Looking for the best chainsaw sharpener? Here’s what you need to know.
Whether you’re felling trees, trimming branches, or cutting firewood, a chainsaw is only as good as its blade. Dull chains not only slow you down—they also increase the risk of kickback and accidents.
To keep your saw running safely and efficiently, regular sharpening is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down the best chainsaw sharpeners and help you choose the right type for your setup.
Types of chainsaw sharpeners
 | Stihl Easy File Sharpener |
| View On AmazonView On Ace Hardware |
 | Oregon Chain File Kit |
| View On AmazonView On Home Depot |
 | Oregon Bench Sharpener |
| View On AmazonView On Northern Tool |
Chainsaw sharpeners generally fall into four main categories: manual handheld, bar-mounted, handheld electric, and bench-mounted electric models.
Each type has its pros and cons, and the right one for you depends on your specific needs, your saw’s chain type, and how often you sharpen.
While some sharpeners are designed for specific chain pitches and gauges, many models are universal and can handle most standard chains.
Manual Handheld Sharpeners
These are the simplest type—just round files (for the cutter teeth) and a flat file (for lowering the depth gauges, also called rakers). Many kits also include filing guides to help maintain the correct sharpening angle.
They’re lightweight, inexpensive, and ideal for occasional users or field touch-ups—but they take time and effort.
Bar-Mounted Sharpeners
Bar-mount sharpeners clamp directly onto the chainsaw bar to help guide your file at a consistent angle. They’re still manually operated but offer improved precision over freehand filing.
These are great for those who want accuracy without going fully electric. However, they can be a bit bulky and require some setup time.
Handheld Electric Sharpeners
These small, rotary-style tools (similar to Dremels) use abrasive bits to sharpen chain teeth quickly. They often come with guides and multiple bit sizes for different chain types.
They’re portable and easier on the arms than manual filing, but results can vary depending on the user’s skill and the quality of the tool.
Bench-Mounted Electric Sharpeners
These powerful sharpeners are usually fixed to a workbench or wall and operate like a miniature miter saw.
They offer the fastest and most precise sharpening and can handle a high volume of chains. While they’re the most expensive option, they’re ideal for professionals or anyone with frequent sharpening needs.
1. STIHL Chain Sharpener
Type: Handheld Manual
Weight: 0.77lb
Chain Pitch: 3/8in gauge
STIHL is known for making some of the best chainsaw sharpeners, and this file chain sharpener is no different.
Though bizarre to look at, this chain sharpener can get the job done fast. You can use this tool to sharpen chainsaw teeth and check the depth gauge in a single step.
The two-in-one STIHL chainsaw teeth sharpener includes two round files, a flat file, a filing guide, and a case. It is a great option for beginner and occasional chainsaw users.
Pros
- Two-in-one design
- Holding case
- Filing guide
Cons
- Doesn’t work on all chains
2. Husqvarna Chain Filing Kit
Type: Handheld Manual
Weight: 0.28lb
Chain Pitch: 3/8in gauge
This tiny chainsaw blade sharpener kit by Husqvarna is ideal as an emergency sharpening kit. If ever you are out, and your chainsaw chain blades start to dull, you’ll want this kit on hand.
The pack comes with two 3/8in round gauge files, a flat file, a file handle, and a combination filing gauge to ensure the angle and depth of filing are correct.
This sharpener for chainsaw blades is affordable and lightweight; perfect for when you don’t have access to a power source and don’t want to carry any heavy tools.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Simple
Cons
- No carrying bag
3. Oregon Chainsaw Field Sharpening Kit
Type: Handheld Manual
Weight: 0.82lb
Chain Pitch: Universal
This chainsaw sharpening kit by Oregon has all the tools you’ll need to sharpen your chainsaw blades no matter where you find yourself.
The kit includes a 5/32in, 3/16in, and 7/32in round saw chain file, as well as, a flat-file, universal file handle, and a file guide, all rolled up in a travel pouch.
This kit is ideal when you are far away from any machine shops and just need to give your saw a tune-up.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Doesn’t require power
- Multihead
- Sharpens any blade
Cons
- Relies on human skill
4. Oregon Professional Compact Bench Grinder
Type: Electric
Mount Type: Wall or Bench
Chain Pitch: Universal
The Oregon automatic chainsaw sharpener is an easy-to-use electric grinder complete with one-way motor operation, adjustment grinding template, dressing brick, and 2-3 grinding wheels.
This heavy-duty machine can sharpen any size blade and makes quick work of even the dullest chainsaw teeth. This grinder has all the gadgets you could need to sharpen chainsaw teeth, including its own light source.
Find out more about the Oregon electric chainsaw sharpeners in our review.
Pros
- Sharpens any chain
- Wall or bench mounted
- Easy-to-use
Cons
- Expensive
5. Oregon Sure Sharp Electric Chainsaw Chain Grinder
Type: Handheld Electric
Weight: 1lb
Chain Pitch: Up to 0.404in
This tiny handheld sharpener is ideal for taking on the road. You can hook it up to your car’s auxiliary power outlet or directly to the car battery. The chainsaw grinder comes with three different-sized grinding heads and has a built-in adjustable chainsaw sharpening guide.
It also comes with a multitool for changing out the grinders.
