The Best Chainsaw Sharpeners of 2024, Tested

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Keep your power tool sharp and make easier (and safer) cuts using these workshop essentials.

A sharp chainsaw makes cleaner, faster cuts with less effort. It’s easier on the saw’s engine, safer for the operator, and healthier for the trees being pruned. To keep their saw chains in safe and efficient working condition, experienced operators use a two-step approach. They use either a small, portable electric chainsaw sharpener or a set of files for quick touch-ups in the field. Back at the shop, they use a benchtop chainsaw blade sharpener for precise saw chain reconditioning. 

We tested the best chainsaw sharpeners from both of these categories in order to find the top tools and the ideal two-step combo for serious DIYers and weekend warriors. Our favorite is the Oregon 410-120 120V Bench Grinder Chain Sharpener thanks to its speed and precision. It’s also one of the most versatile models on the market, mounting to either a workbench or a wall. Read on to discover our other top picks and find the best chainsaw sharpener for your needs.

1. BEST OVERALL: Oregon 410-120 120V Bench Grinder Chain Sharpener
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: PowerCare 8-Piece Field Kit
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3. BEST BENCH-MOUNTED: Timber Tuff Bench-Mount Electric Chain Sharpener
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4. BEST BAR-MOUNTED: Granberg International Bar-Mounted File Guide System
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5. BEST MANUAL KIT: Echo Saw Chain Sharpening Kit
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6. BEST HANDHELD ELECTRIC: Oregon 575214 12V Sure Sharp Handheld Chain Grinder
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7. BEST CHAINSAW FILE SET: Oregon 617067 Universal Chainsaw Field Sharpening Kit
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8. BEST CHAINSAW FILE JIG: Stihl 2-in-1 Filing Guide
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Before You Buy a Chainsaw Sharpener

If you only use your chainsaw a few times a year for seasonal chores, you might be best served with a set of files or a handheld electric sharpener. No need to waste money or storage space on a benchtop unit when a hardware store can professionally sharpen your saw chain for less than $10. Benchtop models make more economic sense for those who consistently use their saws year round, or for exceptionally high seasonal usage. When a trip to town disrupts critical production time, it’s probably best to get your own bench chain sharpener.

Whether you are shopping for a portable sharpening system or a bench-mounted unit, it’s important to match the equipment to your saw. Read your chainsaw operator’s manual or look up your saw model online to find out what size file or grinding wheel you should use. Most of the chainsaws that shoppers buy from big box stores require one of three file or grinder thicknesses: 5/32, 3/16, or 7/32. With mini chainsaws or larger saws, the required sizes become even more diverse. Using the wrong size sharpener will ruin your saw chain. 

If you’re still in the market for a chainsaw or are looking to upgrade from an old model, check out our ranking of the best chainsaws.

How We Tested the Best Chainsaw Sharpeners

The chainsaw sharpening equipment we tested fit into two different categories with unique purposes. Portable chainsaw sharpeners are designed for touch-ups while the chain is still on the saw, while benchtop chainsaw sharpeners require the chain to be removed for precision grinding. Our tests and scoring system reflected those differences.

We started with several dull 26-tooth ⅜ P-pitch saw chains. Following the manufacturers’ instructions, we assembled the sharpeners and adjusted them for our chains. We inspected and noted the condition of each chain before sharpening and how quickly and efficiently the sharpeners did their job. After sharpening, we tested the sharpness with five cuts through a 10-inch-diameter green maple log, followed by 20 cuts through a 12-inch seasoned oak log.

While ease of use was one of our scoring factors, the highest marks went to the models that produced fast, precise, consistent results even if setup and adjustments were a little more complicated. We also added bonus points for features that made these sharpeners more convenient to transport or store when they are not in use.

Testing Stats
Products tested:	8
Hours spent testing:	10
Tests performed:	6
Price range:	$20 to $220

Our Top Picks

In our test group, we included a cross section of the most effective sharpening systems for a variety of scenarios. The following reviews highlight each sharpener’s unique characteristics and our observations from testing. Regardless of your budget or work patterns, one of these models could be the best chainsaw sharpener to keep your saw in tip-top shape.

