If you are an individual who has a keen interest in renovations around the house, getting odd gardening jobs done, or are a professional landscaper or gardener, then chances are you have used or come across a chainsaw in some form or the other. Chainsaws are handy mechanical machines that can be used for trimming hedges, cutting tree branches, and much more!
However, these bad boys need some maintenance themselves as well and that is exactly where the concept of a chainsaw sharpener comes in.
A chainsaw sharpener is essentially a tool that is used to hone and sharpen the chainsaw blade itself. This is crucial if you want your chainsaw to perform adequately and help keep it running for longer and better.
Since this can be quite a technical aspect of your chainsaw’s maintenance and upkeep, we have come up with this review of our top 8 picks for the best chainsaw sharpeners which will help you out a lot!
There is also a detailed buying guide towards the end of this review which might shed more light on the technical side of your purchase.
Table of Contents [hide]
- Best Chainsaw Sharpeners in 2021
- Our 8 Favorite Models Compared
- Buying Guide
- To properly analyze what kind of chainsaw sharpener you should get, consider looking over these main factors
- Now, we are going to move onto the main FAQs for today
Best Chainsaw Sharpeners in 2021
The Granberg Chain Saw Sharpener is a good option if you want a good overall pick as it has a calibrated swivel guide built-in and is also made from aluminum and zinc so it is of strong construction. If you still want to know more, then we have more products waiting! Before you check those out, make sure you look at our comparison chart as well.
Our first contender for the best chainsaw sharpener is the Stihl Chainsaw Chain Sharpener which is the perfect 2 in 1 device which uses its dual functionality to get more done with less!
This is all thanks to the two functions that it provides users with that include depth gauge lowering and chain cutter sharpening with ease. This is a device that is not only easy to use but is also extremely accurate which might be why it is slightly on the expensive side as well.
It comes with3 files in total for versatility with 1 flat and two round files. This is also a device that has a file holder and filing guide for convenience. This chainsaw sharpener is fast which means you will be able to finish the job quicker.
Pros
- Dual functionality
- Quicker action
- Accurate and precise
- 3 files
- File holder
- Filing guide
Cons
- Slightly expensive
If you want a great chainsaw sharpener, look no further than the Buffalo Tools Chainsaw Sharpener. Even though this device is pretty hard to master and a lot of users claim that the instructions it comes with are difficult to understand, this is a very useful device indeed. This of course means it takes some time to get a hang of it.
However, once you get used to it, this is one of the most user-friendly electric chainsaw sharpeners since it is quite powerful and also works in a very versatile manner.
It comes fitted with a grinding speed of 4200 rpm and has a 60 Hz, 85-watt power motor. It has compatibility with any standard 120-volt wall outlet. Finally, this is a tool that works with precision and immense speed as well.
Pros
- Speed of 4200 rpm
- Faster operation
- Powerful
- Fits with 120-volt wall outlets
- 85-watt power
Cons
- Guide not helpful
Up next, we are looking at the Pferd Chain Saw Sharpener which is another impressive option if you are searching for the best chainsaw sharpeners around. It comes with an impressive set of accessories as well which includes 2 classic line chainsaw files, a depth gauge file, and of course the sharpener itself.
This is one of the few manual sharpeners that we endorse for its amazing results and user-friendly design. It is also quite flexible in its use thanks to the attachments it comes with. Other than this, it is also easy to utilize as it doesn’t need any conversion for it to work since you can turn the device over and use any side.
This device is made to be extremely compact in nature which means it is easy to store and use. Since it is so precise and user-friendly, it can be used by users of any skill set or experience level. It has dual functionality which means it can adjust the depth gauge and also sharpens the saw teeth simultaneously.
Pros
- No conversion necessary
- Comes with accessories
- Dual function
- Flexible and user-friendly
- Compact device
Cons
- None really
Our next contender for the best chainsaw sharpeners list is called the Granberg Chain Saw Sharpener and this is a device that has been around for quite some time. This is why it is popular and is known for both its reliability and accuracy at what it does! If you want your chainsaws to work well, then this is the best tool available.
It comes with completer compatibility with all file sizes for standard chain pitches along with lowering depth gauges. It not only has a cast aluminum and zinc-plated steel construction for its precision bar-mounted chain saw sharpener plus file holder but it also makes use of calibrated swivel guide markings to ensure you get to work with the right sharpening angle for more accuracy.
