Best Chainsaw Sharpeners in the UK

With its pompous name, Portek Maxi Chainmaster Chain Sharpener Mark II is probably the best chainsaw sharpener on this list.

Drawing 85 watts, its powerful 240-volt motor is surprisingly quiet. At the same time, it is able to deliver 4200 revolutions per minute, enough to sharpen any chainsaw in minutes.

The model's fully adjustable 0 - 35° cutting angle makes this not-so-little implement suitable for all types and sizes of chains.

The whole thing is rugged and robust. The only exception is a somewhat flimsy back hinge.

That being said, the model is practical enough too. The handle incorporates a non-slip grip that is comfortable but firm at the same time.

The sharpener comes supplied with a 3.2-mm grinding wheel. The wheel is as tough and rugged as they come and should be able to sharpen hundreds of chains before getting dull. At the same time, the model is compatible with 4.5-mm grinding wheels too. You'll have to purchase those separately but, as you would imagine, these wheels will likely last longer and get the job done much quicker too.

In closing, Portek Maxi Chainmaster Chain Sharpener Mark II is a professional power tool that will let you keep different chainsaw chains at peak performance. It sharpens the face but you can also lower the blade to touch the rakers.

Clarke ECSS2 is not too massive. The model weighs ~2.8 kilograms and measures 2.4 x 1.6 x 3.4 centimetres in overall dimensions. At the same time, it is surprisingly powerful. Drawing 85 watts, the motor has no issues delivering 4800 revolutions per minute. Its construction isn't flawless. The on/off buttons aren't as accessible as they could/should be.

Other than that, the model is pretty practical. You can mount the sharpener onto pretty much any workbench. You can adjust the sharpening angle from 0 to 35 degrees, so there aren't any chainsaw blades that the model won't let you work with.

In addition to that, the model incorporates a reliable spring clip that keeps the right angle tight and secure. The 108-mm grinding disc is pretty massive too. The disc doesn't begin to crack or flex/bend with time.

Last but not least, the model comes equipped with a safety guard. Generally speaking, we would still recommend using safety goggles and gloves but the guard is more than reliable and dependable on its own.

All things considered, Clarke ECSS2 is great. Although the model sharpens only one link at a time, it doesn't take too long once you get into the right grind rhythm, moving the link and grinding again. The implement is easy to assemble and the instruction manual is really helpful.

With Faithfull Power Plus CHAINSS, you won't have to replace your chainsaw chains or send them away for sharpening. This thing is able to quickly and efficiently restore blunt chainsaw blades without that usual tedious filing. The model is as easy to set up as it is to use. It will let you sharpen chains from both electric and petrol chainsaws.

The model's simple but effective chain guide and angle adjustment system pretty much guarantee each tooth's correct sharpening angle and depth. You can easily adjust the grinding angle to accommodate different sharpening angles that are required for different chain types.

At the same time, it is the little things that sell this product. There are bolt holes on the model's bottom that will let you mount the sharpener to any bench. The 3.2-millimetre grinding wheel that comes supplied with this power tool is no joke too. You won't have to replace that wheel for years.

You will, however, have to take occasional breaks. Otherwise, you'll have to deal with a sharpener that is a little too overheated for our taste.

Bottom line, Faithfull Power Plus CHAINSS is powerful, affordable, and, in certain ways, more practical than its more expensive counterparts. The transparent safeguard is as convenient as it is effective.

Stihl 56057504303 (really rolls off the tongue, doesn't it?) is a budget mechanical sharpening tool. As you would imagine, these tools have their advantages and disadvantages compared to sharpening power tools.

The biggest advantage is mobility. These mechanical implements do not tie you to the nearest AC outlet. You can use them anywhere. You can always take these tools with you wherever you go. The price is much more affordable too.

The disadvantages are obvious. You can't just rely on the machine to do most of the work for you. You have to grind your chainsaw chains manually. It is a lot more time-consuming and fatigue-inducing.

The sharpener in question is a 2-in-1 implement that is suitable for 5.2-mm (3/8") chains with 1.1- and 1.3-mm slot width. You can perfect the tooth and depth at the same time. The model measures 21.4 x 4.7 x 2.3 cm in overall dimensions and weighs less than 350 grams, so, needless to say, it is as compact and lightweight as these things come. The steel part is rust- and corrosion-resistant. The tool in general is immune to moisture.

In short, Stihl 56057504303 keeps things simple, affordable, accessible, and transportable. Despite its mechanical nature, the model is pretty effective too, able to sharpen your average chain in 2-3 minutes. Plus, all the files are easily replaceable.

Oregon 558488 is the company's original starter kit for chain and bar maintenance. The kit includes one assembled file holder for chain top-plate maintenance, one assembled wooden handle and flat file, one depth gauge tool for chain depth gauge maintenance, as well as one bar groove cleaner for cleaning guide bars groove and oil holes. These tools/instruments are practical and excellent at what they do.

The polyester rolled-up pouch that comes supplied with the package will let you compartmentalise, keep these tools always accessible, and transport the kit with comfort and ease. Plus, you can fasten the pouch to any waist belt to keep your hands free and your tools always at hand.

These tools will let you sharpen Oregon Type 91P, 91PX, 91VXL, M91VXL, 25A, 25AP, and other manufacturers' equivalent 5.2-mm (3/8") chains.

There isn't much to add here. These instruments are pretty durable too. The only issue is with the wooden handle. More specifically, with its weakness against moisture. Of course, that's always the case with wooden implements.

All in all, with Oregon 558488, you'll always have the right tools at hand. This sharpening kit will let you keep your chains in excellent condition through and through.