The Best Chainsaw Sharpener | Roundup Review and Buying Guide
OUR PICK
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Not a big fan of long reviews? Here's the bottom line: The best Chainsaw Sharpener in the market today is the Oregon 410-120. Its 3500 RPM motor and wheel wear indicator raise it high above the competition, while its built-in light makes it an excellent option for everyone!
A chainsaw is a powerful tool that needs to be well maintained for it to keep performing at its best. One way of keeping your chainsaw in top shape would be to sharpen it regularly, and this requires that you invest in the best chainsaw sharpener of 2019 for your particular needs. In this roundup review, we’ll take a close look at the best chainsaw sharpeners out there and give you some advice on how to narrow down your choices to pick the one that best suits your needs.
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What to Look for When Shopping for the Best Chainsaw Sharpener
The sharpeners available on the market today make it easier than ever to sharpen your chainsaw and keep it in top-notch shape; however, there is no model that can promise to be a one-size-fits-all kind of option. So, how can you tell which one will best suit your needs? Well, there are several factors to consider depending on your particular situation:
Types of chainsaw sharpeners
Chainsaw sharpeners come in three main types, including bar-mounted guide, electric and handheld round file.
1. Bar-mounted guide
This is a device that attaches to the chainsaw bar. You will need to make a few adjustments for it to accommodate the appropriate file. Bar-mounted guides are generally very accurate but using them can prove dangerous since the file shavings have a tendency to fly off. Always remember to wear protective eyewear when using this type of sharpener.
2. Electric chainsaw sharpener
As the name suggests, these sharpeners are electrically-powered. This is, by far, the most versatile, efficient and powerful method for sharpening your chainsaw. It is compatible with most blades and takes as little as 5 minutes to sharpen a 20" chain. The only downside of an electric chain sharpener is that it is expensive. Here’s a video that demonstrates how these chainsaw sharpeners work:
3. Handheld round file
It is the most popular chainsaw sharpening tool on the market. The diameter of this round tool fits nicely between the blade teeth to shave material away. You will need to be extra careful when using a handheld round file. This is because, with a manual process, it's difficult to obtain a uniform sharpening length.
Compatibility
This is the most important factor to take into account when shopping for a chainsaw sharpening tool. It is crucial to ensure that what you purchase is compatible with your chainsaw blade. Different sharpeners work with different blades and if you aren't sure about what to do, you can opt for a model that is compatible with almost all angles and blades. A good bet would be the Buffalo Tools ECSS, which is reviewed later in this post.
Best Chainsaw Sharpener Reviews 2019
Taking the crown for the best chainsaw grinder is the Oregon 410-120, a bench or wall mounted sharpener with premium features to offer.
One of the major highlights is a wheel wear indicator that tells you when it is time to replace the grinding wheel. This is a feature that you won't find in most automatic or electric chain grinders.
The Oregon 140-120 also incorporates a built-in light to help you see the positioning of the chain tooth in the device. This makes it easy for you to position the chain correctly. The accessory package that comes with this saw chain grinder is quite impressive. It includes a dressing brick and a quick guide for setting the right angles. You also get three grinding wheels and a quick check grinding template.
The unit is powered by a 3500 RPM motor and works with most chain blades. It allows for one-way motor operation for added safety and the large handles are easy to grip. At less than 20 pounds, you can take the Oregon 140-120 anywhere. You will certainly appreciate the option to mount on either a bench or wall.
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Another one of the best-rated chainsaw sharpeners on the market today is the Buffalo Tools ECSS, which is designed for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. As you would expect with most corded electric tools, using the Buffalo Tools ECSS means that you will always be in need of a power source. At a price range of $30-$70, this remains one of the most affordable models on the market.
It has a simple mounting procedure and is quite efficient at restoring the sharpness of your chainsaw. It is guaranteed to work on almost any blade and is powered by a 4200 RPM motor. One of the reasons it's designated as one of the best tool sharpeners by many customers is that you can easily mount it on benches, walls, and desks. This makes it easy to effectively sharpen your chainsaw without worrying about stability. The unit uses a 4¼ by ⅛-inch grinding wheel with a ⅞-inch arbor.
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This is probably the best manual chainsaw sharpener you will find. It is easy to mount, easy to hold and certainly easy to use. The sharpener is made using high-quality aluminum, thus making it durable and reliable. It comes with a 3/16-inch carbide cutter that works well with a medium sized .325-foot chain.
This is the same chain you will find on most chainsaws so when it comes to versatility, this sharpener ticks the box.
It sharpens each tooth in seconds and is quite precise, sharpening to the same length and angle every time. It works by clamping the bar and allowing the chain to pass through as every tooth is sharpened. At less than 2 pounds, this unit is extremely portable and a good investment for those who move around a lot. The carbide guides are fixed at a 30-degree angle, but you can always 25 and 35-degree guides separately.
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Another one of the best chainsaw sharpeners to help restore the sharpness of your chainsaw is the Timber Tuff CS-12V. At less than $30, it offers unrivaled sawing performance at an affordable cost. The unit weighs a little over 2.2 pounds and as such, using it is almost effortless to handle. In addition, it is portable and you can bring it where the work needs to be done. It’s quite fast and produces professional quality sharpening results in as little as 5 minutes.
Do not be fooled by the small size of this electric sharpener. The unit is packed with immense power that allows it to deliver optimum sharpening performance. It perfectly fits the definition of the phrase "good things come in small packages". This sharpener is powered by a high-speed motor with no load speed and boasts a high-efficiency point of 16000500r/min! The PC material cover has anti-impact and anti-aging properties, giving it longevity and durability.
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Ranking last on this chainsaw sharpener review is the Granberg G-106B. It is a bar-mounted chainsaw sharpener designed by Elof Granberg more than 50 years ago and available at a pocket-friendly cost. Being a non-electrical sharpener, you can take it wherever it is needed. While using it may prove a complex task in the beginning, you can rest assured that you will achieve smooth operation and performance once you master it.
The Granberg G-106B isn't a masterpiece of aesthetic genius but it makes up for that with efficiency. It sharpens your chainsaw blades precisely, quickly and smoothly. The unit mounts to almost any saw with any file size. Additionally, it is made from cast aluminum as well as zinc plated steel. On the downside, it doesn't come with any files. Some customers also complained that instructions in the manual weren't easy to read. Overall, for a manual sharpener, it offers great features at a low cost.
The unit is powered by a 3500 RPM motor and works with most chain blades. It allows for one-way motor operation for added safety and the large handles are easy to grip. At less than 20 pounds, you can take the Oregon 140-120 anywhere. You will certainly appreciate the option to mount on either a bench or wall.
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Conclusion
Shopping for the best chainsaw sharpener of 2019 for the money isn't the easiest task. The good news is that, if you know what your particular needs are, the process becomes a whole lot easier. Before purchasing a chainsaw chain sharpener, you should take some time to understand how they work and how to actually use one. The last thing you need is to end up with injuries or damaged equipment. That said, we hope this guide was useful to you. Don't hesitate to tell us about which sharpener you choose, why and what your experience using it has been like.