Frustrated with Dull Chainsaws Slowing You Down?

In this blog, we uncover the top-rated chainsaw sharpeners for maintaining sharp and efficient cutting tools, from easy-to-use manual sharpeners to advanced electric models, including cost-effective and professional-grade options.

With over 15 years of experience in woodworking and garden equipment maintenance, we’ve aided countless gardeners, landscapers, and DIY enthusiasts in keeping their chainsaws in peak condition. We’ve personally tested a wide array of chainsaw sharpeners in diverse practical scenarios, guaranteeing that our recommendations offer precision, durability, and ease of use.

Top-Rated Chainsaw Sharpeners In the Market

Oregon 410-120 Electric Chainsaw Grinder 

The Oregon 410–120 electric chainsaw grinder is a versatile and powerful electric sharpener that is specially designed for people who use their chainsaws regularly. This sharpener is compatible with many of the chainsaws; therefore, it is the best option for those who own a huge variety of chainsaws and don’t want to invest in many sharpeners. This sharpener is compatible with chains ranging from 1/4”, 1/3″, low profile 0.325”, full profile 3/8” and 404” pitch chains, as well as chisel chains and typically any chain that can be set over the unit railing.

  • It’s really easy to use the sharpener and adjust the chains of different types while using it, though you can take some time while learning which adjustment knobs to use, when you have to use them, and which movements of the adjustment knob will affect the chain.
  • This sharpener is electric and is limited, which means that it will not be a mess to use it. It comes with limited application material and you have to do a limited set-up to use this sharpener.
  • It is designed to be immobile and bolted to a place, which is a great thing because most of the time the devices you use show movements and destroy the work you do so it is really important to use devices that don’t show any movement and this is one of them.
  • It can be easily mounted on the wall and you need to make sure that you keep it on a stable platform. The flatter the platform, the fewer issues you will face while dealing with a little bit of wobbling that is made while sharpening.
  • In the beginning, many people have complained that they are unable to use it because it is very difficult to read the user’s manual and assembly instructions; therefore, they need to ask for help from other people who have used this machine before, as they know how to set it. Once it is set properly, you can easily use it.
  • This particular design comes with three grinding wheels, which allow you to sharpen the chain for a while before you invest in the replacement wheels.

The sharpener is built in such a way that it will last you a lifetime but still for consumer satisfaction, it comes with a three-year warranty card.

Pros
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  • It works wonders when you have to sharpen various chains quickly
  • It can be easily mounted on a wall or a bench
  • It is durable, as it comes with three grinding wheels and a three-year warranty card.
  • Almost anything fits any chain.

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Cons

  • Its user’s manual is hard to understand.

Oregon 520-120 Bench Saw Chain Grinder

Are you a person who uses different chains of different sizes and styles?

Then this one is for you The Oregon 520-120 bench saw chain grinder is designed for those who use heavy and multiple chains and is the big brother of the 410.

This sharpener is designed to fit any chain you put into it. Isn’t it great? While all the credit goes to the series of easy-to-use adjustment knobs that have made this process easier than ever before, you will thank these knobs, especially when you will be continuously switching between multiple chain sizes, as the large knobs are easy to turn and the multiple scale bars on the machine make it easier to mark your settings for a particular chain.

Although it is difficult to use this sharpener in a crowded workplace because it is quite bulky, the design of the sharpener is designed to be mounted on a workbench.

However, there is no doubt that it is excellent at its job; it quickly and evenly grinds the chain, but it doesn’t have any distinct features compared to the 410 models. This model is more expensive than the 410 model, which looks unfair because both of the models use a 0.4 horsepower motor, a 5-3/4 grinding wheel and offer a maximum speed of 3,400 rpm.

Both of the models come with a three-year warranty card, similar construction, a built-in light, and two spare grinding wheels, so there is almost no difference between the two models, but the 520 has a more heavy-duty design, which makes it better for those who use a lot of sharpeners and need to do a lot of sharpening.

Pros
  • It is durable, as it comes with a three-year warranty card.
  • It accepts nearly all chain sizes.

Cons

  • It is costly.

Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener

If you are looking for a portable chainsaw sharpener, then you can definitely go for the Timberline chainsaw sharpener, as it only weighs 1.2 pounds, which makes it extremely easy to carry and even comes with a travel case.

If you have to use it in the woods to cut felling trees or away on the job site, you can use it easily as it is fast and easy to use. All you have to do is simply fit it over the chainsaw bar with the chain on it.

You can easily use this tool once you get used to it regularly. People who used to file their teeth by hand found it took some time for them to get used to it but after learning how to use it.

It became a very easy and fun process. They also mentioned that the sharpening cutter takes out only a tiny amount of material from the chain, which increases the age of the chain and the cutter itself.

