Best Chain Saw Sharpener – Choice and Reviews

Are you looking for the best chainsaw chain sharpener? Here you will find reviews of the best performing models and a guide to choosing.

The chainsaw sharpener is a crucial device to say the least for those who want to bring their blade back to life. This is a necessary operation, especially since the chain begins with use to perform less, degrading performance. This is due to the fact that it tends to jam when cutting branches, because the blade is no longer able to slide as it should on the wood. In turn, this less fluid movement causes more vibrations and oscillations that could also put the health of the user at risk.

This is why a tool that can sharpen it is so important.

What it is and how it works

A dull blade reduces performance, creates potential dangers for those who use it and pushes the saw to consume even more energy or fuel, because it is slower than usual. However, you do not have to worry, because the chainsaw sharpener was created precisely to prevent these unpleasant situations. It is in fact a device capable of filing every tooth of the chain, although there are models that proceed not individually but in groups of teeth.

This tool is also very useful when the chain is damaged because it “nocks” against a nail in the wood, as happened to me. In that case, it becomes practically useless, since the teeth tend to round and no longer grip the wood, because they lose the so-called bevel.

How is it made? First of all it is small and compact, with a price of around 30 or 40 euros (if you stay in the field of non-professional ones). The structure sees the presence of an aluminum base, often equipped with holes to be able to fix it to a table or workbench. Alternatively you can stabilize it on the bench thanks to the clamps, as I do. The machine body, i.e. the part that houses the motor and the section for the chain, is often made of durable ABS plastic.

1. Base, headstock and knobs

The base has a sort of “head” with a guide rail, which you will have to use to insert the saw chain. Above the track there is a metal blade, which instead serves to block the chain near the tooth you want to file. On the structure you will also find 2 knobs to screw: the first is used to push the blade (and therefore the tooth) forward, while the second to lock the chain.

When you have filed the first tooth, you will have to loosen the screws on the knobs and bring the next tooth forward, and then continue until you have filed them all. Consider that on the knob with the rail you also find a graduated scale, which allows you to understand at what angle you are filing your teeth. This value varies according to the chains (usually it is around 30 or 35 degrees), and can be adjusted by unscrewing the screw at the bottom and turning the metal head, until it matches the desired degree.

This part is crucial, as chains have one tooth on the right side and one on the left side. Consequently, once you have filed the ones on the right, you will need to change the angle to sharpen those on the left section of the chain.

2. Motor body with rotating disc

The plastic body houses a motor inside, which has the task of making the disc (i.e. the grinding wheel) spin at high speed, which is instead protected by a body. In practice, only the tip at the bottom comes out of the disc, obviously to avoid dangerous accidents. The body will need to be lowered when you go to file the tooth, and then raised as you drive the chain forward. To start the grinding wheel you will have to press and hold the appropriate button on the plastic body.

Before continuing, know that the power supply can be battery or cable, if you exclude the chain sharpener for manual chainsaw, which is another thing entirely. Furthermore, the structure of an electric chain sharpener can change depending on the manufacturer or the cost of the model, but the underlying logic is always the same. In summary, the functioning does not change.

Best blade sharpener for chainsaw

1. Einhell 4499920 GC-CS 85 E 5500 Rpm 85 W

If you are looking for the best chainsaw sharpener in the hobby field, then I recommend this model. It has a very affordable cost, a motor with good power (85 watts) and a grinding wheel capable of rotating up to 5,500 rpm (no-load), with a diameter of 108 millimeters. The performances are really excellent, among other things guaranteed by a brand (Einhell) well known in the DIY and gardening sector.

What are the most important features of this chainsaw chain sharpener? First it has a precise clamping mechanism and a graduated scale on the part you will use to fix the chain. This way you can easily adjust the filing angle, and do it with the utmost precision. Secondly, it has a knob limiter that prevents the disc from going too deep, so as not to damage the teeth.

Then consider that this Einhell power tool is able to keep the chain perfectly in tension, thanks to the special rail. As for the machine body, there is a very comfortable handle that allows you to get on and off the grinding wheel effortlessly. However, be aware that, being a hobby tool, it is not very suitable for chains with large teeth (from 4.8 to 5.2 millimeters): in that case, in fact, a thicker disc is needed.

On the other hand, the grinding wheel’s abrasion capacity is considerable, if we consider this price range, and the tool is able to work non-stop for 20 continuous minutes. Do not use it for longer, as the engine may overheat. In reality, about twenty minutes are enough and more to sharpen even 2 or 3 chains. Finally, it has an instruction booklet that tells you how to use it, but it does not have the terminal block for fixing (there are the holes, however).

2. Einhell GC-CS 235 E Sharpening machine 3000 RPM 235 W

Anyone looking for an almost professional level saw blade sharpener cannot miss this particular model from Einhell. The cost is higher strength game than the hobby models, but the performance is too, so it is worth every euro cent of its price. Consider, in fact, that it has a “monstre” power of 235 watts and never overheats.

Of course, on the swivel base you will also find the ring nut to customize the cutting angle, in such a way as to file both the teeth on the right and those on the left. Furthermore, this Einhell device has a remarkable sturdiness, a very strong stability and a transparent plate to protect the rotating disc. Just like in the model seen above, also in this case there is the automatic depth limiter.

This means that the wheel will never go so low as to cut the chain belt, protecting it from damage and accidents. Also know that the structure has a built-in light that illuminates the chain during the sharpening process, great when you can’t see the position of each tooth properly. This is a unique feature, which further increases the precision when cutting.

