Best Chainsaw Sharpener – Manual, Automatic, Electric and Professional Chainsaw Teeth Sharpeners

Deciding which chainsaw sharpener to purchase can be a difficult and time-consuming task for some, or confusing for others. Perhaps you’re a handy home owner who likes to handle the yard work yourself, but your chainsaw’s gotten dull and you’re tired of going back and forth to the hardware store to sharpen it; what kind of sharpener would work best for you? Or maybe you’re a busy professional who doesn’t have time to browse through the many options online. Whatever category you fall into, we are here to help you.

We have carried out extensive research on chainsaw sharpeners and have come up with our list of some of the best chainsaw sharpeners from five of the top brands. The products we’ve featured are just samples from these top brands, and not their only products. To simplify the process, within each review, we included links to other options.

Before we get to our featured brands, there are two more types of chainsaw sharpeners that we want to mention. First, for those who like to go “old school” or don’t have to sharpen their blades very often, the Stihl 2 In 1 Easy File Chainsaw Chain Sharpener is the way to go (just make sure you get the right size). A chainsaw sharpening file allows you to sharpen teeth one at a time. And on the opposite end of the spectrum, for an automatic chainsaw sharpener, consider the Oregon PowerSharp. It’s a sharpening stone that attaches to the end of your chainsaw. All you do then is turn on the saw and the sharpening is done for you.
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Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Type
Speed
Power
Size
Material
Our Top Choice
Timberline 3/16" Chainsaw Sharpener
Timberline’s products are portable and can be used in any location you need to work. It prides itself in the use of components that are designed to withstand the harshest of conditions.
Made with high-quality machined aluminum that is rustproof and anti-acidic, it’s versatile, portable, and sharpens every tooth to the same length and angle.
Some consider it a bit expensive.
Manual
Depends on the operator
Info not provided
6 x 4.2 x 4 inches; 1.1lbs
Carbide
Best Value
Granberg Bar-Mount Chainsaw Sharpener
Granberg International has over 60 years of experience and is committed to being one of the highest quality chain saw mills and giving its customers the most top-quality accessories in the industry.
It’s manufactured with cast aluminum and zinc-plated steel, can be fitted to any saw with any file size, and allows the user to set the file height and tooth length.
The instructions are not easily understood.
Manual
Depends on the operator
Info not provided
9.5 x 1 x 3.5 inches; 1.7lbs
Cast aluminum/zinc-plated steel
Oregon Pro Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
The Oregon Saw Chain Manufacturing Corporation is almost 70 years old, but has consistently delivered satisfaction to its customers and continues to innovate based on feedback.
Sharpener and grinder. It’s made with strong, long-lasting cast aluminum chassis and the 3,400 RPM direct-drive motor enables you to sharpen your chainsaw faster than with a chainsaw file.
However, user instructions are not clear.
Electric
3400 RPM
300W
15.1x12.5x10.3 inches; 18.9lbs
Aluminum dipped in diamond dust
Timber Tuff Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
Timber Tuff, one of the leaders in logging tools and accessories, has proven over the years its consistency in making quality products that help make your job easier.
It’s designed a with powerful motor speed of 3600 RPM, thermo overload protection for safety, and a clear safety shield with a 15-watt work light for good visibility as you work.
Chain vice nut may keep loosening.
Electric
3600 RPM
230 watts
14.7x11.3x10.3 inches; 17lbs
Plastic/cast aluminum
Buffalo Tools Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
Buffalo Corporation, established in 1964, is one of the leading wholesale importers of a variety of high-quality products for home and industrial use at budget-friendly prices.
It’s adjustable to most common chain designs, can be fitted to a bench, wall, or vise to keep it firm and reachable, and has a grinding speed of 4200 RPM.
Not made for commercial sharpening.
Electrical
4200 RPM
85 watts
13.5x9.5x6.2 inches; 7lbs
Plastic/cast aluminum

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What Is the Best Chainsaw Teeth Sharpener? Read Our Chainsaw Sharpener Reviews!

