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Best Sharpener For Sharpening Chainsaw Chain & Buyers Guide
Have you ever worked with a blunt knife? Is it not one of the most frustrating things ever? When it comes to chainsaws, working with a blunt chain will give you the same levels of frustration. The chainsaw will take longer to saw through the wood it it will even cut through it alt all, therefore wasting valuable time. Sharpening your chainsaw is a great way to keep it in tiptop shape and avoid frustrations when you have a lot of work to do.
So how do you start sharpening your chainsaw chain? You find the best saw sharpener for the job. Below you will learn how to identify the chainsaw sharpener that befits your chainsaw. There are also chainsaw sharpener products that can make a good fit for what you are looking for.
You may also be interested in how to maintain and service a chainsaw. Let us proceed.
There are manual chainsaw sharpening sets which are very affordable for taking on the job as well a electric models which are super efficient and make the job much easier.
Below is a quick summary of what we consider to be the best chainsaw sharpener for both beginners and professionals which is the Clarke ECSS2 Electric Chainsaw Sharpener. After this you will find our Buyers Guide and detailed reviews of 5 of our favourite models.
Our Best Pick
Quality is crucial to how a product performs and Clarke have processed an excellent piece of kit.
Powered by a strong motor and including a hard wearing disc, you can be sure that the unit will perform optimally and should easily sharpen 50+ chains. It can be mounted on a workbench but you need a couple of bolts and wing nuts. Features an angle gauge and a chain guide to ensure effect precise sharpening of a chain within a few minutes.
Our top 6 electric and manual chainsaw sharpeners that are included in our review
- 1Clarke ECSS2 Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
- 2Faithfull Power plus CHAINS 240V Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
- 3Portek Maxi Chainmaster Chain Sharpener Mark II
- 4Stihl Genuine 5605 007 1027 Stihl Filing Kit for 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch Picco Chain
- 5Oregon Chainsaw Sharpening Kit and Pouch 5/32'' 4.0mm
Chainsaw Sharpener Buyer's Guide
Finding the best chainsaw sharpener is pretty straightforward if you understand what to look for but the first job is deciding whether to invest in a electric model, which we highly recommend as it makes life much easier and sharpening much faster, or go for a manual file type chainsaw sharpener which are great for take on the move but take skill and plenty of practice. Different chainsaw sharpeners possess different features. You may find that one sharpener does not work so well for one size chain but works wonders on another. That being said, the exception is our 'Best Pick' by Clarke where we have not found a chain it would not sharpen.
Handheld, Electric or Bar-mounted?
There are basically three kinds of chainsaw sharpeners in the market. There are the handheld/manual sharpeners, bar mounted and our favourite, electric chainsaw sharpeners. Each kind has various pros and cons whether financially or the amount of time it takes to complete the job.
Handheld sharpeners are all the rage if you have time on your hands or always on the move with no access to power to use an electric alternative. They take time and focus to get the work down and plenty of practice. The simple kits usually consist of a filing guide, round files and flat files. These are the files can be presented in different sizes to cater to different chainsaw blades. These filing sets are not expensive and make a good option to work with when the larger sharpening machines are inaccessible.
Electric sharpener machines take all the pressure off and you will wonder why you didn't invest in one sooner if you not already got one. They sharpen the chainsaw blades fast and precise, in as little as 2 minutes once you got the hand of it. They feature various features such as precise depth stops to prevent the sharpener from going in too deep among features. Electric models are convenient but the price is higher compared to the other kinds of chainsaw sharpeners, however for around £50 you can get a very good model and it will pay for itself quickly if you usually have your chains sharpened by a chainsaw maintenance store.
Bar mounted sharpeners happen to be the hybrid between the handheld units and the electric models. They feature the complex features of the electric chainsaw sharpeners and manual movements of the handheld sharpeners but less strenuous. These units can be mounted on a workbench for simplified use.
Power Range
In the case that you are looking into an electric chainsaw sharpener, you need to know its power range. Electric chainsaw sharpeners house motors of various sizes and strength. Many of the models range from 70-300w+ range. The bigger the motor the more power you have availed to sharpen your chainsaw in a short amount of time. The motor affects the speed of the unit. The higher the speed (rotations per minute), in general, the better for you.
Best Budget Pick
Best Affordable Electric Model
Even on a budget, you have access to good quality tools if you choose right. This product gives you good features at a reasonable price. Its made from mostly plastic but has all the features such as angle gauge to make sure that adequate sharpening is accomplished. Perfect for most chains and comes with a 5 year warranty. Not quite as good as the Clark model but still gets the job done and for cheaper.
Chain and sharpener compatibility
The same way chainsaws come in different sizes is the same way chainsaw sharpeners can only handle certain chain sizes. It is important to read the product description to determine whether the chain size can be catered to by the sharpener. Alternatively, you can purchase adjustable sharpeners that are able to handle varied sizes of chains. Most electric models will sharpen nearly all chains but manual models are usually for specific sized chains so be sure you check before buying, specially if choosing a manual model.
