how familiar you are with operating a chainsaw and will help you keep your cutters in pristine cutting shape. You’ll be able to use the tool quickly and effectively so that you’ll be able to focus on getting back to work instead of using all your time to make your your tools are in tip top shape. You’ll be able to save on time and money by investing in this budget tool and keep your chainsaw in perfect working condition.
Why We Like It
- Small device
- Easy to transport
- Extremely light weight
- Budget tool
9. ELECTRIC GRINDER Chainsaw Sharpener
Read Customer Reviews Here »
The ELECTRIC GRINDER Chainsaw Sharpener is one of the finest devices you can invest in if you need a stationary tool sharpener. It has the ability to adjust its settings in a way that allows it to sharpen all of the chain types and pitches you’ll encounter. You’ll be able to easily scale all of the chains you measure as well thanks to the measures taken to include it into the design by the manufacturers. This device will prove to be one of the greatest you’ve ever used and will help you sharpen your chain cutters in a matter of minutes. Â
Why We Like It
- Electric powered
- Can adjust to sharpen all pitches
- Allows you to easily measure and position chain
- Can mount to most surfaces (bench, wall, vise, and work table)
- Has a sturdy grinding wheel
10. SDMS Chainsaw Sharpener
Read Customer Reviews Here »
The SDMS Sharpener is a great tool that we’d recommend to anyone in need of a solid and reliable sharpening tool. It is incredibly simple to use regardless of your knowledge of chainsaws or experience in operating them and is extremely lightweight. This also makes the tool easy to transport from location to location, so it’s a great tool for people who find themselves on the move quite frequently when they work and are unable to find easy access to a garage or workshop while on the job. It is also built from sturdy materials that ensure that it will be able to last and prove to be a reliable tool for you to use. The SDMS is truly the best Chainsaw Sharpener of its kind, which is why we chose it as our top choice.
Why We Like It
- Works quickly and efficiently
- Is easy to transport
- Is simple to use
- Can sharpen each cutter in seconds
- Made from durable and sturdy materials
- Will help you save both time and money by protecting your investment
Buyers Guide Questions
How do you Sharpen a Chainsaw?
Chainsaws are sometimes intimidating machines – especially when it comes to maintenance of the device. Many people have concerns when it comes to cleaning, repairing, or maintaining their chainsaw chain, but many of these processes are actually fairly simple and straightforward. This is especially true for sharpening saw chains – perhaps the most intimidating maintenance prospect when it comes to taking care of the device. and having a chainsaw sharpener is always handy to have.
Many people make the mistake of buying new blades when their chainsaw becomes dull and stop cutting through wood properly, however, using a sharpener is an easy process and will help you save lots of money in the future! To start, you’re going to need a pair of thick and durable gloves that will be able to protect your hands while you work to sharpen the saw. Next, you’ll need to engage the chain brake so the chain won’t move while you work and clamp the bar nose securely so you can use both hands to work. Click here for our full how to guide.
What you do next will depend on what type of kit you have. If you have a manual kit, you’ll need to place the guide that comes with the kit down on the rivets of the chain. The arrows on the guide should face downwards towards the nose of the bar. Now take the file in the kit and follow the angle that is directed by the guide. It should only take a few strokes until you see a shiny silver gleam on the metal and are ready to move on to the next cutter.
If you’re using a bench sharpener, you’ll need to set the chainsaw up underneath the device and then simply turn the motor on. After the bench sharpener has filed down enough of the cutter, turn the motor off, adjust the chain, and turn the device back on.
You’ll complete this process over and over again until you’ve managed to sharpen all of the cutters on the chain. If you’re working with a handheld electric sharpener, you’ll need to use the guide to get the right angle on the cutters.
Since is is handheld, it is less exact than the bench sharpener and will require a bit more effort to keep the angle consistent – which you’ll need if you want the greatest results from your saw. Once you’ve completed the section you’re working with, you’ll need to set down your tool, disengage the chain brake, move the chain forward, and repeat the process. Once you’ve completed one entire side of the chainsaw, you’ll need to turn the chainsaw around so you are able to sharpen the other side of the cutters.
Now that you’ve completed these steps, you’re almost done with preparing your chainsaw. The next thing you need to do is find a depth gauge. It should come with the kit and you should be able to use it to help readjust the height of your cutters. Hold the depth gauge up to your cutters to make sure they are the correct height.
If any of them are too high above the gauge, you’ll need to use the tool to file them back down to their proper height so you’ll be able to use your chainsaw properly. Not doing this and having cutters that are too high means that the cutters won’t be able to reach the wood and you’ll have an ineffective tool.
That’s it! Your chainsaw should be good to go until the next time you need to refuel it. To make sure that the blades stay sharp for as long as possible, try to avoid getting dirt on the cutters. Doing this will improve the longevity of the cutters and help you save on costs later on.
How does a Chainsaw Sharpener Work?
There are several different types of sharpeners – all of which work very effectively. However, using an electric chainsaw sharpeners has proven to be more useful because they work more accurately and extend the longevity of the blade life on your chain. Manual chain sharpeners work by providing you with a guide that shows you the correct angle to file the cutters with. Â You then move the file across the guide and sharpen the cutters in this manner.