Best Overall

Oregon 410-120 120V Bench Grinder Chain Sharpener

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Our Ratings: Setup 4/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Sharpening 5/5; Quality 5/5; Value 4.7/5 

Product Specs 

• Type: Electric
• Compatible pitches: ¼-inch, ⅜-inch low-profile, 0.325-inch, full-profile ⅜-inch, and 0.404-inch pitches
• Mountable: Yes

Pros

• Comes with 3 grinding wheels, a dressing stone, and a grinding-wheel gauge
• Manual handle and chain clamping vise are built-in for securing links
• Built-in light enhances visibility while cutting; suitable for precise sharpening 
• Bolts included for mounting; suitable for installing as a permanent fixture in the workshop 

Cons

• Higher price for speedy precision sharpening and premium quality 

Offering standout versatility, Oregon’s chain grinder mounts either on a workshop wall or to a workbench, where it sharpens any chain pitch, including the most widely used ¼-inch, ⅜-inch low-profile, 0.325-inch, full-profile ⅜-inch, and 0.404-inch pitches. The 2.1-amp motor turns the grinding wheel at 3,500 revolutions per minute (RPM).

This built-tough, best-in-class sharpener features a manual lock for securing the cutting links, and it comes with three grinding wheels, a dressing stone, and a plastic grinding wheel gauge. The sharpener can be mounted on a bench or wall with two bolts (not included). There’s also a built-in LED work light for added visibility.

We awarded this Oregon chain sharpener the top spot because of its speed, precision, and versatility. After assembling the unit, we adjusted the base pivot, cutter stop, head tilt, and depth stop. All of the adjustments worked smoothly and flawlessly, and they held securely within tight tolerances. The head adjustment knobs were placed on the front of the plate so the unit could conveniently be mounted on a wall. The only minor inconveniences with this setup are the small adjustment knob diameters—mainly for the head tilt and depth stop—and having to reach “through” the grinder head to access them. 

Although bench mounting is a popular configuration, we preferred the wall-mount setup. It didn’t take up bench space, and the higher working height gave us better visibility without forcing us to bend. It also made for a more convenient workstation as it allowed us to hang our detangled chains within easy reach as they waited for sharpening, and again after sharpening, instead of dealing with tangled piles on the bench.

Read our full review: Oregon 410-120 120V Bench Grinder Chain Sharpener

Get the Oregon 410-120 chainsaw sharpener at Amazon, Walmart, Northern Tool + Equipment, or American Forestry.

Best Bang for the Buck

PowerCare 8-Piece Field Kit

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Our Ratings: Setup 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Sharpening 4/5; Quality 4/5; Value 4.7/5 

Product Specs 

• Type: Manual
• Compatible pitches: ¼-inch, ⅜-inch low-profile, 0.325-inch low-profile, full-profile 0.325-inch, full-profile ⅜-inch, and 0.404-inch pitches
• Mountable: No

Pros

• 8-piece kit includes files for 6 different chain pitches and depth guide adjustments
• Included hardwood handle is compatible with all 4 files for space-saving convenience
• Chisel tooth guide and depth gauge included with purchase for sharpening accuracy
• Hook-and-loop tool case included for safe storage and portability 

Cons

• Handheld sharpening system is less precise than mounted types
• The files cut less aggressively than others we tested, so it takes more strokes to sharpen

For a budget-friendly, portable chain sharpener kit that is both easy to use and effective, the PowerCare file set provides everything you need to sharpen one or multiple chainsaws. Equipped with 5/32-inch, 3/16-inch, and 7/32-inch round files, it works for a wide range of chain pitches. The eight-piece kit also includes a hardwood handle, round file guide, flat file, a depth gauge and a nylon carrying case. 

This sharpening chainsaw kit is made to be carried around in your tool box or pocket in order to keep the chain in relatively good shape between professional sharpenings. Its carrying case features a fold-over flap to keep the pieces from sliding out, plus a hook-and-loop fastener. 

Our ⅜ P pitch chain posed no real challenge for this kit. We installed the 5/32-inch round file into the file holder, inserted the file base into the handle, and began filing within a minute. It took about 5 minutes to sharpen all of the cutters, at five file strokes each. The reference angles on the file guide made it easy to stay on target. After we finished with the cutters, we used the included gauge and flat file to adjust the chain’s depth gauges (sometimes called rakers). 

The files in this chainsaw sharpening kit felt a bit less aggressive than those in the Oregon and Echo manual filing kits we tested, but they did a good job nonetheless. It was helpful to have all three round file sizes, and therefore only need a single kit for all of our chainsaws. The wooden handle was comfortable to hold and held the files securely. This was a convenient and effective kit at a good price.

Get the PowerCare chainsaw sharpener at The Home Depot.

