Are you looking for the simplest and Best Chainsaw Sharpener to use? If so, you’ve come to the right place. As you probably know, a crucial component of keeping your chainsaw working its best is to sharpen your chainsaw blade often.
However, what is the best way to Sharpen a Chainsaw?
To help you maintain a sharp chainsaw blade, we’ve put together a list of the ten Best Electric Chainsaw Blade Sharpeners and Best Manual Chainsaw Sharpeners in 2023 – all to help you find the best chainsaw sharpening tool for your specific needs.
Best Chainsaw Sharpener For 2023
Editor’s Choice: Stihl 2-in-1 Best Chainsaw Sharpeners
Why We Like It
Anyone who has ever owned one of their tools can tell you that Stihl makes only the highest quality products. This 2-in-1 tool for sharpening blades is no exception – as it sharpens the chainsaw teeth “and” depth at the same time. It will do an excellent job for buyers who need to quickly sharpen a standard .325 chain.
Specs
- File for .325 chains
- Easy to use
- Suitable for commercial and residential use
Our Take Away
Stihl tops our list of best chainsaw sharpeners for homeowners because of its ease of use and superior construction. Even if you’ve never sharpened a chainsaw blade before in your life, this simple-to-use tool will make that process much easier and have you sawing logs in no time.
Stihl 2-In-1 Chainsaw Sharpener Tool – Video Below:
Stihl Chainsaw
Runner Up: Granberg Best Bar – Mounted Chainsaw Sharpeners
Why We Like It
This bar-mounted guide allows you to sharpen any chainsaw blade, making it natural for our list of chainsaw sharpener reviews. Though it doesn’t come with files, you can simply pick up the file you need and use this high-quality guided sharpener to get high-precision sharpening on any chainsaw, regardless of the make or model.
Specs
- Aluminum and steel construction
- Bar mounting
- Made in the USA
Our Take Away
Although you have to buy a file for this chainsaw sharpener separately, the expertly guided sharpener is widely considered the best bar-mounted chainsaw sharpener on the market for putting the best edge on your chainsaw blade. It’s also an excellent option for commercial use since it makes sharpening “any” chainsaw blade fast and easy.
Granberg Chainsaw Sharpener
Best Value: SDMS – Manual Chainsaw Sharpener
Why We Like It
This portable chainsaw sharpener from SDMS is of great value and super easy to use, especially if you use more than one type of chainsaw at home.
Regardless of the chainsaw brand or bar length, you can simply install this whetstone grinder on the end of your chainsaw, start and gently squeeze the trigger on the chainsaw, and you will have a fully sharpened chainsaw blade in seconds.
Specs
- Universal usage
- Mounts on the end of the bar
- Quick, easy sharpening
- Extra whetstone included
Our Take Away
The SDMS chainsaw sharpener is the attachment is arguably the fastest, most convenient, and most affordable automatic chainsaw sharpener out there. I use this chainsaw sharpener whenever I am in a hurry and planning to make a few cuts.
For that reason, the SDMS chainsaw sharpener is especially great for occasional chainsaw users who may not want to remove and manually sharpen chainsaw blades.
SDMS Chainsaw Sharpener
Best Electric Chainsaw Sharpener: Oregon 410-120 Bench or Wall-Mount
Why We Like It
Oregon’s bench or wall-mounted electric chainsaw sharpener is a fantastic option for heavy-duty sharpening. Though you can’t take this electrical chainsaw sharpener into the field, it does make sharpening chains in your shop a breeze.
We also like the Oregon bench mount chainsaw sharpener for its built-in light, making it very easy to see what you’re doing.
Video: Oregon 520-120 Chainsaw Sharpener/Grinder Manual
Specs
- Sharpens up to .404 chains
- Easy to adjust
- Can mount to wall or workbench
- Built-in light for easy visibility
Our Take Away
Most homeowners probably don’t need a dedicated chainsaw sharpener bench mounted in their workshop.
For that reason, our recommended use for this chainsaw grinder – would be mostly limited to professional use and or rural homeowners who use their chainsaws quite often.
One thing is for sure. You’ll always get a clean, sharp edge on every chainsaw blade if you go with the Oregon chainsaw grinder.
Oregon Chainsaw Sharpener
Best Manual Sharpener Kit: Oregon Best Chainsaw Sharpener Kit
Why We Like It
Though the Katzco kit (above) is a super effective tool, it isn’t portable enough to take outdoors – while you’re working. For that purpose, we prefer this portable chainsaw sharpener kit from Oregon.
