If you own a landscaping business or like to trim your own trees, you probably have a chainsaw and chainsaw sharpener in your garden shed. These tools help to keep that razor sharp edge needed to cut through wood cleanly and easily, prolonging the lifespan of your chainsaw and making it safer to use.
If you’re in the market for one of these tools, take a look at our reviews of the best chainsaw sharpeners on the market in 2023 to find the best product for your budget.
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Product | Our Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Einhell Cordless Chainsaw Sharpener |  |  | |
2. Alloy Bench Mount Electric Chainsaw Sharpener |  | ||
3. Granberg Bar-Mount Chain Saw Sharpener |  | ||
4. Codirom Chainsaw Sharpener |  | ||
5. Pedkit 2in1 Chain Sharpener |  | ||
6. Baumr-AG Pro-Series Chainsaw Sharpener |  | ||
7. Timber Tuff CS-12V Chainsaw Sharpener |  | ||
8. Dynamic Power GN-FY220B |  | ||
9. POPETPOP Chainsaw Sharpener |  | ||
10. Sun Joe 24V-CSSHRP-CT 24-Volt Cordless Chainsaw Sharpener |  |
Why Use a Chainsaw Sharpener?
There are plenty of good reasons to invest in a chainsaw blade sharpener:
- Reduced wear – A dull chainsaw will wear out much faster than one that’s kept sharp, because the motor has to work much harder to cut through wood. Regularly sharpening your chainsaw will help this expensive tool last longer with less maintenance.
- Reduced fuel consumption – Because the motor of a chainsaw has to work much harder when the chain is blunt, you’ll use much more fuel (whether it’s petrol or electricity) to get the job done.
- Increased safety – A blunt chain is more likely to cause an injury or property damage, and can slip out of control or break when it encounters very dense materials.
Do Chainsaw Sharpeners Really Work?
Chainsaw sharpeners work very well – but only if you buy a good quality product. They are quick and easy to use, saving you the expense of having to buy a new chainsaw chain when your chain gets dull, and ensuring you get a clean cut every time.
How do Chainsaw Sharpeners Work?
Source: Amazon
The chain of your chainsaw will fit into a horizontal guide on the base of the sharpener. Using a disk-shaped grinding stone (this looks like a circular saw blade with no teeth) on an adjustable head, the chain is guided through the system and filed down at the correct angle.
(Speaking of circular saws, don't miss our product review and buying guide for the best circular saws available in Australia.)
You will have to set the correct angles of the grinding head for your specific chain. The process of sharpening the chain takes just a few minutes.
Different Types of Chainsaw Sharpeners
There are two types of chainsaw sharpener, each with their pros and cons:
Manual Chainsaw Sharpeners
Manual chainsaw sharpeners work well and are affordably priced, but they are less powerful. This means that you can’t take off as much with each stroke, so it’s a bit more challenging to get the chain nice and sharp and make it last as long as possible.
Electric Chainsaw Sharpeners
Electric chainsaw sharpeners work very well and are very powerful, restoring your chain to as-new condition with very little effort. However, they are usually more expensive and you do have to be careful not to overdo your sharpening, as you can end up filing the cutters too low.
What to Look for in a Chainsaw Sharpener
Source: Amazon
- Mounting – They can be mounted to a wall for easy access, which is a great option if you don’t have much space in your workshop. Bench-mounted sharpeners are workable if you have a more spacious setup.
- Manual or hydraulic assist – Some of the more advanced sharpeners have a hydraulic assist feature that locks the chain in place to prevent it from moving when the grinding wheel makes contact.
It’s not an essential feature but it’s nice to have if you want the process to be faster. Those without it will have a manual assist feature where you tighten a knob to hold the chain in place. - Speed – The more powerful the motor, the higher the rotations per minute (RPM) of the grinding stone. A higher RPM means the job will be completed faster, but it also means the tool is more aggressive, so it’s easier to over-file your chain.
A good benchmark is to aim for a sharpener offering around 3400 RPM. - Pitch compatibility – Pitch refers to the distance between the cutting links on your chainsaw chain. Your sharpener will have to be able to work with the type of chain you have, and most have settings to accommodate different chain pitches.
You can usually find your chain’s pitch on the saw arm of the tool. - Automation – Fully mechanical chainsaw sharpeners require you to unlock and feed each chain link after filing, which can be a bit of an annoying process.
Today, you can find sharpeners that fully automate this process – all you have to do is set the adjustments for your chain and let it work. - Accessories – Today, many come with additional accessories that can be useful depending on how you use your chainsaw. This includes built-in lighting, additional grinding wheels, grinding stones, dressing stones and wheel gauges.
How to Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain
If you’ve never sharpened a chainsaw before there are a lot of potential mistakes you can make, so we’re going to quickly run through how to use a basic chainsaw sharpener, like the manual chainsaw sharpeners in the reviews here.
Once you’ve mastered manual chainsaw sharpeners, the principles are generally the same for electric chainsaw sharpeners.