Chainsaw sharpener construction and durability
Chainsaw sharpeners just happen to be that kind of tools you want to own for a long time. They are extremely useful in some situations like worksites. Lasting long means durable materials used in the construction of the sharpener. In many cases, models are made of steel or cast aluminium. The metals have to be heavy duty and in some cases, contain other metals like zinc to strengthen the core metal. Some cheaper models are made from plastic and are better suited for domestic home use.
Portable Pick
Hands-down, The Best handheld sharpener kit to use anywhere
This handheld model proves to be much stronger in handling rigorous work. The kit is light and, therefore, appropriate for sharpening on the go. The price you pay for this kit is worth every penny and it happens to be quite straightforward to use. Instructions could be better so a quick search on Youtube and your find a good video by Stihl on how to use it properly.
Price and Warranty
It all boils down to how much you want to spend and how patient you are. If you want a simple chainsaw sharpener then the chances are it won’t be that expensive. Models of higher quality tend to cost more and offer better features. Regarding price, a good manual model from the best brands will set you back around £13-14 while a good electric model will be around £50 so there is a big price difference.
Chainsaw sharpeners often have warranties. The longer the warranty the better. If anything proves amiss with the sharpener, you can contact the service centre for possible solutions. Warranties are important but they should not deter you from purchasing the chainsaw sharpener you want.
Top 5 Chainsaw Sharpener Reviews
What is the point of talking about chainsaw sharpeners if we don’t show some capable examples?. Scan through these chainsaw sharpener reviews, you never know which one will appeal to you. After looking through these you will have a better picture of what you want. We start with our 'Best Pick' which is the model we would choose ourselves followed by done great alternatives.
Clarke ECSS2 Electric Chainsaw Sharpener Review
BEST ELECTRIC CHAINSAW SHARPENER
Quick overview: Fast sharpening speed up 4800rpm, lightweight unit, easy assembly and very easy to use. Probably the best model we have come across - This chainsaw sharpener is simply a winner in every way which is why we awarded it our 'Best Pick'
The Clarke ECSS2 Electric Chainsaw Sharpener is a reliable model that is able to cater to different chain sizes and types, we yet to find a chain it could not sharpen. This model features an powerful 85w motor to power the rotating disc which should easily sharpen 50+ chains. The power availed by this machine supports a speed of 4800 rotations per minute which means it can sharpen a chain in around 2 minutes once you had some practice. The disc installed has a 108mm diameter and can be tilted at different angles to cater to the type of chain being sharpened.
This unit can be mounted on your workbench to make your work easy. The bolts and nuts required will have to be purchased independently as there not included which is a shame.
It weighs 2.9kgs which is light enough to move from one place to another but heavier enough to be a substation well built piece of kit, specially compared to the cheaper Faithful model we review next. The unit also features a safety guard and angle gauge for accurate sharpening and added safety, still we recommend wearing eye protection.
Pros
Cons
Thoughts and recommedations
The Clarke ECSS2 Electric Chainsaw Sharpener provides quality, effectiveness and is probably the easiest to use out of all the models.. You can sharpen a number of common chains with this model, in fact we couldn't find a chain size it wouldn't sharpen unlike the manual model were you have to be specific in the sharpener you choose.
It is light but due to the construction materials used, it does see, like its built to last. Overall this is an excellent sharpener, probably one of the best ones we have seen, the instructions are also good unlike most models. All things considered, if we have to only recommend one model or invest in one ourselves, this would be the one we would choose which is why we name this model our 'Best Pick'. Clarke really have created an excellent tool.
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Faithfull Power Plus Electric Chainsaw Sharpener Review
Quick overview: Dependable electric chainsaw sharpener, perfect for both petrol and electronic chainsaws. A 5 year warranty is a huge plus to this product but it does feel a little plasticky, A great choice for those looking for a cheaper alternative,
The Faithfull Power Plus Electric Chainsaw Sharpener is one you need to get if you are on a budget but you still need a reliable model, which of course, is a must, no matter how cheap it is. It comes with an 85 watt motor that supports the revolving 4-1/4” diameter grinding disk. The grinding disc is 1/8" thick and works well with 3/8 pitch chains which is most chains you will probably use, that is both low profile and regular.
For mounting purposes, you will find bolt holes so that you can mount the unit on a workbench. The chainsaw sharpener is not heavy and thus can be mounted without strain. It comes with an angle gauge and chain guide to ensure that the chains are sharpened with precision. It is straightforward to assemble and it is built strong enough to last for many years but it does seem to be manufactured from mostly plastic, however for the price it probably expected. It features a 5 year guarantee which is nice to have, much longer than most other models.
Pros
Cons
Thoughts and recommendations
The Faithfull Power Plus Electric Chainsaw Sharpener can be depended on to sharpen most chain sizes and is very easy to use.
The price is good if you are on a budget and it is easy to work out. The instructions need some details like sharpening angles but other than that it is a dependable product. It comes with a 5 year warranty which is a plus in our books. Overall if your on a budget and looking for a model for domestic use then this model is ideal, however we would recommend paying a little more for the Clarke model if you can. if you can't then this will get the job done.
