The 6 Best Chainsaw Sharpeners of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Everyone who uses a chainsaw has been there: You’re at full throttle, the beautiful two-stroke symphony at max RPM, but you’re only seeing fine dust exiting the log, and you aren’t getting anywhere. Your chain is about as sharp as a marble. Some people I know go out and put a brand-new chain on, and eventually, they end up with a dozen dull chains hanging around the garage. But there is a better (and cheaper) way. Use a chainsaw sharpener.

But, a stroll through the store or a quick internet search will bring up so many options for chainsaw sharpeners that it can be hard to choose one. I tested some of the best chainsaw sharpeners to help you choose the right one. 

How I Tested the Best Chainsaw Sharpeners

To test these chainsaw sharpeners, I gathered my dull chains and chains from a couple of buddies who also run saws for firewood and property maintenance, and I sharpened them all. There were plenty to go around, and just about every size and style was covered, from small teeth for fine work to big rippers for fast bucking. 

After that, it was a matter of following the instructions for each one and seeing how they did. One thing I found was that when I set up each sharpener and sharpened according to the instructions, all of them produced an excellent edge that gave like-new performance. Only one chainsaw sharpener tested failed to sharpen well, which I will cover later. Aside from that, I considered ease of use, set-up time, length of sharpening time, consistency, and versatility when choosing the best in each category. 

Best Chainsaw Sharpeners: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall: Granberg Intl. File-N-Joint G106-B

The File-N-Joint almost looks a bit gimmicky at first glance, but in use, it really shines. It does everything you need it to do: It holds the chain in place, adjusts the height, pitch, and angle, and keeps you perfectly lined up so that every tooth is the same. The file holder accepts both round files for sharpening teeth and flat files for setting depth. It works well if your saw is on the bench or sitting on a stump. Because you aren’t worried about setting all the different angles of every tooth, you can move through a chain pretty quickly, and swapping from left to right is just a couple of finger adjustable wingnuts/set screws away.

It’s compact enough to fit in most chainsaw cases and can go anywhere because you don’t need to plug it in. Once this is set up, it will give you good, consistent chains without the concentration and skill required to sharpen freehand. If I could have only one, I would buy the Granberg. 

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Best Electric: Oregon Bench Mounted Mini Grinder

The Oregon Mini Grinder manual makes it seem like there is a lot to operating it, but it really is simple and easy to use this chainsaw sharpener. 

1. Turn a knob to set how far down the wheel can travel so you don’t over grind.
2. Turn a knob to set how much material the wheel removes from the edge. 
3. Rotate the lock to hold the chain, and pull down on the handle.

Once you set the knobs for the first tooth, the wheel shaves every following tooth to the set angle. Swapping from left to right is a matter of loosening a knob and twisting the chain holder to the other side, and tightening it. I wouldn’t have needed directions, but I read them anyway. A gauge comes with the grinder so that you can set the depth and choose the right wheel for your chain. You can also grind down the spare wheel with the provided dressing stone to make a flat wheel for setting depth for the chain. I didn’t bother and just used a flat file, but the option is there if you want it. Several wheels are available for the grinder, but it comes with 3.2mm and 4.7mm wheels. 

Best Under $20: Husqvarna X-Cut SP33G File Kit

This Husqvarna Kit takes the basic file kit up a notch with the roller guides, but it doesn’t cost any more than the old-school kits do. The guide snugly fits over the tooth being sharpened, and the slots set the rollers at the perfect height for the file. From there, lay the file on the rollers, parallel with the guide, and file away. A few strokes was all it took for me to bring each tooth back to life.

The guide has two sets of slots cut in it for left and right teeth, and it’s as simple as turning the guide and sliding it down as before. While this is technically freehand, the rollers take much guesswork and error out of the equation. The comfortable handle will accept both round and flat files, and holds them very securely. There are other sizes available for different chains, and the only downside is that this will only work for one chain size. If you are a one-saw guy and you don’t want to spend a lot on a chainsaw sharpener, this kit will serve you very well. 

