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 sharp chainsaw. But have you discovered the best chainsaw sharpener to use with your machine? Having a chainsaw sharpener on hand means you can work more consistently and accurately because you’ll never have to worry about dull blades.

Additionally, you’ll extend the longevity of your chain and save a lot of money in the long run. Most people make the mistake of 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 spend more time working instead of seeking out new chains.

Never heard of one before? That’s okay! Check out our best chainsaw sharpener reviews for basic uses, extra features, and the differences between manual chainsaw sharpeners and electrically operated ones. We’ll give you a list of the 10 best chainsaw sharpeners on the market!

If you’re still stuck, our handy buyer’s guide should help you find you find the best overall chainsaw sharpener for your needs.

Find the perfect tool, whatever your sharpening process.

View the Best Chainsaw Sharpener for the Money, Below.

• Oregon Chainsaw Field Sharpening Kit
• Oregon 410-120 Chain Grinder
• Oregon 23727 3/16-Inch Chainsaw File
• STIHL 2 IN 1 EASY FILE Chainsaw Sharpener
• Granberg Bar-Mount Sharpener
• Oregon 25894 Chainsaw Chain File
• Oregon 575214 Handheld Chainsaw Chain Sharpener/Grinder
• Buffalo Tools ECSS Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
• Husqvarna 531300081 Saw Chain Filing Kit
• Timber Tuff CS-BWM Benchtop Sharpener

1. Oregon Chainsaw Field Sharpening Kit

Best Chainsaw Sharpener with Seven Files

The Oregon Chainsaw Field Sharpening Kit comes with everything you need to ensure your saw chain stays remarkably sharp. This handy kit contains two 5/32” and 3/16” round fine tooth files and a 7/32” round saw.

It also comes with three 5/32”, 3/16”, 7/32” round saw chain files, a 6” flat file, a file guide, and a universal file handle. If you're unsure how to use these files, the kit comes with instructions. You'll find them in the handle pocket of the pouch for reference. Whatever your sharpening process, this manual sharpener will see you through.

2. Oregon 410-120 Chain Grinder

Best Wall or Bench Mount Chain Grinder

The Oregon 420-120 chain grinder can be either wall or bench mounted using only two bolts. The grinder makes sharpening your chainsaw chains effortless. This garage universal sharpener will sharpen up to a .404 pitch chain. You can use it for a wide array of brands such as Oregon, Stihl, and Husqvarna.

This chain grinder features one-way motor rotation rollers for optimum operator safety. The device also has a manual chain vise to hold the chain in the correction position. The kit includes the grinder, operator instructions, two grinding wheels (3.2 mm and 4.7 mm), a flat 6.0 profile disc, and a dressing brick and profile guide.

3. Oregon 23727 3/16-Inch Chainsaw File

Dual File Pack for all your Chain Sharpening Needs

This handy chainsaw file kit comes with two 3/16" (4.8 mm) diameter chainsaw files you can use to file the teeth of a chainsaw chain. They feature a double-cut design, ensuring they each stay sharp for longer and resist clogging. The files fit both the standard file guide and also the Sure Sharp bar-mounted filing guide for precise sharpening. This two-pack of hand-operated files is quick and easy to use. The lightweight design makes this one of the best portable chainsaw sharpeners around.

Some users complain that these files don't include a handle, which makes holding the steel of the file hard. As a result, your hands sweat, and it's difficult to get a good grip for filing force without a handle.

4. STIHL 2 IN 1 EASY FILE Chainsaw Sharpener

Best Sharpener for Transportation

The STIHL 2 in 1 Easy File Chainsaw Sharpener is a great tool for anyone who finds themselves frequently working on projects in remote, outdoor, or limited power access areas. The tool is expertly made with a small and compact design, allowing you to transport it easily from place to place. Additionally, thanks to how lightweight it is, you can carry this STIHL chainsaw sharpener without fatigue. As a result, you can complete your sharpening job quickly and get back to the work at hand.

The STIHL 2 in 1 sharpener is great for people who work on the go. If you need a reliable tool that you can transport without problems, this one's for you. It's a small device; it's only about 8 inches long, weighing about 12 ounces. With this chainsaw sharpener, you’ll be able to focus more on the job instead of worrying about maintaining your tools.

We recommend this tool to anyone who needs a reliable cutter sharpener. This one doesn’t weigh too much and is easy to transport from place to place. You’ll love the consistency and accuracy of this device, ensuring sharp blades whenever you need them. Sharpen your chainsaw properly with the Stihl chainsaw brand.

5. Granberg Bar-Mount Sharpener

Best Tool on a Budget

The Granberg Bar Mount Chain Saw Sharpener is great for people who need a fast and reliable tool to take with them on the job. The design was thoughtfully made, featuring a lot of simple ingenuity. It makes light work of sharpening any dull chainsaw.

This chainsaw sharpening tool is perfect for people who frequently work with chainsaws. You’ll be able to transport the device with minimum effort. Rest easy knowing you can quickly, safely, and accurately sharpen the cutters on your chain.

