If you have a chainsaw in your shed or are planning to buy a good-quality chainsaw, then we highly recommend that you get a chainsaw sharpener too.
These maintain the razor-sharp edge every chainsaw should have, keeping it as sharp as the day you bought it, ensuring you get a great cut every time, and preventing serious safety issues.
Here are our reviews of the best chainsaw sharpeners of 2024, as well as plenty of tips and advice on how to use these tools.
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Top Pick
Best Value
Premium Choice
Best Chainsaw Sharpeners for 2024
Product | Our Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Oregon Chainsaw Chain Sharpening Kit | 
| | |
2. Katzco Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit |  | | |
3. Oregon 620-120 Professional Chainsaw Chain Grinder |  | | |
4. Oregon 410-120 Chain Grinder |  | ||
5. STIHL 2 in 1 Easy File Chainsaw Chain Sharpener |  | ||
6. Husqvarna 531300081 Saw Chain Filing Kit |  | ||
7. Sharp Pebble Electric Chainsaw Sharpener Kit |  | ||
8. EzzDoo 3 in 1 Electric Chainsaw Sharpener Kit |  | ||
9. Buffalo Tools ECSS Electric Chainsaw Sharpener |  | ||
10. Granberg Bar-Mount Chainsaw Sharpener |  |
Benefits of a Chainsaw Sharpener
Asking yourself why you should invest in a chainsaw sharpener? Here are a few of the benefits:
- Lower maintenance and replacement costs – As your chain loses its sharpness, it must work harder to cut through wood, causing strain.
That means the chain, motor or engine, and other key parts wear out much more quickly than they would if the chain is kept sharp.
Chainsaws are expensive tools and are needed for heavy-duty work, so it’s worth it to make it last as long as possible. - Lower fuel consumption – When the engine or motor has to work harder, fuel efficiency is reduced. It will draw more electricity or gas to get the work done.
- Safety – A dull chain can slip, jam, or come loose more easily than a sharp one, especially if you are using it on hard or seasoned wood.
This means that there’s a much higher risk of injury or property damage.
How Does a Chainsaw Sharpening Tool Work?
First, you fit the chain of your chainsaw into a horizontal guide located at the base of the sharpener. The sharpener will use a grinding stone that looks like a toothless circular saw blade to file the chain, guiding the full chain through the system in just a few minutes.
You can get a manual chainsaw sharpener where you operate the system, or a convenient automatic chainsaw sharpener that will run the chain for you.
Here is a review on the best chainsaw chains on the market.
Do Chainsaw Sharpeners Work?
A good quality chainsaw sharpening tool will work very well and last a long time. The best chainsaw sharpeners are easy to use, sharpening the chain cleanly and quickly.
Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a durable and effective sharpener!
What are the Different Types of Chainsaw Sharpeners?
Chainsaw sharpeners can be manual or electric:
- Manual – These work well and are cost-effective, but they do require you to operate the sharpener. They are also a bit less powerful than electric sharpeners, so you can’t grind as deep with each stroke.
However, they are very useful for regular maintenance - if you don’t let the chain get too blunt between sharpening. - Electric – These are much more powerful and require little time or effort to get your chain as sharp as new. They are more expensive than manual sharpeners and because they are so powerful, you need to be careful not to over-file your chain.
What to Consider When Buying a Chainsaw Sharpener Tool
- Manual or hydraulic – A hydraulic assist feature will lock the chain in place when the grinding head makes contact, making the sharpening process faster and more even.
Other sharpeners have a catch that you tighten yourself to hold the chain in place. - Power – The more powerful your chainsaw sharpener, the faster the grinding stone will sharpen the chain and the more power you can apply to the chain. A good chainsaw sharpener will offer around 3400 RPM.
- Mechanical or automatic – When using a mechanical chainsaw sharpener, you need to unlock the chain and feed the links in for sharpening.
An automatic chainsaw sharpener will feed the links itself, so all you have to do is set the chain in the tool. - Pitch compatibility – The right sharpener will work with your chain type, and good quality chainsaw sharpeners have an adjustable head to accommodate several varieties of chain.
If you aren’t sure what chain you have, the pitch should be noted on the saw arm of your chainsaw. - Mounting – Your chainsaw sharpener should be easily accessible, either on your wall if you have a smaller work area, or on a bench if you have more space.
- Accessories – A lot of chainsaw sharpeners come with additional accessories, including LED lighting, grinding wheels, dressing stones, and wheel gauge.
How Many Times Can You Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain?
Generally, you can sharpen a chainsaw chain 10 times before it needs replacing.
