The 6 Greatest Chainsaw Sharpeners of 2024, Examined and Reviewed
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Everybody who makes use of a chainsaw has been there: You’re at full throttle, the attractive two-stroke symphony at max RPM, however you’re solely seeing superb mud exiting the log, and also you aren’t getting wherever. Your chain is about as sharp as a marble. Some folks I do know exit and put a brand-new chain on, and finally, they find yourself with a dozen uninteresting chains hanging across the storage. However there’s a higher (and cheaper) approach. Use a chainsaw sharpener.
However, a stroll via the shop or a fast web search will carry up so many choices for chainsaw sharpeners that it may be arduous to decide on one. I examined a number of the greatest chainsaw sharpeners that can assist you select the suitable one.
How I Examined the Greatest Chainsaw Sharpeners
To check these chainsaw sharpeners, I gathered my uninteresting chains and chains from a few buddies who additionally run saws for firewood and property upkeep, and I sharpened all of them. There have been loads to go round, and nearly each dimension and magnificence was coated, from small tooth for superb work to massive rippers for quick bucking.
After that, it was a matter of following the directions for every one and seeing how they did. One factor I discovered was that once I arrange every sharpener and sharpened in response to the directions, all of them produced a wonderful edge that gave like-new efficiency. Just one chainsaw sharpener examined didn’t sharpen effectively, which I’ll cowl later. Other than that, I thought of ease of use, set-up time, size of sharpening time, consistency, and flexibility when selecting one of the best in every class.
Greatest Chainsaw Sharpeners: Critiques & Suggestions
Greatest Total: Granberg Intl. File-N-Joint G106-B
Key Options
Absolutely adjustable for any pitch, angle, and tooth top
Accepts all file sizes
Solid aluminum and zinc-plated metal development (no plastic)
Quick changes
Made within the USA
Worth: $52
Professionals
No have to take away or loosen chain
Very constant sharpness and depth
Easy mounting and adjusting
No electrical energy wanted
Cons
The File-N-Joint retains your sharpening constant. Drew Conover
The File-N-Joint virtually seems to be a bit gimmicky at first look, however in use, it actually shines. It does all the things you want it to do: It holds the chain in place, adjusts the peak, pitch, and angle, and retains you completely lined up so that each tooth is similar. The file holder accepts each spherical recordsdata for sharpening tooth and flat recordsdata for setting depth. It really works effectively in case your noticed is on the bench or sitting on a stump. Since you aren’t apprehensive about setting all of the completely different angles of each tooth, you’ll be able to transfer via a sequence fairly shortly, and swapping from left to proper is simply a few finger adjustable wingnuts/set screws away. It’s compact sufficient to slot in most chainsaw circumstances and might go wherever since you don’t have to plug it in. As soon as that is arrange, it will provide you with good, constant chains with out the focus and talent required to sharpen freehand. If I may have just one, I’d purchase the Granberg.
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Greatest Electrical: Oregon Bench Mounted Mini Grinder
Key Options
85 Watt Motor
Spare motor brushes included for lengthy life
Simple to function
Very constant tooth to tooth
Worth: $100
Professionals
Removes harm sooner than the remaining
Very constant sharpness
Easy changes for depth and size
Adjustable angle
Cons
Wheels for various tooth sizes and depth grinding wheels bought individually
Should be mounted to a bench
The Oregon Mini Grinder handbook makes it look like there’s a lot to working it, but it surely actually is straightforward and straightforward to make use of this chainsaw sharpener.
Flip a knob to set how far down the wheel can journey so that you don’t over grind.
Flip a knob to set how a lot materials the wheel removes from the sting.
Rotate the lock to carry the chain, and pull down on the deal with.
When you set the knobs for the primary tooth, the wheel shaves each following tooth to the set angle. Swapping from left to proper is a matter of loosening a knob and twisting the chain holder to the opposite aspect, and tightening it. I wouldn’t have wanted instructions, however I learn them anyway. A gauge comes with the grinder with the intention to set the depth and select the suitable wheel to your chain. You too can grind down the spare wheel with the supplied dressing stone to make a flat wheel for setting depth for the chain. I didn’t hassle and simply used a flat file, however the possibility is there if you’d like it. A number of wheels can be found for the grinder, but it surely comes with 3.2mm and 4.7mm wheels.
