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Everybody who makes use of a chainsaw has been there: You’re at full throttle, the attractive two-stroke symphony at max RPM, however you’re solely seeing high quality mud exiting the log, and also you aren’t getting wherever. Your chain is about as sharp as a marble. Some individuals I do know exit and put a brand-new chain on, and finally, they find yourself with a dozen boring chains hanging across the storage. However there’s a higher (and cheaper) method. Use a chainsaw sharpener.
However, a stroll by the shop or a fast web search will deliver up so many choices for chainsaw sharpeners that it may be arduous to decide on one. I examined a few of the greatest chainsaw sharpeners that will help you select the best one.
How I Examined the Finest Chainsaw Sharpeners
To check these chainsaw sharpeners, I gathered my boring chains and chains from a few buddies who additionally run saws for firewood and property upkeep, and I sharpened all of them. There have been loads to go round, and nearly each dimension and elegance was lined, from small tooth for high quality work to large rippers for quick bucking.
After that, it was a matter of following the directions for each and seeing how they did. One factor I discovered was that after I arrange every sharpener and sharpened in line with the directions, all of them produced a wonderful edge that gave like-new efficiency. Just one chainsaw sharpener examined didn’t sharpen properly, which I’ll cowl later. Apart from that, I thought of ease of use, set-up time, size of sharpening time, consistency, and flexibility when selecting the very best in every class.
Finest Chainsaw Sharpeners: Critiques & Suggestions
Finest Total: Granberg Intl. File-N-Joint G106-B
Key Options
- Totally adjustable for any pitch, angle, and tooth peak
- Accepts all file sizes
- Forged aluminum and zinc-plated metal development (no plastic)
- Quick changes
- Made within the USA
- Value: $52
Execs
- No have to take away or loosen chain
- Very constant sharpness and depth
- Easy mounting and adjusting
- No electrical energy wanted
Cons
The File-N-Joint virtually seems to be a bit gimmicky at first look, however in use, it actually shines. It does all the things you want it to do: It holds the chain in place, adjusts the peak, pitch, and angle, and retains you completely lined up so that each tooth is similar. The file holder accepts each spherical recordsdata for sharpening tooth and flat recordsdata for setting depth. It really works properly in case your noticed is on the bench or sitting on a stump. Since you aren’t apprehensive about setting all of the totally different angles of each tooth, you may transfer by a sequence fairly shortly, and swapping from left to proper is simply a few finger adjustable wingnuts/set screws away. It’s compact sufficient to slot in most chainsaw instances and might go wherever since you don’t have to plug it in. As soon as that is arrange, it offers you good, constant chains with out the focus and ability required to sharpen freehand. If I may have just one, I might purchase the Granberg.
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Finest Electrical: Oregon Bench Mounted Mini Grinder
Key Options
- 85 Watt Motor
- Spare motor brushes included for lengthy life
- Straightforward to function
- Very constant tooth to tooth
- Value: $100
Execs
- Removes injury quicker than the remainder
- Very constant sharpness
- Easy changes for depth and size
- Adjustable angle
Cons
- Wheels for various tooth sizes and depth grinding wheels bought individually
- Have to be mounted to a bench
The Oregon Mini Grinder guide makes it appear to be there’s a lot to working it, but it surely actually is easy and simple to make use of this chainsaw sharpener.
- Flip a knob to set how far down the wheel can journey so that you don’t over grind.
- Flip a knob to set how a lot materials the wheel removes from the sting.
- Rotate the lock to carry the chain, and pull down on the deal with.
When you set the knobs for the primary tooth, the wheel shaves each following tooth to the set angle. Swapping from left to proper is a matter of loosening a knob and twisting the chain holder to the opposite facet, and tightening it. I wouldn’t have wanted instructions, however I learn them anyway. A gauge comes with the grinder so that you could set the depth and select the best wheel to your chain. You can even grind down the spare wheel with the supplied dressing stone to make a flat wheel for setting depth for the chain. I didn’t hassle and simply used a flat file, however the choice is there if you’d like it. A number of wheels can be found for the grinder, but it surely comes with 3.2mm and 4.7mm wheels.
