Best Chainsaw Sharpeners Reviewed & Rated
No seasoned woodworker, extreme DIYer, or outdoor enthusiast would ever consider their garage or tool chest complete if it didn’t have a chainsaw sharpener. Compared to conventional time-consuming and energy-draining methods of keeping the chainsaw sharp and in pristine condition, the modern chainsaw sharpener has a lot going for it. Among these are practicality, versatility, high-performance, ease of use, and, for the most part, affordability.
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Understandably, misinformation, outright lack of information, and the ubiquity of chainsaw sharpeners conspire to complicate the search process, especially for greenhorns. To make it easy, we’ve put together a carefully curated list of 10 of the best chainsaw sharpeners currently on the market. Before that though, let’s take a closer look at the features to consider before you commit your money.
10 Best Chainsaw Sharpeners
1. Oregon 520-120
That the Oregon 520-120 is feature-packed is actually an understatement. It comes with a litany of instrumental features to take the time and hard work from keeping your chainsaws and chains in optimal working condition.
The second outstanding feature is the versatility. It is adept at handling a wide range of chainsaw blades starting with low profile 1/4-inch, 0.404-inch pitch chain, and a 0.325-inch full profile. The thoughtful inclusion of a self-centering chain vise eliminates any possible errors I the sharpening process by helping with the accurate and effortless setting of the chain in position, locking it down, and sharpening it. To further add to the sharpening prowess, the sharpener comes with a dressing brick to smooth out light-duty tasks and quickly complete major ones.
The consistently uniform and quick performance is aided by its high-performance 0.4-HP motor providing maximum speeds of 3,400 rotations per minute and the 5-3/4-inch grinding wheel. The heavy-duty and rugged design of this model, together with its superior chain vise make it a perfect and solid candidate for heavy-duty, professional sharpening. Additional features include a generous 36-month warranty, two spare grinding wheels, and heavy-duty construction for durability.
If you’re looking to save money and time on your next chainsaw and chain sharpening exercise, we highly recommend going with this option. With its improved chain vise, easy-to-use adjustment knobs, powerful motor, and heavy-duty design, it offers unbeatable value for the money.
A versatile choice for multiple chain sizes and sizes
Sharpens accurately, safely, and quickly
A cinch to use
Durable construction with a 36-month warranty
Expensive
2. Timberline with 3/16″ Carbide Cutter
For the professionals and enthusiastic DIYers planning on working far away from a power outlet but have to keep their chainsaw sharp and performing optimally the entire time, this is the right product for you. Compared to standard versions that require the user to file individual teeth by hand, thereby spending several hours to get the job done, this model uses a rugged, durable, and high-grade tungsten carbide cutter to diligently sharpen one tooth after another with each pull of the chain.
In addition to ease of use and exceptional performance, it is also remarkably long-lasting, thanks to its high-end construction with high-grade aluminium. It can, therefore, withstand extreme abuse on a daily basis and not suffer any significant wear and tear. It files teeth easily and quickly, taking off an insignificant bit of material from the teeth as it sharpens them, prolonging its own lifespan and that of the chain. Plus, it comes with a confidence-boosting lifetime warranty to cover you against deficiencies in material and craftsmanship.
It’s not the best out there but when you’re far from a power outlet, the Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener with 3/16″ Carbide Cutter will invariably get the job done accurately, uniformly, and quickly. Besides being professional grade, the unit is also highly portable and will save you lots of time and effort in keeping your chain sharp.
Lightweight and portable
Easy to use
Sharpens chains evenly and swiftly
Comes with a lifetime warranty
Not ideal for heavy-duty use
Installation takes time and patience
3. STIHL 2 in 1
In addition to sharpening the teeth of your chain, the STIHL is also adept at simultaneously reducing the depth gauge of the teeth, all with a single motion. Despite being a manual sharpener, the ease of using it is astounding.
Note that it is compatible with chains of sizes 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, or 0/325-inch irrespective of their angle or depth. It comes with durable tungsten carbide files for quick and easy sharpening.