The file handle has been made with ergonomics in mind which is why it is quite balanced and comfortable to handle. It is also angled in a way that your fingers will be out of the sharpener’s way and thus will be safe at all times.
Pros
- Accurate and durable
- Compatible with all file sizes
- Easy to hold the handle
- Safer
- Cast-aluminum and zinc-plated steel construction
- Precision bar-mounted
- Calibrated swivel guide markings
Cons
- None really
The next product we have for you today is the Timber Tuff Benchtop Chainsaw Sharpener and this is a pro-level device as it has some seriously powerful sharpening features. The first one of course is its 110V motor which is why it can get to incredible speeds of 3600rpm at one time.
The other amazing benefit of this device is that it has some mounting options which is why it can be attached to most surfaces. Other features include 3 grinding wheels and thermos-overload protection which is essentially an auto-off feature for safety and energy conservation.
Thanks to the addition of the easy-to-read adjustment guides it is easier to work this device and both the 12 watt light for visibility and see-through safety shield make your job that much easier.
Pros
- Mounting options
- 3 grinding wheels
- Thermo-overload protection
- The motor speed of 3600 rpm
- User-friendly
- See-through safety shield
- 15-watt work light
- Easy-to-read adjustment guides
Cons
- Takes time to master
Next, we have the Cutso Chainsaw Sharpener which undoubtedly has fewer features than users would like but the ones that it has made it a convenient device to use to sharpen chainsaws indeed.
It is very lightweight and is compact which also makes it super easy to carry. This means that this is a device that is just as easy to maneuver around. It comes with the following attachments included; an instruction manual, 3 Extra sharpening whetstones, and 1 cut-resistant working pair of gloves.
The CUTSCO Chainsaw Teeth Sharpener is super quick and it is also quite reliable in terms of its performance and longevity. However in case the product doesn’t live up to its name and claim, the company offers a 100% Money Back Guarantee so there is absolutely nothing to fear.
Pros
- Quicker
- 100% Money-Back Guarantee
- Comes with accessories
- Portable
Cons
- Fewer features
Next, we have the Lolphin Chain Saw Sharpeners which is yet another excellent option for the best chainsaw sharpeners list since it is compact. This means it is quite easy to cart around and maneuver for versatile usage.
Along with having a plug-in design, this device is made from premium quality materials that include whetstone which does not wear down easily, and durable plastic material as well. You will even get to benefit from the complimentary extra whetstone which is included for ease of use.
Of course, just as the device is portable, it is also lightweight and easy to carry, and this increases the number of areas you can use it in. this is great for jobs on different sites and areas.
Pros
- Compact
- Plug-in design
- Premium quality materials
- High wear resistance
- Lightweight and portable
- Portable
Cons
- None really
To end our list of the best chainsaw sharpeners, we are looking at the BZCTAH Chainsaw Sharpener which has been constructed out of a very strong and premium quality plastic material which is called ABS and this ensures that the device will withstand just about anything. This is a product that is both durable to use and will also be lightweight which means it is easy to maneuver.
It is also quite easy to function as all you have to do is attach the chainsaw to the two holes of the sharpener, close it and squeeze to start the engine. Another impressive feature of this device is that it is much safer for use since it has a mechanism that ensures your hands are safe. It is also quite fast as it saves time by sharpening your chainsaw in under 5 seconds.
Finally, this is a device that is truly versatile when it comes to the kinds of attachments you can stick on it since it works great for chains of the following sizes; 14″ / 16″ / 18″ / 20″. You also get to use two installation methods that allow you to deal with various situations with ease.
Pros
- ABS plastic
- Lightweight
- durable
- Faster and safer
- Versatile compatibility options
Cons
- None really
Buying Guide
Making use of an electric sharpener is practically quite different from physically having to sharpen and file a chainsaw with a cutting tool. This implies that before you essentially get started on purchasing one, you should consider learning more about the device itself. That’s why we have this detailed buying guide laid out for you ahead!
The most important factor to consider here is the chain which is the part that fits onto the guide which is at the base of the device.
However, the actual sharpening is just done via the disk-shaped grinding stone and this is what will hone out your chainsaw.
Perhaps the trickiest part of any chainsaw sharpening is learning how to set the angles. If this is done properly, your entire process will be seamless and smooth.
To properly analyze what kind of chainsaw sharpener you should get, consider looking over these main factors
The Speed
The speed of a chainsaw sharpener will be measured in rotations per minute or RPM and for the best kind of sharpening, you should consider buying a device that has average rotation speeds of about 3000 to 4200 RPMs. However, the most common one is actually around 3400 RPMs.