Electric chain sharpeners work differently. There are two types of electric chain sharpeners – bench sharpeners and handheld sharpeners. They both work in the ways in which you’d suspect – the bench sharpener is stationary (normally on a work spot like a bench) and the handheld sharpener is operated by holding the device in your hand and moving it to sharpen the cutters on your chainsaw.
However, there are a few other things you should know. Bench sharpeners are more accurate because they allow you to sharpen your cutters while stationary, therefore giving you more control. To work a bench sharpener, simply set up and secure your chainsaw, turn the motor on so the cutters can be filed, turn the motor off, adjust the chain on the chainsaw, and repeat the process.
It’s a fairly easy and straightforward process, but you will need to make sure that you don’t file the cutters down too low – doing this could ruin your chain or make it dangerous to operate. Handheld sharpeners work by using a spinning disc to file down the cutters on your chainsaw and using a guide to help you keep an accurate angle.
However, since this is a handheld device, you’ll need to give this task your full concentration in order to make sure that you’re able to complete your task without using the wrong angle. Filing the cutters down at the wrong angle will mess with the device’s accuracy and capability, so you’ll want to try to avoid this issue.
What is the Angle for Sharpening a Stihl Chainsaw?
If you’re sharpening a Stihl chainsaw, you’re going to need to be precise and accurate with your technique. To properly sharpen a Stihl chainsaw blade, hold the file at a perfect right angle (90 degrees) and guide the file across the cutters at a 30 degree angle. This is parallel to the Stihl service mark on their brand of cutters and will give you the best results.
What is the Best Professional Chainsaw Sharpener?
There are a lot of great professional chainsaw sharpening models on the market, but in our opinion, the best would have to be the Timberline model. The design is small, light, compact, and easy to transport when you’re doing work in remote locations. Additionally, it makes it very simple to sharpen your chainsaw cutters regardless of how much experience you have with operating a chainsaw. With the quick turn of a handle, the cutter blades on your tool will be returned to perfect sharpness and ready to get back to work in a matter of minutes!
How Tight Should a Chainsaw Chain Be?
Chainsaws naturally loosen as you use them throughout a workday. However, although it’s a normal occurrence, you still need to be aware of its happening and take measures to adjust your chainsaw chain whenever it gets too loose. Not doing this could lead the chain to fall off the bar nose and create a dangerous situation for you.
Checking to see if a chainsaw has the proper tension is a fairly easy and straightforward process. Simply pull at the chain to test how it reacts. If the chain is loose enough to be pulled up but tight enough that the drive links remain engaged in the bar nose, you’ve got perfect chain tension! However, if you go to pull the chain and it’s too tight to move or when it moves it disengages the drive links, you’ll need to readjust the tension to make sure you’re being safe when you operate the machine (safe chainsaw chaps can help).
How do you Tighten the Chain on a Chainsaw?
If when you tested the chain your saw and found that the tension needed to be readjusted you’re taking a step in the right direction. Now it’s time to learn how to adjust your chainsaw so that you’ll be able to get back to work. You’ll need to start by loosening the nut on the guide bar side panel. If you’re working with a chainsaw that has the brake attached to the side panel you’ll need to unlock it before you’re able to do this.
Once you’ve accomplished that, find the tensioning screws. They should be located to the side of the guide bars on your chainsaw. Once you find them, you can make the necessary adjustments to the saw tension. If the chain tension was too loose, adjust the settings by turning the screws to the right. This will tighten the chain.
If the chain tension was too tight, turn the screws to the left to loosen the tension. Once you’ve made your adjustments check the tension again. If you’ve corrected the tension you can work on tightening the nut on the side panel again – if not work to adjust the screws until the problem is fixed.
You’ll also want to be careful when tightening the side panel nut. It is imperative that you lift the nose of your chainsaw while you tighten the side panel nut. Failing to do this could be damaging to your machine and make for dangerous operation of the device.
Top Pick
The Stihl 2 in 1 Easy file is a great buy for anyone who wants to be able to sharpen their chainsaw in the field or on the go. The device only weighs about a pound and is very easy to transport with the rest of the work tools you take with you. The STIHL 2 in 1 Filing Guide simplifies the process of sharpening your saw chain by completing two functions at once – sharpening your saw chain cutters and lowering your depth gauges. The system includes two round files, one flat file, and comes with a unique file holder and filing guide.
The Oregon 520-120 Bench Saw Chain Grinder is an excellent tool to use if you want to be able to have access to a sharpener that can handle more than one blade pitch size. Click here to find out which size you need. This Oregon model happens to be able to sharpen three different sizes quickly, accurately, and efficiently. You’ll be able to get your tool maintenance done quickly so you can spend more time on the job at hand and save countless dollars by being able to accurately sharpen your cutter blades in a way that will help them to last longer than manual files can. It’s quick and easy to use and you’ll be able to complete the sharpening even faster than you could by doing the job manually.
Great Value
The Granberg Bar-Mount model is a great choice if you’re needing to invest in a high quality tool without straying off too far from your set budget. It allows you to get your job done quickly with its proven design and even work to fit multiple chain pitch sizes. The design can fit any standard chain pitch size which helps you if you have more than one chainsaw to work with. The tool is also very lightweight and easy to transport, making it a great investment and one that will pay for itself quickly. We also have a review on track saws here.