Greatest Beneath $20: Husqvarna X-Lower SP33G File Equipment
Key Options
Multi-function information can be a depth gauge
Contains two spherical recordsdata and a flat file
Depth gauge with really useful settings for softwood and hardwoods
Worth: $18
Professionals
No have to take away or loosen chain
Rollers maintain the file lined up
Easy to make use of
Simple to hold, even in a pocket
Cons
Can’t swap recordsdata for various chains, information solely works on specified dimension
The Husqvarna features a information to simplify the sharpening course of. Drew Conover
This Husqvarna Equipment takes the fundamental file package up a notch with the curler guides, but it surely doesn’t price any greater than the old-school kits do. The information snugly suits over the tooth being sharpened, and the slots set the rollers on the good top for the file. From there, lay the file on the rollers, parallel with the information, and file away. A number of strokes was all it took for me to carry every tooth again to life. The information has two units of slots reduce in it for left and proper tooth, and it’s so simple as turning the information and sliding it down as earlier than. Whereas that is technically freehand, the rollers take a lot guesswork and error out of the equation. The comfy deal with will settle for each spherical and flat recordsdata, and holds them very securely. There are different sizes accessible for various chains, and the one draw back is that this can solely work for one chain dimension. If you’re a one-saw man and also you don’t need to spend so much on a chainsaw sharpener, this package will serve you very effectively.
EzzDoo Electrical Chainsaw Sharpener
Key Options
Information attachment with markings for 25, 30, and 35 levels
Contains bit sizes for all common chains
Contains spare brushes for motor
Adjustable RPM for higher management
Worth: $35
Professionals
No have to take away or loosen chain
Diamond bits have longer life than stone model bits
Easy to make use of with included information
Cons
Wire is kind of brief, will want an extension twine
No provision for setting depth
Whereas the EzzDoo comes with a information, you’ll nonetheless wish to maintain a gentle hand for constant outcomes. Drew Conover
The EzzDoo is basically a Dremel Instrument with a removable information and diamond bits particularly sized for chainsaws. It can settle for Dremel Instrument attachments and different bits that use Dremel-sized shanks and collets. I left the pace on the lowest setting as a result of I didn’t wish to mess issues up too dangerous if I slipped. That being mentioned, it nonetheless made fast work of every tooth. With two regular arms, you may get fairly constant angles in case you observe the information carefully. The twine was fairly brief, and despite the fact that I used to be solely 3 ft from an outlet, I wanted to make use of an extension twine to get the correct place. In case you don’t have a Dremel software already and need a full package deal, it’s arduous to beat this value and efficiency. The information will provide help to discover the proper angle, however gained’t actually assist maintain the software in place, so in case you don’t have a gentle hand, this may increasingly take some observe to get stable outcomes. You will have to have a flat file to set the depth, which isn’t included right here. I may have used the bit and freehanded it, but it surely wouldn’t be constant, which might have an effect on efficiency.
Dremel A679-02 Sharpening Attachment Equipment
Key Options
Contains bit sizes for all common chains
Three guides included for various instruments and blades
Works with any Dremel Instrument
Worth: $12- $20
Professionals
No have to take away or loosen chain
Sharpens shortly
Easy to make use of with information
Cons
Requires a Dremel Instrument
Stone bits appeared to put on extra shortly than diamond bits
I exploit my Dremel for all types of initiatives round the home, and with this package, I can add chainsaw sharpening to the listing. The equipped guides work effectively, and I used to be capable of really use two of them on the chainsaw, despite the fact that one was meant for garden mower blades. Both approach, I used to be capable of get quick outcomes with the stone bits. I stored the pace low-medium, and solely wanted a few second on every tooth.
I spent extra time ensuring I used to be lined up earlier than touching than I did eradicating materials. Nevertheless, the bits did present indicators of wear and tear after only one chain, which was somewhat regarding. Additionally, I observed accelerated put on if the rotation of the software was “into” the highest of the tooth. Altering what aspect the software was on corrected that, however the bits nonetheless appeared used. If you have already got a Dremel Instrument, then this package is a good addition and can serve effectively for infrequent sharpening. I’d look elsewhere if it is advisable to sharpen usually, or a excessive quantity of chains.
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Oregon Chainsaw Sharpening Equipment 104004
Key Options
Comes with two spherical recordsdata and a flat file
Angle information and depth gauge included
Snug wooden handles for recordsdata
Worth: $20
Professionals
No have to take away or loosen chain
Constant sharpness and depth
Easy to make use of and straightforward to hold
Angle information clips to file for consistency
Cons
Totally different package wanted for every dimension chain
My first chainsaw sharpener was only a plain Oregon file with no guides, and I discovered how one can sharpen chains the arduous approach. Wanting again, I ought to have simply gotten this package for an additional 10 bucks. The angle information, depth gauge, and flat file make sharpening sooner and simpler. I can get a pointy chain with only a file, however I can do it sooner and with much less effort with this package.
