Chainsaw sharpening is a ritual all chainsaw owners should abide by. It doesn’t matter what type of chainsaw you own- whether it’s the smallest electrical chainsaw or the biggest petrol powered model- you must make a habit of sharpening it regularly.
Why?
Because you don’t want to imagine what will happen when you force the blunt blades of un sharpened saw into the wood…it can snag and leave you with life-threatening injuries.
Moreover, a blunt chainsaw limits the effectiveness of your machine in cutting wood and even shortens its lifespan. With that said, I’d like to give you a list of my Best Chainsaw Chain sharpener that you can get today with a limited budget and a quick buying guide for the same.
Best Chainsaw Chain Sharpener Review Today
1. Oregon Professional 120-Volt Bench Grinder
Opening our list is the Oregon’s Oregon 410-120 Bench or Wall Mounted chainsaw sharpener. The fact that it comes from Oregon, a respected name in the sharpeners industry, should clear any doubts about its quality and performance.
Though it hangs on the lower price end, this sharpener comes with premium features that you’ll find only in the high-end models. The full package comes with a dressing brick, a quick check grinding template, and up to 3 grinding wheels that allows you to sharpen a wide range of chainsaw blades…these include the ¼-in, 3/8-in low profile, 0.325-in, full profile 3/8-in, and .404-in pitch chains.
For convenient operation, the grinder comes with a wear wheel indicator which lets you know when to do the replacement. As a versatile model, it allows you to either mount it on the wall or on the bench. It’s also solidly built and extremely easy to set up and use.
Highlighted features
- Sharpens ¼-in, 3/8-in low profile, 0.325-in, full profile 3/8-in, and .404-in pitch chain
- Wheel wear indicator
- Down angle and two plate settings
- Comes with dressing brick, 3grind wheels, and quick check grinding template
- Built-in light
2. Buffalo Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
Keep your chainsaw chain in a top condition and save cash with this Buffalo Tools ECSS Electric Chainsaw Sharpener. It’s extremely easy to use and works perfectly well with a wide range of the most popular chain designs, making it one of the most versatile sharpeners on the market today.
With a motor that turns at 42000RPM, this is also one of the most powerful and fast electric sharpeners to get the job accurately done in the blink of an eye.
It uses the 4-1/4’’ x 1/8’’ grinding wheel with 7/8’’ arbor to easily sharpen a wide range of chains. And being an electric chainsaw, it uniformly shaves all your chain tooth, leaving each tooth with the same bite.
The extremely easy to use machine mounts on vise, wall or bench to give the much-needed stability and easy access when sharpening your saw. It plugs into a standard 120V electric outlet.
Highlighted features
- Mounts to vise/wall/bench
- Compatible with the most popular chain designs
- Grinding speed: 4200RPM
- Plugs into a standard electric socket
- Uses 4-1/4-Inch x 1/8-Inch grinding wheel with 7/8-Inch arbor
3. Oregon Professional 120-Volt Bench Grinder
Oregon re-appears on our third spot with their Oregon 520-120 Bench Saw Chain Grinder. Just like its other cousin from Oregon, it’s reasonable price tag does not limit it from sharpening a wide range of chainsaw- from the ¼-inch, to the 3/8-inch low profile, 0.325-inch, full profile 3/8-inch, and .
404-inch pitch chain. This qualifies to rank among the highly versatile chainsaw sharpeners on themarket today.
Unlike The Oregon’s before it, it comes with a new shape design- with a newly engineered, self-centering vise which enhances its sharpening performance.
Inside the box, you’ll get a dressing brick, grinding template and up to 3 grinding wheels of different diameters to allows you to sharpen different chains. Factor in the 3,400 RMP grinding speed and you got an extremely fast, powerful sharpener!
It comes with built-in light which allows you to achieve maximum precision throughout the chain. The top plate as well as the down angle further promotes an accurate, uniform sharpening.
And the customize able vise handle makes the machine easy to operate. Just like other Oregon’s, it plugs into a standard 120V outlet.
Highlighted features
- Sharpens ¼-inch, 3/8-inch low profile, 0.325-inch, full profile 3/8-inch, and .404-inch pitch chain
- Dressing brick, grinding template and 3 grinding wheels included in the box
- Down angle and top plate settings
- Self-centering chain vise
- Customizable vise handle
- Built-in light
- Grinding speed: 3400 RPM
4. Oregon Mini Saw Chain Grinder Review
Don’t get surprised to see another Oregon…the brand is a King in the chainsaw sharpeners industry and I can’t help recommending to you their quality, top-performing, and affordable models.
Unlike the other models, the Oregon 310-120 is rather compact model, making it ideal for chainsaws who are always on the go.