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Portek Maxi Chainmaster Chain Sharpener Mark II Review
Quick overview; Good quality electric chain sharpener that caters to varied sizes of chains. It is mountable and features a 0-30 ° angle gauge. Perfect for professional use, much better quality than most other models.
The Portek Maxi Chainmaster Chain Sharpener Mark II is designed to last and is perfect for user who utilize chain sharpeners often and professionals or those simply looking for a high quality model. This model features an 85 watt motor which is strong enough to support a top speed of 4200 rotations per minute. Even at that speed, the motor runs quietly which is good, specially when compared to cheaper model but for the price it should stand out for its performance. The grinding wheels are replaceable and should be 4.5mm / 3.2mm thick which is comes with.
The unit is able to service a number of different types and sizes of chains as do most models. It provides a cutting angle between 0-30° and a functional depth stop. Setting it up is easy and so is using it once you used it a few times. The instructions provided and very clear making assembly a breeze but the instructions on how it should be used could be clearer.
Pros
Cons
Thoughts and recommendations
The Portek Maxi Chainmaster Chain Sharpener Mark II performs well and has most of the functions that you might need at a good price although it not the cheapest.
It can cater to a wide range of chain sizes comfortably with tools like the angle gauge and depth stop. It is easy to assemble and just takes a bit of time to adjust to it if you happen to be a beginner.
We would recommend this unit for professional use or those who use a chainsaw regularly and need a reliable model for daily use..
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Stihl Filing Kit for 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch Picco Chain Review
Quick overview: Simple chainsaw sharpening kit from one of the best well known brands. It is affordable and perfect for simple jobs and probably one of the best manual chainsaw sharpeners available.
This Stihl Filing Kit is for 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch Picco Chains and is a simple sharpening kit. This sharpening kit comes with its own pouch that you can walk around with and store all the files together. If you looking for a manual model then you don't get much bette than this. The tools are made of good material and thus you are guaranteed that they will last longer which is expected for a Stihl product.
They are adaptable to dealing with 3/8-inch and 1/4-inch chains. The kit comes with a 4mm round file, a file gauge and a flat file. It weighs 286 grams indicating how easy it is to keep around your toolbox. Perfect for sharpening chains on the go.
Pros
Cons
Thoughts and recommendations
The Stihl Manual Chainsaw Sharpener is attainable when you need a sharpener which can be used on the go. The handheld kit can only manage to serve a limited number of chains so be sure to check your chain size first to ensure you buy the right set.
It comes with the features that you need to sharpen chains easily, the instructions need improving but the quality of the files is much better than most other cheaper alternatives we have seen. Another great set from Stihl.
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Oregon Chainsaw Sharpening Kit and Pouch 5/32'' 4.0mm Review
Quick overview: Affordable handheld sharpening kit at a great price, everything you need for chains and bar maintenance in one little set for use on the job. The sharpener is designed to cater to .325 type chains.
The Oregon 5/32" 4.0mm Chainsaw Sharpening Kit and Pouch is designed to cater to for all chains that fall under the .325 type of chains. The durable kit is created out of durable materials to ensure that they last longer and it included everything you need for bar and chain maintenance while in the field. The tools are encased in a red pouch that is hard to miss especially if you are out in the field using your chainsaw. You can even attach it to your belt if need it near for work. The kit comes with a 4mm round file, wooden handle, flat file, a bar groove cleaner and a depth gauge. As stated the sharpener is appropriate for 1/4" and 3/8" pitch chains.
Pros
Cons
Thoughts and recommendations
You get what you pay for with the Oregon Chainsaw Sharpening Kit. It is cost effective and is great for using on the move. The kit will help you service specific types of chains making it limited in some instance it also good for bar maintenance as well as the chain itself.
We would recommend this to those who need a maintenance set to use on the move and in the field, everything you need in one little pouch. Overall we think the best option is to invest in an electric model and use this as a second sharpener to take on on the job.
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Our Final Conclusion
You have options as to the method to use when sharpening your chainsaw chains. If you have the funds and you need fast sharpening, electric models work wonders and are very easy to use and much faster than using a manual sharpener. If you have light work to attend to, the handheld models will also be helpful. Either way, just ensure that the products quality is not compromised.
Reading user reviews is a good way of gaining insight into the product you are about to purchase. Know what kind of chain the chainsaw model you have uses to make it easier in acquiring the right one. We hope you have identified the kind of chainsaw sharpener you want.
Our Best Pick
Quality is crucial to how a product performs and Clarke have processed an excellent piece of kit.
Powered by a strong motor and including a hard wearing disc, you can be sure that the unit will perform optimally and should easily sharpen 50+ chains. It can be mounted on a workbench but you need a couple of bolts and wing nuts. Features an angle gauge and a chain guide to ensure effect precise sharpening of a chain within a few minutes.
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Last updated on February 27th, 2021