When you have no experience with these devices, your first temptation might be to just get the fastest RPM so that the job is also done faster. This would be a colossal mistake because faster speeds also mean that the sharpening or filing will be stronger and this might end up damaging your expensive equipment instead of making it more efficient.
Stronger speeds may end up damaging the cutting links as well and chainsaws don’t exactly come cheap. What’s worse is that you open yourself to potential accidents if the links become weak with aggressive sharpening.
Manual or Hydraulic function
This is an important question but it mostly matters more if you can afford to get the hydraulic variety. Hydraulic assists are essentially an automatic method of locking the chains in one place so that the chainsaw sharpener cannot function unless you want it to. This is considerably a newer option and a feature that has only just now been added as it makes the process faster.
However, it also adds to the overall cost of a product so older models with manual settings are just as great. The only thing with those is that you have to manually lock the chain by turning a knob of some kind so that it stays in place.
This happens every time the user will lower the spinning grinding wheel in case you get a hydraulic functioning to assist.
Options for mounting
This is quite an important factor to consider for several different reasons. The first one is that your chainsaw sharpener will be kept at eye level so that whenever you need it, it is easily accessible and within arm’s length of your working space.
The other reason is that by having a designated space for you to hang or mount the device, you will keep it safe and in an organized manner as it can be a dangerous device if your kids get a hold of it.
This way they will at least be out of reach and view. You can either mount them on a wall near you or if you are more passionate and have a dedicated workbench, then you can hang or fit the chainsaw sharpener there instead. It is nice to have decent options for where you can place your chainsaw sharpening tool so this is a factor to look over.
Now, we are going to move onto the main FAQs for today
Who makes the best chainsaw sharpener?
There are a lot of brands users can choose to invest in to get the best chainsaw sharpeners but for our pick, we have selected the Oregon 120V Chainsaw Sharpener.
The reason behind us selecting this from a wide range of available options is due to it being a tool that comes with 3 options for grinding wheels. It also includes a grinding wheel gauge and a dressing stone.
If your goal is to use the sharpening tool on quite a few different chains and devices, then it is the perfect one! You can easily mount it on your workbench and this makes it super easy to access. Thanks to the manual handle which is included, users can easily attach the cutting links while they sharpen.
Do chainsaw sharpeners work?
Chainsaw sharpeners are excellent at what they do and they arrive in a wide range of models. You can pick between a manual unit and one that works via electric power.
The choice is strictly up to you. There are a few advantages and impediments to every one of these choices so you’ll have to figure out what one to buy based on your specifics needs.
If you want to choose a manual gadget, you should know that while they function admirably, they can’t take as much off as possible with each stroke. This implies that you won’t be able to use the chain for as long a period as compared to the electric sharpener.
How do professionals sharpen chainsaws?
Professionals have 2 main ways to sharpen their chainsaws and this includes using an electrically powered device which of course will have all the various features built-in. the other method is to sharpen the chain manually which means that you would use a flat-file or a round chainsaw file.
There is however a third option as well and this is called square filing.
Can you sharpen a chainsaw with a flat-file?
Contrary to prior belief, there are quite a few ways that you can sharpen your chainsaw besides the electrical devices that we mentioned on this list. To answer the question above then; yes it is quite possible to sharpen your chainsaw using a flat-file manually.
The easiest way to do this is to simply hold your flat file and rub away at your blade and chain. However, you may also get a better option in the form of a depth gauge guide that has an opening which ensures that you can easily file the top of the depth gauges.
Why does my chainsaw chain keep loosening?
There might be multiple reasons why your chainsaw chain might keep repeatedly loosening and one of these is because as simple as it sounds, your chainsaw might not be tightened properly.
This is a problem that arises if you are not informed about the various methods to tighten them and if you feel like you need help, then consider taking it to a professional!
One of the main reasons can also be the metal expanding due to temperature. If it is way too hot, then the metal will expand and this means that if the chain expands, the device will have gotten much larger than it previously was.
That’s not even the worse part! The issue arises when the temperature goes back to normal and it contracts back, however, the result is a chain that has been loosened up.
The last and most common reason behind a loose chainsaw chain is that it was never attached to the device correctly in the first place. If it wasn’t set up properly the chain might be too loose and therefore will not be able to function properly.
Many devices come with an automatic tensioning handle but the more common way to set up the chain is via 2 locking bolts and this works to keep the tension in the chain consistent.
