Chainsaw Sharpeners

About Chainsaw Sharpeners

Maintaining a sharp chainsaw chain is essential for safe, efficient cutting and prolonging the life of your equipment. Chainsaw sharpeners are specialised tools designed to restore the cutting edges of chainsaw teeth to their optimal performance. Whether you're a professional arborist working daily with chainsaws or a homeowner maintaining your garden, keeping your chain properly sharpened reduces kickback risk, decreases cutting time, and puts less strain on your chainsaw's motor and bar.

Our range of chainsaw sharpeners includes both manual file and guide sets for on-site touch-ups and electric bench-mounted sharpeners for precise, consistent results. Manual sharpening kits are portable and ideal for quick maintenance in the field, whilst electric sharpeners offer accuracy and speed for those who regularly sharpen multiple chains. We stock trusted brands including Makita, Sealey, Draper, and Faithfull, with options to suit different chain pitches and cutter sizes.

From simple hand files with depth gauge guides to sophisticated electric grinders with adjustable angles, our selection caters to various skill levels and sharpening requirements. Replacement grinding wheels, diamond-coated discs, and sharpening stones are also available to keep your sharpening equipment performing at its best.

Jargon Buster

• Chain Pitch: The distance between three consecutive rivets divided by two, typically measured in inches (3/8", .325", etc.). This determines the file size needed for sharpening.
• Depth Gauge (Raker): The curved metal projection in front of each cutter tooth that controls how deep the tooth cuts into the wood. These also require periodic filing to maintain proper cutting depth.
• Top Plate Angle: The angle of the cutting edge on top of the tooth, typically between 25-35 degrees depending on chain type and cutting application.
• File Diameter: The size of round file needed to sharpen your specific chain, commonly ranging from 3/16" (4.8mm) to 7/32" (5.5mm).
• Filing Guide: A tool that holds the file at the correct angle and height whilst sharpening, ensuring consistent results across all teeth.
• Electric Chainsaw Sharpener: A bench-mounted grinding tool that uses a rotating abrasive wheel to sharpen chain teeth with precision and consistency.

Who Uses Chainsaw Sharpeners?

• Arborists and Tree Surgeons: Professional tree care specialists who rely on sharp chains for safe, efficient work at height
• Forestry Workers: Those involved in commercial timber harvesting and woodland management
• Groundskeepers and Estate Managers: Professionals maintaining large properties, parks, and country estates
• Landscape Gardeners: Tradespeople who regularly use chainsaws for tree work and site clearance
• Agricultural Workers: Farmers and estate workers managing hedgerows, fencing, and woodland areas
• Local Authority Maintenance Teams: Council workers responsible for maintaining public spaces and tree safety
• DIY Enthusiasts and Homeowners: Anyone who owns a chainsaw for garden maintenance, firewood cutting, or general property upkeep
• Hire Shops and Tool Rental Companies: Businesses that maintain chainsaw fleets for customer hire

How to Choose the Right Chainsaw Sharpeners

Determine Your Chain Specifications: Before purchasing a sharpener, you need to know your chain pitch and the file diameter required. Check your chainsaw manual or measure the chain pitch yourself. Common sizes include 4.5mm, 4.8mm, 5.2mm, and 5.5mm, with brands like Makita offering specific sharpening sets for each size.

Manual vs Electric: Manual file and guide sets are affordable, portable, and perfect for field sharpening or occasional use. They're ideal if you sharpen infrequently or work on-site. Electric sharpeners like those from Draper and Sealey offer faster, more consistent results and are worth the investment if you sharpen chains regularly or maintain multiple saws.

Frequency of Use: If you use your chainsaw daily, an electric bench-mounted sharpener will save considerable time and ensure uniform sharpening across all teeth. For occasional users, a manual file set provides adequate performance at a lower cost.

Portability Requirements: Consider where you'll be sharpening. Manual file sets and portable sharpeners like the Sealey portable chain sharpener are excellent for site work, whilst electric models require mains power and a stable work surface.

Replacement Parts Availability: Check that replacement grinding wheels, stones, and files are readily available. Our range includes replacement components for Sealey, Draper, and other major brands to keep your sharpener operational long-term.

Skill Level: Beginners may find filing guides particularly helpful for maintaining correct angles. Electric sharpeners with adjustable angle settings can help achieve professional results with less experience.

Popular Accessories

• Replacement Grinding Wheels: Diamond-coated and standard abrasive wheels for electric sharpeners
• Round Files: Individual replacement files in various diameters (3/16", 5/32", 7/32")
• Flat Files: For maintaining depth gauges at the correct height
• File Handles: Comfortable handles to make manual sharpening easier on your hands
• Depth Gauge Tools: Gauges to check and set proper raker height
• Chain Oils: Quality bar and chain oil to lubricate your freshly sharpened chain
• Work Gloves: Heavy-duty gloves for safe handling of sharp chains
• Chainsaw Accessories: Spare chains, guide bars, and maintenance kits
• Cleaning Brushes: For removing sawdust and debris from chains before sharpening

Safety Information

Sharpening chainsaw chains involves working with sharp cutting edges and, in the case of electric sharpeners, rotating grinding wheels. Always wear appropriate PPE including safety glasses or goggles to protect against metal filings and sparks. Heavy-duty work gloves are recommended when handling chains to prevent cuts from sharp teeth.

When using electric sharpeners, ensure your workspace is well-lit and the sharpener is securely mounted to a stable bench. Never operate electric sharpening equipment without the safety guards in place. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding grinding wheel installation and replacement, and always allow wheels to reach full speed before applying the chain.

For manual sharpening, secure the chainsaw bar properly in a vice or use a purpose-built bar clamp to prevent movement. File away from your body and keep fingers clear of the cutting edges. Ensure the chain brake is engaged before starting work. Store sharp files and chains safely when not in use, and dispose of worn grinding wheels according to local regulations and HSE guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I sharpen my chainsaw chain?

This depends on usage, but as a general rule, sharpen your chain whenever you notice it producing sawdust instead of wood chips, requires extra pressure to cut, or pulls to one side. Professional users may sharpen daily, whilst occasional users might sharpen every few hours of cutting time. If you hit dirt or stones, sharpen immediately as this quickly dulls the teeth.

Can I sharpen a chainsaw chain too much?

Yes, chains have a limited lifespan. Each sharpening removes material from the cutters, and once they become too short (typically when they've lost about 3-4mm from the original length), the chain should be replaced. Excessive sharpening also affects the depth gauge relationship, compromising cutting performance and safety.

What's the difference between different file sizes?

File diameter must match your chain pitch and cutter size. Using the wrong size file results in incorrect cutting angles and poor performance. Common sizes include 4.0mm (5/32"), 4.8mm (3/16"), and 5.5mm (7/32"). Check your chainsaw manual or chain packaging for the correct specification.

Do I need an electric sharpener or will a manual file do?

Manual files are perfectly adequate for most users and are essential for field sharpening. Electric sharpeners offer speed, consistency, and precision, making them worthwhile for professional users or anyone maintaining multiple chains. Many professionals use both: electric sharpeners in the workshop and manual files for on-site touch-ups.

How do I know when my grinding wheel needs replacing?

Replace grinding wheels when they become worn down, develop grooves, show cracks, or no longer cut efficiently. Most manufacturers provide minimum diameter specifications for their wheels. Always inspect wheels before use and replace if damaged to maintain both safety and sharpening quality.