Another thing that sets it apart from the other models from Oregon is that it comes with only two grinding wheels- suitable for sharpening the 1/4″, 3/8″ Low profile, .325″, 3/8″ and .404″ pitch chains. Clearly, this mini-grinder also has a higher versatility level compared to other models out there.
It has a fascinating motor speed of 4000 RPM which ensures faster sharpening. It’s also important to note that this motor has a fixed angle operation which allows for consistent sharpening.
Moreover, this motor operates in one-way- a measure that helps ensure your safety when operating this machine.
Highlighted features
- Sharpens 1/4″, 3/8″ low profile, 0.325″, full profile 3/8″, and .404″ pitch chain
- Fixed motor angle ensures consistent sharpening
- A one-way motor operation for better user safety
- Two 4 1/8in. Wheels included
- Plugs into a standard electric outlet.
5. Granberg 12 Volt Hand Grinder Review
The Granberg Grind-N-Joint 12 Volt Hand Held Chain Grinder is yet another extremely portable sharpener that I’d recommend to all chainsaw users who are always on the go. It’s characterized by a high-speed operation, lightweight feel, and easy to use- all for a crazily low price!
This sharpener has the highest sharpening power than all the other models we’ve discussed so far combined…it outputs a total of 22,000 RPM for the ultimate swiftness and power needed in sharpening the bluntest chain blades.
On top of this, it comes integrate with degree angle marks (with up to 3 angle choices: 25, 30, and 35 degrees) plus adjustable height plate that help you sharpen your chain to perfection.
The grinder features a high-impact plastic construction for superior durability. It comes with a 7/32″ grinding stone, and E-Z Gauge and instructions.
And to prove its portability, you can simply power it with your truck battery when in the woods- allowing you to sharpen your chain just anywhere, anytime!
Highlighted features
- Quickly and efficiently sharpens your chainsaw chain
- 22,000 sharpening power
- Three sharpening angles
- Comes with a guide for adjusting grinding stones and lowering depth gauge
- Made in the USA.
6. Timber Chain Sharpener Review
The Timber Tuff CS-MBS Manual Bar Mount Chain Sharpener is the cheapest of all the cheapest sharpeners that I’ve covered on this entire list. Even then, it still manages to meet your specific chainsaw sharpening needs and offer you professional results.
It offers you some level of flexibility, seeing that it accommodates both 6- and 8-inch files. In addition, it allows you to adjust it to triangular as well as flat depth gauge files- depending on your specific needs.
Because it’s a manual sharpener, it’ll take you more time to do the sharpening, unlike the electric models. If you’re really experiencing harder economic times, I’d advise you to buy this sharpener and maybe advance to a better model as time goes by.
Highlighted Features
- Versatile sharpener
- Professional sharpening results
- Adjusts to triangular and flat depth gauge files
- Can work with 6- and 8-inch files
7. Timber Electric Saw Sharpener Review
If you don’t like the power-lacking and time-consuming Timber Tuff we have just discussed above, you might want to look at the extremely powerful Timber Tuff CS-BWM electric chainsaw sharpener.
Unlike its sister, this model comes with a powerful motor with a speed of 3600 RPM to keep your chain blades working like they’re new. It’s a flexible model that you can use to sharpen all the chainsaws whose chains fall in the ¼” to ¾” range; it comes with 3 grinding wheels: 1/8”, 3/16”, and ¼”.
Thanks to the easy to read adjustment guides it comes with, you’ll have an easy time adjusting this sharpener for more consistent and accurate results.
For your safety when running it, the unit features a thermos overload protection. It features work light that provides you with good visibility when sharpening your chain for more precise results. Not only that, you can securely mount it to a wall or bench to obtain a stable sharpening station.
Highlighted features
- Motor speed of 3600 rpm
- Sharpens chains from ¼” to ¾”
- Easy-to-read adjustment guides
- Thermo-overload protection for user safety included
- 1-year limited Manufacturer’s warranty
- Mounts on bench/wall
8. Chicago Electric Saw Sharpener Review
The Chicago Electric Chain Saw Sharpener mounts on the wall, vise or bench to give you an easy time when sharpening your chainsaw. It comes with an unbelievably low price tag that’s no match for its list of features.
With a 42000 grinding speed, you’ll agree with me that this is a powerful, quick and the best electric chainsaw sharpener to keep your chainsaw blades at their best.
The manufacturers of this machine has your safety in mind when designing as seen in the inclusion of a large side safety guard to keep you safe from the potential dangers of electric sharpeners.
Unlike other models in the same price range, it comes with chain rotation rollers which advance the links for an extremely easy sharpening experience!
Highlighted features
- Chain vise adjusts to various chain designs and pitches
- Chain rotation rollers advance links for a hassle free setup
- Includes 4-1/4” x 1/8” grinding wheel with 7/8” arbor
- Mounts to bench, vise, or wall
- Grinding speed: 4200 RPM
9. Vevor Chainsaw Sharpener Review
The VEVOR Electric Chainsaw Sharpener is another bench/wall mounted model that comes with a pocket-friendly price. It features a durable design of cast aluminum plus reinforced hinge which improves its overall performance while enabling it to withstand regular use.
