You don’t have to replace the chain on your chainsaw every time it becomes blunt – but you are going to need to sharpen it if you want it to continue to work safely and effectively. On average, chainsaw blades can be sharpened 10 times before they are going to need replacing, so purchasing a chainsaw sharpener is always going to be a good investment!
A sharpened chainsaw blade is going to allow you to cut through branches much quicker and complete a neater cut leaving a more professional finish and also a healthier tree/shrub at the end of the day! A sharp chainsaw blade is also going to help to keep you safe as they will be able to cut through the branches much more smoothly and avoid them getting caught or jammed!
There are lots of different types of chainsaw sharpeners to choose from – including manual and powered options. Here are some of our favourites…
Best Pick – Clarke ECSS2 Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
- Motor 85W, 230V
- 4800rpm
- 108mm diameter grinding disc
- Weight 2.9kg
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Only Got 5 Minutes?
If you’re already sat with a blunt chainsaw blade then this is the part of the article that you need to be reading! All the information you need to know to buy the best chainsaw sharpener quickly so that you can get back to work as quickly as possible!
What Type of Chainsaw Sharpener Should I Buy?
There are various different styles and models of chainsaw sharpeners depending on what exactly you are looking for! These include: manual rounded fie sharpeners, bolt-on manual sharpeners or bench mounted sharpeners, drill sharpeners and portable powered sharpeners. They all have pros and cons depending on exactly what you are looking for so it is worth investigating each of the different styles to find the one that is right for you.
- Manual file sharpeners are going to be your cheapest option so if you are on a budget then that is the way to go. They do come with their flaws though, as manual sharpening is going to mean you putting in a lot more work than you would have to with the other models, and you are likely going to get a less accurate angle (unless of course you are a pro with a manual file!).
- The second cheapest option (providing you already have certain multi-tools available to you) is to buy an attachment for one of these. As we just mentioned, this does mean you already having a base tool that is compatible with the attachment for it to be a cheaper option, but they will require less work from you than a manual file and will be perfectly adequate if you aren’t sharpening often
- Then you have the big boys – the bolt-on or bench mounted sharpeners. These are often powered by electricity so the amount of work that you have to put in is dramatically reduced. You also have the benefit of being able to adjust the angle that you are working at so it is rare you will find a chain or blade that they can’t sharpen! However, they do take up more space and are more expensive so make sure that it is the investment for you!
- The halfway house – portable electric chainsaw sharpeners are able to offer you the best of both worlds! They are smaller and cheaper than bench mounted models, but take more of the workload than manual models! The only downside is that if you are regularly sharpening chainsaws then you could find they don’t work efficiently enough for what you need!
Now that you know the different types of chainsaw sharpener that are available to you, keep reading for the different features that you need to look out for!
What Should I Look for in a Chainsaw Sharpener?
Here are some of the main features that you need to look out for when buying a chainsaw sharpener.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of your chainsaw sharpener is important as you want a tool that is portable and easy to take around with you when you are using your chainsaw. Not just that, but you want a small tool that isn’t going to be taking up too much space in your tool shed or in the area that you are working!
Chainsaw sharpeners come in many different forms which is obviously going to affect both the weight and size of the products – making it difficult to compare precisely. Portable models weigh around 350 grams with benchtop models upwards of 20 kilograms, so this is worth considering when you are choosing which style is going to be right for you.
Power
There are two types of power options available to you when you are thinking about buying a chainsaw sharpener – manual (so powered by you) and electric models. It goes without saying that an electric model is going to allow you to get the job done much quicker and with a lot less effort from you, but there’s always going to be a higher price tag that comes with these models.Not just that but you are almost always going to need to be attached to a power source as it isn’t often that you find a battery powered chainsaw sharpener. It would be very rare for you to be cutting back trees and shrubs whilst close to a power source, which means that you are going to have to pause from your job to go and sharpen your blade near mains electric. But one thing we also found is that electric models tend to have greater adjustability in the angles and materials that they can work with.
If you are unsure which power type is going to be right for you then there are actually electric manual files that you can purchase – perfect for when you need the best of both worlds! These models are built like manual files so offer portability and relatively cheap prices, but they have the benefit of being supported by electricity so you have to do much less of the work. These models usually come with a rechargeable battery which can be connected to your car battery or charged at home.
If opting for an electric bench-mounted sharpener then you need one offering at least ¼ horsepower motor, but preferably slightly more.
Sharpening Compatibility
There are many different types of chainsaw blade available depending on the tool that you are using and the jobs that you are completing, but not every sharpener will be compatible with every blade. Some will only be able to sharpen certain materials and others will only be able to sharpen particular angles of blades.
This means that it is important to check that your chainsaw sharpener will be compatible with your blade, or if you know that you are going to be working with multiple blades then it may be better to opt for an adjustable electric sharpener.
TOP TIP: To check whether your chainsaw and your chainsaw sharpener will be compatible, look for the “pitch” that is labelled on your chainsaw and check that this will work with the sharpener you are considering.
Look out for a model that allows for head angle adjustment nice and easily, but in small increments so that it will work for various different chains (you need one that can move in an angle from around 0 up to 40 degrees). The best chainsaw sharpeners will advertise that they are able to work with many chain types including semi chisel, full chisel, low profile, skip and ripping chains.
