10 Best Chainsaw Sharpeners (2025 Reviews)

Ten Best Chainsaw Sharpeners To Buy - The Best Manual And Electric Models

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Are you looking for easy-to-use and the Best Chainsaw Sharpener brands to use? If so, you’ve come to the right place. As you probably know, a crucial component of keeping your chainsaw working its best is sharpening your blade often.  

So to help you maintain a sharp chainsaw blade, we’ve compiled a list of the ten Best Electric Chainsaw Blade Sharpeners and Best Manual Chainsaw Sharpeners to help you find the best chainsaw sharpening tool for your specific needs.

Best Chainsaw Sharpeners in 2025

Editor’s Choice:  STIHL 2-in-1 Best Chainsaw Sharpeners

Stihl 2 IN 1 EASY FILE CHAINSAW CHAIN SHARPENER .325'

Why We Like It

Anyone who has owned an STHIL tool can tell you that the highly awarded company makes only high-quality products. This 2-in-1 tool for sharpening blades is no exception—it simultaneously sharpens the chainsaw teeth and depth.

It will do an excellent job for buyers who need to sharpen a standard .325 chain quickly. 

Specs

  • File for .325 chains
  • Easy to use
  • Suitable for commercial and residential use

Our Take Away

STIHL tops our list of best chainsaw sharpeners for homeowners because of its ease of use and superior construction.

Even if you’ve never sharpened a chainsaw blade, this simple-to-use tool will make that process much easier and have you sawing logs in no time.

Check out Best Home Gear as featured in the STIHL Awards for 2024.

How to Use the STIHL 2-In-1 Chainsaw Sharpener Tool (Video):

STIHL Chainsaw

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Runner Up:  Granberg Best Bar – Mounted Chainsaw Sharpeners

Granberg Chainsaw Sharpener, G106B - Easy File-N-Joint Bar Mounted Guide System - Premium Chain Saw Blade Teeth Grinder Sharpening Tool Set - Portable Filing Hand Attachment Kit (Files Not Included)

Why We Like It

This bar-mounted guide lets you sharpen any chainsaw blade, making it natural for our list of chainsaw sharpener reviews.

Though it doesn’t come with files, you can pick up the file you need and use this high-quality guided sharpener to sharpen any chainsaw, regardless of make or model, with high precision. 

Specs

  • Aluminum and steel construction
  • Bar mounting
  • Made in the USA

Our Take Away

Although you must buy a file for this chainsaw sharpener separately, the expertly guided sharpener is widely considered the best bar-mounted for putting the best edge on your blade.

It’s also an excellent option for commercial use since it makes sharpening “any” chainsaw blade fast and easy. 

Granberg Chainsaw Sharpener

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Best Value:  SDMS – Manual Chainsaw Sharpener

SDMS Chainsaw Sharpener, Portable Chain Saw Blade Teeth Sharpener Work Sharp Fast-Sharpening Stone Grinder Tools Suitable for 14/16/18/20 Inch One/Two Holes Chain Saw Bar

Why We Like It

This portable chainsaw sharpener from SDMS is of great value and super easy to use, mainly if you use more than one type of chainsaw at home.

Regardless of the chainsaw brand or bar length, you can install this whetstone grinder on the end of your chainsaw, start it, and gently squeeze the trigger on the chainsaw. You will have a fully sharpened chainsaw blade in seconds. 

Specs

  • Universal usage
  • Mounts on the end of the bar
  • Quick, easy sharpening
  • Extra whetstone included

Our Take Away

The SDMS chainsaw sharpener attachment is arguably the fastest, most convenient, and most affordable automatic chainsaw sharpener. I use it whenever I am in a hurry and need to make a few cuts.

For that reason, the SDMS chainsaw sharpener is especially great for occasional chainsaw users who may not want to remove and manually sharpen chainsaw blades. 

