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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 website supports our amazing readers with countless hours of research and testing to help you find the best product so you don't regret making a purchase. You support us through our independently chosen links, which earn us a small commission and cost you nothing but helps support our research.