The Oregon Chainsaw Sharpening Equipment comes with two flat and one spherical file. Drew Conover
The one motive this didn’t take high spot within the underneath $20 class was as a result of the information doesn’t maintain you stage just like the Husqvarna does. However this package does have one of the best depth gauge out of the bunch. I’ve used Oregon bars and chains and haven’t been let down, and the identical is true with this sharpening package. Included within the package are two wood handles with the intention to have a deal with on a spherical file and the flat file on the identical time, which is good so that you just don’t have to change backwards and forwards. With somewhat observe, you’ll have good sharp chains utilizing the Oregon Equipment.
Largest Let-Down: Nuovoware Chainsaw Sharpener Instrument
Key Options
Clamps on the bar
Aluminum and metal development
Compact
Hand crank, no want for electrical energy
Worth: $22
Professionals
No have to take away or loosen chain
Easy mounting
No electrical energy wanted
Cons
Set at 30 levels, not adjustable
Chain holder set screw failed
Troublesome to get appropriate top
A number of firms are making chainsaw sharpeners on this model (almost similar wanting), and maybe one other one might have carried out very effectively, however this one wouldn’t maintain up for various tooth. The screw that units the ahead and aft positioning arm indexes off of a small aluminum plate that’s held by a set screw, and the set screw simply doesn’t have the required buy to maintain the plate in place. I attempted a number of occasions to get it to remain and tighten the set screw, however to no avail. Other than that, the diamond “file” didn’t have sufficient taper to get began and nonetheless had some resistance when it reached full depth. It was spinning, however not eradicating materials. I attempted for about 20 minutes to get it arrange so it will really sharpen the entire tooth earlier than taking it off the noticed and “setting” it apart. Maybe one other firm has perfected this design, as a result of it looks like it ought to work, however the Nuovoware model isn’t well worth the trouble.
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Easy methods to Select the Greatest Chainsaw Sharpener for You
Chain Measurement
The primary consideration in selecting a chainsaw sharpener is getting the proper dimension for the chain you might have. Discover the scale of your chain and match it to the proper file or bit dimension. If you’re shopping for a sharpener that features three bits, you’ll simply match the bit with the chain. There are additionally kits accessible that may have the three essential file sizes included, that are 5/32-, 3/16-, and seven/32-inch with the intention to sort out almost any chain.
Electrical vs. Guide
Electrical sharpeners are good and straightforward and don’t require a lot bodily work. However, they require electrical energy, which is briefly provide in some areas. Electrical sharpeners is usually a nice possibility to be used round the home or farm, however a handbook sharpener is the way in which to go in case you are out somewhat approach and never near energy.
For me, there may be additionally a satisfaction that comes from working with hand instruments. That doesn’t actually have a sensible utility, however for me it’s a consideration. Additionally, it’s a good suggestion to have a chainsaw sharpener that isn’t electrical even when your essential one is as a result of many occasions, saws are pressed into service in emergencies like heavy snowfall or dangerous storms that may knock the facility out.
Worth
Worth is a priority for most individuals, although not one of the greatest chainsaw sharpeners are too terribly costly, particularly when in comparison with new chains or the acquisition of a noticed. That being mentioned, if it is advisable to avoid wasting cash, even these sub- $20 choices are nice, and in your use case, could also be preferable over a costlier possibility. However, in case you’re going handbook, the Granberg is completely value the additional cash in my view.
FAQ
Sure, however you most likely shouldn’t. Information solely reduce a technique, and in my expertise, they keep sharper longer in case you are solely pushing them into the reduce. Pulling them backwards, particularly with stress on them, will uninteresting them extra shortly and frustrate you. Push, raise, reset, and push.
I attempt to maintain all the things constant and file the left and proper tooth the identical approach, which means from the skin to the within. I’ve gone from the within out, and outdoors in, and haven’t seen an actual distinction in efficiency. The hot button is to only be constant from tooth to tooth.
Sure. Each time a sequence is sharpened, materials is eliminated. Sooner or later, the tooth will probably be too skinny and too low. Some chains have strains on them that present the damage restrict. If it doesn’t, it’s best to be capable of go to the producer web site or name them to discover a measurement. If you’re sharpening correctly and taking simply the minimal wanted, your chain ought to final a very long time.
This might be a pair issues, but it surely’s normally as a result of the left and proper tooth aren’t sharpened the identical. After I began sharpening, I believed my bar was twisted, but it surely seems I used to be sharpening incorrectly. That is why consistency is so vital, and guided methods are good. After I corrected my sharpening, my cuts had been straight once more.
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Ultimate Ideas on the Greatest Chainsaw Sharpeners
A pointy chainsaw is a pleasure to work with, and fortunately, there are a number of nice choices to maintain your chain in tip-top form. Sharp chains additionally make your reducing simpler and sooner, so preserving your chain sharp is a worthwhile endeavor. Irrespective of which of one of the best chainsaw sharpeners you select, I like to recommend training with it earlier than you actually need it. It’s not enjoyable studying that you just want extra observe if you’re in a pinch, so keep sharp.
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