We can’t tell you for sure that a particular product is the best chainsaw sharpener in the market. This is because there are many good chainsaw sharpeners out there and each comes with different features that would fit different individual needs. So bearing in mind the features that are important to you, take a careful look at the top
five brands/products that we’ve featured to help you determine what works for you.

Related: How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades for a Perfectly Manicured Yard Every Time
Our Top Choice
The Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener is a manual sharpener that helps you sharpen your chainsaw with more ease and precision on the job; it allows you to work faster and smarter. Do you prefer a sharpener that has a different sized carbide cutter? You can check out this Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener with a 7/32" carbide cutter.

Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener with 3/16" Carbide Cutter - Chainsaw Teeth Sharpener Precise Every Tooth Sharpened to Same Length and Angle


Features

Timberline is a manufacturer of chainsaw sharpeners. Its products are portable and can be used in any location you need to work. Its office is situated in Idaho Falls, USA, and it prides itself in the use of components that are designed to withstand the harshest of conditions. Testimonials from its many customers attest to the quality of its products.

The Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener (Manufacturer’s suggested retail price --$135) helps you sharpen your chainsaw with more ease and precision. It’s a manual sharpener, and with it you can sharpen your chain on the job; it allows you to work faster and smarter. It’s a tool you can use in the remote woods or your backyard; because it’s lightweight and portable you can attach it directly to your chainsaw bar whenever you want to use it. It has different sizes of carbides that enable the sharpener to cut a number of various sized blades (these are sold separately).This is a useful tool with great features, some of which are listed below:

  • Tungsten Carbide Cutter – Durable material for sharpening with the capacity to cut through the metal and sharpen the tooth of the chain
  • Includes a durable carrying case, a shoulder strap, and a belt loop for convenience
  • High-quality machined aluminum; rustproof and anti-acidic metal that can withstand wear and tear
  • Ability to sharpen each tooth of the chainsaw swiftly
  • Handle for manual turning of the sharpener
  • Clamping knob – used to fix the sharpener on the blade of the chainsaw
  • Portable – It is light and compact enough to be carried wherever it's needed
  • Precision sharpening- Every tooth is sharpened to the same length and angle
  • Versatility – Can be used by anyone; expert or homeowner
Best Value
The Granberg File-N-Joint can be fitted easily and safely to the chainsaw bar and allows you to file the same angle over and over again to your chain’s teeth. Do you prefer a 12-volt electric chainsaw sharpener? You can check out the Granberg G1012XT Precision Grinder.

Granberg G-106B Bar-Mount Chain Saw Sharpener - Made in the USA, Universal Size Chainsaw Teeth Sharpener


Features

Granberg International is based in the US, owned and operated by the Granberg family. With over 60 years of experience under its belt, it’s committed to giving its worldwide customers one of the highest quality chain saw mills and accessories in the industry. Its business philosophy is based on customer service in the broadest sense of the word and quality control that ensures its equipment performs as advertised. This drives it to make products that customers are proud to have.

The Granberg File-N-Joint (Manufacturer’s suggested retail price -- $35) can be fitted easily and safely to the chainsaw bar and allows you to file the same angle over and over again to your chain’s teeth. As soon as the guide is fitted to the bar and the right angles have been set, it allows you to sharpen each right or left cutter tooth sequentially.
It‘s one of the industry's standards for precision and toughness. Here are some of its features:

  • Sharpens any chain fast and with ease
  • Can be fitted to any saw with any file size (files are not included with purchase)
  • Manufactured with cast aluminum and zinc-plated steel
  • Allows user to set the file height and tooth length
  • Much more ridged than some other systems
The Oregon Bench Chain Grinder is an electric chainsaw sharpener made with the quality and features that have the capacity to support a high quantity of chain sharpening. We think you will also like the bench or wall mounted Oregon 10 120 120V Professional Chainsaw Sharpener if your budget is a little lower.