Pros
- Works on most chains
- Long cord
- 25000rpm
- Multiple grindstone sizes
- Multiple power supply options
Cons
- Runs on car auxiliary outlet or car battery only
6. Granberg Bar-Mount Chainsaw Sharpener
Type: Bar Mount
Weight: 2lbs
Chain Pitch: Universal
The Granberg sharpener is one of the best bar mount chainsaw sharpeners on the market. This manual sharpener ensures a perfectly consistent cut on every tooth with its built-in chainsaw sharpening guide. You’ll have no problem matching the manufacturer’s angle or keeping a steady hand.
Simply clamp the bar mount on the saw, set the angle, and sharpen. It couldn’t be easier. Check out our Granberg Chainsaw Sharpener review for more info (they also have a bar-mounted electric sharpener).
Pros
- Consistent sharpening
- Works on all chains
- Easy attachment
- Portable
Cons
- File not included
7. Sharp Pebble Electric Chainsaw Sharpener Kit
Type: Handheld Electric
Customers say this chainsaw sharpener is quick, easy to use, and a real time-saver compared to hand filing. Many report noticeably sharper chains and feel the tool offers solid value for the price.
However, opinions on build quality are mixed—some praise its construction, while others say it feels cheaply made. Durability is also a common concern, with reports that the diamond bits wear out fast and the collet doesn’t hold the bits securely.
Pros:
- Quick sharpening
- Easy to use
- Adjustable speed
- Ergonomic design
- Versatile kit
Cons:
- Bit durability
- Wobble during use
- Loud operation
Chainsaw sharpener FAQs
| Sharpener | Type | Power Source | Compatible Chains | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharp Pebble Electric Grinder | Handheld Electric | Plug-in | Most chains (multiple bits) | Quick sharpening, DIYers |
| Oregon 520-120 | Bench Electric | Plug-in | Almost all chain types | Heavy-duty use, pros |
| Husqvarna SharpForce | Manual Handheld | Manual | Husqvarna and compatible chains | On-the-go sharpening |
| Stihl 2-in-1 File Guide | Manual Handheld | Manual | Specific to pitch (e.g., 3/8″, .325″) | Accuracy, compact design |
| Granberg Bar-Mount | Bar-Mount Manual | Manual | Adjustable to most chains | Precise manual sharpening |
What is the best brand of chainsaw sharpeners?
Oregon and STIHL sharpening tools are regarded as some of the best chainsaw chain sharpeners on the market.
They make consistently good tools that work as advertised and last ages. STIHL chainsaw sharpeners tend to have a better reputation overall, but can be pricier compared to Oregon chain sharpeners.
How do professionals sharpen chainsaws?
A lot of professionals prefer to sharpen their chainsaws with a hand file.
A well-maintained and frequently sharpened chainsaw only takes a brush or two per tooth with a file to stay sharp. Some pros do like to use electric chainsaw sharpeners and bench-top ones, but portable options are easier to find in professional settings.
What is the best way to sharpen a chainsaw chain?
If you are filing by hand, you need to keep steady pressure on the file and only push it in line with the edge.
Don’t pull the file back across or twist it. File every other tooth in the direction of the blade towards the point, and then flip the saw to do the teeth that face the other way.
For full details, watch the video tutorial above.
Do electric chainsaw sharpeners work well?
Electric chainsaw sharpeners, sometimes referred to as chainsaw chain grinders, are a quick and easy way to sharpen a chainsaw.
Gone are the days of sharpening each cutting edge by hand; electric sharpeners make the job much faster.
How often do you need to sharpen a chainsaw?
The frequency with which you need to sharpen your chainsaw varies greatly depending on what you are using it for.
On average, you should sharpen it after 1 – 2 hours use.
What size file do I need to sharpen my chainsaw?
Files usually range from 4-5.5mm but you may need a larger or smaller one for your chainsaw.
If you look on your chainsaw bar you should be able to gather the details on what type of chain you have, which will then tell you what type of file you need.
Why does my chainsaw blade get dull so fast?
Aside from regular use, many factors could be dulling your chainsaw blade faster than normal. Too steep an angle on the cutters tends to dull blades quickly. 25-35 degrees is ideal for most uses.
Having too deep a cutting angle or having the rakers too far down will also wear down the blades faster.
The type of wood, the dirtiness of the wood, and outside obstacles can also have an effect. If the wood is too hard, too dirty, or you are catching ground when you cut, then the blade will wear down faster.
Is a dull chainsaw blade ever good?
Yes, if you are juggling chainsaws, you don’t want the blades to be too sharp!
Best chainsaw sharpener
No matter which method you choose to sharpen your chainsaw, having the best tool for the job is a necessity.
All of the chainsaw sharpeners in our table are good for the right person. After you’ve determined the type of sharpener or grinder that you need, grab the top pick in that category.
Sharpening a chainsaw’s blades is just as labor-intensive as using a chainsaw, but it doesn’t have to be difficult or painful. Grab one of these nifty tools and you may find you even enjoy your next sharpening session.
When you’re all finished sharpening, if you removed your chain, make sure you put it back on in the right direction!
Thanks for this helpful comparison! I never knew there were so many options out there when it comes to chainsaw sharpeners. I’m definitely leaning towards an electric sharpener now, but I appreciate the info on manual sharpeners as well. Great post!