This chainsaw sharpener enables you to focus more on your work instead of tool maintenance. You can easily use the device on your nose blade and file down your chainsaw teeth to perfect sharpness without too much effort. The design is good for any standard pitch chain size, helping you get your cutters to the proper depth gauge.

The Granberg manual sharpener is also made of strong, durable materials that go the distance without weighing you down. As a result, you’ll hardly notice it's there with you. Keep your machinery in tip-top shape no matter where you go with this chainsaw sharpening tool.

The Granberg Bar Mount Saw Chain Sharpener is an excellent machine for anyone looking to make a budget buy with all the quality and productivity of a top-tier device. If you're worried about your chainsaw sharpener cost, rest easy with this purchase. The innovative design allows you to sharpen the cutters on any standard-sized chain pitch, helping you file all cutters down at the same angle and sharpness every time. It's the top choice for anyone looking for a great tool on a budget.

6. Oregon 25894 Chainsaw Chain File

Single Chainsaw Sharpener with Easy-to-Hold Grip

The Oregon 25894 chainsaw file features a file guide for effortless grip. The grip helps you reach the depths needed when sharpening a chainsaw chain, helping you achieve the correct sharpness. Engraved lines on the file's guide frame help you align the file every time with utmost precision and consistency.

When assembled, the device measure 5/32 inches, including the file and the wooden handle. The file fits firmly in the grip for ideal sharpening efficiency. This round file easily fits between the teeth of the chainsaw chain to sharpen each nook and cranny, creating optimum precision for a superb cut every time.

7. Oregon 575214 Handheld Chainsaw Chain Sharpener/Grinder

Best for Charging On-the-Go

The Oregon 575214 Handheld Chainsaw Sharpener includes a 12-volt car adapter. You can charge your sharpener on the go if you're working in the woods cutting up trees. Sharpen your saw chain anywhere by charging the grinder. Charging is effortless - you can also use alligator clips to charge the grinder using your car or truck battery.

The kit includes 5/32, 3/16, and 7/32 inch sharpening stones along with a collet wrench. There's also an easy-to-adjust guide for optimum accuracy. Each sharpening stone will easily sharpen chainsaws with chains that feature up to a .404" pitch.

The grinder's motor runs at a high-performance speed of 25,000 RPM, making it more powerful than the other electric chainsaw sharpener reviews we've given. Tackle any device with this chainsaw sharpening tool.

8. Buffalo Tools ECSS Electric Chainsaw Sharpener

Easy to Operate Electric Chainsaw Sharpener

The Buffalo Tools ECSS Electric Chainsaw Sharpener can easily mount onto a bench, vise, or wall. It easily adapts to a variety of chain designs.

The chain saw sharpener comes with a 4.5 inch by 1/8 inch grinding wheel. It spins at 4200 RPM.

The sharpener will easily plug into any 120-volt wall outlet. This electric chainsaw sharpener also comes with one grinding wheel. You can replace it when used or worn, or you can purchase additional grinding wheels for different projects. It'll make sharpening chainsaws a breeze.

9. Husqvarna 531300081 Saw Chain Filing Kit

Easiest to Operate Manual Chainsaw Sharpener

Many people prefer old-school manual sharpeners to fix their dull chain. The Husquvarna 531300081 Saw Chain Filing Kit comes complete with everything you need to file your chainsaw's chain. The small kit includes a file handle for ease of gripping when sharpening the chainsaw teeth. It has two round files that fit into the teeth of the saw blade. It also comes with one flat file. Using the combination gauge helps you achieve a correct filing angle for the entire chain filing task. Keeping your chain sharp has never been easier with this manual chainsaw sharpener.

10. Timber Tuff CS-BWM Benchtop Sharpener

Best Tool for Versatility

The Timber Tuff CS-BWM Benchtop Chainsaw Sharpener is a great product for those working in a studio, as it requires an electric power source. The device works quickly and accurately, allowing for precision and excellence in all tasks. Sharpen the cutters on your chain faster than you ever thought possible and resume work in record time.

This electric chainsaw sharpener works well for garages, workshops, or studios due to its compact design. You won’t have to struggle to find space for this tool. It's powered by an impressive 110-volt motor and has an input power of 230 watts! This powerful little motor helps it attain speeds of up to 3,600 RPM, making it a lot faster than other chainsaw sharpeners. It's guaranteed to keep your cutters in pristine condition with minimal effort on your part.

The Timber Tuff CS-BWM is also super versatile. You’ll be able to use the machine on three different chain sizes - ⅛ inch, 3/16 inch, and ¼ inch pitch sizes. This means you can work with a variety of chain pitch sizes without having to switch filing tools.

This chain saw sharpener also comes with a small, built-in light so you can work safely. You'll clearly see any adjustments you need to make to get your cutters in top condition.

This sharpener features adjustment guides to help you attain perfect sharpness. In addition, you’ll never have to worry about the machine overloading, thanks to the thermo-overload protection technology built into the device.

