What is the Best Chainsaw Sharpener?

What's the best sharpening tool to sharpen your chainsaw chain? Let's find out

A quality chainsaw chain sharpener will restore the edge of your chains, make sawing safer and get you back to work as quickly as possible.

That's why having a sharp chainsaw is so important and you need a reliable chainsaw chain sharpener to support that. 

But what are the basics of chainsaw sharpeners and why is it better than manually filing your chains? Let's get into it and explain which models are the best chainsaw sharpeners available.

What is a chainsaw chain sharpener?

A chainsaw chain sharpener is a machine that grinds down the cutter edges on your chainsaw chain, restoring them so they cut like new. The sharpening process is done automatically, meaning you no longer have to manually sharpen chains using a dremel tool or other hand tool. Many sharpeners include an angle guide or file guide to help users maintain the correct sharpening angle and depth, improving sharpening consistency and ease of use.

These pieces of equipment ensure you never run out of sharp chains and they have consistent results over hand filing. A device like the RCS28 PRO features design elements that improve sharpening accuracy and efficiency, and will even sharpen both sides of the cutting teeth without any manual adjustment. These mobile machines are great for those working in the field because you can be cutting with one chain while another is sharpening automatically.

What happens if my chainsaw chains are dull?

Dull chains make it harder to cut through the wood, and can result in it taking more time to cut, or kickback which could potentially cause injury.

For the safest and fastest experience chain sawing it’s recommended you always use sharp chains.

Can I manually sharpen my chainsaw chains?

You could manually sharpen each individual cutter edge on your chainsaw chains, but that's an exhausting process that won't deliver reliable and consistent results. Instead, if you're in a profession or practicing a hobby where you're frequently using a chainsaw like arborists or chainsaw carvers, it's better to use a chainsaw sharpener like the Woodland Mills RCS28 or RCS28 PRO.

How do chainsaw sharpeners work?

Chainsaw chain sharpeners are much faster than manual sharpeners, since they automatically sharpen each cutting edge, then progress the chain to the next edge to sharpen it, until the entire chain is sharpened.

On a semi-automatic model like the RCS28, you will need to pivot the grinding wheel to do the other side of the cutting edges, while fully automatic models like the RCS28 PRO will do both sides on their own.

What's great is that these models can sharpen chains regardless of the chain size and once they're tuned into the correct angle don't need to be manually adjusted.

What does Chain Size and Pitch mean?

Understanding your chainsaw chain’s size and pitch is essential for effective sharpening. The chain size refers to the overall length, while the pitch is the distance between any three consecutive rivets divided by two. Common pitches include 1/4", 0.325", 3/8" and 0.404".

To find your chain’s size and pitch, check your chainsaw’s operator manual or look for markings on the chain itself.

What are the best chainsaw sharpeners?

So what are the best chainsaw sharpeners to add to your workshop? Here are some suggestions to help keep your chainsaw chains in tip top shape.

1. The RCS28 Chainsaw Chain Sharpener

The RCS28 is a semi-automatic chainsaw chain sharpener that makes it easy to maintain your equipment. In just a few short minutes it can easily restore the cutter edges on your chainsaw chains. It’s a two-touch solution that requires the operator only pivot of the grinding head once during the sharpening cycle.

Powered by a 12V battery so you can take your sharpener deep into the brush or wherever your next job takes you. Whether you’re cutting firewood, clearing trails, or managing a backlot, the RCS28 delivers factory-level sharpening performance right in your own shop or out in the field.

Specifications:

• • Grinding Speed of 15 teeth per minute

  • Chain pitch of 3/8", .325", 1/4"

  • Single speed motor

2. The RCS28 PRO Chainsaw Chain Sharpener

The RCS28 PRO is a fully automated sharpener, so once you've dialed in the settings for your chain, the PRO’s mechanical actuating head will automatically alternates between left and right cutters. That makes it easier for the operator since there's no need to remove the chain or pivot the grinding head mid-cycle. That makes it so in just a few short minutes you'll have sharp chainsaw chains with both sides of the cutter edges restored.

Powered by a 12V battery for maximum portability, the RCS28 PRO keeps your chains sharp whether you're in the shop or deep in the woods. Whether you’re cutting firewood, maintaining trails, or working on demanding jobsites, the RCS28 PRO delivers factory-level sharpening performance.

Specifications:

• • Grinding Speed of 15 teeth per minute

  • Chain pitch of 3/8", .325", 1/4" and 0.404"

  • Twin speed motor

What to look out for when purchasing a chainsaw sharpener

Your chainsaw chain requires a delicate touch to ensure you’re taking off the right amount of material. Not enough and your chains won’t get sharp, and too much and you lose the tempered tips of your blades. Most people are looking to save money when choosing a sharpener, and manual options can be more affordable, but might leave you disappointed. Finding a machine at a good price is also important, so you can feel confident you’re making the most of your chains when you purchase them.

Some important tips when you’re looking for a chainsaw sharpener include:

• • Can be bench mounted to a sawhorse or your work bench

  • Low amount of user manipulation so you can focus on sawing

  • Sharp every time and makes cutting easier

  • Streamlines your workflow over manually filing your chains

In conclusion

If you want a chainsaw sharpener that will keep your chains sharp on a job site, deep in the brush or in your farm workshop then either the RCS28 or RCS28 PRO will work great for you.

For more budget-oriented chainsaw users you may want to consider the RCS28, but for those who want to save the most time then you should look to the RCS28 PRO, but both models will put a nice, clean and consistent edge on your chainsaw chains.