Best Chainsaw Sharpeners in 2020

Recommended

Katzco Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit

Overall Rating: 4.9/5

This sharpener comes with a range of different files suited to meeting all your chainsaw sharpening needs. It features the premium fine tooth flat and the round files for fast filing and cutting. The included depth gauge tool, on the other hand, helps to measure the gauge depth while filing.

Oregon 410-120 120V Bench/Wall Mounted Sharpener

Overall Rating: 4.8/5

It is a universal sharpener that gives you an excellent sharpening performance up to .404 pitch chains. This electric sharpener comes accessorized with a grinder, a dressing brick, and a quick check grinding template.

Granberg Bar-Mount Chain Saw Sharpener

Overall Rating: 4.4/5

This particular Granberg model offers an incredibly fast operation. It has an adjustable chain that ensures efficient use and operation. It’s also compatible with any file size, and you can mount it anywhere when sharpening.

The proper maintenance of your chainsaw begins with keeping its blades sharpened. However, this is not easy without the best chainsaw sharpeners to do the job for you. Chains wear down quickly when in use, but you remain assured of a sharp chainsaw with regular sharpening. Using a chainsaw sharpener means you’ll never have to worry about having dull blades while you’re working.

Chainsaw sharpeners are handy tools to own if you often use your chainsaw. A well-sharpened chainsaw stays in good cutting shape, hence giving you clean cuts when doing tree felling, limbing, bucking, and pruning. Therefore, it is essential to have a chainsaw sharpener as primary care for the saw blades and chains. This care also helps keep your chainsaw from having to work hard. If you’re unable to handle the job, we recommend using .

There are numerous options for chainsaws available in the market today. However, their different suitability means not all of them will work best for you. Some will help in situations like household projects, professional landscaping, or general fieldwork. That’s why we’ve made your work easier by recommending these top picks currently available in the market.

These selection below tends to find chainsaw sharpeners that will offer you optimal performance. Not only do they fulfill their intended purposes, but are also available at the most reasonable prices. That said, here is a review of each product and how they’re well suited in keeping your chainsaws sharp.

1. Katzco Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit

Specifications

Brand

Katzco

Power Source

Manual

File Sizes

5/32” 3/16” 7/32”

Weight

1.7 lbs.

Dimensions

3 x 1 x 2 inches

Pros:

  • Offers you value for money

  • Easy to use

  • It has a decent quality.

  • It comes in a complete sharpening kit.

  • Great portability

Cons:

  • Requires knowledge of filing

  • Files and attachments have different qualities.

Verdict

The Katzco Chainsaw Sharpener is your best value pick for the money. It comes with a variety of accessories in its complete kit. This complete set of accessories include a hardwood stain and finish handle, flat fine-tooth file, filing guide, carrying pouch, and a depth-gauge tool.

This sharpener comes with a range of different files suited to meeting all your chainsaw sharpening needs. It features the premium fine tooth flat and the round files for fast filing and cutting. The included depth gauge tool, on the other hand, helps to measure the gauge depth while filing.

Furthermore, it has file sizes of 5/32, 3/16, and 7/32 inches for grinding the chainsaw’s chains. These fine-tooth chainsaw files have a hardwood handle that can attach to any of them. The handle is well-stained and wood-finished, allowing a comfortable grip when the files are in use. The Katzco Sharpener is affordable and offers easy grinding and sharpening of your chainsaw in the most efficient way.


2. Oregon 410-120 120V Bench/Wall Mounted Sharpener

Specifications

Brand

Oregon

Power Source

Electric

File Sizes

1/4″, 3/8″, 0.325″, .404″

Weight

17 lbs.

Dimensions

15.25 x 11.8 x 8.6 inches

Pros:

  • Highly accurate

  • Easy to adjust and use

  • Built-in light

  • Inbuilt one-way motor rotation for safety

  • Durable

Cons:

  • Permanently mounted

  • Requires removal of the chain

Verdict

The Oregon 410-120V Chainsaw Sharpener is one of the popular picks that come with a one-year warranty. It is a universal sharpener that gives you an excellent sharpening performance up to .404 pitch chains. This electric sharpener comes accessorized with a grinder, a dressing brick, and a quick check grinding template. It also has three grinding wheels that provide accurate sharpening.