This chain saw sharpener is an excellent tool for any craftsman. Electric sharpeners enable you to spend more time working and less time maintaining your tools.

Buyers Guide Questions

How do you Sharpen a Chainsaw?

Chainsaws are sometimes intimidating machines, especially when it comes to maintenance. Many people have concerns about cleaning or repairing their chainsaw chain, but these processes are actually fairly simple. This is especially true when it comes to the most intimidating maintenance prospect – sharpening saw chains.

Many people make the mistake of buying new blades when their chainsaw becomes dull and stops cutting through wood properly. However, using a sharpener is easy and will save lots of money in the future!

To start, you’ll need a pair of thick and durable gloves. These will protect your hands while you sharpen the saw. Next, you’ll need to engage the chain brake. The chain won’t move, and clamping the bar nose securely means you can use both hands to work. (Click here for our full guide on how.)

What you do next will depend on the type of kit you have. If you have a manual chainsaw sharpener, you’ll need to place the guide that comes with the kit down on the chain’s rivets. 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’s 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. Then, after the bench sharpener has filed down enough of the cutter, turn the motor off, adjust the chain, and turn the device back on.

Complete this process over and over again until you’ve managed to sharpen all 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 it’s handheld, it’s 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. (Check out our review on best track 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. When you’ve completed one entire side of the chainsaw, you’ll need to turn the chainsaw around, so you can sharpen the other side of the cutters.

Now that you’ve completed these steps, you’re almost done. The next thing you need to do is find a depth gauge to help readjust the height of your cutters. It should come with the kit. Next, hold the depth gauge up to your cutters to make sure they’re 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. Otherwise, they 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. To make sure the blades stay sharp for as long as possible, avoid getting dirt on the cutters. Doing this will improve the longevity of the cutters and save on costs later on.

How does a Chainsaw Sharpener Work?

There are several different types of chainsaw sharpeners, all of which work very effectively. However, using an electric chainsaw sharpener has proven to be super useful. They work more accurately and extend the longevity of the blade life on your chain. In contrast, manual chainsaw sharpeners work by providing you with a guide that shows you the correct angle to file the cutters. You then move the file across the guide to sharpen them.

Electric chainsaw sharpeners work differently. There are two types of electric chainsaw sharpeners – bench and handheld. They both work in the ways you’d expect. The bench sharpener is stationary (normally on a work spot like a bench), and you operate a handheld sharpener by holding the device in your hand and moving it to sharpen the cutters.

However, there are a few other things you should know. Bench sharpeners are more accurate because they allow you to sharpen cutters when stationary, giving you more control. To work a bench sharpener, simply set up and secure your chainsaw. Next, turn the motor on to file the cutters. Then, turn the motor off, adjust the chain on the chainsaw, and repeat the process.

It’s a fairly straightforward process, but you’ll need to ensure 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 chainsaw teeth, 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 to complete your task correctly. 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’ll 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 tools on the market.

But in our opinion, the best chainsaw sharpener is small, light, compact, and easy to transport. A portable chainsaw sharpener is perfect when you’re working in remote locations. With the quick turn of a handle, you’ll return the cutter blades on your tool to perfect sharpness and be ready to get back to work in a matter of minutes!

Manual sharpeners are perfect for portability, whereas electric sharpeners are more suited for the shop.

We’ve featured both the best manual chainsaw sharpeners and the best electric chainsaw sharpeners in our reviews, but the best one for you will depend on your sharpening process and needs.

How Tight Should a Chainsaw Chain Be?

Chainsaws naturally loosen as you use them throughout the workday. Although it’s normal, you need to be aware of it and take measures to adjust your chainsaw chain whenever it gets too loose. Forgetting this could lead the chain to fall off the bar nose and create a safety hazard.

Checking to see if a chainsaw has the proper tension is a fairly easy 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 the chain is too tight to move, or if it disengages the drive links, you’ll need to readjust the tension. This step will make sure you’re safe when you operate the machine. Safe chainsaw chaps can also help!

How do you Tighten the Chain on a Chainsaw?

Most chainsaw chains need adjusting from time to time. Don’t worry – tightening your own chainsaw chains doesn’t have to be a hassle. If you’ve tested the chain on your saw and found that you need to readjust the tension, you’re in the right place.

You’ll need to start by loosening the nut on the guide bar side panel. If your chainsaw has the brake attached to the side panel, you’ll need to unlock it before this step.

Once you’ve accomplished that, find the tensioning screws. You’ll find them on the side of the guide bars. Once you find them, you can make the necessary adjustments to the saw tension. If the chain tension is too loose, adjust the settings by turning the screws to the right. This will tighten the chain.

If the chain tension is too tight, turn the screws to the left. 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 you’ve fixed the problem.

You’ll also want to be careful when tightening the side panel nut. You must lift the nose of your chainsaw while you tighten the side panel nut. Failing to do this could damage your machine and cause a safety hazard.

We hope our chainsaw sharpener reviews have helped you find the perfect tool!