Best Chainsaw Files In 2023 – Reviews & Buying Guide

If you’ve ever worked with a blunt blade, you know how annoying it is, and plus it might even accidentally injure you.

Woodworking is a task that requires meticulousness in order that it’s done well and safely, and a blunt blade will not help you in any way.

When that happens, you need to get it sharpened, and one thing to help you do that is a chainsaw file.

But the difficulty is that there are too many options for chainsaw files, which makes choosing the right one for you and your needs challenging.

In order to help you with it, we will provide you with a list of the five we consider as the best chainsaw files out there, including their strengths and weaknesses.

5 Best Chainsaw Files Reviews

1. Stihl 2 in 1 Easy File Chainsaw Chain Sharpener

When it comes to chainsaw files, rarely is there a better brand than Stihl. It is one of the top brands in the field, famous for its high-quality tools plus excellent craftsmanship, and this file is no exception.

If you’re looking to sharpen your blade manually so that you can monitor how it comes out, this is something you should seriously consider.

Despite the attractive price tag, make no mistake, this chainsaw sharpener will do its job as excellently as any of its high-end competitors.

The Stihl chainsaw file works with four chain sizes, including ¼, ⅜, .325 and .404, providing the kind of flexibility needed for robust woodworking operation.

Included in the package are a flat-file and two round files, along with a filing guide and a file holder so that you can achieve the best performance while working with the tool.

The 2-in-1 design offers serious convenience, enabling you to finish the job with ease and comfort.

2. Pferd 17300 Chain Saw Sharpener

The Pferd 17300 Saw Sharpener is a simple tool, yet one well worth its place on our list of the best chainsaw files.

It looks one dimensional and seems to have a construction that easily gives in; but make no mistake, the chainsaw file is high quality.

This is a piece of tool that is good for usage by both professionals and unskilled newcomers.

It offers great convenience and functionality in order that you can achieve high precision and uniform sharpening with ease.

In this sense, the simplistic structure actually aides in providing you more comfort during usage.

There will be no conversion required with this Pferd compact sharpener. Both sides of the teeth of the blade can be sharpened easily just by turning the device over. It doesn’t get any easier than this.

Along with its strong features, it comes with a depth gauge file, two classic line chain saw files and high flexibility regarding depth gauge distances and chain pitches.

3. Katzco Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit

If you’re looking for something that will give you plenty of options in regards to how you want to approach sharpening your blades, then this Katzco Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit might just be the perfect option.

Not only is it a smart, ergonomic solution, it also fulfills in functionality and helps maintain your chainsaw blade’s goodness.

The kit comes with a wide, wide variety of items in order that you can have full, complete control over your sharpening process.

These include: a 5/32 file, 7/32 file, 3/16 file, a wood handle, depth gauge, a filing guide and a tool pouch. If you have different chainsaw blades in front of you that need sharpening, this kit is fantastic.

The wood handle is designed so that you can easily mix and match the files with it for quick attachment and removal, which quickens the process.

It also has an ergonomic design, with a comfortable and firm grip to prevent you from getting tired. To see better results, the depth gauge is there to help you evaluate correct measurements as you work.

In addition, all the tools that come with the package can be tucked away in the included pouch for safe organization.

And if you’re a newcomer, do not worry; for the filing guide will be a trusty tool that helps you get started.

The performance, the quality and flexibility of this kit really is something that all products should strive for.

4. Husqvarna 531300081 3/8-Inch Saw Chain Filing Kit

If you’re not willing to shed more than necessary for a chainsaw file yet still require something that does the job well, consider this one from Husqvarna.

Husqvarna is one of the more famous brands out there that put strong emphasis on usability and functionality, which gains the favour of customers everywhere. But what needs mentioning first is its price.

For such a quality product, it comes with a price tag that is simply out of this world. This is the cheapest chainsaw file kit in this list, but it’s on par with the best of them.

For those who are hesitant about purchasing one of these, this kit from Husqvarna can be a great sample choice and one of the best in general.

This kit features the correct amount of balance and control that you need, which exist in the tools it’s packaged with the file handle, two round files, one flat file for depth gauges, and a combination filing gauge.

The last one is a unique addition, whose function is to help ensure that the filing angle is correct and make the filing process simplified.

Coupled with the price tag, the included tools become that much more valuable because it means high flexibility and quality with a very reasonable price.

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

This chainsaw file is something for those who desire utmost comfort during their woodworking tasks.

Oregon has long been famous for their top of the line chainsaw files, and this is because they know their customers well.

This chainsaw file’s main strength lies in its feel, the comfort with which it carries and provides for users. This one is very easy to use and thus suitable for both novices and skilled woodworkers.

The Swiss double cut-design of the files delivers fantastic precision for refinement, as well as maintaining a uniform diameter during handling.