SDMS Chainsaw Sharpener

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Best Electric Chainsaw Sharpener:  Oregon 410-120 Bench or Wall-Mount 

Oregon Professional Compact 120-Volt Bench Grinder, Universal Saw Chain Sharpener, for All Chainsaw Chains (410-120)

Why We Like It

Oregon’s bench or wall-mounted electric chainsaw sharpener is a fantastic option for heavy-duty sharpening. Though you can’t take this electrical chainsaw sharpener into the field, it does make sharpening chains in your shop a breeze.

We also like the Oregon bench-mount chainsaw sharpener because it has a built-in light, which makes it easy to see what you’re doing. 

Video: Oregon 520-120 Chainsaw Sharpener/Grinder Manual 

 

Specs

  • Sharpens up to .404 chains
  • Easy to adjust
  • Can mount to wall or workbench
  • Built-in light for easy visibility

Our Take Away

Most homeowners probably don’t need a dedicated chainsaw sharpener bench mounted in their workshop.

Therefore, our recommended use for this chainsaw grinder is mostly limited to professional or rural homeowners who often use chainsaws.

One thing is for sure. With the Oregon chainsaw grinder, you’ll always get a clean, sharp edge on every blade.

Oregon Chainsaw Sharpener

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Best Manual Sharpener Kit:   Oregon Best Chainsaw Sharpener Kit

Oregon Chainsaw Chain Sharpening Kit with Hard Case - Contains Files, Handles, Depth Gauge, Stump Vise, Felling Wedge, and More Accessories

Why We Like It

Though the Katzco kit (above) is a super practical tool, it isn’t portable enough to take outdoors while working. For that purpose, we prefer this portable chainsaw sharpener kit from Oregon. 

This kit includes various files, a vise, and a handy felling wedge in a convenient hard case. It is perfect for taking with you while working outdoors.

Specs

  • Multiple files included
  • Vise included
  • Measuring tools included
  • Felling wedge included
  • Protective carrying case

Our Take Away

 This is probably the best manual chainsaw sharpening kit for convenient chainsaw sharpening on the go. As usual with Oregon products, we were very impressed with the quality and durability of these tools. 

Between convenience and quality, this kit deserves a top spot on our list of chainsaw sharpener reviews. 

Oregon Manual Chainsaw Sharpener

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Best Value Chainsaw Sharpener:   HI-Spec – 17 Piece File Kit

Hi-Spec 17 Piece Metal Hand & Needle File Tool Kit Set. Large & Small Mini T12 Carbon Steel Flat, Half-Round, Round & Triangle Files. Complete in a Zipper Case with a Brush

Why We Like It

Though the Oregon Chainsaw Grinder (above) is a super practical toolkit, it can be a bit pricey for some homeowners.

For folks looking for a small, simple, no-frills chainsaw blade file kit, we prefer the best-selling portable chainsaw sharpener kit from HI-Spec. 

This kit includes various files, a vise, and a handy felling wedge in a convenient hard case. It is perfect for taking with you while working outdoors.

Specs

  • Multiple files included
  • Vise included
  • Measuring tools included
  • Felling wedge included
  • Protective carrying case

Our Take Away

This kit is an ideal solution for convenient chainsaw sharpening on the go. As usual with Hi-Spec products, we were impressed with the quality and durability of this very efficient toolkit. 

Between convenience and quality, we couldn’t help but include this kit on our list of the best chainsaw sharpener reviews. 

Hi-Spec 17 Piece – Chainsaw Sharpener

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Best Husqvarna Chainsaw Sharpening Kit:  Husqvarna #531300082

Husqvarna 531300082 .325-Inch Pixel Chain Saw Blade File Kit For 340, 345, 346XP, 350, 351, 353

Why We Like It

At this point, it’s no secret that we love Husqvarna’s outdoor equipment. We also love their tool accessories, including this chainsaw sharpening kit. 

This particular chainsaw blade sharpener fits a variety of Husqvarna chainsaws, including the 340, 345, and 350 models. 