As you are going to be working with metal on metal it is VITAL that you look for a sharpener that is made from machined, heavy duty metal – anything less than that and you will find your sharpener becoming more blunt than your chain.
Speed
Obviously the speed of your chainsaw sharpener is only going to be relevant if you opt for an electric model – as with manual options it is really just as fast as you can go! The speed of electric chainsaw sharpeners will be measured in RPM (Rotations per Minute) and obviously the higher the RPM, the quicker your chain is going to get sharpened – leaving more time for you to actually work on the job that you had planned.
Speeds range from around 2000rpm up to around 4500rpm for more professional models.
Best Budget – OREGON 4.8mm Chain Sharpening and Bar Maintenance Kit
- Original starter kit for chain and bar maintenance
- One assembled file holder for chain top plate maintenance
- One assembled wooden handle and flat file and one depth gauge tool for chain depth gauge maintenance
- One bar groove cleaner to clean guide bars groove and oil holes
- To sharpen Oregon ToolType 95TXL, 20LPX, 20BPX, 21LPX, 21BPX, 22LPX, 22BPX, M95VPX, M20LPX, M21LPX, M22LPX and other manufacturers equivalent chain
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Extra Aspects to Consider
Now that you know the main things you need to look for when purchasing a chainsaw sharpener, here are some of the extra things that we found to make a difference when you are using your chainsaw sharpener regularly.
- Usability – This is one of the key factors that people forget to consider, but is vital when it comes to overall satisfaction when using your sharpener. Look for how easy it is to adjust your sharpener for different chains, how complicated it is to work your sharpener etc.
- Look for an electric model with interchangeable grinding wheels
- A good exhaust fan is essential on electric models if you want your product to last longer and be more hard wearing – sharpeners that have aluminium fans are the best to go for!
- As well as a good exhaust fan, look for electric models with thermal-overload protection technology, which is basically any features that the tool has that will stop it from overheating. This helps to protect the inner workings of your tool from damage so that you can be sure it will last a long time.
- Opt for models that offer sharpening from around 0.3 inches upwards.
- Built in light making it easy for you to check how sharp the chain is becoming as you work. This makes it much easier to complete the job to a professional standard.
- Self centering chain vices make your life even easier as you will quickly be able to centre the chain and get to work sharpening.
- If you opt for a bench top model then we would go for one that is going to be easy to secure in and out of place, this means that although it is fixed in one place you still have the flexibility of being able to move between locations at ease.
How To Sharpen A Chainsaw
If you are new to sharpening your chainsaw then just purchasing the right tools won’t be enough! You need to know how to use them too! If you have decided that a manual chainsaw sharpener is right for you then hopefully this video that we found will help you with how to sharpen your blade.
Best of the Rest
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- Powerful 85 watt motor (230V/ 50hz)
- Complete with grinding wheel
- Adjustable chain guide with angle gauge
- Bench mounting bolt holes
- Long life and durable
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- 10 piece chainsaw sharpener file kit, sharpen your saw chain blades to optimal cutting performance in minutes
- 5/32 (4.0 mm), 3/16 (4.8 mm), 7/32 (5.5 mm) round files engineered from durable steel and can be used on a wide variety of chain types and pitch; Interchangeable handle works with all files
- File guide designed with efficient quick lock / release mechanism for stability and control; Engraved angle markings help to ensure accurate alignment when filing
- Tool Set Includes: 3 round files, file holder, 6-inch flat file, depth gauge, bar groove cleaner, quick check gauge, hardwood handle and pouch (orange); Detailed, clear and easy to follow instructions
- Measurements: Rolled up - 28 (l) x 8 (w) x 3 (h); Rolled out - 28 (l) x 18 (w)
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I sharpen my chainsaw chain?
A good sign of when your chain needs sharpening is when it stops pulling into the wood. This really depends on how often you are using your chainsaw, but you will find that most clean jobs will leave you having to sharpen your blade after several hours of use. However if you have to use your chainsaw for dirty jobs around sand and other debris then it may need sharpening after just one use.
What warranty comes with an electric chainsaw sharpener?
Most electric chainsaw sharpeners come with between a 1 and 3 year warranty. Some offer extended warranties if you register the product online, which is well worth doing as you will often get an extra year’s worth of warranty for about 2 minutes of your time!
How many times can you sharpen a chainsaw chain before it has to be replaced?
Generally, you will be able to sharpen a chainsaw around 10 times before you have to replace it – obviously this just depends on the amount of wear on the chain overall.
What warranty comes with a manual chainsaw sharpener?
You will usually find manual chainsaw sharpeners have much lower warranties, from as little as 30 days up to around a year. This is not to say that the product cannot last much longer than that – as we often find that they do, so don’t be put off by this short warranty!
How often do I need to replace the grinding wheel of a chainsaw sharpener?
This really depends on how often you are sharpening chainsaw blades, as obviously how often it is used will have an impact on how quickly the grinding wheels become worn. Providing you are using the sharpener for regular levels of home use, instead of professional use, then you will often find the grinding wheel can last for 2 years before needing replacing. It is recommended that you flip the wheel after around 25 chains.
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