The Sharpener can be mounted on either a bench or wall, making it more convenient to use. It is also built for safe use, thanks to its one-way motor rotation that guarantees operator safety. The Oregon Chainsaw Sharpener features multiple adjustments that ensure precise sharpening and depth gauge measurement. Its chain pitch of up to 0.404 inch is far better than other electric models. 

The sharpener is highly durable, and it is ideal for regular use while helping you save on costs. If you’re a logger or a homeowner who regularly cuts wood, this the best sharpener for you. It will ensure your chainsaw stays in shape, with blades that are ever sharp.


3. Granberg Bar-Mount Chain Saw Sharpener

Specifications

Brand

Granberg

Power Source

Manual

File Sizes

Files not included

Weight

1.05 lbs.

Dimensions

12.5 x 7 x 1.5 inches

Pros:

  • Compatible with many models

  • Easy to use

  • Lightweight

  • Adjustable chain

  • Easy to assemble

Cons:

  • No files included

  • Does not accommodate different bar thicknesses

Verdict

Granberg G-106B is the best bar-mounted model on the market that comes with a manual operation. This sharpener stands out among others due to its durability and effectiveness. It is made of aluminum and steel, guaranteeing countless years of use. This sharpener is among the models that have stayed long in the market, with many people still opting for it.

This particular Granberg model offers an incredibly fast operation. It has an adjustable chain that ensures efficient use and operation. It’s also compatible with any file size, and you can mount it anywhere when sharpening. The innovative design used to make it ensures continued use on any chainsaw model.

If you need a sharpener that gives your chainsaw consistently sharpened blades, then look no farther than this model. You can also carry it around when heading into the woods, as it is relatively small and lightweight.


4. Buffalo Tools ECSS Electric Chainsaw Sharpener

Specifications

Brand

Buffalo Tools

Power Source

Electric

File Sizes

4-1/4″ x 1/8″ Grinding Wheel

Weight

4.11 lbs.

Dimensions

13.5 x 9.5 x 6.25 inches

Pros:

  • It is easily adjustable.

  • It is easy to mount on a wall or bench.

  • Offers high grinding speeds

  • Delivers efficient operation

  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Not ideal for novice users

  • No efficient when sharpening specific chain gauges

Verdict

Buffalo Tools Electric Chainsaw Sharpener is one of the cheapest electric sharpeners available. However, this doesn’t compromise on its delivery. It has a powerful 85-watt motor that ensures high grinding speeds, hence faster sharpening of chainsaws. Its 4 1/4- x 1/8-inch high-quality grinding wheel with a 7/8-inch arbor  leaves a clean finish as it sharpens any chainsaw.

Its electric design means you can easily adjust the chain pitch as per your requirement. The chainsaw can be mounted on a wall or workbench, depending on where it gives you the best convenience you need. This is your ideal pick of a chainsaw sharpener that guarantees excellent performance. It will deliver a relatively simpler and more efficient operation within a short time.


5. STIHL 2 In 1 Easy File Chainsaw Chain Sharpener

Specifications

Brand

Stihl

Power Source

Manual

File Sizes

Not included

Weight

1.2 lbs.

Dimensions

14 x 2.6 x 0.9 inches

Pros:

  • It is sturdy and with good design.

  • Affordable

  • Good option for beginners

  • Easy and straightforward to use

  • Easy to remove files for cleaning

Cons:

  • Limited to one chain size

  • Not efficient for use on modern chainsaw brands

Verdict

The STIHL 2-IN-1 Chainsaw Sharpener works best for infrequent users who just seek to maintain their chainsaws’ sharpness. It is a practical tool for use if you want to quickly sharpen the teeth and depth gauge of a chainsaw in a single step. The sharpener comes in two round files, one flat file, a unique file holder, and a filing guide. 

