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If you use a chainsaw for cutting trees and yard maintenance, then you know that the blades become dull after constant use.
It’s not wise to buy a new chain every time you get a dull blade as it becomes expensive and wasteful. You can use a manual blade filer, but those are inefficient and time-consuming.
Fortunately, you can choose an electric chainsaw sharpener that can help you quickly sharpen blades with greater precision. It saves you time, and you can get back to work immediately.
In this post, you’ll find information to help you make the appropriate choice for your chainsaw chain sharpening needs. We’ll also look at some factors that you may want to consider before making your purchase decision.
We also reviewed and recommended our top 5 favorite electric chainsaw chain sharpeners.
If you don’t want to read the full review, then see our quick picks below, or continue reading for more detailed reviews.
Quick Picks
We may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, when you buy from our link to support us. More
Premium
Timber Tuff Saw Sharpener
Premium quality sturdy sharpener for a chainsaw. Easy to read adjustment guide to consistently sharpen your chains. It comes with 3 grinding wheels.
Best Overall
Oregon Chainsaw Sharpener
You can mount it either on a bench or wall and includes 3 grinding wheels to sharpen up to 0.404″ pitch chain. Longer nose life and better performance.
Best Value
Blue Max Chain Saw Sharpener
Reasonably priced electric saw chain sharpener that you can adjust to fit any chainsaw chain and features precision angle adjustment.
Top Electric Chainsaw Sharpener In Market
Product
Name
Detail
Price
- Includes 3/16-Inch, 1/8-Inch, and 1/4-Inch grinding blades
- 4-1/4-Inch x 1/8-Inch grinding wheel with 7/8-Inch arbor
- Includes 3 grinding wheels from 1/4″ to 3/4″ pitch
- 7/8-inch arbor, 4-1/4-inch wheel, 1/8-inch thick
- Works on 1/4″ to 3/4″ pitch
Our Top Pick
Oregon 410-120 Bench or Wall Mounted electric chainsaw sharpener is our top pick. With this sharpener, you get greater flexibility to wall mount or bench mount. It’s an excellent sharpening tool, and you can adjust it to sharpen up to .404″ professional-grade pitch chains.
For the safe operation of the tool, it has a built-in light and one-way motor rotation. It included three grinding wheels for sharpening various types of chains. It’s a perfect chain sharpening tool for regular to professional users.
What’s a Chainsaw Sharpener?
The chainsaw sharpener is used to sharpen the teeth of the chain saw blades. If you use the chainsaw to prune small trees and hedges or do the heavy-duty cutting, then you may need to sharpen the saw blades regularly.
As you gradually lose the blade sharpness after repeated use, it lowers the saw cutting efficiency. A dull blade takes longer to make a proper cut and increases the risk of kickback. Sharpening the chain saw module brings the saw back to life, and you get adequate cutting performance.
This helps you to continue to make a fast and cleaner cut and extend the life of the saw. This saves you the repair or replacement cost of the chainsaw down the road. It’s also eco-friendly to sharpen the dull teeth of the chainsaw chain than merely throwing away the blade and buying a new one.
What to consider when buying chainsaw chain sharpener
Sharpener Type
You have option to choose between portable or fixed electric sharpener. Portable are handheld that makes it easy to use but it can become tiring.
Attachment
A multiple attachment option gives you better flexibility. In this way, you can multi-purpose your device and don’t have to buy multiple tolls.
Quality
A sturdier and stable build ensures that the chain sharpener won’t break down quickly. It reduces the maintenance and wait time
Have a question about buying a chainsaw chain sharpener? Contact us
Electric Chainsaw Chain Sharpener Review
1. Timber Tuff Chainsaw Sharpener
Commercial Chainsaw Sharpener
Timber Tuff Chainsaw Sharpener is a well-known brand manufacturer of logging tools and accessories. It’s a complete chainsaw sharpener kit that comes with a grinding stone and wheels.
It has a powerful 60 Hz motor with 3600 RPM speed to get your chainsaw blade sharpened in the least time. You can sharpen chains from ¼ inch to ¾ inch size that covers most types of saw chains unless you have some peculiar professional-grade chainsaw.
The adjustment guides are easy to read and allow you to make quick adjustments to consistently sharpen your chains. This sharpening tool provides smooth operation regardless of your experience level.
For improved safety, it has a see-through shield and 15-watt work light to provide you excellent visibility when making precise sharpening. The shield protects your eyes from metal splinters or friction flash.
The overload protection automatically shuts down the machine when it gets overheated or if there is any excess load on the motor. This prevents the motor burns out and damage to the tool.
