Chainsaw Sharpener

F rom the DIY projects to professional use, you have to maintain your equipment in a good state, especially equipment with blades. By using a sharpener, you will save money in the long run, as you won’t have to change the chain so often. So, to make sure your chainsaw has sharp and precise blades, we offer you our best recommendations.

Top 10 Chainsaw Sharpeners Comparison

Photo	Product Name	File Size	Filing Guide	Files Type	Included Handle	Depth Gauge	Price
Best Overall	1. Katzco 8 Piece Chainsaw Kit	5/32″ – 4.0 mm 3/16″ – 4.8 mm 7/32″ – 5.5 mm		Round and Flat			Check Price
Our Choice	2. Cataumet Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit	5/32″ – 4.0 mm 3/16″ – 4.8 mm 7/32″ – 5.5 mm		Round and Flat			Check Price
	3. Stihl 2 in 1	3/8″ – 4.0 mm		Round and Flat			Check Price
	4. Pferd 17300	3/8″ – 4.0 mm		Round			Check Price
	5. HILASON INTERNATIONAL Mizoova 10-Piece	5/32″ – 4.0 mm 3/16″ – 4.8 mm 7/32″ – 5.5 mm		Round and Flat			Check Price
	6. Buffalo Tools ECSS	4-1/4 x 1/8 inches		Electric			Check Price
	7. Drixet 29510	5/32″ – 4.0 mm 3/16″ – 4.8 mm 7/32″ – 5.5 mm		Round and Flat			Check Price
	8. Chicago Electric HA68221	4-1/4 x 1/8 inches		Electric			Check Price
	9. STIHL 5605	3/16″ – 4.8 mm		Round and Flat			Check Price
	10. Oregon 25894	5/32″ – 4.0 mm		Round			Check Price

1. Katzco 8 Piece Chainsaw Kit

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This 8-piece file kit contains several accessories for easy use. It has 3 different round file sizes, 5/32, 3/16 and 7/32, and a 6 inches flat fine-tooth file, while the 3/8 inches hardwood stain and finish handle can attach to any file size and to the depth gauge, as well, for an ergonomic and easy grip. Additionally, it offers you better control and accuracy regarding angles, thanks to its 7.75 inches long file holder that comes with a filling guide inscribed on it. Minimizing the annual maintenance cost you would, otherwise, have paid for a new chain, all the tools can be carried in one single roll-up tool pouch for more convenient transport.

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2. Cataumet Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit

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A sharpening XL kit that includes premium tools for professional or personal use, it has 3 round files measuring 5/32”- 4.0mm, 3/16”- 4.8mm, 7/32”- 5.5mm, 3 double handle file guides, a 6 inches flat file, a depth gauge of 0.25inches, a 5.5-inch felling wedge, a heavy-duty stump vice, a screwdriver, and a 13mm-19mm chainsaw wrench. Additionally, it has a nail head nylon field bag, with 6 exterior storage sleeve pockets and a single end-to-end zipper in which to carry them all. It measures 13 inches in length, 17 inches height and 5 inches in width, thus providing you with lots of storage space and portability. All tools are made with high-quality steel, thus offering you both strength and durability, while the felling wedge is made from high impact ABS plastic and is not intended for splitting wood. Additionally, the chainsaw handle and guides accept same-size file replacements.

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3. Stihl 2 in 1

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It measuring 14.4 inches in height, 3.5 inches in length and 1.7 inches in width, and it weighs 14.4 ounces, as it comes with two types of files: two rounded files, and one flat. Additionally, it comes with a unique file holder for more accessibility and a filing guide, for more precision, accuracy, and easiness in dealing with your dulled chain. A 2-in-1 design, it simplifies the overall process by completing two functions at once – sharpening the cutters and lowering your depth gauges. It works best for 1/4″ P, 3/8″ P, .325″, 3/8″ and .404″ saw chains with integrated file tolerance. It requires no batteries to work.

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4. Pferd 17300

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It measures 13.6 in height, 8 inches in width and 2 inches in-depth, and it can be used right out of the package. Best suited for 3/8″ P and 3/8″ chainsaws with low profile chains, it doesn’t require you to remove the chain while you work on it. It comes with a strong and sturdy file, requiring no more than 4 passes on each saw tooth to sharpen it. Weighing 11.2 ounces, its round file comes with a filling guide for more precision and control over the filling angles.