  • It is made out of machined aluminum, which adds to its durability and comes in different shapes and sizes. The manufacturer’s confidence can be shown by the sharpener’s lifetime warranty.

It is one of the best portable sharpeners but a little bit expensive for the manual sharpener.

Pros

  • It is super lightweight and portable.
  • It comes with a lifetime warranty.
  • It evenly sharpens the teeth.

Cons

  • It is expensive for a manual sharpener.

Stihl 2 in 1 Easy File Chain Sharpener 3/8” P 

If you are the one who uses the chainsaw sharpeners once in a while, then this one is your go. The manual sharpener from Stihl is the one for users who only need to sharpen their sharpeners once in a while to be perfect. Like another manual chainsaw sharpener,  it doesn’t require large space on the bench but can be taken off when you don’t need it, and you can take it away into the field whenever you need it. It is also safer to have a vice to hold the chainsaw in its place to avoid injury rather than putting it up on your lap.

  • Many users reported that it was easy to use this sharpener, even for those who have never used a chainsaw sharpener before. It comes with a relatively fast and easy manual guide.
  • This sharpener is commonly described as two in one because it not only sharpens the chain teeth properly but also reduces the depth gauge of the teeth.
  • As this sharpener is manual, it doesn’t fit every chain and size; it is designed to fit specific sizes such as 1/4”, 3/8”, and 0.325” chains.

If you still have any doubt regarding the chain sizes, you can call their customer care service, as they are helpful and you can ask about the chain size.

Pros

  • It doesn’t take up the bench space.
  • It is not expensive to buy.
  • It is extremely easy to use.

Cons

  • As it is a manual sharpener, it is slow for sharpening multiple chains.
  • It doesn’t fit into every chain.

Buffalo Tools ECSS Electric Chainsaw Sharpener

If you are a beginner in using chainsaw sharpeners, then this is for you. Buffalo Tools are the best choice you can have on a budget. If you are wondering why it is so cheap, then it is because the sharpener is made out of plastic material and it comes with a 90-day warranty card.

The sharpener pays off very well for its job but its manual is very difficult to read, so many users have to turn to the online community for help.

You need to pull the chain to groove as the machine does not auto-advance the chain and though many people who frequently sharpen their chains may find it frustrating, once they get used to it, they will feel so much better. But don’t forget to wear gloves while using the sharpener.

  • The sharpener is built in a way to be bolted down to a workbench but if you don’t have a proper space, then it can trouble you.

The tools come with one blade but grinding wheels can be repurchased at a low price from the nearby Buffalo tool store.

Pros

  • It is easy to use once you get to know the entire process.
  • It is inexpensive.

Cons

  • You need to manually advance the chain
  • It is made out of plastic.

Top-Rated Electric Chainsaw Sharpeners Varieties & Buying Guide

If you are going to buy the best chain sharpener, then you need to know the following information before buying it:.

Why Do You Need a Chain Sharpener?

A chain sharpener is an important tool to maintain your chainsaw. Sharpening your chainsaw will ensure that it will work the same as it did when you bought it on the first day. This will save a lot of your time and energy while cutting a thick log of wood.

  • Because a professional sharp chainsaw will be doing the majority of the work, a sharp chain will also ensure that you will use less battery or gas while cutting the thick log of wood.
  • A sharp chainsaw will make your life easier and will add more life to your chainsaw.

If you are looking to buy a sharpener for your chainsaw, then you need to keep the information mentioned in mind.

When to Use a Sharpener?

Now the question arises: how often should you sharpen the chainsaw?

As we all know, overdoing anything is not good. The same goes for this particular thing: oversharpening the chainsaw will badly affect the chainsaw.

  • It depends on what you are cutting through that chainsaw. When your chain will not work typically on the wood or will not pull itself, it means that your chain needs to be sharpened. For example, clean wood needs to be sharpened after several hours of semi-intervals, whereas if your chain has encountered sand and dirt, it needs to be sharpened immediately to improve its functioning.
  • You should know when your chainsaw does need to be sharpened, and you should do the same immediately to ensure a long and effective life for your chainsaw.

Varieties of Sharpeners

Sharpeners are available in three types

Handheld files: They are rarely used because they require a lot of manual labor and then they will disappoint you as they don’t show a good result even after so much physical hard work as they don’t file all of the teeth with exactly the same sharpness. Additionally, it is a time-consuming process.

Electric sharpeners don’t require manual labor; they are highly adjustable and can be used on any chain. You can save a lot of time while using them, and after using them, they will leave an even sharpness across the teeth but they are on the pricier side as compared to manual sharpeners.

Bar-Mounted Sharpeners: This sharpener fits evenly over the chainsaw’s bar file, covering about one-third of its area. It will file one at a time and then file the other one-third area. It is a little time-consuming, but this will evenly sharpen the entire chain.