As mentioned earlier, the lightweight and slim profile of the chainsaw sharpener makes it easy to use and transport from place to place. Since it's not corded, it doesn't take up permanent space on the bench as you can easily store in between uses.
In all, the STIHL 2 in 1, like our previous choice, is a manual choice that’s perfect for use away when or where electricity isn’t readily available. It’s cost-effective, takes up minimal space, and features easy-to-use handles.
Lightweight, slim profile and portable
Cost-effective
Perfect for outdoor use
Sharpens chains accurately and effortlessly
Necessitates using a vise
Works slowly
4. Oregon 30846
The expertly designed and fastidiously constructed Oregon 30846 is all you need to keep your chainsaw in optimal working condition. It comes with two sharpening stones that take the time and effort away from filing a wide range of cutters of various sizes in accordance with their chain pitch length and depth. To enable you to work more efficiently, smoothly, and quickly, the chainsaw sharpener comes with a useful quick-adjust guide and a built-in depth gauge so you achieve uniformity.
The high-grade construction and the high-impact motor house allows it to withstand the rigors of extreme use in various settings. The resulting durability means you’ll be using it for the next several years without requiring a replacement. And compared to its full-sized counterparts, it does not take up permanent space on the bench or table. As a result, you can store it anywhere, whether that is the garage, workshop, studio, house, or inside your tool chest.
The excellence, versatility, usability, and portability of the Oregon 30846 all make it a great choice for sharpening the chainsaw. Given that it uses a high-capacity 12-volt battery, you’ll be utilizing it wherever your work or hobby takes you.
Features quick-adjust sharpening guide
Grinds blades evenly and efficiently
Highly portable and affordable
Has extra sharpening stones
Lacks the power of electric models
5. Buffalo Tools ECSS
Boasting a high-performance 85W motor and a heavy-duty 4-1/4-inch by 1/8-inch grinding wheel, the sharpener should be your go-to tool for sharpening your chainsaws, assuming you have more than one. The motor attains impressive speeds of 4200 rotations per minute, more than enough to give your dull chainsaw a new lease of life. And it’s pretty easy to use, thanks in part to the no-frill and simplistic design.
For convenience, it mounts with ease on the table, bench, the wall, or the vise, providing you with a stable platform that’s also easily accessible. Like other high-end models out there, it adjusts easily and quickly to the vast majority of popular chain design. For safety purposes, it comes with a life-saving wheel guard for keeping loose clothing and other nearby objects from the grinding instrument. And of course it’s both lightweight and compact, and the installation process in a breeze.
If you want to save time and money and sharpen your own chainsaws, the versatile and easy-to-use Buffalo Tools sharpener is at your disposal. It’s powerful and reliable and is an ideal choice.
Easy and quick installation
Durable, superb construction
Efficient, quick, and accurate
Cost-effective
You have to dismount the chain
Slow
6. Granberg Bar-Mount Model# G-106B
The bar-mounted tool is renowned for sitting firmly and safely and attaching with remarkable ease and speed to the vast majority of size chains. It should also be up your alley if you want the conventional feel of a manual option, allowing you to come into close contact with the blade. Like high-end models though, it sharpens the blades uniformly and precisely, leaving it sharp and ready to roar to work.
The construction quality is on a whole different level. The brand's thoughtful use of pro-grade aluminium and zinc-plated steel for construction means that it can easily withstand the test of time as well as rigorous, extreme use year in, year out. You, therefore, won't experience even the slightest drop in performance even as the product nears the tail end of its useful life, which is a far cry from the cheap, off-brand models flooding the market.
Its performance may not be at par with other top-tier tool but the Granberg Bar-Mount sure gets the job done quickly and accurately every time.