It is a perfect pick if you need an easy to use sharpener at home. Using this doesn’t need any sharpening know-how in order to deliver consistent results. Its variety of available files in different sizes allows it to work with many chainsaw types and brands. The files are also easily removable for cleaning.

The sharpener also features a tough and well-designed construction that ranks it among the best manual chainsaw sharpeners. You can easily carry it around when working with your chainsaw, thanks to its lightweight nature.

Chainsaw Sharpener Buying Guide

It’s also worth noting that chainsaw sharpeners come in two types. The electric models are much faster, and they help you cut a lot of time down. The more invasive electric models can handle the tasks in seconds, albeit with some modifications to your chainsaw. 

The manual chainsaw sharpeners are easier to work with. However, they’ll relatively take much time to finish tasks as compared to the electric models. They also require you to apply force when sharpening the blades. Manual chainsaws are only beneficial due to their lesser chances of causing accidents. They are also affordable. 

Regardless of the type of chainsaw sharpener you prefer, there are factors to consider. These include some of the qualities to look out for. Below is our provided features and qualities that should inform your buying decision.

1
Power

Power is an important consideration, especially when buying an electric chainsaw sharpener. Different sharpeners have different ranges of power measured in watts. The more powerful the sharpener is, the more effective it is at sharpening.

Most electric sharpeners have a power range between 100-350 watts. With this, choose a sharpener that is powerful enough to generate high RPM. This translates to high speeds of sharpening.

2
Material

Before opting for a particular sharpener, you should first consider its quality and how long it can serve you. Regarding its use, the chainsaw sharpener should be capable of withstanding wear and tear. Choose a sharpener, preferably made with heavy-duty metal, and that which can survive long hours of use.

Chainsaw sharpeners that are in regular use will often wear out quickly and at a faster rate. However, a durable and reliable one ensures consistency, hence saving you from spending further just to give you the chainsaw sharpness you need. You should always strive to find one that comes with a warranty.

3
Chain Pitch

Before you purchase a chainsaw sharpener, it is better to scrutinize its chain pitch. Not all chainsaw sharpeners can sharpen different chain sizes. Check out the particular chain of your chainsaw and find out which sharpeners can work on it.

A few sharpeners are also restricted to a specific size, whereas other models can sharpen multiple chain sizes. Most manual models have restrictions to sharpen particular chain sizes. However, most electric chainsaw sharpeners can be adjusted to handle various chain sizes.

4
Portability

A portable chainsaw sharpener allows you to perform sharpening from anywhere. You can carry it to your workshop or have it with you in the woods when cutting logs. In this case, manual sharpeners are the most preferred. They usually have small designs that allow easy carriage. These models also require no electricity to operate.

Though some electric models are also portable, most of them mainly require permanent mounting somewhere. It’s also needless to carry them around as they depend on electricity.

Conclusion

Chainsaws are not different from any other tools. They also experience wear and tear when subjected to continued use. As a result, you need to keep them maintained by sharpening their cutting blades and chains. The chainsaw sharpener models reviewed on this list work best in offering the best sharpening to your chainsaws. It is our hope this guide will help you find the best chainsaw sharpeners for your intended needs.

FAQs

How often should I sharpen my chainsaw?

It depends on how often you use your chainsaw. Regularly used chainsaws require frequent sharpening.  However, opt for electric sharpeners if your chainsaw needs regular sharpening.

Why is s chainsaw sharpener important?

A chainsaw sharpener is essential because it keeps the chainsaw sharp. Keeping chainsaw blades and chains sharpened is also one way of maintaining the effectiveness of the chainsaw.

Does too much sharpening destroy chainsaw blades?

Keeping chainsaw blades sharpened is always essential. However, chainsaws need not be sharpened more than five times before replacing.

Are electric chainsaw sharpeners safe for prolonged use?

Electric chainsaw sharpeners are effective when used for sharpening. However, manual ones are safer, mainly because you’re the one in charge, hence little chances for mishaps.