Finest Underneath $20: Husqvarna X-Cut SP33G File Kit
Key Options
- Multi-function information can be a depth gauge
- Contains two spherical recordsdata and a flat file
- Depth gauge with advisable settings for softwood and hardwoods
- Value: $18
Execs
- No have to take away or loosen chain
- Rollers maintain the file lined up
- Easy to make use of
- Straightforward to hold, even in a pocket
Cons
- Can’t swap recordsdata for various chains, information solely works on specified dimension
This Husqvarna Package takes the essential file equipment up a notch with the curler guides, but it surely doesn’t price any greater than the old-school kits do. The information snugly matches over the tooth being sharpened, and the slots set the rollers on the good peak for the file. From there, lay the file on the rollers, parallel with the information, and file away. A couple of strokes was all it took for me to deliver every tooth again to life. The information has two units of slots reduce in it for left and proper tooth, and it’s so simple as turning the information and sliding it down as earlier than. Whereas that is technically freehand, the rollers take a lot guesswork and error out of the equation. The comfy deal with will settle for each spherical and flat recordsdata, and holds them very securely. There are different sizes accessible for various chains, and the one draw back is that this can solely work for one chain dimension. If you’re a one-saw man and also you don’t need to spend so much on a chainsaw sharpener, this equipment will serve you very properly.
EzzDoo Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
Key Options
- Information attachment with markings for 25, 30, and 35 levels
- Contains bit sizes for all in style chains
- Contains spare brushes for motor
- Adjustable RPM for larger management
- Value: $35
Execs
- No have to take away or loosen chain
- Diamond bits have longer life than stone type bits
- Easy to make use of with included information
Cons
- Wire is sort of quick, will want an extension twine
- No provision for setting depth
The EzzDoo is actually a Dremel Software with a removable information and diamond bits particularly sized for chainsaws. It’s going to settle for Dremel Software attachments and different bits that use Dremel-sized shanks and collets. I left the velocity on the lowest setting as a result of I didn’t need to mess issues up too unhealthy if I slipped. That being stated, it nonetheless made fast work of every tooth. With two regular fingers, you will get fairly constant angles in case you comply with the information intently. The twine was fairly quick, and although I used to be solely 3 ft from an outlet, I wanted to make use of an extension twine to get the right place. If you happen to don’t have a Dremel device already and desire a full bundle, it’s arduous to beat this value and efficiency. The information will assist you discover the proper angle, however gained’t actually assist maintain the device in place, so in case you don’t have a gentle hand, this may occasionally take some observe to get stable outcomes. You have to to have a flat file to set the depth, which isn’t included right here. I may have used the bit and freehanded it, but it surely wouldn’t be constant, which might have an effect on efficiency.
Dremel A679-02 Sharpening Attachment Kit
Key Options
- Contains bit sizes for all in style chains
- Three guides included for various instruments and blades
- Works with any Dremel Software
- Value: $12- $20
Execs
- No have to take away or loosen chain
- Sharpens shortly
- Easy to make use of with information
Cons
- Requires a Dremel Software
- Stone bits appeared to put on extra shortly than diamond bits
I take advantage of my Dremel for all types of initiatives round the home, and with this equipment, I can add chainsaw sharpening to the record. The equipped guides work properly, and I used to be in a position to truly use two of them on the chainsaw, although one was supposed for garden mower blades. Both method, I used to be in a position to get quick outcomes with the stone bits. I stored the velocity low-medium, and solely wanted a few second on every tooth.
I spent extra time ensuring I used to be lined up earlier than touching than I did eradicating materials. Nonetheless, the bits did present indicators of wear and tear after only one chain, which was a bit regarding. Additionally, I observed accelerated put on if the rotation of the device was “into” the highest of the tooth. Altering what facet the device was on corrected that, however the bits nonetheless appeared used. If you have already got a Dremel Software, then this equipment is a good addition and can serve properly for infrequent sharpening. I might look elsewhere if it is advisable sharpen typically, or a excessive quantity of chains.
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Oregon Chainsaw Sharpening Kit 104004
Key Options
- Comes with two spherical recordsdata and a flat file
- Angle information and depth gauge included
- Comfy wooden handles for recordsdata
- Value: $20
Execs
- No have to take away or loosen chain
- Constant sharpness and depth
- Easy to make use of and simple to hold
- Angle information clips to file for consistency
Cons
- Completely different equipment wanted for every dimension chain
My first chainsaw sharpener was only a plain Oregon file with no guides, and I discovered the right way to sharpen chains the arduous method. Trying again, I ought to have simply gotten this equipment for an additional 10 bucks. The angle information, depth gauge, and flat file make sharpening quicker and simpler. I can get a pointy chain with only a file, however I can do it quicker and with much less effort with this equipment.
The one cause this didn’t take high spot within the underneath $20 class was as a result of the information doesn’t maintain you stage just like the Husqvarna does. However this equipment does have the very best depth gauge out of the bunch. I’ve used Oregon bars and chains and haven’t been let down, and the identical is true with this sharpening equipment. Included within the equipment are two picket handles so that you could have a deal with on a spherical file and the flat file on the similar time, which is good so that you just don’t have to change backwards and forwards. With a bit observe, you’ll have good sharp chains utilizing the Oregon Package.