Reasons a Chainsaw Gets Dull
It’s normal for a chain to get dull with use, especially if you are cutting through tough, demanding materials. If you are working with a good quality tool and it seems to be getting dull very quickly, this may be due to putting a too steep angle on the cutters, cutting through dirty wood, positioning the rakers too far down, or letting the tip of the saw meet the ground.
You can find out more about the different cutting techniques in this video.
Chainsaw Sharpener Reviews
Looking for the best chainsaw sharpener? Here are our reviews.
1. Oregon Chainsaw Chain Sharpening Kit
If you like the quality and performance of Oregon but want a portable manual field kit for sharpening your chainsaw on the go, this is a great option.
It’s a comprehensive kit with everything you could need to sharpen a chainsaw, including round and flat files, a depth gauge tool, chainsaw wrench, scrench, stump vice, felling wedge, and file guide.
It’s well-priced for the quality and tools you get, and it comes with an excellent instruction guide.
Pros
- Well-known brand
- Comprehensive kit
- 2 x 5/23-inch, 2 x 3/16-inch, 2 x 7/32-inch round files
- Quality and durability
- Heavy-duty case
- Fully portable
Cons
- Fully manual
2. Katzco Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit
High-quality and fully portable, this manual chainsaw sharpener can go with you to any job site. It is a complete set of field tools, including files, depth gauge, filing guide, and roll-up pouch.
It offers several files, including a premium fine flat tooth and round file, with round sizes in 5/32 inches, 3/16 inches, and 7/32 inches.
They are good quality, well-made tools with a comfortable wooden handle, and they’re easy to use, durable, and practical.
Pros
- Affordable
- Fully portable 8-piece kit
- Premium fine flat tooth file
- Round files in 5/32 inches, 3/16 inches, and 7/32 inches
- Depth gauge, filing guide and roll-up pouch included
Cons
- Fully-manual
3. Oregon 620-120 Professional Chainsaw Chain Grinder
Oregon’s bench grinders are well-known for their quality, performance and durability – and you get all three in this model.
Although it is more expensive than other options, you still get great value – especially if you want high-volume, professional-level performance.
It offers hydraulic assist, automatic vice clamping, built-in lighting, and one-way motor rotation.
The kit includes the grinder, dressing brick, profile guide, 2 x grinding wheels, and a flat profile disc for depth gauge maintenance. It is well-suited to commercial or high-volume use.
Pros
- Professional performance
- Hydraulic assist
- One-way motor rotation for safety
- Automatic vice clamping
- LED lighting
- Sharpens up to a .404-inch pitch chain
Cons
- Expensive
- Bench mount only
4. Oregon 410-120 Chain Grinder
This mid-sized electric chain grinder comes from a leading chainsaw manufacturer and is ideal for occasional sharpening as well as higher-volume work.
It has a universal sharpener that can work on chains from all major brands, including /4", 3/8" low profile, .325", 3/8" and .404" pitch chains.
The grinder comes with 2 grinding wheels, a dressing brick, and quick check grinding template.
Pros
- Bench or wall mounted
- 3500 RPM
- Electric chainsaw sharpener
- Universal sharpener – up to .404-inch pitch chain
- 2 x grinding wheels and 1 x depth gauge wheel
- Profile disc for depth gauge maintenance
- Well-known brand
Cons
- Manual chain clamp
- More expensive
5. STIHL 2 in 1 Easy File Chainsaw Chain Sharpener
Made by one of the leading tool manufacturers in the world, this Stihl 2-in-1 file quickly sharpens chain teeth and lowers depth gauges in one tool.
It's easy to use, precision-tooled for accuracy, and comes with a file holder and filing guide. In just 10 minutes, your chain will be ready to start cutting, whether you are sharpening it in the field or your workshop.
Pros
- Well-known brand
- For 3/8-inch chains
- Portable
- Integrated file tolerance compensation
- Comes with 2 x 5/32-inch files
- Sets position and angle automatically
Cons
- Fully-manual
- Only for 3/8-inch chains
- Slightly more expensive
6. Husqvarna 531300081 Saw Chain Filing Kit
As a leading chainsaw manufacturer, Husqvarna knows just how to sharpen chains too! This manual file kit is designed for 3/8-inch chains, including Husqvarna models.
The kit includes a file handle, combination filing gauge, 2 round files, and one flat file for depth gauges. It’s easy to see the angle mark on the chain tooth and the entire tooth itself.
This makes it easy to use and keep your sharpening accurate. The files are durable, effective, and the kit is very well-priced.