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5. HILASON INTERNATIONAL Mizoova 10-Piece

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This 10-piece set comes with all you need to sharpen your chainsaw in just a few minutes. It has 3 different-sized round files, 5/32”, 3/16”, 7/32”, as well as several flat ones, all made from durable steel, which you can use with a variety of chain types. It comes with an additional file guide, measuring 7-1/2 inches, which is designed with a quick lock and release mechanism, for increased stability and control while using. It has engraved angles, to provide you with increased precision with alignment when filling.

Furthermore, it comes with a 6-3/4” depth gauge, with inscribed angles on it for easier use, and with a 4” bar groove cleaner. Thanks to its quick check gauge, which measures 4-1/4 inches in length, there will be no more guessing, as it comes with all the necessary indications engraved onto it, while its 4” round, hardwood handle will be able to accustom all file types. All tools will fit nicely inside the traveling pouch it comes with, as it can even fold down while all the items are still inside. It measures 11.02 inches in length and 7.09 inches in width when completely rolled out, while folded it measures 10.02 inches in length, 3.15 inches in width and 1.18 inches in height.

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6. Buffalo Tools ECSS

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It measures 9.5 inches in depth, 6 inches in height and 13.5 inches in width, it has a weight of 4.11 pounds, thus it is lightweight and easy to move around or store. It can be placed and mounted on a bench, wall or, 35 degrees right to left, vise, thus you can easily adjust it according to your working conditions. It can be used with most types of chains, and it comes with a, 4 ¼-inch in diameter and 1/8-inch in thickness, grinding wheel. It has a powerful 85W motor which makes it rotate at 4200 RPM, thus it provides you with an easy way to sharpen your chain. It has a 7/8-inch arbor, and a saw chain pitch of 3/8 inches. It needs 120V and 60 Hz to function properly, and it has a gauge of 0.080” to 0.050”, but it will not work with any 0.043” gauges. Additionally, it comes with a limited 90-day warranty from the moment of your purchase.

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7. Drixet 29510

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This set comes with 3 round files with different sizes: 5/32 inches – 4.0mm with a 3/8-inch LP Pitch, 3/16 inches – 4.8mm with a 3/25-inch Pitch, and 7/32 inches – 5.5mm with a 3/8-inch Pitch. Additionally, it has a 4-inch long attachable hardwood handle, thus it allows you to use all the tools while keeping an easy and comfortable grip, and a 6-inch long flat file.

Moreover, it comes with a 7-inch long depth gauge which will help you get a precise and accurate measurement with special engraved numbers, to aid you even more, and the angle guide filing holder will align your file for precise sharpening. It has 2 clips to support the file when snapped on to keep it stable. All tools can be kept in the compact, durable, roll-up, 10.5 inches by 7 inches, tool pouch it comes with, which allow easy storage and transport. The set can be used to sharpen landscaper chainsaws, firewood cutting ones, concrete cutting chainsaws and brushing and slashing saws, and it comes with a lifetime warranty from the moment of your purchase.

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8. Chicago Electric HA68221

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It can be used with all types of chain pitches and designs, as it comes with an adjustable chain vise for the cutting angle, as well as sliding rotation rollers, which allow you to move the chain while sharpening. It allows you to easily mount it either on a bench, on the wall or a vise, and it is lightweight as it weighs only 6.5 pounds. It has a compact built, it measures 14.2 by 9.8 by 6.7 inches, and it has a 7/8-inch arbor. It has a powerful motor, which allows the 4-1/4-inch diameter and 1/8-inch thick grinding wheel to rotate with 4200 RPM for fast and easy sharpening. Moreover, for increased safety, it comes with a safety guard. It comes with an easy-to-operate design, which allows you to start working as soon as you plug it into any 12V outlet.

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9. STIHL 5605

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This filling kit comes with all the necessary tools and accessories for you to be able to easily sharpen your saw. There are two types of files in the set: a flat and a round one, each measuring 3/16 inches in diameter. Both of them have easily detachable and interchangeable wood-made handles to provide you with easy use, and a comfortable grip. They best suited for chains which have a pitch of 0.325-inches and the set comes with a depth gauge tool, as well, to provide you with increased accuracy. It comes with a filling guide, as well as a tool pouch, which will enable you not only easy storage, as you will be able to keep all items in the same place, but with increased portability, so you can easily take the set with you anywhere you travel.