For greater flexibility, you get 3 grinding wheels, 1/8,” 3/16,” and ¼” in size. So, if you have a different kind of saw in your house, then you’re well covered. Using this sharpener, you’ll be able to save time and money while keeping your chainsaw in perfect working conditions.
See More Information about Timber Tuff
Pros
Cons
2. Buffalo Tools ECSS Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
Automatic Chainsaw Sharpener
Buffalo Tools ECSS chainsaw sharpener is an affordable automatic chainsaw sharpener. You can easily mount into a bench, wall, or vise for easy access and stability.
Despite its compact design, it has an 85-Watt powerful motor that can sharpen most types of chainsaw blades quickly. The 4200 RPM grinding speed is fast enough to get the job done quickly without losing the quality.
You can plug it into a 120-volt wall outlet, and it uses a 4-1/4″ x 1/8” Grinding Wheel. You can easily adjust it to sharpen different types of chains. This is very reasonably priced and is perfect for users who need occasional chain sharpening but don’t want to use a mechanical filter.
The plastic stopper feels a bit flimsy, and several users have complained about it. But this shouldn’t be a big issue, as this can be easily replaced with a metal stopper that you can buy from any local hardware store or order it online.
Overall, this is a great electric chainsaw sharpener for those who don’t need a professional-grade tool. If you want a functional powered electric chainsaw sharpener without spending a fortune, then you should consider it.
See More Information about Buffalo Tools ECSS
Pros
Cons
3. Oregon Chainsaw Sharpeners
Best Chainsaw Sharpener
Oregon Bench or Wall Mounted Saw chain grinder is an excellent option for the most casual to heavy users. The ability to wall-mount or set up on the workbench provides you with greater installation flexibility and saves space.
You can use this to sharpen up to professional-grade .404″ pitch. You get three grinding wheels included for greater versatility. You can use it to sharpen 1/4,” 3/8”, .325″, .325, 3/8,” .404″, 3/4,” pitch chain and depth gauge grinding.
The energy-efficient one-way motor operation provides safety and stability to the unit that gets the job done quickly with precision. You can make the adjustment to tools with ease. The well-designed levers and smoother operation of the machine maximize the efficiency of the sharpener.
If you’re working in the shed or area where there isn’t enough light, you don’t have to worry much. The chain sharpener comes with a built-in light that allows you to work in a low-light area safely.
The chain saw operates on a 120 V and generates 3400 RPM for quick sharpening. The safety guard protects metals flying off from the chainsaw and improves accuracy in sharpening. The guide on the grinder allows you to set up the adjusting angle quickly. This is the best chainsaw sharpener for a wide range of chainsaws.
See More Information about Oregon Bench Sharpener
Pros
Cons
4. Blue Max Chainsaw Sharpener
Best Value Chain Saw Sharpener
Blue Max Chain Sharpener is a blue and black finish chainsaw sharpener that’s functional and stylish. It features precision angle adjustment that allows you to adjust the table vise up to 35 degrees left or right. This is great as you can install it where you have some space and then move the vase to a more spacious direction.
You can mount this sharpener on the wall, bench, or vise. It has a 4-1/4 inches sharpening wheel that gives you quick and precise chain sharpening. The 4200 RPM and 120 Volt power connections move the sharpener chain fast to get the job done quickly.
This is a must tool if you do a lot of wood-cutting. It includes only one wheel that limits your option on the types of chainsaw you can sharpen. So before purchasing it, make sure it meets your chain saw blades’ specifications.
This sharpener is suitable for regular and intermediate users. The build quality is outstanding as it has sturdier outer metal parts and colored paint that prevents rust. This is great for those who need a budgeted electric chainsaw sharpener.
See More Information about Blue Max Chain Sharpener
Pros
Cons
5. Chicago Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
Easy Chainsaw Sharpener
Chicago Electric Chain Saw Sharpener is a very easy chainsaw sharpener to use and reasonably priced. If you like the convenience of sharpening your chain saw at a consistent angle every time, then give this sharpener a chance.
It has a 4200 RPM motor that offers you plenty of power to sharpen the chain quickly. It has easy marking to set up the grinding angle. This is a reasonably priced chainsaw sharpener that gives you the basic functionality of chain sharpening without much fuss.
You can set up the table vise angle at 35 degrees left to right. It comes with a grinding wheel of 4-1/4″ Dia x 1/8” thick. That should be suitable for the most common types of chain saws. The assembly of the sharpener is effortless, and the owner’s manual explains it clearly.
If you’re bolting it on the workbench, then you have to provide your own bolts as it doesn’t come with installation bolts. This shouldn’t be a problem if you already have bolts in your house; otherwise, you have to buy bolts before you can use the tool.