Source: Amazon
To sharpen a chainsaw:
1. Clamp the blade (bar) or your chainsaw onto a solid surface that won’t move.
a. Use a really good quality vice for this, as it’s essential that your chainsaw is completely still for the next step.
b. It’s fine to clamp your chainsaw upside down if it sits easier on the work surface.
2. Tighten the chain on your chainsaw, making sure it is as tense as possible while still able to move around the saw when pushed.
a. Test that your chain is tight by pushing it (wearing gloves) while the machine is powered off. If it moves slightly, but with effort, it is perfect for sharpening.
3. Before you start sharpening, mark one tooth with a bright marker (this shows you where to stop later).
a. Some chainsaws have an odd coloured link in the chain. If you don’t want to mark your blade, start from this link.
4. Mount your sharpener so that the filing edge is lined up with the direction of the original chain’s cutting edge.
a. This is usually about 30 degrees, but it will be fairly obvious.
5. Slide the file, or electric sharpener, forwards, then remove it, replace, and slide forwards again. Never slide backwards.
6. File each cutter ten times until it is sharp.
7. Repeat this on every chain until you get back around the saw to the original marked chain.
10 Best Chainsaw Sharpeners for 2023
Want the best chainsaw sharpener for your money? Take a look at our reviews.
1. Einhell Cordless Chainsaw Sharpener
Source: Amazon
This battery-powered electric chainsaw chain sharpener is able to sharpen standard chains quickly without over-filing them. It can be fixed to a workbench or to the wall, and it has an integrated light for easy illumination.
It is powered by 2x9V lithium-ion batteries, and features a depth stop (to prevent over-filing), precision angle-adjuster to ensure the best results, and weighs just 2.2kgs.
For an electric chainsaw sharpener, it is well-priced and offers good value.
2. Alloy Bench Mount Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
Source: Amazon
Another good option is this bench mount electric chainsaw sharpener. It offers exceptionally precise filing and has a 250mm maximum cutting length as well as 35-degree working angles and adjustable filing depth.
It has an ergonomically-designed handle and a useful protective cover. It cannot be mounted to a wall, so you’ll need the bench space for this tool.
3. Granberg Bar-Mount Chain Saw Sharpener
Source: Amazon
If you are looking for a well-made, durable but affordable manual chainsaw sharpener, it’s worth looking at this one. Made in California, it’s a bit more expensive than your average tool, but it does perform well.
It mounts any saw with any file size, is made of cast aluminium and zinc-plated steel for durability, and sharpens chains quickly and easily.
It weighs 476 grams so it is easy to transport and use in remote locations, and you can set file height and tooth length as well as the correct sharpening angle with ease.
4. Codirom Chainsaw Sharpener
Source: Amazon
This 2-in-1 file and sharpener is fully portable and allows you to sharpen chain teeth and flats at the same time without the need for a depth gauge or filling guide.
It is quick and accurate to use, and the build quality is very good. It’s lightweight and easy to carry although it is crafted from steel, weighing just 363 grams. It’s also very affordably priced!
5. Pedkit 2in1 Chain Sharpener
Source: Amazon
Another good manual option that is very affordably priced is this 2-in-1 sharpener from Pedkit. It can sharpen any chain very quickly and efficiently in just one step.
You can operate it safely directly on the chainsaw, and it’s easy to carry at just under 137 grams. The sharpener is made of high-quality bearing steel, so it’s built to last.
6. Baumr-AG Pro-Series Chainsaw Sharpener
Source: Amazon
This is an electric chainsaw sharpener for the pros, whether you’re running a commercial landscaping business or use your chainsaws on a regular basis.
It features SURELOCK automation for high-quality grinds and has a powerful 3,000RPM motor. It has built-in lighting, a solid alloy design, and comes with an additional 3 sharpening blades.
It weighs 8kgs and can be mounted to a workbench.
7. Timber Tuff CS-12V Chainsaw Sharpener
Source: Amazon
If you are looking for a highly portable electric chainsaw chain sharpener, this is a great option. It has a powerful motor that runs at around 22-24,000 RPM. It has an adjustable sharpening angle for 20, 25 and 30 degrees and comes with 3 grinding stones. It stays cool while grinding and has a high-impact shield for protection.
It takes about 5 minutes to sharpen a 50cm chain, and you don’t have to remove the chain to use it. The only downsides are that the grinding stones tend to wear fairly quickly and the speed of the motor is not variable, so you cannot slow it down for a slower cutting speed.
8. Dynamic Power GN-FY220B
Source: Amazon
With a powerful commercial-grade motor, this electric chainsaw sharpener is ideal for anyone who needs to use a chainsaw on a regular basis. It’s bench mounted with a rigid CAD-designed body and the motor supplies a constant 7000 RPM without getting hot, so you never burn or soften your chain.
With precise grinding every time and the ability to sharpen all chain types and sizes with ease, this is a powerful and durable sharpener that weighs just 1.95kgs.
9. POPETPOP Chainsaw Sharpener
Source: Amazon
A handy and fully portable tool, this manual sharpener is easy to carry to any job, no matter how remote. It’s simple to use, made from high quality materials and built to last.