Oregon 520-120 120V Electric Bench Mounted Professional Chainsaw Sharpener and Grinder — Universal Electric Sharpener, Sharpens Up to .404" Pitch Chain


Features

The Oregon Saw Chain Manufacturing Corporation was established in 1947 with only one product and four people on staff. What was once a small enterprise has developed into a colossal business with thousands of employees and products. Oregon is close to its 70th anniversary, but from its beginning till date, it has consistently delivered satisfactory results to its customers, thus making it one of the leading brands in the industry. It’s also constantly improving its products and services based on feedback.

The Oregon Bench Chain Grinder is an electric chainsaw sharpener. This fine, long-lasting equipment is made with the quality and features that have the capacity to support a high quantity of chain sharpening. One might just assume that this grinder would be heavy, but it actually weighs a little less than 19 pounds. Though not heavy, it’s a powerful piece of equipment because the 3,400 RPM direct-drive motor enables you to sharpen your chainsaw faster than could ever be done with a chainsaw file. Some of its features are listed below:

  • Adjustable motor grind angle—enables multiple adjustments
  • 3-foot cord with 3-prong grounded plug
  • Strong, long-lasting cast aluminum chassis
  • Includes a wheel-dressing brick
  • Comes with three grinding wheels with the thickness of 1/4-Inch, 1/8-Inch, and 3/16-Inch
  • Multi-capacity - Sharpens 1/4-Inch, .325-Inch, 3/8-Inch, 1/2-Inch, and 3/4-Inch pitch chains
  • Comes with warranty registration
  • Built with template for pitch, depth, gauge setting, and wheel contour
  • Replacement parts are available separately
  • Safety shield with built-in light
  • Easy-to-use controls
The Timber Tuff’s Wall Mount Electric Chain Saw Chain Sharpener can be fitted safely and firmly to most work surfaces, thus providing a safe sharpening station. If this falls outside your budget or you’d prefer a portable chainsaw sharpener, feel free to check out the Timber Tuff CS-12V.

Timber Tuff CS-BWM Benchtop or Wall Mount Electric Chains Teeth Sharpener — Sharpens Chains from ¼” to ¾”


Features

Timber Tuff is one of the leading brands in logging tools and accessories, with quality products that help make your job easier. It’s one of the brands of BAC Industries, a US and international maker/supplier of a variety of products for a wide range of customers. It creates and owns trademarks, molds, and tools for the products it manufactures and distributes to its many customers. It takes pride not only in the quality of its products, but also in its excellent in-house customer service staff with adequate knowledge of its products that can always assist customers as the need arises.

The Timber Tuff’s Wall Mount Electric Chain Saw Chain Sharpener (Manufacturer’s suggested retail price -- $152. 99) is a good sharpener for your chain sharpening needs. It’s ideal for your work bench because it can be fitted safely and firmly to most work surfaces, thus providing a safe sharpening station. Some of its great features are listed below:

  • Powerful motor speed of 3600 rpm
  • Thermo overload protection for safety
  • Clear safety shield with a 15-watt work light for good visibility as you work
  • Three grinding wheel sizes: 1/8,3/16,1/4 inches- sharpens chains from 1/4 to 3/4 inches accurately with ease
  • Can be fitted to most work surfaces to ensure a safe sharpening station
  • Easy-to-read adjustment instructions that help you consistently sharpen your chains
  • One-year limited warranty from manufacturer
The Buffalo Tools Electric Chainsaw Sharpener saves you time and money because it’s easy to use when mounted to a bench, wall, or vise, and is adjustable to most common chain designs. You may also like the Buffalo Tools MCSSP Mountable Chain Saw Sharpener.

