Best Chainsaw Files in 2020 – [Quick Review & Buying Guide]

by Tom Fidgen | Last Updated: June 16, 2020

If you have ever cut wood with a blunt blade, then you would agree with me that sharp blades make it easier to cut through. Plus, it attenuates your chance of being injured during the process. But with time, they get dull and requires you to sharpen or replace the blade.

While some people get this done by taking the chainsaw to a hardware store, it’s much more practical to sharpen the blade using a chainsaw file.

However, there are a plethora of chainsaw file options, which makes it challenging to pick the right tool. Fortunately, we’ve carefully handpicked the best chainsaw files currently available.

Best Chainsaw Files Reviews – (Updated List)

1. STIHL 2 in 1 Easy File Chainsaw Chain Sharpener

Stihl is one of the top brands in the industry, offering high-quality tools, and this file is no exception. This tool comes right out of the package, ready to use. This chainsaw file is a top pick for people looking to sharpen their blades manually.

With an attractive price tag, this manual file is a good buy for contractors and homeowners alike but not advisable for high-volume applications.

This tool will sharpen the depth gauge and teeth of any style of chainsaw chain. It works with the following chain sizes: ¼, ⅜, .325, and .404, which offers the right amount of flexibility to allow you to use this file with several tools.

EDITOR CHOICE

STIHL 2 in 1 Easy File>

The STIHL 2 in 1 Filing Guide simplifies the process of sharpening your saw chain by completing two functions at once – sharpening your saw chain cutters and lowering your depth gauges.

$39.00
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This feature makes it an excellent addition to any contractor’s workshop, provided you don’t sharpen your chain frequently. This characteristic makes the chain sharpener ideal for a contractor’s workshop.

The Stihl 2-in-1 Easy File is a robust tool built to stand up to heavy-duty applications and time. For an affordable price, you get a flat-file and two round files with a filing guide and unique file holder for top-notch performance.

The guide is helpful and simplifies the process of sharpening the lower depth gauge and saw chain cutters at the same time. Needless to say, this characteristic makes this manual tool a lot of convenience.

This manual file boasts of impressive compatibility and fitness with any style of chainsaws. Besides, its 2-in-1 design makes it a good buy for both home users and contractors.

What We Like:

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2. Oregon 70503/80503 3/16-Inch Chain Saw File

Oregon is another brand respected for its top-of-the-line series of files. This model stands apart from the competition because of the quantity and size you get by purchasing a single product.

Oregon 70503/80503 files have a diameter measuring 3/16-inch, which makes each file in the box larger than other brands’ files. This tool features swiss double-cut design to ensure precise and excellent cutting performance when refining the blades of your chainsaw.

Budget Choice

Oregon 70503/80503

Swiss double-cut file design with precision cutting-tooth and fewer teeth per inch than competitive files

$18.90
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Further, these refining tools have a perfectly even diameter throughout their bodies’ length.

This model features fewer teeth per inch to help prevent trapped filings. More so, its consistent height of the file’s tooth makes it easier and faster to remove metal. Manufactured using state-of-the-art process, this file will remain sharper many years provided it’s used occasionally.

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3. Katzco Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit

The Katzco Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit is not only a handy solution but also a robust tool to help maintain your chainsaw blade’s integrity.

Best Value

Katzco Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit

This kit comes with a range of different files to meet any of your chainsaw sharpening needs. The premium fine tooth flat and round files is made for Fast filing and cutting. The round files come in the sizes of: 5/32”, 3/16”, and 7/32”.

$16.99
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This file kit includes a lot of accessories to offer you optimal control over your machine. The kit packs a 3/16-inch file, 7/32-inch file, 5/32-inch file, tool pouch, filing guide, and depth gauge.

Furthermore, it is easy to attach, remove, and place the files on the included wooden handle to refine an array of chainsaw blade styles. Plus, the wooden handle is designed to offer a firm and yet comfortable handle. Besides, you’ve got a filing guide to help first-timer know how it works.

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5. MIZOOVA 10 Piece Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit

If you are in the market for the best file kit with an affordable price tag, then MIZOOVA 10 Piece Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit is a good buy.

This model packs ten pieces, which ensures you can sharpen any type of chain that crosses your path with ease. In fact, it offers to opt cutting performance in a very short period.

Top Pick

MIZOOVA 10 Piece Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit

Durable 5/32, 3/16, 7/32 inch round files, can be used on a wide variety of chain types and pitch

$15.95
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The files are made from steel with precision engineering, which means you can use the tools on any chain type and pitch. Further, the file guide features a quick release and lock mechanism to ensure stability and control.