The plastic build body feels cheap and flimsy, but it’s lightweight. The quality is sometimes hit or miss, but overall, users have a positive experience with this chain saw.
See More Information about Chicago Electric Saw Sharpener
Pros
Cons
What are the Different Types of Chainsaw Sharpener?
There are three main types of chainsaw chain sharpeners.
Handheld Saw Sharpener
It’s a manual chain sharpener that is essentially a round file. The size and diameter of the file vary depending on the types of chains it can sharpen.
It’s perfect for occasional sharpening as chain sharpening is a laborious process. You need to have some degree of precision and control when sharpening the chain.
Bar Mounted Guide Sharpener
The bar mount sharpener has a bar set up on the bench or work table. You then mount and secure the chainsaw on the bar and securely tighten it. You can then set up the sharpening angle and filing depth to give you a reference while sharpening.
It gives you better control when sharpening the chain saw and reduces the chance of wrong angle filing or overfilling.
Electric Saw Sharpener
If you’re professional or have several chainsaws, then you should choose an electric chainsaw sharpener. It’s a fast and efficient way to sharpen it. The electrically powered grinder sharpens the chain quickly and gives you far greater precision.
Most electric chain sharpeners have an adjustable angle that can accommodate various chain types and suit every budget. It generates sharpening flashes, so you have to wear safety gear such as gloves, protective eyeglasses, and hearing protection.
Note:
Before installing a new or used grinding wheel, check the wheel for integrity by tapping the wheel with a metal object, such as an Allen Wrench. If you hear a dull thud, the wheel may be damaged from the inside and a replacement wheel may be needed.
Why should you choose an Electric Chain Saw Sharpener?
There are two main reasons to choose it, time and money. You can always go and buy a newer chainsaw blade whenever the old one gets dull. But the chainsaw blades aren’t cheap, and it will be wasteful to buy a new one when you only need to sharpen it.
It’s more cost-effective and practical to sharpen the blade than buy a new one. Now, it will be only beneficial to buy it if you’re a heavy user of saw for various tasks and need frequent sharpening.
It will be far more economical for you to buy a handheld file if you’re a limited saw user. But if you use saw frequently to maintain your yard and other purposes, then it will save you a lot of time.
Read More: 5 Best Axe for Splitting Wood and Cutting Down Trees in 2021
What to Consider Before Buying the Best Electric Chainsaw Sharpener?
When choosing a sharpener, it’s essential to consider the different use and compatibility with your chainsaw chains, and what your most common use may be.
Chain specifications
The chain saw come in a wide range of chain sizes. You should choose a sharpener that is compatible with your chainsaw model. Electric sharpeners are adjustable, and you can set different sharpening angles and depths. Pick the sharpener that fits with your saw blade.
When looking at the chain specifications, look for two critical numbers,
1. Pitch: It measures the distance between each link. You can calculate pitch by measuring the distance between three rivets on the chain and then dividing it by 2. There are different pitch levels from 3/8-inch low-profile pitch to .404-inch pitch for the professional-grade level. Make sure the sharpener can handle a wide pitch range.
2. Gauge: The gauge of the chainsaw blade measures the thickness of the drive links. You can measure it yourself with a caliper or check out the product specifications.
Portable or Fixed
You have two options when buying the electric sharpener. You can buy a portable electric sharpener or a fixed mounted sharpener. Both are efficient in sharpening the chainsaw blades.
The portable electric sharpeners are handheld, and you need some practice to use it. The mounted sharpeners are more powerful and more massive but give you more precise sharpening. It has a guided sharpening angle for better precision.
Now which option to pick depends on your needs. If you’re on the go and need something portable to sharpen the blades quickly, then the portable electric sharpener may be the better option. But if you have a dedicated place or gardening shed, then go with a mounted electric sharpener option.
Attachments
A chainsaw sharpener with multiple attachment options gives you better flexibility. You can change the grinder thickness based on the chainsaw specifications. This may be handy if you have several different types of chainsaws.
Motor Power
The power rating of the sharpener motor determines how fast it can move the grinder to sharpen the teeth. Most of these electric motors are rated to be between 75 and 300 watts. The faster and higher-rated motor means, the less time it takes to sharpen the chain.
But the higher power sharpeners are usually more expensive, so you have to strike a balance as per your need.
Build Quality
It’s essential to have a good build quality sharpener as it reduces the breakdown and doesn’t need much maintenance. It comes in a wide range of build materials, from durable hard plastic to lightweight aluminum.
You can choose one that suits your needs. Unless portability is the most critical factor, you should select a metal build electric sharpener. These usually last longer and reduce the vibration when sharpening blades.
