Best Chainsaw Sharpeners

The Stihl 56057504303 (really rolls off the tongue, doesn't it?) is an affordable mechanical sharpening tool. As you would imagine, these tools have their advantages and disadvantages compared to sharpening power tools.

The biggest advantage is mobility. These mechanical implements do not tie you to the nearest AC outlet. You can use them anywhere. You can always take these tools with you wherever you go. The price is much more affordable too.

The disadvantages are obvious. You can't just rely on the machine to do most of the work for you. You have to grind your chainsaw chains manually. It is a lot more time-consuming and fatigue-inducing.

The sharpener in question is a 2-in-1 implement that is suitable for 5.2-mm (3/8") chains with 1.1- and 1.3-mm slot width. You can perfect the tooth and depth at the same time. The model measures 21.4 x 4.7 x 2.3 cm in overall dimensions and weighs less than 350 grams, so, needless to say, it is as compact and lightweight as these things come. The steel part is rust- and corrosion-resistant. The tool, in general, is immune to moisture.

In short, the Stihl 56057504303 keeps things simple, affordable, accessible, and transportable. Despite its mechanical nature, the model is pretty effective too, able to quickly sharpen your average chain. Plus, all the files are easily replaceable.

The Oregon 541656 is meticulous and precise. To start with, the LubriTec™ tech keeps the chain and the guide bar oiled, reducing friction and extending the chain's lifespan. You can turn the company's 91PS PowerSharp chain from dull to sharp within 3-5 seconds.

The issue here is that the product will not let you sharpen different chains, only the one that's shipped with this set. Sure, you might find some success with standard 3/8" chains with 0.05" (1.3-mm) slot width because this is what the supplied chain measures too but the sharpening tool has not been designed to accommodate them.

What this thing has been designed with are top-sharpening cutters that contact the grinding stone, while the guidance drive link gives you the stability and secures the form required to maintain the right angle, with the diamond-coated dresser link grinding the stone to extend its service life. This precision sharpening system allows you to sharpen the chain while it is still on the saw, making the product that much more practical compared to most manual chainsaw sharpeners.

In closing, as long as you do not mind using the chain shipped with this sharpening tool, the Oregon 541656 will likely prove worth your while.

The people behind this Katzco Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit claim that convenience is what separates this product from its competition. Long story short, we're fine with the claim.

To support the claim, inside this kit, these people have put premium fine-tooth flat and round files, enabling fast cutting and filing. More than that, the six flat files and three round files will accommodate 5/32”, 3/16”, and 7/32” chains, so you'll be able to work with various different chains.

You can attach the supplied hardwood handle to every single file within this set and also the depth-gauge implement, easily fitting most chainsaws. However, do not forget that the hardwood is susceptible to moisture, so avoid splashes and storing the handle inside humid spaces. The handle has been stained and finish though so that you're able to work without worrying about splinters. We'd recommend storing the entire package somewhere nice and chilly, which is not hard to do with the roll-up pouch that comfortably fits all tools and accessories and that you can bring anywhere with you without hassle.

To sum up, you can take the Katzco Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit with you to any site knowing that the chains there will fit these filing and cutting tools.

The Husqvarna 653000035 keeps things simple, this is the company's wheelhouse. With this device, you'll be filing both the cutters and the depth gauge at the same time, maintaining optimum cutting performance.

Everything here rides on the SharpForce™ tech, keeping the chainsaw teeth not only sharp but also durable. Now, the angle here is not necessarily fixed, so you'll be guiding by sight. That being said, it is not hard to hold the angle as you stroke with the file since the bar is quite solid, riding smoothly along the adjacent tooth-top edge.

Before anything else though, this product is made to last, constructed with captive metal supports and metal in those sliding clamps that you open to change directions. The direction can be somewhat confusing at first but once the mental lightbulb flashes, you'll see the logic behind the mechanism.

Besides that, the device comes equipped with safeguards that make sure the chain does not get off and with an ergonomic handle that's comfortable but also grippy. The hanging hole inside the handle will simplify storage, making this product that looks somewhat rudimentary at first anything but basic, fitted with everything you need to get the job done without paying and carrying extra.

The SDMS Portable Chainsaw Sharpener turns dull chainsaw blades sharp within ~3 seconds. Before we assess its performance though, the "portable" part comes first. Since the device measures only 8.3 x 5.9 x 1.2 inches and weighs less than 14 ounces, you can take this thing with you without even feeling its weight dragging you down. Nevertheless, made from premium ABS plastic, the product is tough as nails and twice as durable.

Well, truth be told, not the entire product because the grinding stone only lasts 2-3 sharpening cycles, meaning that you'll probably have to replace the stone soon enough. Fortunately, this chainsaw sharpener is shipped with two grinding stones to begin with, covering around 5 sharpening cycles.

Also, you'll be ill-advised to replace the adjustable and removable rivet though since this little detail makes the tool compatible with both one- and two-hole chainsaw bars, so when the blade features only one hole, you can always remove the sliding rivet. To that end, the device can file 5/32”, 3/16”, and 7/32” chains.

All things considered, the SDMS Portable Chainsaw Sharpener is lightweight, compact, easy to carry, pretty efficient, and, from most perspectives, durable, making the product appealing across the board.