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10. Oregon 25894

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It measures 1 and 1/4 inches in height, 3.5 inches in width and 12 inches in length when assembled, the kit comes with a 5/32 round file, a file frame, for more precision and control, and a wooden file handle for a proper and ergonomic grip. It weighs only 0.8 ounces, it is able to fit 1.4 inches and 3/8 inches chainsaws, with a pitch low profile of 0.050 in. ga. chain models. Plus, the guide it comes with will provide you with the correct filling angle according to your chainsaw.

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Types of Chainsaw Sharpeners

The perfect tool for the perfect project will is essential if you want to be able to work without interruptions and unplanned breaks. While there are several types of chainsaws on the market, so are the sharpeners. But you will want the one that fits your chainsaw best and one that offers you only the best sharpening experience. So let’s take a look at their types.

• Rounded File – coming in different sizes, they are usually the cheapest ones to buy. Commonly mixed together, in a kit, with a flat-file and a depth gauge one, they are designed to perfectly fit in the curve of the tooth. Thus, you have to make sure you measure correctly and choose the right one for your tool.
• Manual Bar – providing accurate sharpening, as they go right into the bar of the chainsaw, they are not exactly actual sharpeners. More similar to fixed guides for sharpening using a file built already into the tool, they do not require the chainsaw to be secured in order to be used.
• Electric – portable hand-held tools that do not need to be plugged into the wall, they are usually connected to a 12v battery on your car or working van. Coming with an adjustable gauge, they are much quicker at sharpening than hand files but you have to make sure the chainsaw is secured to avoid any types of injuries.
• Bench – stationary grinder which offers you the quickest and best results when sharpening chains is what you require, they cannot be taken away from home. While unable to be moved, they offer precision, quickness, and accuracy in sharpening any type of chainsaw, regardless if it’s for personal or professional use.
• Electric Drill – designed to fit on drills and multi-tools, they work in a similar way to rounded files. Handheld, but connected to an electric rotary drill or operated as a separate electric tool, they can easily and quickly sharpen your chainsaw. There are also models which are lighter and require a battery to work.
• Electric Professional Self-Sharpening Chainsaw – with this tool you won’t actually need a sharpener. It will automatically sharpen the chain by itself, but its price is not exactly cheap.

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How to Sharpen a Chainsaw in 5 Steps

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A bit intimidating for beginners, they are fairly easy and simple to use. If you follow certain steps, you will discover the utility of sharpening a chain instead of throwing away and buying a new one. Profitable in the long run, as you will not be forced to buy new chains as often as before, sharpening is easy if you do it right.

Step 1 – Wear protective gear. Your hands need to be protected to avoid any possible injuries, so wear a pair of thick and durable gloves.

Step 2 – Secure the chain. Engage the break so your chain won’t move while you work on it. Tie it securely so it will be fixed and unable to move.

Step 3 – Depending on the kit you have, you should follow the manual it comes with, for a precise and correct way of sharpening the chain. It should only take a few strokes to see a shiny silver gleam on the metal before you move on to the next cutter. You’ll have to repeat the process until you’ve managed to sharpen all the cutters on the chain. Don’t forget to check the right angle before you engage in action.

Step 4 – Find the depth gauge. It should come with the kit, allowing you to readjust the height of your cutters. They have to be perfectly aligned with the gauge to get the best and optimum result. Not having the cutters aligned correctly means that your chainsaw will not reach the wood and thus you’ll have an ineffective tool.

Step 5 – Refuel it. Once you put the fuel back, your tool is ready to go. Be sure to keep the chain sharp and the tool clean of dirt and debris to prolong its lifespan.

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Verdict

In order to be able to work at full capacity, you need a sharpened chain saw. While you could always throw the chain and buy a new one, you might not always have the money to make a new investment simply because it has dulled a bit. So, a great way to keep your chainsaw sharp, without investing money in it, is to simply sharpen it up. Katzco 8 Piece Chainsaw Kit comes with anything you might need to keep your tool in great shape. Thanks to its various files there won’t be a chain you won’t be able to sharpen, while thanks to the filling guide, you will have increased precision. Not to mention that it comes with a portable tool pouch that enables you to keep all accessories in one place, always ready to go. However, regardless of which of our recommended products you choose to try out, you can be sure they will be able to help you maintain your chainsaw sharp.