Price and Warranty
It comes in a wide price range from $40 to over $400. This depends on the functionality and quality of the chainsaw sharpener kit.
If you’re a hobby gardener or have a few large trees in your yard, then pick one that is in a medium price range. If you have lots of trees in your yard or you’re a professional, then choose a more expensive professional-grade sharpener.
Also, look for the manufacturer warranty provided. The more extended warranty period gives you additional peace of mind that your tool will be replaced or fixed if anything goes wrong during the warranty period.
How to Set up an Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
The setup depends on the model and type of electric chain sharpener. As a general rule, don’t install the sharpener at eye level and install it at the height of not more than 1.2 to 1.3 meters off the floor.
You may also have to set up the sharpening angle. Before you start to sharpen, you should know the type of chain and the relative adjustment angle. You can get this information from the owner’s manual of the chain saw.
When you’re ready, attach the grinding wheel to the sharpener, if not already connected. Use a grinding wheel that is suitable for the type of chain you want to sharpen. When installing, don’t force the grinding wheel on the hub and don’t alter the centering hole diameter.
Make sure the grinding wheel doesn’t wobble when fully tightened. If it shakes, then it means the fitting isn’t right, and it may result in damage or injury if used.
You then have to adjust the sharpening angle of the grinder. Check the product manual to set this correctly as the wrong sharpening angle may cause damage to the chain.
Always set it up where you have enough room to maneuver. Installing it at a tight spot may not be comfortable to work.
How To Use An Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
It may seem a bit intimidating when you first time operates the electric chain sharpener. But once you know the key details and do it a couple of times, then it becomes second nature.
The grinder generates metal flashes, so you must put on protective equipment such as goggles, gloves, and ear protection. Make sure there is no combustible item near the grinder. Remove any gasoline tank or cleaners that may be near the sharpener.
If you’re using an electric bench sharpener, then place the chain on the rail and adjust the angle. Make sure there is no obstruction to the grinder, and you can freely move it and bring it down to touch the chain.
You can use a marker to identify the starting point, so you know when you have finished the sharpening. Once everything is set up, you can start sharpening the chainsaw blades. Bring the grinding disk to the chainsaw blade so it can be sharpened.
Don’t push the grinding wheel too far, and keep an eye where it’s grinding. Adjust the blade and grinder if needed. Adjust the grinding wheel depth, so it doesn’t touch the chain links.
After you finish sharpening one side, you have to alternative the chain orientation and sharpen the other side as well. Do a final checkup to see if all links have been sharpened.
Mark any missing links and sharpen those before you change the sharpener settings for grinding different types of chains.
What Angle to Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain with an Electric Sharpener?
The sharpening angle of the electric sharpener depends on the make and model of the chainsaw. Refer to the product manual to get more precise instructions on the grinding edge.
You have to find the information related to the type of chain and the relative adjustment angle. You need the following information to set the adjustment angle.
A: Wheel Width
B: Vise Rotate Angle
C: Down Angle
D: Head Tilt Angle
E: Depth Gauge
Look for the relevant sharpening angle information above from the owner manual. As a reference, here is the sharpening angle of the Oregon Saw Chain.
How Can You Tighten Or Loosen Your Chainsaw Chain?
The chainsaw chain should have proper tension. If you tighten it too much, then it puts additional load on the saw motor, and you risk it snapping. A too loose chain will be shaky and will get off from the bar nose.
You can adjust the chain by loosening the tension nut located at the guide bar side panel. If your chainsaw comes with a brake, then you have to unlock it first to access the side panel.
Locate the tension screw at the side of the guide bar. You can make the adjustment by rotating the screw clockwise or anticlockwise to tighten or loosen the chain. If you turn the screw clockwise, it tightens the chain, and if you turn anticlockwise, then it loosens the chain.
Make sure that you lift the nose of your chainsaw while you tighten the side panel nut. Improper handling may result in the saw not operating properly and may cause damage.
Standard Troubleshooting When Using Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
Problem: Electric chain saw sharpener doesn’t start
Issue: Check if it’s plugged in properly to an electrical outlet and the fuse or circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
Solution: Plug into a proper electrical outlet and make sure there is power in it.
Problem: Sharpener vibrates abnormally
Issue: Grinder isn’t secured. The arm-motor unit may not be secured to the base unit. The grinding wheel isn’t fitted correctly in the hub.
Solution: Check the attachment and tighten the screw. Check if the base unit isn’t blocked and is on a stable surface. Dismantle the grinding wheel and check if it’s secured correctly.
Problem: Oil leaks from the hydraulic circuit
Issue: Hydraulic hose connection screw loose.
Solution: Tighten the hydraulic screws.