Buffalo Tools ECSS Pro Series Electric Chainsaw Teeth Sharpenerr - Professional Chainsaw Sharpener Adjusts to most popular chain designs


Features

Buffalo Corporation was established in 1964 and is one of the leading wholesale importers of a variety of high-quality products for home and industrial use at budget-friendly prices. Since inception, it has maintained a fine balance between quality and affordability. As a wholesaler, it doesn’t sell directly to the end-user, but its products are readily available in stores and with retailers.

With the Buffalo Tools Electric Chainsaw Sharpener (Manufacturer’s suggested retail price --$45), you don’t need to run to the hardware store every time you need to sharpen the chain on your chain saw. There’s nothing as frustrating as a dull chainsaw when you’re faced with that heap of logs or timber that needs sawing. This sharpener saves you time and money because it’s easy to use when mounted to a bench, wall, or vise, and is adjustable to most common chain designs. It has great features that make it a good asset to have, including:

  • Grinding speed is 4200 RPM
  • 60 Hz, 85-watt, can be plugged into a standard 120-volt wall outlet
  • 4-1/4-Inch x 1/8-Inch grinding wheel with 7/8-Inch arbor
  • Adjustable to most common chain designs
  • Can be fitted to bench, wall, or vise to keep it firm and reachable

Chainsaw Sharpener Buying Guide: Automatic vs Manual vs Electric Chainsaw Sharpener — Which Is Chainsaw Blade Sharpener Right For You?

No matter the type of chainsaw you have, whether it’s the gas powered or electric type (including those that have been touted as being the best chainsaws), it can only cut as well as the sharpness of its chain. There are a few chainsaws that come with built-in sharpeners, but a majority of them require that you do the sharpening with a detached sharpener. A number of people have their chains sharpened by a professional for a fee, but imagine the time you'll spend and the stress of hauling to and fro the shop whenever it needs sharpening.

A chainsaw sharpener eliminates that stress and waste of time by allowing you to sharpen your chain as you work. Before you buy a sharpener, however, you need to think of where you'll use it and the necessary safety measures. If you'll mostly use it indoors, it's not advisable to buy one that's gas-powered because of the health hazard the fumes would cause; an electric model would be a better option. However, if you'll mostly use it far away in the woods or far from power sources, then your best bet would be a gas-powered model or a cordless battery-operated one that doesn’t need electricity; remember, however, that you would need to always keep it charged so that you can use it in case of an emergency.

 

Video: How to Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain

Learn How to Sharpen Your Chainsaw. | Courtesy of Oregon Products
Price

Each chainsaw sharpener has different features that distinguish it from others. If you use your chainsaw frequently, it would save you money to invest in a good sharpener so that you aren’t always taking it to someone else to be sharpened.

A sharpener of good quality would cost you around $35 to $370. It’s important to bear in mind that high-powered heavy-duty sharpeners would cost more, while the lesser ones that are quite suitable for home use would cost less. In the course of our extensive research, we came across a number of cheap chainsaw sharpeners, but didn’t include them in this review because they are not high-quality or long-lasting products, and it wouldn’t be smart for you to buy a product that would need replacement in no time. We are confident that whatever choice you make from any of our featured brands/products will give you good value for your money.

Features

Buying the right chainsaw sharpener can be an onerous task, but knowing what features to look out for makes your shopping process easier. These features can determine, to a large extent, the level of satisfaction you’ll derive from the sharpener. While it's not possible to get all these features in one product, it would still be in your best interest to know them. They are:

  • A trigger lock. This is a mechanism that stops the cutting chain anytime you stop pressing the trigger, completely removing the risks of accidental starts
  • An anti-kickback chain. This kind of chain has extra guard links and softer cutting outline to stop it from taking in too much chain at once, which can cause kickback.
  • A chain brake. This helps to stop the chain if the front-hand guard is pushed forward or if the saw kicks back and causes the guard to hit the hand. Many gas-powered chainsaws and the electric ones now have it.
  • An anti-vibration handle. A lot of gas-powered chainsaws have either aluminum springs or plastic bushings in the middle, the handle, and the working end of the chainsaw, protecting the hand from getting tired and painful vibration.
  • Side-mounted or chain tensioning that doesn’t need additional tools. Makes it easier for you to observe what you're doing and adjust chain tension while working.
  • A self-oiling chain. A well lubricated bar and chain stop overheating and untimely wear and tear. A chain that oils itself stays well lubricated so you don't have to pause to add oil to it.
  • Transparent tanks. This makes it easy for you to monitor the fluid levels.
Construction and Design

The most important thing in the performance of your chainsaw is the sharpness of the chain. Of course you know that the chain does the sawing, so you understand the importance of a well maintained cutting bar with a sharp chain.