I like the versatility displayed by this model despite its low price. It comes with two grinding wheels of varying diameters- 1/8-inch and 3/16-inch, which lets you use it to sharpen different chainsaws.
Moreover, it comes with an inbuilt light and safety guards which lets achieve maximum grinding precision and user safety respectively.
With it easy to use control features, this machine can be operated by anyone with no prior sharpening experience. The installation manual included in the package makes it even more easier to operate. Remember that you can choose to mount it on the wall or on the bench.
Highlighted features
- Comes with grinding wheels 1/8″ & 3/16″
- Constructed from durable cast aluminum with reinforced hinge for enhanced performance
- Work light and safety guards for the ultimate precision and user protection
- Can be mounted on bench or wall
- Voltage: 110V.Motor input power: 230W.Maximum speed: 3000rpm.
10. Oregon 520-120 Bench Grinder Review
Finally, we have another Oregon machine designed with the durability, quality, and features to meet the needed of folks who frequently sharpen their chainsaws.
Its complete package includes a dressing brick, template for wheel contour and depth gauge setting, and three grinding wheels of thicknesses: /4-Inch, 1/8-Inch, and 3/16-Inch.
As Oregon’s most versatile grinder, this machine is capable of sharpening all the pitches from1/4-Inch up to 3/4-Inch right out of the box! It comes with a powerful 3400 RPM motor with 38 horsepower to enable it to meet your high-volume sharpening needs for a long time.
It also comes with a set of easy to use controls, built in light, and excellent safety features- all geared to towards increasing its level of convenience to users.
This best chainsaw sharpener is also among the few Oregons that come with the new grinding wheel adjustment feature. This allows you to adjust the wheels so that they continue sharpening your chainsaw blades uniformly and accurately even as they wheels wear out.
Even better, it features the self-centering vise that allows you to achieve equal grind angles without making any adjustments.
Highlighted features
- Sharpens 1/4-Inch, .325-Inch, 3/8-Inch, 1/2-Inch, and 3/4-Inch pitch chains
- 3 grinding wheels included with varying thicknesses of 1/4-Inch, 1/8-Inch, and 3/16-Inch
- Includes a dressing brick and template for wheel contour and depth-gauge setting
- Accurate and uniform grind angles
- Plugs into the standard electric socket (115V-AC, 60 HZ)
Best Chainsaw Chain Sharpener Guide
The market is generous with all types, brands, models, sizes, and shapes of chainsaw sharpeners. Asking yourself these questions can save you the confusion you might encounter when looking for the finest sharpener for your chainsaw:
1. What type of chainsaw sharpener do I want?
There are three main types of chainsaw sharpeners on the market right now- namely hand-held, bench-mounted, and electric sharpeners.
Let’s take a look at each of them:
- Hand-held Chainsaw Sharpener
Basically a file, this is the most popular and most affordable best chainsaw sharpener out there and it comes with a round shape- of various diameters- such that it can fit between the saw blades and do the job easily.
Because different blades come with different sizes, you’d want to look for the specific blade diameter for the best results.
However, given that this is manual sharpening, you’ll need to be extra careful to achieve uniform sharpening (ice, avoid sharpening one set of teeth more than the others).
It’s also important to note that this type of file requires more time to do the job than the other models.
- Bench/Bar-mounted Chainsaw Sharpener
As the name implies, this particular sharpener attaches to your chainsaw guide bar to sharpen the blade. Once attached, it requires you to make some simple adjustments to ensure that it can accommodate files of the right size.
One thing you’d love about this sharpening system is its extremely accurate sharpening results.
However, I’d advise you to put on some protective glasses when working with it as the file shavings tend to fly off at high speeds and might pose fatal injuries.
- Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
An electrical sharpener is doubtlessly the most versatile, powerful, and efficient sharpener for your chainsaw blades. It has an advantage over the other models in that it comes compatible with a wide range of machine, right outside the box.
Besides, it does the job much faster than the other models. Imagine taking less than 5 minutes to excellently sharpen a 20” chainsaw? Needless to mention, you’ll need to spend more to get this type of sharpener.
2. Is the chainsaw compatible with my chainsaw?
It’s also important to ensure that the sharpener you plan to buy will work well with your chainsaw blades. Not all sharpeners are compatible with your chainsaw and if you’re not careful, you might end up with the wrong type.
I always suggest that if you have any doubts regarding compatibility, simply look for a model that’s compatible with a wide range of types and angles of blades.
3. What’s the quality of the sharpener?
The quality question can also make a huge difference on the sharpener you buy for your chainsaw. As we mentioned earlier, chainsaw sharpening is a regular task, so you’d want to buy a sharpener that will last for a bit longer.