Specs

  • It fits multiple Husqvarna chainsaws
  • Includes handle and filing gauge
  • 2 round files

Our Take Away

Ultimately, there isn’t much more to say here than that this kit is essential if you own one of the Husqvarna models it fits. It is a great set to keep your chainsaw in top condition. 

Husqvarna Chainsaw Sharpener

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Best 12-volt DC Chainsaw Sharpener:  Oregon – Best Battery-Powered Chainsaw Sharpener

Oregon 30846 12-Volt Sure Sharp Chain Saw Sharpener

Why We Like It

This electric sharpener makes chainsaw sharpening quick and easy, but you need 120 Volt AC electrical access.  This 12-volt chainsaw sharpener from Oregon Tools is handy for fieldwork.  

This Battery-Powered Chainsaw Sharpener doesn’t require you to take your chainsaw back to the garage or workshop to sharpen it.

Specs

  • 12-volt battery power
  • It comes with two whetstones
  • Easy adjustment

Our Take Away

Our review found that this 12-volt battery-powered chainsaw sharpener did a great job and was one of the most straightforward products for most people.

As a result, this is easily one of the best automatic chainsaw sharpeners in today’s market. 

Like most Oregon products, this chainsaw blade sharpening tool is well-built and ready for multiple use. 

Oregon – Battery Powered Chainsaw Sharpener

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Best Commercial Chainsaw Sharpener:  Oregon 620-120 Hydraulic Assist Grinder

Oregon Professional 120-Volt Bench Grinder with Hydraulic Clamping, Universal Saw Chain Sharpener, for All Chainsaw Chains (620-120), Large

Why We Like It

If you’re a tree removal or landscaping professional, you need more than the average homeowner regarding your chainsaw-sharpening arsenal.

We recommend the Oregon 620-120, a chainsaw sharpening station with an included heavy-duty stand for these professionals. 

Specs

  • Delivers Precision Sharpening for Any Pitch Chain
  • Hydraulic Assist – hands-free clamping
  • Three grinding wheels included
  • Grinds any chain – Up to 3/4″
  • Self-centering vise – Wide Clamping Area
  • Single Phase 120 Volt hook-up
  • Easy angle changes
  • Dressing brick included

Our Take Away

While most people will never need this kind of chainsaw sharpening equipment, we think the Oregon 620-120 is the best option for professionals who use their saws daily.

With this helpful sharpening station, you’ll have no trouble keeping your chains in excellent order. 

Oregon Commercial Chainsaw Sharpener

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Best Value Electric Chainsaw Sharpener:   Timber Tuff

Timber Tuff CS-BWM Upright Bench Wall Mount Electric Chain Saw Sharpener Grinder

Why We Like It

Mountable chainsaw sharpeners are handy tools, but they tend to be expensive. This unit from Timber Tuff solves that problem by offering a budget-friendly device that still delivers high durability. 

Specs

  • 110-volt power supply
  • Three grinding blades are included
  • Mounts to workbench or wall

Our Take Away

For the money, this Timber Tuff tool is an excellent addition to any workshop or garage.

The machine is easy to set up and use, ensuring you spend less time sharpening chains and more time using your chainsaw to do valuable work. 

Timber Tuff Chainsaw Grinder

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q:  Which Direction Does a Chainsaw Blade Go?

A: All Chainsaw motors rotate the chainsaw blade in a “clockwise” direction without exception. The chain blade always moves in a clockwise rotation.

direction of chainsaw blade - best home gear
Correct chainsaw blade direction:  A chainsaw blade has to be installed in a “clockwise” direction, with the Cutter Teeth facing forward.

Therefore, the “sharp edge” of the chainsaw cutter teeth MUST face in the clockwise direction.

When you observe the chainsaw bar and chain from the top, you should see that the blade’s sharp edges face the opposite direction from the chainsaw motor.

How Do You Measure The Pitch On A Chainsaw Blade?