What We Like:

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Types of Chainsaw Sharpeners

While we only discussed a kind of sharpener, there are other types used in the market also, which include bar-mounted sharpeners and electric sharpeners.

Handheld Chainsaw

The handheld chainsaw sharpener is very common and almost in every workshop. This style of sharpener is usually round and runs over the chain’s tips. This process is quite useful for the precise refining of your blades. However, it might be an effort demanding.

Mounted

The mounted chainsaw sharpener is another type with a different setup mode. The chainsaw is securely fit onto a level surface on the side of a bench or table. There are knobs to ensure the file refines as supposed.

Also, it comes with varying types of plates to ensure you can refine any chainsaw type based on their sizes. While you may have to attach, remove, and replace different sharpening wheels, this model will manage a wide range of sharpening needs.

Electric

This model is designed to be mounted to a surface, where all the chain refining process takes place within a few minutes. This process is performed with the chain taken out from the bar, manually feeding it via the machine and applying the grinder.

It’s important that you know how to sharpen with this model to avoid screwing up the saw chain

What Type of Chainsaw Sharpener is Best For You?

The handheld sharpener is an excellent choice for people who need to refine the chainsaw blade with high precision. However, it’s vital that you know that a handheld sharpener is suitable for sharpening a huge chainsaw, as it would require a lot of effort.

Furthermore, an electric sharpener is a top choice for people who need to sharpen their chain regularly.

How to Choose the Right Chainsaw Sharpener

There are a couple of factors to put into consideration when trying to purchase the right tool.

File Size

You need to make sure to know the size of the file to ensure it’s compatible with your chainsaw. Currently, on the market, you will find chains in 7/32, 5/32, or 3/16 of an inch in several cases.

Owning a small-sized file will not sharpen the teeth, so also, using a large sharpener will only leave teeth flat.

Handle

Another critical factor is the handle. The chainsaw file-handle determines the stability and control the product offers while you keep sharpening the chain. Besides, the handle provides a comfortable and firm grip. Above all, ensure it’s not made of cheap materials because the file will be of no use if the handle is of no use.

Budget

You must determine the price you are willing to pay for a file. As said earlier, there are different types of files. The electric models come with hefty price tags and are ideal for people with a reasonable budget.

It’s going to be hard to find an electric model with price in the tight-budget range. However, manual files come with an affordable price and fit into any budget easily.

Sharpening surface

While most sharpener models are made of steel, there are other models on the market made of diamond to match your sharpening preferences. But whatever material you are opting for, ensure it comes with a good sharpening surface that is capable of handling things.

Chainsaw Gauge

Last but not the least factor is the chainsaw gauge. These tools help you know the length of the cutter, and they are available in four different types:

• 0.43-inch
• 0.050-inch
• 0.058-inch
• 0.063-inch

Whatever gauge size you opt for, you should purchase a file less than .025 inches. The gauge’s depth is vital as it indicates how deep a chainsaw will be able to cut.

Also, you should avoid filing the gauge down their length to ensure the file serves you for many years. In addition, during the gauge filing process, you should ensure that you sharpen uniformly throughout, else, the chain could vibrate and result in rough cuts.

General Safety Tips

Before doing anything, ensure the chainsaw is unplugged, and all starter materials are off the saw. This is to ensure that the saw will not start up while sharpening the blade without warning.

Next, always wear a protective glove, which will not only make you grip the sharpener better but protect your hands.

Even better, put on protective eyewear to keep your eyes protected from any possible sparks when refining your saw blade.

The Editor’s Take

Obviously, the options for the best chainsaw files are diverse, which makes it important that you opt for a model that you can utilize and trust very well. Using the right files will ensure that your chainsaw serves you for many years to come. Besides, what use is a chainsaw that isn’t sharpened accordingly?

Thus, the gravity of choosing the right chainsaw file for the job at hand can not be overemphasized. In lieu of this, we’ve expertly chosen the top 5 files on the market. However, as with any product, it always boils down to personal preferences and needs. But if you still find chainsaw file challenging to choose the perfect model for you, do visit our buying section to help you make an informed decision.

Tom has over 15 years’ experience as a woodworker and his fair share of expertise in the field. He also knows all about the right woodworking tools and materials and shares his invaluable knowledge to help you with your DIY projects.