Pros
- Well-known brand
- Affordable
- Portable
- File handle, combination filing gauge, 2 round files, and one flat file
- Easy to use
- Durable manufacturing
Cons
- Fully-manual
- Only for 3/8-inch chains
7. Sharp Pebble Electric Chainsaw Sharpener Kit
This electric chainsaw sharpener is convenient and easy to use. The kit comes with a chainsaw angle guide attachment, wrench, and 4 file size diamond sharpening wheels.
It can accommodate 5/32-inch, 3/16-inch, 7/32 inch, and 7/32-inch chains. It is very affordable, and ideal for light sharpening in the workshop, as it requires an electrical outlet, and the diamond tip will wear over time.
Pros
- Electric
- Affordable
- For 5/32-inch, 3/16-inch, 7/32 inch, and 7/32-inch chains
- Left or right handed use
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Better suited to light sharpening
8. EzzDoo 3 in 1 Electric Chainsaw Sharpener Kit
Simple and affordable, this electric chainsaw sharpener kit is easy to use, fairly durable, and sharpens chains quickly. It is titanium-plated for durability and the 150W motor supplies a respectable 3500 RPM.
It is low vibration for comfort and comes with 4 different wheels, including 1 x 5/32-inch, 1 x 3/16 inch, and 2 x 7/32 inch.
It works quickly and you’ll be ready to use your chainsaw in as little as 5 minutes!
Pros
- Affordable
- Electric
- Comfortable and easy to use
- 3500 RPM
- 1 x 5/32-inch, 1 x 3/16 inch, and 2 x 7/32 inch
Cons
- Better suited to light work
9. Buffalo Tools ECSS Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
Another good, affordable electric chainsaw sharpener is this model from Buffalo Tools. It can be mounted to the wall or a workbench, and it is adjustable to most chain sizes.
It offers a very powerful 4200RPM and is adjustable to accommodate most chain sizes as it comes with a 4-1/4-inch x 1/8-inch grinding wheel with 7/8-inch arbor.
It’s better suited to light sharpening work rather than commercial applications.
Pros
- Affordable
- Wall or bench mount
- 4-1/4-inch x 1/8-inch grinding wheel with 7/8-inch arbor
- Plugs into standard outlet
- Good quality for the price
Cons
- Heavier
- Not highly precise
10. Granberg Bar-Mount Chainsaw Sharpener
This bar-mounted manual chainsaw sharpener is a classic design developed by Elof Granberg over 35 years ago. Made in the USA, it offers great quality, performance, and durability.
It’s reasonably priced, works well, and is a quality alternative to more expensive brands. It’s manual and portable, and lightweight at 1lbs. it comes fully assembled and gets the job done quickly without any fuss or hassles.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Original design
- Industry standard for accuracy and durability
- Fully portable
- Suitable for all standard chain sizes
- Adjustable file height and tooth length
Cons
- Fully-manual
Sumo Gardener's Chainsaw Sharpener Top Picks
Our Top Pick Chainsaw Sharpener
For our team, the Oregon Chainsaw Chain Sharpening Kit is the best chainsaw sharpener for 2024! While it is a manual option, it’s well-made, easy to use, and the kit comes with everything you’ll ever need to sharpen a chain – at a great price too!
The heavy-duty case makes it easy to transport, store and use in the field, and it works with almost any type of chain.
Best Value Chainsaw Sharpener
The exceptionally well-priced Katzco Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit is our choice for best value. The kit comes with all the basic tools you’ll need to sharpen standard chains, and the roll-up pouch stores everything safely and conveniently, making it ideal for workshops and field work. It’s well-made, easy to use, and lightweight.
Premium Choice Chainsaw Sharpener
If performance is everything, then we recommend the exceptional Oregon 620-120 Professional Chainsaw Sharpener! This electric chainsaw sharpener is designed to deliver professional performance, making it ideal for high-volume sharpening and commercial use.
Powerful, well-made, and designed by a leading chainsaw manufacturer, it comes with automatic vice clamping, hydraulic assistance, and LED lighting.
Sharpen Up with the Best Chainsaw Sharpeners of 2024
For anyone who regularly uses a chainsaw, a chainsaw sharpener is a must-have piece of kit. It will help your chains last longer, maximize the lifespan of your saw, and make work safer and faster.
Be sure to see our review on the best professional chainsaws for 2024.
If you need convenience and performance, an electric model will serve you well, while a manual kit is affordable, lightweight, and can go with you wherever the work takes you.
We hope our reviews helped you find the best chainsaw sharpener for your workshop!
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