5 Best Chainsaw Sharpener You Need To Have A Look On
The chainsaw is one of the most reliable tools for someone who has to cut down a lot of trees or timber for their use. The sharp teeth of and the high power of the chainsaw is enough to cut even the hardest of trees. But a chainsaw is only as useful as its teeth.
In other words, a chainsaw is most effective if its teeth are sharp and razor-edged. How would you keep your chainsaw sharp? That’s where chainsaw sharpeners come into the picture. In this article, we will be discussing in-depth various aspects related to chainsaws, and find out the best chainsaw sharpener.
Product Name | Product Image | Quality | Price | Our rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
A- | $ | 85 % Quality | ||
A+ | $ | 95 % Quality | ||
A- | $$$ | 90 % Quality | ||
A+ | $$$ | 90 % Quality | ||
A | $$ | 95 % Quality |
**Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
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What Are Chainsaw Sharpeners?
Constant usage and the hard surface of the wood can damage your chainsaw teeth and the sharpness of the said teeth. That is why it is important to make sure that your chainsaw is in top condition and all the teeth of the blade are razor sharp.
Keeping your chainsaw in top condition and making sure that the teeth do not lose their sharpness and strength may seem like a hard and time consuming task. With the help of chainsaw sharpeners, it is possible to make sure that your chainsaw is in its best shape and can cut down even the hardest of wood.
When there is such a wide variety and range of something, choosing the best or perfect among them can become a hard and tedious task. The same is also true for chainsaw sharpeners. There is a wide range of models and brands of chainsaw sharpeners that are available in the market and each one of them looks much better than the other.
So how will one find an ideal chainsaw sharpener for their use? Well, this is a tough and complicated question that requires a lot of idea and planning. What might seem like the best chainsaw sharpener to one might just be an ordinary tool to another. That's why we will be talking about some of the most important features or factors that should be taken into consideration when choosing a chainsaw sharpener.
Things To Keep In Mind While Buying A Chainsaw Sharpener
The Power Source Of The Chainsaw Sharpener
One important feature to look for when choosing a chainsaw sharpener is the power source of the sharpener. Today, there is a wide variety of chainsaw sharpeners available that can run on anything, ranging from electricity, battery to even hand powered. Always choose a chainsaw sharpener that is convenient to use.
Portability
Another important factor that decides the practicality of a chainsaw sharpener is its portability. There are some chainsaw sharpeners that are big and heavy, making them less suitable for outdoor work. Always try to go for a chainsaw sharpener that is lightweight and easy to carry.
Ease Of Use
You should always go for a chainsaw sharpener that does not require any prep time. The sharpener should come with detailed instruction and guides to make sure that you get the best out of your product.
Durability
No matter what you are buying in the market, one important factor for look out for is the longevity and durability of the thing. Always choose a sharpener that has a long life and is durable enough to fetch the most out of your buck.
Different Types Of Chainsaw Sharpener In The Market
There are a number of different types and models of chainsaw sharpeners in the market. Depending on their working and how they sharpen the chainsaw, chainsaw sharpeners can be divided into 4 different types. These are:
Files
These are the simplest looking and possibly the cheapest kind of chainsaw sharpeners. They are generally 12 inches in length and made of metal. Such sharpeners can be found in a wide variety of shapes, including flat, rounded and even triangular.
Each file has a different diameter, which means that you have to be careful what you buy. The diameter of the files decides the ability of the chainsaw sharpener to fit between the chain’s main brace and the cutting surface of the tooth.
Manual Sharpener
Manual sharpeners are similar to files except that they have been held in position by a metal or plastic frame. This framework allows you to hold the file against the tooth of the chainsaw at a precise angle when sharpening to get the correct pitch.
These sharpeners are small and lightweight, making them an ideal tool to work outdoors. The chainsaw sharpener can be attached to the chainsaw bar, which allows you to turn and rotate the sharpener in such a way that it comes in contact with the chainsaw teeth.
Electric Sharpener
There are a number of electric sharpeners available in the market that comes in varying sizes and capacities. There are some chainsaw sharpeners that can be used for all kinds of chainsaws and some that can only be used for certain models.
When you choose an electric chainsaw sharpener, it is important to look at all its features and functions and choose the one that suits your needs the best. Only spend your money on an electric sharpener that has all the functions that you need. Almost all kinds of electrically powered chainsaw sharpeners come with a large number of similar functions like mountable on any surface, large knobs and handles etc.
Battery Powered Sharpener
Battery powered sharpeners are similar to electric powered ones, expect that they are powered with the help of a battery. This gives them a distinct portability advantage over their larger electrical counterpart. But, it also means that it has reduced power and accuracy when compared to the electric ones.
Process Of Sharpening A Chainsaw
Now that we have talked about the different types of chainsaw sharpeners and the different features to look for in them, let us take a look at the actual process of sharpening the chainsaw:
- Check the depth gauge of the chain. You have to make sure that they are consistent and are not too high.
- Check whether all the teeth in your chainsaw have the same length. You can use the first teeth as a standard and measure the rest of the teeth. I strongly recommend the use of a caliper for measuring the length.