Ensure your sharpener is durable-doesn’t break easily- and does not lose it great sharpening capabilities after a few weeks of use.
In the light of this, buying from brands such as Oregon, Buffalo Tools, and Timber will always guarantee you of the best quality.
4. How much does the sharpener cost?
Finally, come up with a reasonable budget for your chainsaw sharpener as it will help you narrow down your choices.
NOTE: You don’t have to spend a lot of bucks to get the best sharpener for your chainsaw blades. You can get a sharpener that does the job perfectly well for a limited budget (and save your cash for other important stuff).
Let me give the 10 Best chainsaw sharpeners that are reasonably priced but do the sharpening job pretty well…
How To Use A Chainsaw Chain Sharpener?
Sharpening your chainsaw doesn’t require you to take a course or have any special skills. It’s fairly easy task as you’ll discover in the following simple steps:
Read this first: I’m assuming you’ve already picked your preferred type of file. As a quick reminder, this step should be based on your personal preference…but ensure the file you buy is also easy to use.
Let’s start the sharpening process
1. Sharpening your chainsaw is an important maintenance task that keeps your chainsaw performance at its best, extends its lifespan, and prevents the horrific accidents related to blunt chainsaw blades.
In the above post, I’ve given you the 10 finest sharpeners you can find on the market today with a little budget. These will do the sharpening perfectly well for nearly all chainsaw models while saving your money (and life too).Have you started sharpening your chainsaw already?
2. Seek the “Unique Link.” Each chain comes with its own specific link- where it does not have any teeth. This link signifies the start of your chain and it’s exactly where you should start your sharpening process so that you’ll easily know when you’ve completed sharpening the entire chain length.
However, if you can’t find this link, you can pick any start point and mark it- say with a visible color- to ensure you don’t lose track or sharpen some sections twice.
3. When doing the sharpening, it’s important to align your file at the angle of your chainsaw blades. Additionally, you should also apply even pressure throughout the sharpening process so that you can obtain a professional, uniform result at the end.
4. Repeat the above process anytime you want to use your sharpener to sharpen your chainsaw blades.
frequently asked questions
How much does a chainsaw sharpener cost?
First of all, it depends on the sharpener’s quality. High-end shrapnel costs over fifty dollars. At the same time, the best chainsaw chain sharpener and the average ones go around from twelve dollars to sixteen dollars. It all depends on the number of cutters.
What is the best degree to sharpen a chainsaw chain?
Most commonly, if you do a zero offset, then it can go up to thirty degrees. But the factory sharpened goes up to thirty-five degrees highest. The best degree to sharpen a chainsaw chain is between 25-35 degrees. Most Crosscut Chain is sharpened to 30 degrees. You can estimate this with a file, or if there are witness marks on the teeth, you can match your file angle to the witness mark. We recommend thirty-five as it will cut faster and show better results.
Why does my chainsaw chain get dull so fast?
There are numerous variables as to why the chain is getting gloomy quickly. To reply to the bar address, the best and sides of the bar ought to be level. The groove ought to be clean, and each side of the track should be flat. Moreover, you’ll be utilizing the off-base measure record, or your paper is gloomy, or you’re chain may not be as sharp as you think once you are done honing. You, too got to be mindful that if your chain is out of tune; cutters will be at distinctive lengths and
If you put too steep of angle on the cutters, this will dull quickly. And if your rankers are too far down, which will contribute to a quick dulling chain.
How do you tell when a chainsaw chain is worn out?
There are some crucial signs that you must check out to know if your chainsaw chain is worn out. The chain will come off very, very quickly, and there will be smoke. You might see much rust and be unable to cut wood. It will provide you with a shaky performance. Ultimately it will be challenging to position the chain.
How many times can I sharpen a chainsaw chain?
Chainsaws need special care and shape, or they might take lousy figures very quickly. You will need ten minutes and a maximum of seven to nine times to sharpen your saw. With the assistance of some cheap records and guides, you’ll be able to change your slow-cutting chainsaw into a firewood-cutting ninja. You’ll hone the chain right on the saw and right by the wood you’re cutting. Do it regularly, and you’ll get a long time of shortcutting life from your chain. Here, we’ll show you how to utilize chain saw sharpeners. A gloomy chainsaw edge can cause burning and buckling whereas sawing through wood.
Final Verdict
Sharpening your chainsaw is an important maintenance task that keeps your chainsaw performance at its best, extends its lifespan, and prevents the horrific accidents related to blunt chainsaw blades.
In the above post, I’ve given you the 10 finest Best Chainsaw Chain Sharpener you can find on the market today with a little budget. These will do the sharpening perfectly well for nearly all chainsaw models while saving your money (and life too).
Have you started sharpening your chainsaw already?