Greatest Let-Down: Nuovoware Chainsaw Sharpener Tool
Key Options
- Clamps on the bar
- Aluminum and metal development
- Compact
- Hand crank, no want for electrical energy
- Value: $22
Execs
- No have to take away or loosen chain
- Easy mounting
- No electrical energy wanted
Cons
- Set at 30 levels, not adjustable
- Chain holder set screw failed
- Troublesome to get right peak
A number of corporations are making chainsaw sharpeners on this type (almost similar wanting), and maybe one other one could have accomplished very properly, however this one wouldn’t maintain up for various tooth. The screw that units the ahead and aft positioning arm indexes off of a small aluminum plate that’s held by a set screw, and the set screw simply doesn’t have the mandatory buy to maintain the plate in place. I attempted a number of occasions to get it to remain and tighten the set screw, however to no avail. Apart from that, the diamond “file” didn’t have sufficient taper to get began and nonetheless had some resistance when it reached full depth. It was spinning, however not eradicating materials. I attempted for about 20 minutes to get it arrange so it will truly sharpen the entire tooth earlier than taking it off the noticed and “setting” it apart. Maybe one other firm has perfected this design, as a result of it looks as if it ought to work, however the Nuovoware model isn’t well worth the trouble.
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Find out how to Select the Finest Chainsaw Sharpener for You
Chain Dimension
The primary consideration in selecting a chainsaw sharpener is getting the proper dimension for the chain you’ve got. Discover the dimensions of your chain and match it to the proper file or bit dimension. If you’re shopping for a sharpener that features three bits, you’ll simply match the bit with the chain. There are additionally kits accessible that can have the three predominant file sizes included, that are 5/32-, 3/16-, and seven/32-inch so that you could deal with almost any chain.
Electrical vs. Guide
Electrical sharpeners are good and simple and don’t require a lot bodily work. However, they require electrical energy, which is in brief provide in some areas. Electrical sharpeners could be a nice choice to be used round the home or farm, however a guide sharpener is the best way to go in case you are out a bit method and never near energy.
For me, there may be additionally a satisfaction that comes from working with hand instruments. That doesn’t actually have a sensible utility, however for me it’s a consideration. Additionally, it’s a good suggestion to have a chainsaw sharpener that isn’t electrical even when your predominant one is as a result of many occasions, saws are pressed into service in emergencies like heavy snowfall or unhealthy storms that may knock the ability out.
Value
Value is a priority for most individuals, although not one of the greatest chainsaw sharpeners are too terribly costly, particularly when in comparison with new chains or the acquisition of a noticed. That being stated, if it is advisable avoid wasting cash, even these sub- $20 choices are nice, and in your use case, could also be preferable over a costlier choice. However, in case you’re going guide, the Granberg is completely value the additional cash for my part.
FAQ
Sure, however you in all probability shouldn’t. Recordsdata solely reduce a technique, and in my expertise, they keep sharper longer in case you are solely pushing them into the reduce. Pulling them backwards, particularly with strain on them, will boring them extra shortly and frustrate you. Push, elevate, reset, and push.
I attempt to maintain all the things constant and file the left and proper tooth the identical method, which means from the surface to the within. I’ve gone from the within out, and out of doors in, and haven’t seen an actual distinction in efficiency. The secret’s to only be constant from tooth to tooth.
Sure. Each time a sequence is sharpened, materials is eliminated. Sooner or later, the tooth will likely be too skinny and too low. Some chains have traces on them that present the damage restrict. If it doesn’t, you need to have the ability to go to the producer web site or name them to discover a measurement. If you’re sharpening correctly and taking simply the minimal wanted, your chain ought to final a very long time.
This might be a pair issues, but it surely’s normally as a result of the left and proper tooth aren’t sharpened the identical. Once I began sharpening, I assumed my bar was twisted, but it surely seems I used to be sharpening incorrectly. This is the reason consistency is so necessary, and guided methods are good. Once I corrected my sharpening, my cuts had been straight once more.
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Ultimate Ideas on the Finest Chainsaw Sharpeners
A pointy chainsaw is a pleasure to work with, and fortunately, there are a number of nice choices to maintain your chain in tip-top form. Sharp chains additionally make your slicing simpler and quicker, so retaining your chain sharp is a worthwhile endeavor. Regardless of which of the very best chainsaw sharpeners you select, I like to recommend practising with it earlier than you actually need it. It’s not enjoyable studying that you just want extra observe once you’re in a pinch, so keep sharp.