Best Bench-Mounted

Timber Tuff Bench-Mount Electric Chain Sharpener

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Our Ratings: Setup 4/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Sharpening 5/5; Quality 4.5/5; Value 4.3/5 

Product Specs 

• Type: Electric
• Compatible pitches: ¼-inch to ¾-inch pitches
• Mountable: Yes

Pros

• Precision sharpening system compatible with most chain gauges and pitches
• Compound-adjustable chisel angle with positive depth stops for repeatable accuracy
• Includes ⅛-, 3/16-, and ¼-inch grinding wheels; dressing stone; and profile guide
• Built-in 15-watt work light for improved visibility and accuracy

Cons

• Popular 5/32 grinding wheel size is not included (available separately)
• Considerable setup time to assemble the unit and properly adjust the angles

A wall- or bench-mounted chainsaw sharpener saves time and money spent on professional sharpening and delivers similar results. The Timber Tuff electric chain sharpener is one of the most affordable and effective mountable models available.

This sharpener comes with ⅛-, 3/16-, and ¼-inch grinding wheels to keep chains with ¼-inch to ¾-inch pitches cutting like new. The 2.1-amp motor turns the grinding wheel at 3,600 RPM for rapid sharpening. A built-in 15-watt work light aids visibility, and thermal overload protection adds another layer of safety. 

Although the mounting holes are configured for either bench or wall mounting, in testing we found that the wall-mount would be tricky since the head tilt tightening knob is located at the rear of the unit. We opted for a bench mount, which worked perfectly. After assembling the grinder, we installed our saw chain and noted that the base was extremely difficult to pivot. We disassembled and lubricated the part but could not get it to pivot smoothly. Maybe that will change with a little wear.

After setting the base angle, cutter stop, head angle, and grinding height stop, we gave it a go. The chain moved smoothly across the vice and locked securely with the lever lock. It only took about 2 minutes to sharpen all of the cutters, including time to reset the base angle when switching from right cutters to left cutters. Lastly, we spent another 5 minutes changing to the ¼-inch grinding wheel and dressing it so that we could adjust depth gauges. 

As one of the least expensive bench grinders for chainsaw sharpening, the Timber Tuff electric sharpener is a real bargain. A couple of minor details keep it from the best overall spot, but we would overlook those issues and take the savings.

Get the Timber Tuff chainsaw sharpener at Tractor Supply Co., Walmart, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

Best Bar-Mounted

Granberg International Bar-Mounted File Guide System

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Our Ratings: Setup 4/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Sharpening 5/5; Quality 4/5; Value 4.7/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Manual
• Compatible pitches: All (files sold separately)
• Mountable: Yes

Pros

• Highly precise filing jig for maintaining sharp edges and identical tooth angles
• Compact and lightweight sharpening system conveniently fits in a tool box
• Manual sharpener can be used anywhere, as often as needed, while conserving fuel

Cons

• Cumbersome tool when used on smaller bars and shorter chain pitches
• Files are sold separately

When it comes to manual chainsaw sharpeners, most kits include a simple filing guide with an embossed reference angle that leaves plenty of room for errors. But the Granberg International bar-mounted chainsaw sharpener guides the file in exactly the same position for every stroke. It sharpens more accurately and preserves the chain’s working life, which saves you time, effort, and money.

The sharpening jig is ruggedly made of cast aluminum and zinc-plated steel to withstand all kinds of weather. It is compatible with any size round file and adjusts to any cutter angle, so it works with any saw. The system consists of a file holder that secures the round file at the desired angle and a bar mounting bracket that supports the file holder. In addition to sharpening cutters, it can hold a flat file used to lower the chain’s depth gauges.

While we were able to achieve incredibly accurate results with this tool, it felt like overkill for our small chainsaw. For comparison, it only took about 5 minutes to sharpen our saw with a conventional freehand round file kit, but it took a couple minutes longer to use this system. The difference is mainly due to the time it took to set up the clamp and adjust the angles. Three separate settings are required for right cutters, left cutters, and depth gauges. For larger saws, especially in tough cutting conditions where precision is key to transferring maximum power from the engine to the cut, this jig would really stand out.

Get the Granberg International chainsaw sharpener at Amazon, Northern Tool + Equipment, TreeStuff, or Bailey’s.

Best Manual Kit

Echo Saw Chain Sharpening Kit

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Our Ratings: Setup 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Sharpening 4/5; Quality 5/5; Value 4.3/5 

Product Spe