- Sharpen the cutter properly before using the chainsaw.
- Don’t forget to loosen the vice when you reach back at the cutter that you began with. You will have to attach the guide bar in the other direction or the opposite side.
Things To Keep In Mind While Sharpening Your Chainsaw
Here are some things to keep in mind when you decide to sharpen your chainsaw:
- Make sure that the chain is free of any debris or dust
- Use smooth stroke on the cutting tooth. It is recommended to use 2 to 4 strokes on each tooth
- Be sure to secure your chainsaw with a good vice
- You need to hold the file guide at a 90-degree angle to the machine’s flat face. Ideal filing angle is usually 25, 30 and 35 degrees depending on the manufacturer
That said, let us now take a look at some of the best chainsaw sharpener in the business.
Product Name | Product Image | Quality | Price | Our rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
A- | $ | 85 % Quality | ||
A+ | $ | 95 % Quality | ||
A- | $$$ | 90 % Quality | ||
A+ | $$$ | 90 % Quality | ||
A | $$ | 95 % Quality |
**Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
5 Best Chainsaw Sharpener Reviewed
The Timber Tuff electric chainsaw sharpener is a must have for everyone if you own a chainsaw and do a lot of outdoor work. The chainsaw file consists of an anti-aging and anti-impact cover, which makes it durable and more aggressive than the other brands in the market. Further, this cover ensures that the sharpener stays cool throughout the process.
Pros
- Made of the finest quality metal
- High speed motor
- Stays cool during operation
- Durable and aggressive
- Does everything that they promise and offers a great value for money
- Smooth filing action
- Comes with anti-aging and anti-impact cover
Cons
- Sharpening quality is satisfactory
When it comes to chainsaw sharpeners and accessories, there is no other brand that you can blindly trust as STIHL. This chainsaw sharpening set from STIHL comes with a complete file kit. It has a file diameter of 3/16 inch and a chain pitch of 0.325inch. It is a tool that can take care of any filing and sharpening purposes for your chainsaw.
Pros
- Complete file kit
- Easy to use, even in the hands of an inexperienced sharpener
- Good value for money
- Has everything that you will ever require for sharpening
Cons
- The guide that it comes with is pretty pointless
The first electric chainsaw sharpener in the list, the Oregon 410-120 saw chain grinder is one stop tool for all your chainsaw maintenance. The machine can be used to sharpen ¼, in 3/8 in low profile at chain pitch of 0.325 and 3/8 inch a.404 chain pitch in full profile. The machine has a wheel wear indicator and built-in lights which make the process as easy and smooth as possible.
Pros
- Great design and build
- Multiple sharpening options make it fit for any kind of chainsaw
- Built in lights and wheel wear indicator for better performance
- Easy to set up and build
- Top plate and down angle settings
Cons
- Sometimes packaging issues are being reported, including missing parts
- The assembly is also a bit different from what is given in the manual and needs some working
Timberline carbide cutter is the ultimate sharpening tool which can sharpen your chainsaw within seconds. It sharpens the chainsaw very precisely and accurately making sure that each tooth is sharpened to the same level. Further, it is portable and can be carried away anywhere.
Pros
- Does what it promises in a perfect way
- Good build and durability
- Easy to use
- Made of high quality aluminium
- Portable and can be carried easily
- Sharpens each tooth precisely
Cons
- Takes a bit of time to sharpen when compared to others
The final entry in our list is just not efficient and effective in sharpening your chainsaw, it also looks good and well built. The Buffalo Electric chainsaw sharpener can be used with any chainsaw design and has a grinding speed of 4200 rps.
It can be mounted on a wall, bench or vice for maximum ease of use. The device uses a 4-1/4-Inch x 1/8-Inch grinding wheel with 7/8-Inch arbor for sharpening and polishing your saw blades.
Pros
- Extremely powerful and efficient in sharpening your chainsaw
- Allow you to mount it on almost any surface
- Good value for money
- Easy to use and set up
Cons
- Does not have a light
- The position of the power switch could have been better
- Bad instructions
Over to You
There are a wide number of chainsaw sharpeners available in the market, but choosing the perfect chainsaw sharpener for your chainsaw can be harder than expected. But with the help of the proper knowhow and help, you can choose a sharpener and save both time and money to give new life to your old and dull blades.
As someone who has to use his chainsaw on a daily to weekly basis, getting a chainsaw sharpener has been one of the best investments I have made. It has helped me save a lot of time and money on my machine. And choosing the best among all the sharpeners in the market is not an easy task.
But if I had to bet my money on one, I would go with the Buffalo Tools ECSS Electric chainsaw sharpener or the STIHL complete saw chain filing kit as they help me give the best care and protection to my blade at an affordable price. This chainsaw sharpener is versatile and adjusts itself to a range of chainsaws. Further, it can be mounted to bench for extra stability and convenient working.
I hope that you have all learned what you came here for and will be able to make a smart and informed decision when it comes to choosing the best chainsaw sharpener. If you have any more doubts or queries about the same, please contact us through our comments and we will get back to you as soon as we can.