The UK's bestChainsaw Sharpeners2022 Review

If you’re after professional-level chain sharpening at home, the Clarke ECSS2 Electric Chainsaw Sharpener is a useful tool that will help you achieve it.

Given the quality results that it provides, it’s surprisingly easy to use and set up. It also offers great value for money by 1) saving buying new chains, and 2) reducing the necessity to take chains to a workshop.

With an 85 W motor that runs at 4800 rpm, this machine is compatible with most chains, and essentially brings chainsaws back to their original sharpness. Even after cutting dense hardwoods like oak and ash, the sharpening process can be completed in approximately 10 minutes.

It can be mounted onto a workbench and comes with one cutting disc included. The disc won’t quickly need replacing, but it’s easy and inexpensive to buy a replacement when necessary.

When it comes to setting up the sharpener, the instructions are simple and easy to understand. Using the machine is relatively intuitive, which naturally makes the process easier.

It’s one of the best chainsaw sharpeners for creating a professional finish in a short time. Given the price of the machine, and the normal cost of taking chains to be sharpened, it will quickly earn its keep for anyone who uses a chainsaw on a semi-regular basis.

Whilst the overall design is good, it’s worth noting that the clamp knobs are made from plastic, not metal. Although not immediately problematic, metal would tend to provide stronger construction.

Describing itself as a “semi-professional chainsaw sharpener”, the Portek Maxi Chainmaster Mark II works with the majority of chainsaw sizes and brands.

Along with sharpening the cutting face of the chain, the blade can be lowered to improve the edge of the rakers too. There’s an auto-clamp that will hold to chain in place as the blade is lowered, ensuring precise sharpening.

It comes with a grinding wheel of 3.2 mm which can be replaced when it eventually wears out. Plus, the sharpener can also take blades of 4.5 mm thick, making it versatile and suitable for different types of chain.

Setting up the sharpener is straight forward. The instructions are clear and methodical, and the machine can be mounted on a workbench for security; however, what can take time is mastering how to use it in order to achieve the best results.

Different chains will require different angles and adjustments on the cutting settings.

The 85 W motor produces 4,200 rpm and it’s one of the best chainsaw sharpeners if you’re after value for money. Yes, it has its limitations – some of the components are made from plastic instead of metal – but it’s good for the price and it’s not a professional machine.

It should still save money in the long term by allowing chains to be sharpened at home. Often sharpening within 10 – 30 minutes.

Getting chains sharpened on a budget isn’t easy when you have to take them to be done professionally. However, the Faithfull Electric Chainsaw Sharpener is an economical way to sharpen them at home.

It does the job quickly and is straight forward to use.

The set-up is simple, and the instructions are sufficiently detailed to get the machine running almost immediately. Once the correct adjustments have been made, it can breathe new life into old chains – even those that are past hand filing.

Running an 85 W motor, chains can be sharpened in as little as 10 minutes which isn’t bad going for 60 links. The angle adjustment is simple to change, and the depth can also be altered to avoid cutting too far down onto the chain.

Although the overall quality is reasonable, the all-plastic frame makes it seem a little more like a machine for hobbyists rather than professionals. Some of the plastic moulding can be a little rough around the edges. But, considering its price, it seems understandable that the finishes might be lacking.

Also worth mentioning – there can be some ‘play’ in the chain stop (which holds the chain still). It needs to be kept an eye on in order to make sure it is sufficiently holding the chain in place.

Even with these snags in mind, it’s still one of the best chainsaw sharpeners to buy on a budget.

Plus, its inexpensive price tag means that the cost is quickly justified and it’s a worthwhile purchase that won’t break the bank.

Taking roughly five minutes to set up, and five minutes to sharpen a standard chain, this Neilsen Chain Saw Sharpener works quickly and efficiently to revive blunt equipment.

Once sharpened, there’s a noticeable difference in the cutting ability of the chain, and even chains that are relatively new will benefit.

The motor is 130 W and the blade spins at 7500 rpm, so it’s one of the more powerful machines on this list. It will sharpen the majority of chain sizes, but requires a bit of working out before achieving the best results.

Unfortunately, the instructions are poor, so getting the machine to function correctly can require more patience and logic than might be expected. As a result, it may pose more of a problem to those who are not very mechanically-minded.

However, the low cost of the unit helps to compromise on the difficulties involved in learning to use the machine. Once mastered, it can produce a good, sharp edge.

As long as you have the patience to work out how to use this machine effectively, it has the potential to be an inexpensive and effective tool; however, there are other options on the market that are easier to use (but they come at a higher price!).

There are some instances where manually sharpening a chain will still be the best option. The MIZOOVA 10 Piece Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit includes all of the essentials for sharpening a chainsaw blade.

Whether you’re trying to get into the rakers, or don’t like the idea of using an electric grinder, this kit provides a comprehensive, high-quality alternative. It’s also compact enough to carry around with you, which could come in handy.

When used regularly, the files will only take a couple of strokes to produce a sharp edge. They easily shave off steel, meaning minimum effort is required.

Three round files come included, as well as a flat file, hardwood handle, depth gauge and assorted other tools. They are all held securely in a lightweight orange pouch which is easy to spot if you put it down. It keeps all 10 pieces safe and makes them easy to find when required.

The round files are three different sizes: 4 mm, 4.8 mm and 5.5 mm. However, they are unmarked, so it may initially take a bit of thought to work out which one to use. Once selected, the file needs to be inserted into the handle before use.

Only one handle comes provided, which can be a little inconvenient if swapping between files, but it does keep the size of the carry case down.

The portability of this set makes it one of the best chainsaw sharpeners if you’re working on site, or away from a garage. However, it’s also just a good-quality manual sharpening kit in general, and useful to have on hand for jobs when an electric sharpener isn’t required.