How to Sharpen Chainsaw Like Pro? A Complete Guide

Want to sharpen your chainsaw like a pro? Our 2023 guide covers everything you need to know, from choosing the right tools to sharpening techniques and maintenance tips. Keep your chainsaw working at its best with our expert advice.

Indeed, Chainsaw is a dangerous machine that can lead you to fatal or major injuries (IF NOT USE CORRECTLY). If you know the correct way to use the chainsaw, it is a great tool by all means. To operate a chainsaw properly, one needs to have knowledge and practice. Otherwise, you are compromising with your life.

In recent years many died and got injured as they tried to operate the machine without getting the skill. Anyway, dull chainsaws are also responsible for those serious injuries. If you are using a dull chainsaw, you should stop right now and sharpen it before running the machine again.

Today we will talk about the effective way of sharpening a chainsaw.

How to Sharpen Chainsaw Like Pro

To sharpen a chainsaw like a pro, follow these steps:

  • Secure the saw and ensure safety precautions.
  • Determine the correct angle to sharpen based on manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Use a round file guide to maintain the angle.
  • File from the inside of the cutters to the outside.
  • File each cutter to the same length.
  • Check the depth gauge and file if needed.
  • Repeat steps 4-6 for all cutters.
  • Use a flat file to smooth and remove any burrs.
  • Repeat the process on the other side.
  • Test the saw’s performance and adjust as necessary.

How to Choose a Chainsaw Sharpener?

Choosing a top quality chainsaw sharpener is not an easy task as it assumes. This is because the market is full of a wide variety of products. Unfortunately, most of those are cheaply constructed.

If you’ve not enough knowledge, you may end up with cheap products. That’s why today I am here to reveal the secret of finding the quality chainsaw sharpener. Let’s start:

Consider Price: 

Every consumer out there thinks about the price in the first place. We all have our budget limit. Nobody wants to cross that limit. But it is said that you will get what you pay for.

Fortunately for you, chainsaw sharpeners are not an expensive item. You will surely get one in your limit. Still, it is recommended to purchase a chainsaw sharpener that works even if you need to spend a few more bucks for it. At the end of the day, the value you get out of it matters, not the price.

Types:

Chainsaw sharpeners are available in three different types. They are Electric, handheld round file, and bar-mounted sharpeners. All of them have their features, advantages, and disadvantages. Before shopping for a chainsaw sharpener, you need to know all of them so that you can decide which type is suitable for your task. Have a look:

1) Electric: Electric sharpeners are popular among professionals due to several reasons. Those completed the sharpening task quickly and accurately than the other two types. The process by which an electric sharpener works is safe as well. But the problem is those types are costly, and installation requires professional.

2) Bar-Mounted: Bar-Mounted sharpener is simple to use. You need to secure it to the chainsaw’s bar on a regular bench or table. There is a knob included in the sharpener that needs to set properly in line with the specifications of the saw. Also, the depth and filing angle must be placed before sharpening begin. Without wearing proper safety accessories, this type of sharpener can lead you to serious injury.

3) Handheld Round File: Those are the analog type of chainsaw sharpener. I meant the original sharpener people used before and even today. Electric or Bar-Mounted sharpener can fail due to several reasons, but the handheld round file will never fail you.

Handheld Round Files are available in different diameters for differently sized chainsaws. This type of sharpener requires human effort. You need to run the sharpener over each tooth of the saw. I mean you need to sharpen the machine manually. They are the cheapest model available in the market.

Those are easy to use and an ideal option for occasional woodcutting. As it is not automatic, maintaining the perfect cutting angle when working can be tough. That means, using this type of sharpener is time-consuming.

Sharpening Angles:

The chain needs to follow one angle for quick and efficient cutting performance.  It depends on some factors like:

  • Drive thickness
  • Teeth Design
  • Space Between Rivets

Before picking the sharpener, check the requirement of your saw carefully.

All Sharpening Accessories:

A good quality sharpener will bring all the essential accessories with it. I mean it must be a complete kit otherwise you need to purchase other accessories separately. The kit must have detachable handles, depth gauge tools, dressing brick, and spare wheels. Otherwise, don’t buy it.

Top-Rated Chainsaw Sharpener Brands

We’ve mentioned everything related to chainsaw sharpening. You already know, a quality chainsaw sharpener can effectively and quickly sharpen the chainsaw.

If you already have chainsaw sharpener, you are ready to go. If not, you should also know about the brands that are top in this field currently. Let’s have a look at the top Chainsaw Sharpener Brands:

Timberline:

In Tools industry, Timberline is one of the most reliable brands. They create top quality products and sell them at a reasonable price for everyone. They value their consumer, and they provide excellent customer service.

Timberline has some high-quality chainsaw sharpener in their collection. All of their sharpeners are excellent in terms of performance, built quality and price. If you pick a Chainsaw Sharpener from Timberline, you will not regret it.

Oregon:

Oregon started in 1947 with four employees, and in 1951 their sales exceeded $1 million. In 1952 they became a multinational corporation. How did they get this much success? By providing excellent products and quality customer service.

Oregon is another reliable brand in Chainsaw Sharpener industry. Their sharpeners work like a champion. You can have a sharpener from Oregon as it is one of the top brands in this industry.

Stihl:

Stihl is another multinational company formed in 1926 by Andreas Stihl. They are German Manufacturer of Chainsaw and other handheld equipment including trimmers and blowers.

Since the beginning, their top priority is on the satisfaction of their consumer. Thus, they always try to improve their quality. At present, so many professionals and DIY persons relay on Stihl when it comes to handheld equipment.

They have several Chainsaw Sharpeners in the market today. You can pick your sharpener from Stihl brand as well. Don’t worry their products are reasonably priced.

Read: Discover the Top Stihl Chainsaw Dealers Near You

Granberg:

Granberg is a family based company. They play with chainsaws and chainsaw accessories. Since the beginning, they tried to satisfy their consumers with quality. And they are quite successful at that.

Currently, you will notice the right amount of chainsaws and chainsaw accessories by Granberg available in the market. All of their products are of top quality. If you want to purchase a sharpener, you can consider their products. All of their sharpeners are world class and provide excellent performance.

Timber Tuff:

Timber Tuff Tools is the U.S. and Global distributor of industrial and consumer products. They provide a wide range of home, garage and shop products for their customers and professionals.

They create products from top quality materials; hence their products last long. Besides, they designed product in a way so that the consumer can use products without any discomfort.

In the market, you will notice several Chainsaw Sharpener by Timber Tuff. You can have any of them without any tension. If the brand is Timber Tuff, worrying is valueless!

Conclusion

Yeah, I mentioned it on the first line, Chainsaws are dangerous. But if you know how to use it properly, this tool is a beast. In this article, we talked everything about sharpening a chainsaw and also about some of the top-rated chainsaw sharpener brands.

Always double check whether the chainsaw is in excellent condition or not. If the blade is dull, sharpen it with a great sharpener as early as possible. I hope you enjoyed reading the article. If you’ve any question, feel free to ask!
ThankYou!

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