It’s comparatively lightweight at 600 grams, can sharpen all standard chains, and is simple to install.
10. Sun Joe 24V-CSSHRP-CT 24-Volt Cordless Chainsaw Sharpener
Source: Amazon
Although this product is sold without the battery or charger, it is worth considering due to its price and the quality of the sharpener. Its features include grinding wheel depth adjustment, a manual locking knob and a thick aluminium oxide grinding wheel.
It can be attached to any bench or work table easily, and weighs 2.25kgs. With a powerful 65.5W motor, you get up to 6,500 RPM, making any sharpening job quick and easy.
It’s compatible with other Sun Joe tools and can be used cordless or corded as needed, with the 24V battery lasting 40 minutes while running.
Our Top Pick - Best Chainsaw Sharpener of 2023
Source: Amazon
Our pick as the best chainsaw sharpener is the Einhell Cordless Chainsaw Sharpener simply because it ticks all the boxes. It’s not too expensive, it’s compact, powerful, and it’s built to last.
Although you have to buy the battery and charger separately, the features make it more than worth it, from the ability to wall-mount or bench mount the tool and illuminate your task area with built-in lighting to the option of using it as a corded or cordless unit.
At 2.2kgs, it’s not too heavy to transport easily, and it works quickly and effectively while actively preserving your chain from over-filing.
Chainsaw Sharpener Frequently Asked Questions
Are chainsaw sharpeners worth it?
Chainsaw sharpeners are definitely worth it, and can add at least 30 hours of working time to every chain. Never re-sharpen a chainsaw chain more than ten times as it will eventually weaken the chain, but every sharpening will add three hours of constant sharp cutting to your chain.
What is the best sharpener for a chainsaw?
Einhell’s cordless chainsaw sharpener is the best chainsaw sharpener for 2023, with its budget-friendly price tag, compact size, and effective filing plate.
Of every chainsaw sharpener we’ve tried, the Einhell model is the one that shines as the easiest to use too, so for anyone new to chainsaw sharpeners, it's a good place to start too.
How long does it take to sharpen a chainsaw?
Sharpening chainsaws is an essential part of their maintenance, so it’s well worth investing in an electric chainsaw sharpener.
Electric chainsaw sharpeners will save you time in the long run and are well worth the investment. Sharpening chainsaws with an electric chainsaw sharpener will usually take around five to ten minutes.
Manual chainsaw sharpeners take significantly longer to achieve a good finish, so you can expect to take at least twenty minutes to sharpen chainsaws by hand. Remember that every tooth needs ten forward strokes with a clean file.
How often to sharpen chainsaw chains?
Chainsaws should be sharpened after every ten uses as an absolute minimum. Regardless of the type of timber you’re sawing, sap, dust and dirt can build up in chainsaw chains, and when you’re cutting through really tough materials the teeth will wear down much faster than cutting through softer timbers.
Good quality chainsaw chains working on typical use will need sharpening after ten uses, but for heavy work through solid timber - particularly for cutting through trunks - you should really look to sharpen your chainsaw after just one use.
It’s essential to do this to maintain free movement from your chainsaw, and prevent accidents as blunt chainsaw chains can easily bite and jump back.
How long should a chainsaw chain last between sharpening?
Chainsaw chains will remain sharp for about three hours of constant cutting. For a chainsaw chain used less than once a year, sharpening annually is fine. If you regularly use your chainsaw, sharpen the chain every few weeks.
Why does my chainsaw get dull so quickly?
If you have a good quality machine with a good quality cutting chain and are finding that it’s getting dull quickly, this may be due to cutting technique (putting too steep and angle on the cutters), placing you rakers too far down, touching the ground with the tip of the saw, or cutting very tough or dirty wood.
Are electric chainsaw sharpeners good?
As with most tools, taking the time to do things slowly and precisely by hand is almost always the best route to accuracy, but electric chainsaw sharpeners will cut your working time by more than half.
Is it better to sharpen a chainsaw blade or buy a new one?
Sharpening chainsaw chains is better for the environment than purchasing new chains every time and will save you money too. By sharpening your chainsaw chain, it will work like new for weeks, if not months, afterward.
How do I know what type of chainsaw sharpener I need?
To choose the correct chainsaw sharpener, you need to check the size of your chain pitch. Larger pitches mean taller teeth, and higher teeth will require larger files.
Most chainsaw sharpeners are universal, but it's always worth checking their chain capacity against your chain pitch.
How many times can you sharpen a chainsaw chain?
Generally, you can sharpen a chainsaw chain 10 times before it needs replacing.
Get Ready to Get Sharp with the Best Chainsaw Sharpeners of 2023
If you regularly use a chainsaw, a chainsaw sharpener is an essential tool to have. Not only does it make your chains last longer, but it also lengthens the lifespan of your saw and allows you to work quickly, effectively and safely.
Whether you want the power and convenience of an electric model or the portability of a manual model, you’ll find the right chainsaw model for you in our reviews!