Best Electric Field Sharpener: Oregon 12V Sure Sharp

The Oregon 12V Sure Sharp is a rotary style sharpener designed to run off of your vehicle’s 12V socket, and it comes with alligator clips so you can run it off the battery of an ATV/UTV, or any vehicle with a 12V system.  Oregon makes a pile of chainsaw products, none of which have ever given me any trouble. The 12V Sure Sharp is no different as it gave me solid results in short order. I tested this using my truck outlets and battery, my ATV battery, and even my lawn mower battery, and it worked with all of them, running or not. I have cut plenty of firewood deep in the woods where a truck can’t go, and its nice to know I can run this off of my Rancher. The Oregon Sure Sharp has a simple On/Off switch and once you select the correct bit, you’re off to the races, literally. It spools up to 25,000 RPM and you need to have a steady hand and light pressure. Just a little touch will get each tooth right where it needs to be. Too much pressure or time will eat the tooth up quickly and you can shorten your chain life with excessive material removal. If you have a chain that is well worn and ready to be retired, it might be a good idea to practice on that first. After a few teeth, you get a feel for just how little pressure you need.  

Easiest to Use Chainsaw Sharpener: Stihl 2 in 1 Easy File

See It

Pros

• No need to remove or loosen chain
• Orange grips make it easier to see if dropped in the woods
• Guides and teeth filed in one step
• Easiest to use

Cons

• Files are replaceable, but only for the size you originally ordered

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Key Features

• 
  Ergonomic grip with fool-proof instructions printed on it

• 
  Files held in place to keep teeth consistent

• 
  Tool can be turned over and used on either side

• 
  Price: $52

The Stihl 2 in 1 combines round and flat files held in place for setting depth and sharpening the chain at the same time.  This is a great option for those who want an easy, efficient sharpener at home or in the field. It is available in all the popular file sizes, but if you have multiple chain sizes on different saws, you will need to get one for each size because the files are not interchangeable. The 2 in 1 gets its name from the fact that it comes with a flat file and a round file set up in the guides and it will sharpen the tooth, and lower the depth in one step. The guide bars show you the correct angle, and keep you on track, while the big arrows on the grips show you the direction of cut on the files and make this tool almost impossible to mess up. If you want to really fine-tune your chain for specific uses, then just use a regular file set so you have full control. If, however, you just want a sharp saw to clear brush, buck logs, or do some simple felling, the Stihl 2 in 1 is about the easiest sharpener to use and gives good, consistent results in less time. A few passes on each tooth gets you ready to go out and cut.

EzzDoo Electric Chainsaw Sharpener

The EzzDoo is essentially a Dremel Tool with a detachable guide and diamond bits specifically sized for chainsaws. It will accept Dremel Tool attachments and other bits that use Dremel-sized shanks and collets. I left the speed at the lowest setting because I didn’t want to mess things up too bad if I slipped. That being said, it still made quick work of each tooth. With two steady hands, you can get pretty consistent angles if you follow the guide closely.

The cord was quite short, and even though I was only 3 feet from an outlet, I needed to use an extension cord to get the proper position. If you don’t have a Dremel tool already and want a complete package, it’s hard to beat this price and performance. The guide will help you find the correct angle, but won’t really help hold the tool in position, so if you don’t have a steady hand, this may take some practice to get solid results. You will need to have a flat file to set the depth, which is not included here. I could have used the bit and freehanded it, but it wouldn’t be consistent, which would affect performance. 

Dremel 1453 Sharpening Kit

See It

Pros

• No need to remove or loosen chain
• Sharpens quickly
• Spacers for each bit size to prevent over sharpening and damage
• Depth gauge included for setting depth

Cons

• Stone bits seemed to wear more quickly than diamond bits

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Key Features

• 
  Includes bit sizes for all popular chains

• 
  Guide and spacers to get just the right grind

• 
  Works with any Dremel Tool (except Micro, Stylo, and Fortiflex models)

• 
  Price:

  
  $27

The Dremel 1453 Kit gives you everything you need to turn your already versatile tool into a chainsaw sharpener. It will work on corded and cordless models so you can use it in the shop or in the field. Dremel makes other kits that can sharpen chainsaws, but the 1453 kit gets you all the bits you will need, a depth gauge, and spacers to keep each different diameter at an optimal distance from the guide. The instructions are clear and easy to follow for setting up each diameter, and I found the spacing to work well. The included depth gauge lets you know when it’s time to grind the guide down, and shows you how much to take off, if any. The bits included work well, but will wear out faster than diamond bits. It’s not difficult to swap them out when the time comes. Finding the right pressure will be the only thing you really have to worry about, and that will depend on the RPM of the Dremel. I prefer a mid-range speed, with medium-light pressure. Overall, the Dremel 1453 Kit is a solid, well thought out attachment, and it makes quick work of sharpening your chain.

