Chainsaw Sharpeners: Keep Those Teeth Sharp
Chainsaws are used for all types of uses, but whether you use it for professional project needs or you are using it on a DIY project at home, you need to make sure that the blade of the tool is sharp. Working with a dull blade can cause it to snag while the blade is in motion, which could be extremely dangerous. To ensure your chain is sharp, you need a chainsaw sharpener to get the job done.
What is the best chainsaw sharpener on the market in 2017? This guide is designed to provide you with reviews to help you make an informed decision, but first, let’s look at some of the different types of chainsaw sharpeners that you should consider.
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Chainsaw Sharpeners: Keep Those Teeth SharpTypes of Chainsaw SharpenersElectricHand-heldBench-mountedSome Additional Pre-Purchase Considerations to MakeSpeedDurability and StrengthSafety FeaturesPortabilityProduct Reviews#1. Buffalo Tools ECSS Electric Chainsaw Sharpener#2. Timber Tuff CS-12V 12-Volt Portable Electric Chain Saw Chain Sharpener#3. Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener with 3/16″ Carbide Cutter#4. Oregon 511AX Saw Chain Bench Grinder/Sharpener#5. Husqvarna 653000035 SharpForce Chain Sharpener 3/16″Conlusion
Contents
- Types of Chainsaw Sharpeners
- Some Additional Pre-Purchase Considerations to Make
- Product Reviews
- Conlusion
Types of Chainsaw Sharpeners
When you are choosing a chainsaw sharpener, you need to decide which type of device you prefer. There are three main types of sharpeners that you can select from. Each has its own value, but ultimately it is up to you to decide which type of sharpening tool or kit you prefer. Let’s take a look at each and see which type best fits your needs.
Electric
Some sharpeners can only be used when they are plugged into an electrical socket. It is a fast and effective way to sharpen the chain of the tool, but it also tends to be less travel-friendly since it requires an electric current to be able to function. Insofar as price, since this type of sharpening system tends to be more detailed, it most likely will cost a bit more to purchase.
Hand-held
Hand-held variations are a great option for those of you who want to use more of a manual tool for sharpening your chainsaw. These devices are typically round file-like devices that you manually move across each tooth. If you are on a budget, then this option is going to be the cheapest type of chainsaw sharpener that you can purchase. Even though these can be bought at a low price point, they are often rated as some of the best sharpeners on the market. It does require a bit of precision to use these hand-held variations properly, but if you are unfamiliar with the sharpening process, check out this video to help guide you through it.
Bench-mounted
The bench-mounted variation of sharpeners is designed to secure your chainsaw so that you can easily sharpen the teeth. You can adjust the filing angle that you need to use. You do not need to have as precise of a hand with this type of device because there is typically a guide bar that is designed to help you stay in line, which makes using bench-mounted sharpeners a much more efficient tool to use.
Professional arborists, like Chainsaw Larry, recommend this type of sharpener when using any of his top rated chainsaws. It gives you the most accurate filing and sharpening for your new chainsaw chain.
Some Additional Pre-Purchase Considerations to Make
As with every tool in your arsenal, you cannot make a purchase without considering a few things first. The main decision that you will need to make is the type of sharpener that you want and the compatibility that it has with your chainsaw, but you will also want other features that will improve the quality of your chain and the entire sharpening experience. Here are a few of the most important considerations to make:
Speed
One of the most important factors that is used to differentiate a quality chainsaw sharpener from a poor one is the speed that it can sharpen the teeth of the chainsaw.
The higher the speed, the more efficiently you will be able to complete the job that you need your chainsaw for.
Speed is not always the most important aspect of sharpening a chainsaw; if you are using it for DIY projects, you may not care about the speed, but if you are doing a professional job, a fast chainsaw sharpener is often the best option for the money.
Durability and Strength
It is important to purchase a chainsaw sharpener that is durable. You need something that will sharpen your chain for years to come, not a device that will cause damage to your chainsaw blade.
Safety Features
Safety is always the number one priority when you are working with any type of tools. If you decide to get an electrical chainsaw sharpener, make sure that there are safeguards in place that protect you from getting injured while you are working on the chain.
Always make sure that your chainsaw is secure, and follow these tips to protect yourself while you are sharpening the teeth of your chain.
Don’t forget to use protective eyewear during the sharpening process to make sure that shrapnel and shavings from the chainsaw do not end up in your eye. Don’t forget to wear protective footwear to keep your feet safe.
Portability
Whether you are using your chainsaw in the gardens of the UK or in the backwoods of the US, your chainsaw will need to be sharp.
If you are planning on doing a large job, then your chainsaw may need to be sharpened before you are complete.
There are portable variations that many of the top chainsaw manufacturers have created to make sure that you have a means to sharpen your blade on the go. If you tend to travel a lot while using your chainsaw, you may want to make sure your sharpener is mobile enough for you.
Product Reviews
#1. Buffalo Tools ECSS Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
Via Amazon.com
The first chainsaw sharpener on our list is the Buffalo Tools ECSS, which is an electric sharpener that is designed to mount to the wall or a work bench to create stability while it is sharpening the chain. The grind wheel measures 4 ¼ inches by 1/8 of an inch in size, and the arbor is 7/8 of an inch long. It can accommodate the size of most of the chainsaws on the market, and it has a speed of 4200 RPMs, which will get the job done quickly.