Compatibility of Chain:

Before buying a chainsaw sharpener, you also need to consider your chain. For example, you need to consider the materials that were used to prepare the chain and then the size of your chain because all of the chains come in different sizes and all sharpeners will not fit all of the chains.

  • You need to make sure that the sharpener you want to buy for the chain you use is compatible with your chain in terms of material and size, as the wrong sharpener can destroy the chainsaw.
  • You can figure it out once you check the pitch that is mostly labeled on the bar of the chainsaw; mostly electric sharpeners are adjustable and compatible with a majority of chains, whereas manual sharpeners need to be considered as they don’t go with every chainsaw.

You can pick the right sharpener for your chain by considering all of the above points.

What Do You Need to Consider?

Before buying a chainsaw, you need to consider your own needs and where you are going to use the sharpener. This feature plays an important role in deciding which sharpener to buy. For example, if you use your chainsaw regularly and more likely on a dirty and sandy wooden surface, then you need to invest in an expensive sharpener as you will be sharpening it regularly for fast and quick results. On the other hand, if you use your sharpener once a month, then you can invest in a cheaper sharpener that may require more manual labor.

Quality:

Now comes the most important point while buying a sharpener: quality. The quality of the sharpener matters the most as the sharpening process involves metal on metal and there are fewer metals that can be easily worn down. Buying a sharpener that is built to last and is easy to use is a must and should be kept in your toolbox. Most sharpeners that are built using machined metal are more durable, and most of the time,  look for sharpeners that are easy to use and have a built-in safety mechanism if you are going to use it regularly.

For the satisfaction of your mind, purchase a sharpener that comes with a warranty card. Don’t be just satisfied with the claims of the company; cross-check it with the materials mentioned on the label and then make a decision.

Safety Tips While Using A Sharpener

  1. Prevention is always better than cure; dull chains of the chainsaw are more than enough to hurt you; therefore, you need to be more alert while using a chainsaw sharpener.
  2. Don’t rush. Go slow while sharpening the chainsaw. Go with the speed. Don’t try to speed up the process of sharpening by pulling the chain.
  3. Always wear heavy work gloves and cover your eyes while sharpening the chainsaw.
  4. While you are sharpening the chainsaw on the chainsaw bar, try to keep it away from your body to avoid any injury or accident.
  5. Make sure it is unplugged or the battery is removed.

There are huge varieties of chainsaw sharpeners available on the market to make the process easier for you. We have mentioned them below our top picks; to learn more about them, keep reading.

What is the best electric chainsaw sharpener?

We would recommend the Oregon 410-120 bench or wall-mounted chain saw grinder because the product is very reasonably priced for the features it possesses and includes a large 5-3/4” grinding wheel. The adjustment knob is also very friendly because it allows the sharpener to fit into any chain.

Where can I buy Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener?

Here is a complete review of the Timberline chainsaw product. Choose from the above-mentioned review products and you will never regret it at all.

FAQs on Chainsaw Sharpener

Q: What size should I sharpen?

A: You can sharpen any size blade you want. If you are just starting out, start with a small blade, like a 1/4 inch or smaller. As you get more comfortable, try larger blades.

Q: How often should I sharpen?

A: That depends on your needs. Some people sharpen every time they cut wood. Others only sharpen when their blade gets dull. There is no right answer here. Just remember that if you don’t sharpen, your blade will wear down faster.

Q: Is there anything else I need to know?

A: Yes! Make sure you keep your chain oiled. Also, make sure you store your chain properly. Don’t let it hang over the edge of the table, where it can get wet. Use a dry place to store it.

A: This is a tough question to answer. Each person’s situation is different. For example, if you are cutting firewood, then a bench-mounted sharpener might work great for you. On the other hand, if you are cutting trees, then a portable sharpener may be easier to use. In either case, you should choose something that fits your needs.

Q: Is it better to sharpen or replace a chainsaw chain?

A: Both options are valid. If you are replacing a worn chain, then you should probably replace it. If you are just getting started, then you should probably sharpen your chain. Either way, you should always follow the instructions included with your chainsaw.

Q: Can I sharpen my chain by hand?

A: Sure. But it won’t be as effective as a professional sharpener.

Q: Do I really need a professional sharpener?

A: No. Many people think that they need a professional sharpener. They are wrong. All you need is a decent-quality sharpener.

Q: Are pull-through sharpeners any good?

A: Pull-through sharpeners are fine. They are usually cheaper than bench sharpeners. However, they tend to be less precise.

Conclusion

If you need a lot of space while working in a garage, then you can permanently mount it on the workbench so that you can use the space for your work.

Moreover, it is durable and comes with a three-year warranty card.

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