With a range of different files, a vise, and a handy felling wedge all contained in a convenient hard case, this kit is perfect for taking with you while working anywhere outdoors.
Specs
- Multiple files included
- Vise included
- Measuring tools included
- Felling wedge included
- Protective carrying case
Our Take Away
For convenient chainsaw sharpening on the go, this is probably the best manual chainsaw sharpening kit to buy. As usual, with Oregon products, we were very impressed with the quality and durability of these tools.
Between convenience and quality, we couldn’t help but give this kit a top place on our list of chainsaw sharpener reviews.
Oregon Manual Chainsaw Sharpener
Best Chainsaw Sharpener “Value”: Katzco 7-Piece File Kit
Why We Like It
Though the Oregon Chainsaw Grinder (above) is a super practical toolkit, it is a little pricey for some homeowners. For folks looking for a small, simple, no-frills chainsaw blade file kit, we prefer the best-selling portable chainsaw sharpener kit from Katzco.
With a range of different files, a vise, and a handy felling wedge in a convenient hard case, this kit is perfect for taking with you while working outdoors.
Specs
- Multiple files included
- Vise included
- Measuring tools included
- Felling wedge included
- Protective carrying case
Our Take Away
This kit is an ideal solution for convenient chainsaw sharpening on the go. As usual, with Katzco products, we were impressed with the quality and durability of this very efficient toolkit.
Between convenience and quality, we couldn’t help but give this kit a place on our list of the best chainsaw sharpener reviews.
Katzco Chainsaw Sharpener
Best Husqvarna Chainsaw Sharpening Kit: Husqvarna #531300082
Why We Like It
At this point, it’s no secret that we love Husqvarna’s lineup of outdoor equipment. With that said, we also love their tool accessories, including this chainsaw sharpening kit.
This particular chainsaw blade sharpener fits a variety of Husqvarna chainsaws, including but not limited to the 340, 345, and 350 models.
Specs
- It fits multiple Husqvarna chainsaws
- Includes handle and filing gauge
- 2 round files
Our Take Away
Ultimately, there isn’t much more to say here than that this kit is essential if you own one of the Husqvarna models it fits. This is a great set on hand to keep your chainsaw in top condition.
Husqvarna Chainsaw Sharpener
Best 12-volt DC Chainsaw Sharpener: Oregon – Best Battery-Powered Chainsaw Sharpener
Why We Like It
This electric sharpener makes chainsaw sharpening quick and easy, but you need 120 Volt AC electrical access. And that is why this 12-Volt chainsaw sharpener from Oregon Tools is especially useful for fieldwork. This Battery-Powered Chainsaw Sharpener doesn’t require you to take your chainsaw back to the garage or workshop to sharpen it.
Specs
- 12-volt battery power
- It comes with two whetstones
- Easy adjustment
Our Take Away
In our review, we found that this 12-volt battery-powered chainsaw sharpener did a great job and was one of the most straightforward products for most people. As a result, this is easily one of the best automatic chainsaw sharpeners in today’s market.
Like most Oregon products, this chainsaw blade sharpening tool is well-built and ready to stand up to multiple use.
Oregon – Battery Powered Chainsaw Sharpener
Best Commercial Chainsaw Sharpener: Oregon 620-120 Hydraulic Assist Grinder
Why We Like It
If you’re a tree removal or landscaping professional, you need more than the average homeowner regarding your chainsaw-sharpening arsenal. We recommend the Oregon 620-120, a chainsaw sharpening station with an included heavy-duty stand for these professionals.
Specs
- Delivers Precision Sharpening for Any Pitch Chain
- Hydraulic Assist – hands-free clamping
- Three grinding wheels included
- Grinds any chain – Up to 3/4″
- Self-centering vise – Wide Clamping Area
- Single Phase 120 Volt hook-up
- Easy angle changes
- Dressing brick included
Our Take Away
While most people will never need this kind of chainsaw sharpening equipment, we think the Oregon 620-120 is the best option for professionals who use their saws daily. With this helpful sharpening station, you’ll have no trouble keeping your chains in excellent working order.
Oregon Commercial Chainsaw Sharpener
Best Value Electric Chainsaw Sharpener: Timber Tuff
Why We Like It
Mountable chainsaw sharpeners are handy tools but also tend to run a bit high in price. This unit from Timber Tuff solves that problem by offering a budget-friendly device that still delivers high durability.