What we like:
- You do not have to remove the chain from the chainsaw to sharpen it.
- It is ready to use almost right out of the box.
What we don’t like:
- Finding replacement wheels can be a challenge.
- The plastic look is not pleasing to the eye.
We love how easy this device is to use. You sharpen one tooth at a time, and then manually pull the chain into the proper position. The numbers on the device also make it incredibly easy to tell the angle that you need to use, which makes it a great tool for a DIYer.
We love how easy this device is to use. You sharpen one tooth at a time, and then manually pull the chain into the proper position. The numbers on the device also make it incredibly easy to tell the angle that you need to use, which makes it a great tool for a DIYer.
#2. Timber Tuff CS-12V 12-Volt Portable Electric Chain Saw Chain Sharpener
Via Amazon.com
The Timber Tuff Sharpener allows you to conveniently sharpen your chains on the go. The spindle is designed to be able to take on any angle of sharpening that you need, and there is a convenient guide that helps you line up 25, 30, and 35 degree angles. In addition, the device stays cool, even while it is filing away at the chain.
What we like:
- It has a great grind for sharpening.
- It is very easy to use.
What we don’t like:
- The stones are a bit difficult to switch out without the use of tools.
We loved how portable this device truly is. It requires a 12-volt battery to power up, but as long as you have access to that power source, you are good to go. To top it off, the device only weighs about two pounds, so it can easily fit in your travel bag, in your glove compartment, or in your trunk. If you are on a budget, this is a great tool for you to consider.
#3. Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener with 3/16″ Carbide Cutter
Via Amazon.com
The next sharpener on our list is the Timberline Chainsaw Sharpener. It is a very portable device that is easy to use, no matter where you are. The device sits directly on your saw chain. It is tightened, and each tooth of the chain is sharpened with the twist of the knob. This unit is designed to sharpen at a 30 degree angle, but other angles are also available for the model if your chainsaw requires it. Since the blade is locked in place, it is easy to ensure that each tooth is sharpened at the exact same angle.
What we like:
- The accuracy of this sharpener is amazing.
- You never have to worry about getting the angle right because this device only sharpens at a 30 degree angle.
What we don’t like:
- This sharpener is a bit on the expensive side, especially since you have to manually turn the crank.
We loved how easy it is to use this sharpener; in fact, it resembles an old pencil sharpener that you use to see in a classroom. You even turn the knob to sharpen the chain in the same way.
#4. Oregon 511AX Saw Chain Bench Grinder/Sharpener
Via Amazon.com
The Oregon 511AX is an electric chainsaw sharpener that is compatible with several sizes and types of chainsaws. It has three grinding wheels that vary in size; the thickness of each wheel is ¼th of an inch, 1/8th of an inch, and 3/16th of an inch. You can easily adjust the angle of the unit to accommodate your sharpening needs, and the power cord is three feet in length, so you will have no issues reaching an outlet.
What we like:
- The safety light on this device is great for low light situations.
- The consistency of this sharpener is on point; in fact, all of the angles that we have tried have been great.
What we don’t like:
- The assembly instructions are very difficult to understand.
- It is actually a bit on the high end when the price is concerned, which may be an issue for some.
If you are someone who uses your chainsaw to chop wood on a consistent basis, then this is a great option for you. We liked how the unit can be placed on a workbench or a table, which makes it easier to sharpen. It is compatible with virtually every chainsaw that we have attempted to sharpen, and since we were testing out sharpeners, we tested quite a few on this Oregon chainsaw.
#5. Husqvarna 653000035 SharpForce Chain Sharpener 3/16″
Via Amazon.com
For Husqvarna, nothing is more important than a great quality tool that gets the job done. They are known for creating great tools, and this hand-held chainsaw sharpener will get the job done right. The device also comes with a guide to help you line up the angle properly before you grind the edge of the teeth on the chain.
What we like:
- This file is capable of making extremely sharp teeth, and it only requires you to go over the surface of the teeth a few times.
- It is very easy to maintain the same depth while sharpening the teeth.
What we don’t like:
- It requires a steady hand to accurately file sharpen a chainsaw.
We loved how simple this tool is. It sharpens a chainsaw with ease, and you can pay special attention to any teeth that may have been damaged on the chain. It is a great option for those of you who have never sharpened your own chainsaw because it is easy to use and it is relatively inexpensive.
Conlusion
Via Amazon.com
Buffalo Tools ECSS Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
Chainsaw sharpeners are a great way to save money and keep your chainsaw sharp. All of the products that we reviewed in this guide are top of the line options; the bottom line is that you will have to decide which one is best for you. If you are looking for our opinion, the Buffalo Tools ECSS Electric Chainsaw Sharpener is the best one on the list. It is a bench-mounted device, so you never have to worry about your chainsaw slipping while you are sharpening it. It has a decent grinding speed, and for the money you spend on it, you will get years of value and use.