As a testament to Oregon’s reliability, this chainsaw file’s excellent precision engineering really shows, especially in its tooth height and its precision centerless grind.

It stands out from the rest due to there being fewer teeth per inch and uniform tang length with no burs nor sharp edges. With the chainsaw file, you will be able to achieve optimal performance.

Oregon 70503 features files with a diameter measuring 3/16 inches, making each file larger than that of other brands, ensuring strong executions.

How To Choose The Right Chainsaw File

It’s not enough to know what the best chainsaw files are, as sometimes even the best ones might not exactly align with your needs and preferences.

That’s why you need to learn about the several factors and aspects of what constitute a good chainsaw sharpener.

• File size

Before deciding on any chainsaw file, the first thing you need to do is to make sure that the file will be compatible with your chainsaw.

Thus, you need to know the various sizes of the file. Presently there are some common sizes, such as 7/32, 5/32, or 3/16 of an inch.

Consult both of your chainsaw file and chainsaw manuals to figure out the best compatibility.

There will be a certain kind of delicacy that you must reach regarding choosing the right size.

For example, a smaller sized chainsaw file will not sharpen the teeth as well, and likewise too large a sharpener and it will leave the teeth flat.

• Handle

Handle is also another critical factor that one must consider. How comfortable and easy to hold the handle is, how strong it holds the chainsaw files.

These are things that users must take a serious look at. Lacking in those, the operation loses its stability and subsequently performance.

A firm grip will help your woodworking tremendously. Also, you would need a handle made from strong, durable materials, because the handle will always be under contact especially if there’s repeated, frequent usage.

• Accessories

The number of accessories that come with the package, as well as their quality and functionality are also strong factors to take note of.

Make sure that the additional tools are what you need and what fit your tasks, as they can come with a bigger price tag.

The lack of tools can also be a major concern, especially if you’re a professional woodworker. Check the manuals as well as consult other professionals to reach a more informed, safer decision.

• Chainsaw Gauge

This might be one of the most important things there is to help you understand more clearly the significance of the depth of chainsaw cuts.

There are many types of gauges and each will differ from others in terms of quality and specifications. They are available in four types: 0.43, 0.050, 0.058 and 0.063 inches.

Regardless of what you choose, something you should know is that if the sharpening isn’t proper with the depth gauge, unexpected vibration might be the cause.

• Budget

Needless to say, this is something almost anyone must consider before purchasing anything.

The price that you’re willing to pay will likely determine what you will get, and as the rule of thumb the more expensive products will also perform better. But this is not always the case with chainsaw files.

In order to figure something out that fits with your budget, you must first analyze what your needs and preferences are.

There will be something for everyone along with different price tags, ranging from hefty to reasonable to highly affordable ones.

Just like the best chainsaw files aren’t always the best for everyone, the tool that fits your budget will be a personal choice.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

What Types Of Chainsaw Sharpeners There Are?

Besides chainsaw files, there are also other types used:

Handheld chainsaw sharpeners, which tend to be round and can run over the chain’s tips;

Mounted chainsaw sharpeners which are fitted on the side of a bench to ensure stability;

Electric ones for quick operation and to be fixed in one place.

How Often Can I sharpen A Chainsaw Chain?

This will depend a lot on your chainsaw usage. The rule of thumb is that you can sharpen it a maximum amount of 10 times total or more before the chain need replacing.

How Can I Know When To Sharpen My Chainsaw?

To answer this question, you must answer some other questions first: Is the cutting performance still alright? Is there smoking? Is it hard to stabilize the chainsaw? Are there visible damages?

If there’s a yes answer to any of them, then you need to get a chainsaw file and start sharpening the blade.

How Do I Maintain The File?

The paradox is that the chainsaw file is used for the chainsaw’s maintenance, but most users neglect to maintain the chainsaw file itself. This will result in weak performance.

To avoid this, clean the file after each use and store it safely in a tool kit or pouch. This way the file will be available for use for longer.

How Useful Are Chainsaw Files?

They are very useful, but how useful they are can depend on how compatible they are with the tasks at hand.

You must check the manuals thoroughly and the specs of your chainsaw blades and chainsaw files for any indicator of compatibility.

It also helps to enlighten yourself by following tutorials or manufacturers’ instructions if you’re a newcomer.

Conclusion

In our consideration, we recommend that the Stihl 2-in-1 Chainsaw Sharpener is the best of them all.

It has an ergonomic design, is easy and comfortable to use, with a durable construction for long lasting usage. It also has high flexibility in the number of tools packaged as well as the chain sizes it’s able to work with.

But essentially, there are really no wrong choices here. Every pick has a strength and weakness of its own. And it’s up to you to determine which of them is the best for your needs and preferences.