Specs
- 110-volt power supply
- Three grinding blades included
- Mounts to workbench or wall
Our Take Away
For the money, this Timber Tuff tool is an excellent addition to any workshop or garage. The machine is easy to set up and simple to use, ensuring you’ll spend less time sharpening chains and more time out getting valuable work done with your chainsaw.
Timber Tuff Chainsaw Grinder
Buyers Guide and (FAQ) – Chainsaw Blade Sharpeners
Which Direction Does a Chainsaw Blade Go?
All Chainsaw motors rotate the chainsaw blade in a “clockwise” direction. No exceptions. The chain blade always moves in a clockwise rotation.
For that reason, the “sharp edge” of the chainsaw cutter teeth MUST face in the clockwise direction.
When you observe the chainsaw bar and chain from the top, you should see that the blade’s sharp edges are facing in the exact opposite direction from the chainsaw motor.
How Do You Measure The Pitch On A Chainsaw Blade?
To measure the pitch of a chainsaw blade – measure the distance between the middle points of 3 rivets on the chain.
Nest, divide that number by 2. For example: For a 3/8″ pitch chain, the exact measurement between the three links equals 3/4″ or (.75 inches). 3/4″ Divided by 2 equals 3/8″ or (. 375 inches). It’s that simple.
How Tight Should A Chainsaw Blade Be?
Chainsaw blades should not be set too loose or too tight. If either of those conditions occurs, you can risk chainsaw performance and personal safety. Use the following methods to test the tension of the chainsaw blade:
- Slide Test – A simple guide for proper chainsaw blade tension is by using a gloved hand – carefully pinch and slide the chainsaw blade along the chainsaw bar. The chainsaw blade should feel Snug but move freely along the chainsaw bar.
- Snap-Test – Pinch the chainsaw blade below the bar, pull down until one or two chain links are removed out of the guide, then quickly release the chain. The chainsaw chain should snap back into place.
Note: If either of the above Chainsaw Chain Tension Tests fails – Re-adjust the chainsaw blade tension until corrected.
Do Chainsaw Sharpeners Work?
Chainsaws are essential for yards with many trees, but like all tools, they require routine service and maintenance. Sharpening dulled chainsaw chains help you get significantly more life out of your chainsaw and saves you the expense of frequently buying new chainsaw blades.
Tip: To keep a chainsaw blade sharp as long as possible, always avoid striking the ground with the blade. Grass, dirt, and gravel will surely dull the chainsaw blade quicker than anything else.
Video from This Old House – “How to Sharpen a Chainsaw.”
How Much Does a Chainsaw Sharpener Cost?
Costs vary widely by product. Simple manual sharpening files can be found for under $15, while some commercial-level chainsaw sharpening tools can cost hundreds of dollars. You can check out our many options reviewed in detail above.
What Is the Best Way to Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain
Generally, a perfectly pitched and fixed bench-grinding wheel is the most effective method to sharpen chainsaw blades. This is because it produces the most consistent edge. That said, manual chainsaw blade sharpeners – using hand files – can produce excellent results while being a little simpler.
How Long Does It Take to Sharpen a Chainsaw
This answer depends on the method you’re using. Electrical sharpeners are relatively quick but take a little longer to get set up. Manual or Automatic chainsaw blade sharpeners are faster to use but are not quite as precise.
Keep in mind; that you’re just trying to put a nice edge on tiny blades, which do not require much grinding or filing.
Wrapping Up
For various methods and budgets, the Stihl manual chainsaw file, the Granberg chainsaw sharpening tool, and SDMS automatic chainsaw sharpener are the three chainsaw sharpeners that stood at the top of our 10 Best reviews.
These sharpening tools do an excellent job and are sure to keep your chainsaw cutting as designed. With that said, the other products on this list all have considerable merits, and one may be a better option for your particular needs.
When selecting a chainsaw sharpener, ensure that the model you choose will work for your particular chain’s pitch – as described in our FAQ section above.
Thanks so much for visiting Best Home Gear – and we hope we’ve helped you narrow down your selection.
Please don’t hesitate to leave us a helpful comment or suggestion below!
References & Additional Reading:
- How to safely use a lawnmower around children – Healthychildren.org
- The Best Gas-Powered Weed Eater You Can Buy – BestHomeGear.com
- The 10 Best “Backpack” Leaf Blowers You Can Buy – BestHomeGear.Com
- Diagnosing TurfGrass Problems – Penn State University
- The Best Chainsaw For Homeowners – Besthomegear.com
- Can You Cut Wet grass with an electric mower? – Ehow.com
- The Best Pressure Washers Under $300 in 2020 – Besthomegear.com