Lightweight and portable
Works accurately, efficiently, and quickly
Highly adjustable
Budget-friendly
Difficulty setting it up
7. Oregon 410-120
The Oregon 410-120 seamlessly combines powerful performance and ease of use to provide the user with the best sharpening experience. Predictably, it mounts with remarkable ease and speed on any bench or wall, providing a stable platform for accurate sharpening. Included in the package are 3 grinding wheels for sharpening 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch low profile as well as 0.325-inch, 3/8-inch, 0.404-inch, and 3/4-inch pitch chains. To these add a heavy-duty dressing brick and a quick-check grinding template to guide the novices.
As you’d expect of a mid-range option, the Oregon 410-120 boasts heavy-duty construction by featuring an all-heavy-duty steel construction. As a result, it readily takes on tough and challenging sharpening projects without the slightest hesitation and remarkably withstands wear and tear. Heavy-duty aluminium lends its resilience and strength to the tool, which will translate to several years of flawless and trouble-free use. As for performance, the chainsaw sharpener comes with a powerful 0.4-HP, 140-Watt, 1.2-amp motor with speeds of up to 3,500 rotations per minute for quickly and easily finishing the toughest sharpening projects.
In all, the Oregon 410-120 should be your go-to chainsaw sharpener if you’re looking for a product that works quickly, easily, and accurately and doesn’t cost a ton of money, figurative of course.
Long-lasting steel construction
Very adjustable and versatile
Powerful and accurate performance
Easily to mount
Ambiguous instructions
8. Timber Tuff CS-BWM
Like the vast majority of other options, the Timber Tuff mounts securely, easily and quickly on the workbench, offering you a stable and secure platform from you can accurately sharpen your dull chainsaws. Continuing a tradition of high-end, and high-performance tools from this industry doyen, it features a high-performance 110V, 60 Hz motor that provides remarkable speeds of up to 3600 rotations per minute.
Among other things, it comes with an easy-to-read adjustment guide for the most consistent and accurate results. A see-through safety shield and a 15-watt built-in work light, on the other hand, gives you a clear line of view as you sharpen, minimizing errors and mistakes that can cost you dearly. Also included in the package are 3 grinding wheels of sizes 1/8-inch, 3/16-inch, and 1/4-inch for the perfect and uniform cuts.
As for construction, Timber Tuff spares no expenses to produce a heavy-duty, durable chainsaw sharpener. Virtually all critical operational parts sport outstanding construction quality using pro-grade materials for longevity. An additional feature is the protective plastic blade grinder guard.
Overall, among its litany of auxiliary features, the long-lasting construction, versatility, ease of use, and affordability easily stand out. Essentially, it’s the poster child of accuracy, speed, and affordability.
Compatible with most chain pitches
Quick and accurate
Has a performance-enhancing overhead light
Rugged and sturdy construction
Questionable durability
Heavy
9. OrangeA Electric Sharpener with Grinding Wheels
Predictably, it’s a cinch to use seeing as it offers an adjustable angle and incorporates a considerably large and ergonomically designed and therefore comfortable handle for use. To these awesome features add the versatility of sharpening a wide range of chains ranging between 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch pitch. Boasting speeds up to 3000 rotations per minute, the chainsaw sharpener also has lamp and disc guards and 2 grinding discs at 1/8-inch and 3/16-inch.
It houses a powerful motor that consistently outputs speeds of up to 3,000 rotations per minute, more than enough to make short and quick work of dullest chains in your garage. Because of the versatility of the tilting vise, it is inconsequential the size or type of chain you have – the sharpener will leave it teeth or blade uniformly sharpened and raring to go. Plus, it poses minimal risk of burning, hot spotting, or softening your chain.
A last unique selling point is the resilient, strong, and long-lasting construction. The use of pro-grade cast aluminium and the reinforcement of the hinges are not only indicative of an ultra-strong chainsaw sharpener but one that also meets or even exceeds performance and durability expectations.