To measure the pitch of a chainsaw blade, measure the distance between the middle points of three rivets on the chain.

Nest, divide that number by 2. For example: For a 3/8″ pitch chain, the exact measurement between the three links equals 3/4″ or (.75 inches). 3/4″ Divided by 2 equals 3/8″ or (. 375 inches). It’s that simple.

How Tight Should A Chainsaw Blade Be?

Chainsaw blades should not be set too loose or too tight.  If either of those conditions occurs, you can risk chainsaw performance and personal safety.  Use the following methods to test the tension of the chainsaw blade:

  • Slide TestA simple guide for proper chainsaw blade tension is carefully pinching the blade along the chainsaw bar with a gloved hand. The blade should feel Snug but move freely along the chainsaw bar.
  • Snap-Test: Pinch the chainsaw blade below the bar, pull down until one or two chain links are removed from the guide, and quickly release the chain. The chain should snap back into place.
How To Tighten Chainsaw Blade - Best Home Gear
Using Snap Test to Check Chainsaw Blade Tension

Note: If the above Chainsaw Chain Tension Tests fail, re-adjust the chainsaw blade tension until it is corrected.

Do Chainsaw Sharpeners Work?

Sharpening dulled chainsaw chains helps you get significantly more life out of your chainsaw and saves you the expense of frequently buying new chainsaw blades.

Chainsaws are essential for yards with many trees, but like all tools, they require routine service and maintenance.

Tip:  To keep a chainsaw blade sharp as long as possible, always avoid striking the ground with the blade.  Grass, dirt, and gravel will surely dull the chainsaw blade quicker than anything else.

Video from This Old House – “How to Sharpen a Chainsaw.”

 

How Much Does a Chainsaw Sharpener Cost?

The price for chainsaw sharpeners will vary by product and budget.

Simple manual sharpening files can be found for under $15, while commercial-level chainsaw sharpening tools or electric bench models can cost hundreds. You can check out each of the many options we feature above.

What Is the Best Way to Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain?

A fixed bench-grinding wheel is the most effective method for sharpening chainsaw blades. It produces the most consistent edge.

Manual chainsaw blade sharpeners using hand files can also produce excellent results. This method is slightly more time-consuming but simpler and cheaper.

How Long Does It Take to Sharpen a Chainsaw?

The time it takes to sharpen a chainsaw depends on the method and type of sharpener used.

Electrical sharpeners are relatively quick but take a little longer to get set up. Manual or Automatic chainsaw blade sharpeners are faster to use but are not quite as precise. 

Remember that you’re just trying to give the tiny chainsaw blades a nice edge. They do not require much grinding or filing to become sharp.

Conclusion:

For various methods and budgets, the Stihl manual chainsaw file, the Granberg chainsaw sharpening tool, and the SDMS automatic chainsaw sharpener are the three chainsaw sharpeners that stood at the top of our 10 Best reviews.  

These sharpening tools do an excellent job and keep your chainsaw cutting as designed. The other products on this list have considerable merits, and one may be a better option for your particular needs. 

When selecting a chainsaw sharpener, ensure the model you choose will work for your particular chain’s pitch, as described in our FAQ section above.

Thanks so much for visiting Best Home Gear, and we hope we’ve helped you narrow your selection.

Please don’t hesitate to leave us a helpful comment or suggestion below!

References & Additional Reading:

Kevin
Kevinhttps://www.besthomegear.com/
As publisher at Best Home Gear, Kevin draws on 25+ years in Construction, Real Estate, and Property Management, and since 2018 has published DIY advice for Home, Lawn, and Garden Improvements. Your feedback helps us grow and lets other homeowners discover our site. Please don't hesitate to share your thoughts in the Comments Section below!

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Kevin:  Author and Publisher at Best Home Gear

As the publisher at Best Home Gear, Kevin draws on 25+ years in construction, real estate, and property management, providing DIY advice for home, lawn, and garden improvements and expert Product Reviews.

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