There are basically three types of chainsaw sharpeners: manual, gas-powered, and electric. The manual ones are usually the most portable because they can be easily moved from place to place. With the gas-powered and electric ones, you have to consider the gas tanks, electric cords, and other necessary accessories. Some of the sharpeners are made for home use while others can be used professionally, which determines its weight, portability, and most times the motor power. It’s also important to note the material with which it’s manufactured; the ones made with anti-corrosive and rustproof aluminum usually last longer.

Video: How to Use a Chainsaw Safely

Learn How to Operate a Chainsaw Safely. | Courtesy of U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers
Performance and Ease of Use

There are a variety of products in the market to help you keep your saw always sharp and ready for use. Some chainsaw sharpeners are just right for the home owner while others are specialized grinding machines. If you’re not very familiar with saws or just use them once in a while, it wouldn’t make sense to spend so much money on a professional sharpener.

If you aren’t at ease or don’t have the time to start in on the simple hand filing approach, you need the bar-mounted file guide. These guides would provide an almost failure proof, easy-to-use alternative to help keep your chain sharp; this ensures high level performance and safety.

Gas-powered chainsaw sharpeners need extra work, which includes making sure the gas tank is filled, keeping extra gas on hand, changing the air filter, and cleaning spark plugs and other maintenance issues. An electric chainsaw sharpener may keep you from needing to look out for a lot of things, but you’ll need a heavy-duty extension cord — 14-gauge or an even heavier 12-gauge — which would provide the power needed for high-quality performance. It’s safer to get a cord with a built-in ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).


Get the Best Chainsaw Sharpener of 2023!

Now that you’ve taken some time to read through this review, we’re optimistic that you are armed with enough information to know what to look for in your ideal chainsaw sharpener. If the featured products don’t appeal to you, please feel free to browse through other products by these brands. We are confident that whatever choice you make based on this review, you’ll get good value for your money.

Our Top Choice
Timberline 3/16" Chainsaw Sharpener
Best Value
Granberg Bar-Mount Chainsaw Sharpener
Oregon Pro Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
Timber Tuff Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
Buffalo Tools Electric Chainsaw Sharpener

Chainsaw Sharpener FAQs

What is the best chainsaw sharpener?
The best chainsaw sharpener is affordable and has the right features, including a trigger lock, chain brake, and an anti-vibration handle. Its construction and design should make it extremely easy to use. It could be gas-powered or electric, depending on what you prefer. Importantly, it should do for you what you expect from it – effectively sharpening your chain saw. Here's our review on various chainsaw models. Check it out!
How to use a chainsaw sharpener?
How you use a chainsaw sharpener, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You can turn on the chainsaw sharpener in different ways, based on whether it is gas-powered or electric. Then, you can proceed to sharpen the cutting links at the recommended angle. Make sure that the file you mount in the machine is of the correct size. Then keep moving from one cutting link to another as you sharpen the chainsaw.
How to sharpen a chainsaw with an electric sharpener?
To sharpen a chainsaw with an electric sharpener, you should first mound a sharpening stone of the right diameter. Make sure you align the chainsaw bar to the right angle (in most cases, it is 30 degrees). Once you turn on the machine, press it slowly into the cutting link. You may sharpen each cutting link for one to two seconds at a time. Work around the entire saw on the left and right links until you finish. Wait until next time to start the process all over again.