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Oregon Chainsaw Sharpening Kit 104004

My first chainsaw sharpener was just a plain Oregon file with no guides, and I learned how to sharpen chains the hard way. Looking back, I should have just gotten this kit for an extra 10 bucks. The angle guide, depth gauge, and flat file make sharpening faster and easier. I can get a sharp chain with just a file, but I can do it faster and with less effort with this kit. 

The only reason this didn’t take top spot in the under $20 category was because the guide doesn’t keep you level like the Husqvarna does. But this kit does have the best depth gauge out of the bunch. I have used Oregon bars and chains and have not been let down, and the same is true with this sharpening kit. Included in the kit are two wooden handles so that you can have a handle on a round file and the flat file at the same time, which is nice so that you don’t have to switch back and forth. With a little practice, you’ll have nice sharp chains using the Oregon Kit. 

Biggest Let-Down: Nuovoware Chainsaw Sharpener Jig Kit (Now rebranded as Congdaren)

Several companies are making chainsaw sharpeners in this style (nearly identical looking), and perhaps another one may have done very well, but this one wouldn’t hold up for more than a few teeth. The screw that sets the forward and aft positioning arm indexes off of a small aluminum plate that is held by a set screw, and the set screw just doesn’t have the necessary purchase to keep the plate in place. I tried several times to get it to stay and tighten the set screw, but to no avail.

Aside from that, the diamond “file” didn’t have enough taper to get started and still had some resistance when it reached full depth. It was spinning, but not removing material. I tried for about 20 minutes to get it set up so it would actually sharpen the whole tooth before taking it off the saw and “setting” it aside. Perhaps another company has perfected this design, because it seems like it should work, but the Nuovoware version isn’t worth the hassle. 

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How to Choose the Best Chainsaw Sharpener for You

Chain Size

The first consideration in choosing a chainsaw sharpener is getting the correct size for the chain you have. Find the size of your chain and match it to the correct file or bit size. If you are buying a sharpener that includes three bits, you will just match the bit with the chain. There are also kits available that will have the three main file sizes included, which are 5/32-, 3/16-, and 7/32-inch so that you can tackle nearly any chain. 

Electric vs. Manual

Electric sharpeners are nice and easy and don’t require much physical work. But, they require electricity, which is in short supply in some areas. Electric sharpeners can be a great option for use around the house or farm, but a manual sharpener is the way to go if you are out a little way and not close to power. 

For me, there is also a satisfaction that comes from working with hand tools. That doesn’t really have a practical application, but for me it’s a consideration. Also, it’s a good idea to have a chainsaw sharpener that isn’t electric even if your main one is because many times, saws are pressed into service in emergencies like heavy snowfall or bad storms that can knock the power out. 

Price

Price is a concern for most people, though none of the best chainsaw sharpeners are too terribly expensive, especially when compared to new chains or the purchase of a saw. That being said, if you need to save some money, even these sub- $20 options are great, and in your use case, may be preferable over a more expensive option. But, if you’re going manual, the Granberg is totally worth the extra money in my opinion. 

Read Next: How to Sharpen a Chainsaw

FAQs

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Final Thoughts on the Best Chainsaw Sharpeners

A sharp chainsaw is a joy to work with, and thankfully, there are several great options to keep your chain in tip-top shape. Sharp chains also make your cutting easier and faster, so keeping your chain sharp is a worthwhile endeavor. No matter which of the best chainsaw sharpeners you choose, I recommend practicing with it before you really need it. It’s not fun learning that you need more practice when you’re in a pinch, so stay sharp.