The value-conscious user searching for one of the best yet cost-effective chainsaw sharpener doesn't have to cast their net too wide. It is solid, reliable, and will always get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Sturdy, durable construction
Powerful, quick and accurate
Easy to adjust
Offers great bang for the bucks
• Cost-effective
Nothing significant
10. TruePower 01-0854
Like most versatile options, it is highly customizable and adjustable so it easily accommodates a wide range of chains. Thanks to a powerful motor, the chainsaw sharpener works quickly and is able to reach speeds of up to 4200 rotations per minute. It won’t burn, hot spot or soften your blade, as is sometimes the case with cheap, off-brand models out there.
Despite the rugged, heavy-duty construction, it is surprisingly lightweight and compact, weighing just 6.5 pounds with dimensions of 14 by 10 by 7 inches. The ergonomic handle provides for effortless controllability and portability.
Well, that’s the gist of it. Patently, it’ll easily outperform some of its more expensive counterparts. We highly recommend it for occasional use.
Works safely and effortlessly
Durable
Provides for accurate sharpening
Cost-effective
Steep learning curve
Criteria for Choosing the Best Chainsaw Sharpeners
Power Source
You have between battery- and electricity-powered chainsaw sharpeners, each, of course, coming with its fair share of upsides and downsides. The former option is more labor-intensive and has a rounded file for accommodating a wide range of chain sizes and shapes.
The risk of disproportionately filing the teeth of the blade are quite high with this method. However, you can use it far from a power outlet, for instance in the woods and it’s more economical. An electric chainsaw sharpener, conversely, offers infinite benefits besides speed, versatility, convenience, and affordability. Choose according to your needs.
Performance
Evidently, electric chainsaw sharpeners are considerably more powerful than their manual counterparts, and by extension work faster, more smoothly, and accurately. For the best sharpening results, a powerful model would be ideal. A powerful motor offers more speeds for the quick and effortless completion of a sharpening project. Further, your models should be compatible with a wide range of sized chains.
Chain sizes typically range between 0.325 inches and 0.404 inches. Of course, adjustable electric chainsaw sharpeners will be able to accommodate a plethora of chain sizes. Before committing your money, though, ensure your model is able to accommodate these chain sizes for versatility and to be on the safe side.
Construction Quality
We can’t stress enough the significance of going for a high-quality chainsaw sharpener constructed from pro-grade materials. Among other things, they can withstand loads of abuse for months on end and not suffer any significant performance hitch, which is more than you can confidently say for their cheap, off-brand models crafted from flimsy materials.
A chainsaw sharpener capable of withstanding the test of time will be economical as you won’t have to look for a replacement every few months.
Affordability
With power tools, the rule of thumb is that the most expensive product comes with the most performance and convenience features to take the time and hard work from the project. For the most part, that applies to chainsaw sharpeners, too. However, in some instances, the rule doesn’t hold. Which is why the best-priced chainsaw sharpener is one that best matches the user’s requirements. Plus, it beats sense investing lots of money on a high-end chainsaw sharpener you’ll be using occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the most pertinent safety measures to take when using a chainsaw sharpener?
A: Considering the sharpness of the teeth of the blade, and the speeds at which they work, they can easily inflict a lot of harm and in the worst case scenario lead to the loss of the hand or even death.
To avoid these possible eventualities, make a point of working on stable and surfaces, wearing recommended safety gears, and ensuring that the machine is in top-notch condition before using it.
Q: How often do I need to sharpen it?
A: The frequency is dependent on a number of factors the most important being the density of the material you intend to cut and the extent. Cutting through clean, softwood necessitates sharpening every few hours. Should you, however, encounter sand or dirt, it’s highly recommended that you sharpen the chainsaw sharpener instantly.
Conclusion
A sharp chainsaw cuts efficiently, quickly, and accurately. Plus, it exposes the user to the least danger compared to a dull one. To achieve this, you need to invest in a versatile, practical, powerful, easy-to-use, and heavy-duty chainsaw sharpener. Luckily, our list makes it remarkably easy and quick to choose one that best meets your unique needs without having to spend too much time on the research and analysis part of the process.