Unfortunately, this model also does not have a clamp, so you should use the supplied kit to fix it to a table (to be drilled, of course). I repeat that it is very difficult to find such precise and performing products, also thanks to one factor: the adjustment of the filing angle takes place on 2 axes, and not on 1, as it happens in inexpensive models.

3. Guede Sharpener For Chainsaw 230 W 3.000 Rpm

Here is another high-level chainsaw sharpener, this time produced by Guede, and which immediately stands out for its bright blue color. It is a very powerful device, with a 230 watt motor and a blade that rotates at 3,000 rpm at no load. Also know that the package includes 2 wheels, with the same diameter (145 mm) but with different thickness (4.7 mm and 3.2 mm).

In terms of versatility, it is really difficult to find a chainsaw sharpener comparable to this one, thanks to the 2 wheels, and the possibility of filing large and small chains. Secondly, there is the graduated scale, which allows you to establish an angle between a minimum of -35 degrees up to a maximum of+30 degrees. This feature is more unique than rare in this price range, and makes it compatible with “Chisel” chains as well.

Then consider that, unlike cheap products, this one is entirely in die-cast aluminum and not in plastic. Despite being heavier than the others, it is quite handy and therefore easy to use, even if you are not experienced with an electric chain sharpener. However, it is not perfect, as it tends to overheat in about 5 minutes, but this is due to the great power of the engine.

Other strengths and weaknesses? It is quite silent and as always allows you to adjust the cutting height, and also mounts a comfortable light on the point of grinding. I have tried it and it is capable of sharpening every possible chain, thanks to the 2 wheels and the many adjustments. Going past the engine overheating after five minutes, it’s virtually free of any flaws or inaccuracies.

4. Einhell GC-CS 85 Sharpening machine 5500 RPM 85 W 230 V

I started from Einhell, and it seems right to conclude once again with this brand, and specifically talking about the GC-CS 85. It is the “little brother” of the GC-SC 85 E, with an ultra compact and very light body, therefore designed for those with little space. It is obviously not a professional chainsaw sharpener, but it knows how to meet the wishes of the hobbyist.

The technical data are practically the same as the E model: it has an 85 watt motor and a disc that rotates at a speed of 5,500 rpm. As always, there is a rail with a mechanism to tighten the chain, and a rotating ring to set the angle of the cut. In addition, it has a rather sturdy plastic shell and a solid metal base, for an overall weight that does not reach 2 kilograms.

The performances are very interesting, provided you understand that it does not file chains with large teeth, but only those with small teeth. Secondly, it has the usual depth limiter, which stops the wheel before it can reach the chain belt if pushed too low. The diameter of the disc is identical to that mounted on the E, therefore it is equal to 108 mm, with a thickness of 3.2 mm.

Being an inexpensive product, it is not exceptional in terms of accuracy, as it tends to grind the teeth more on one side than on the other. However, by adjusting it correctly, it is possible to overcome this defect. How? By increasing the angle and filing deeper on the second side, even if it takes a little more practice and work. As for the installation, you can fix it with screws or use a carpenter’s clamp.

In this video you can understand how to make all the necessary adjustments:

How to choose the chainsaw sharpener

1. Types

In addition to the electric model, which is what I described to you today, there is also a manual product known as a chainsaw file. What is it about? In reality there are different types, some of which are very complex and very tiring to use, especially as regards the grinding of the teeth. The cheaper ones are easy to use, but are only good if you use them sporadically. Accuracy is not comparable, and most importantly they take much longer to do the job.

2. Engine power

Engine power is important because it determines the quality of performance when filing. My advice is never to go below 85 watts, and to prefer 200 watt appliances to go up. A powerful motor, however, usually tends to overheat more quickly: in summary, it will require a break every 5-10 minutes, while with those with 85 wattage the break must be taken every 20 minutes. The rotational speed of the disc also depends on the motor, which can range from 3,000 to 7,500 rpm.

3. Measurements of the blade

Pay attention to the size of the grinding wheel, and in this case to the diameter and thickness. Only the wider discs can sharpen chains with larger teeth, such as 4.8mm or 5.2mm. So make sure that the thickness of the grinding wheel is at least 4.7 mm, if you want to file these teeth too. Conversely, for small chains you can settle for a thickness of 3.2 millimeters.

4. Advancement of the teeth

The models seen today are not automatic: it means that the advancement of the tooth occurs by manually setting the metal blade, even if it often gets a little confusing. Many manufacturers claim to sell automatic models, when in reality they are not, as the latter are professional and can cost several hundred euros.

5. Adjusting the filing angle

By now you will have understood that each model of electric chainsaw blade sharpener has a rotating ring, which allows you to set the sharpening angle. It is a very important feature, as it allows you to file both the teeth on the right and those on the left, so as to obtain a homogeneous and precise result.

6. Weight and dimensions

Also pay close attention to the size and weight, because the professional models (those with a price of around 300 euros) can even reach 9 kilograms. An electric chain sharpener for home use, on the other hand, can range from a minimum of 2 kilos up to a maximum of approximately 5 kilograms. The dimensions and the space occupied also matter, for a simple matter of size: for this reason, always evaluate where you will place the tool.

7. Installation and fixing

Most models of chainsaw chain sharpener have a metal base with holes: this allows you to anchor the device to a table, making holes in them. The professional ones come with a clamp, but you can actually do without one if you already have a carpenter one.