Best Chainsaw Files [2024 Review]

If you have a top end chainsaw, you need to be taking care of the blade. As you use the saw, your blade will become dull and less effective (and it happens a lot faster than you might imagine). Not only will this make your work more difficult, but it also creates a safety issue. Using a chainsaw file to routinely sharpen your chainsaw blade will restore it back to its original sharp form. 

Top Five Chainsaw File Reviews

Here are the five best chainsaw files, depending on your budget and chain needs. 

Best Overall: Pferd Chain Sharp CS-X Chainsaw Sharpener

The Pferd Chain Sharp CS-X Chainsaw Sharpener is an all-in-one compact filling tool to take on the go.

Within the Chain Sharp CS-X, you get round files for both right and left teeth with a built-in flat file. There are different sizes available, but I went with the 5/32” for the sake of diversity.

It’s a bit on the expensive side. However, it still holds its value when you compare it to similar tools by Stihl.

The thing that I love the most about this file is how compact it is, especially in comparison to heavier options like the Granberg Bar-Mount on my list.

One downside to the Chain Sharp CS-X design is that you only get to use the tool at a 30° hold.

To make things easier, you use the Pferd clamp piece to file without a full workshop table. You’ll have to buy the accessory separately, though.

This tool is an overall winner, from performance to quality. It’s the perfect fit for someone who values portability a lot.

Pros:

• Highly portable with an all-you-need kit in a compact handheld tool
• Ergonomic design helps one-way filing
• Allows you to simultaneously fill and adjust the depth gauge
• Offers a decent payoff in sawdust reduction in under 10 minutes

Cons:

• Switching file sizes isn’t very practical since they don’t fit easily in the white plastic insert
• The filling angle requires a bit of a learning curve to master

Best Value: Katzco Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit

For people who want to balance portability with versatility, the Katzco Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit is a good option to consider.

We feel like this product is the one that actually earned the “kit” label.

When you buy it, you get a 6” flat file, hardwood handle, depth gauge, filling guide, and three round files in the following sizes: 5/32”, 3/16”, and 7/32”.

Don’t forget the fabric pouch that holds the tools in place. All in all, the Katzco kit offers eight pieces at a very reasonable price tag.

In a way, it might even be more portable than the Pferd Chain Sharp CS-X, especially since the kit rolls over itself.

Just keep in mind that the filling guide only works for one file. In my case, I went with the 3/16”. To use the other two files, you’ll have to freestyle it.

The only issues that I found stems from the file handle. It wears over time and gets too loose to hold the files after a while, unlike the durable Sharp Pebble electric rotary file.

However, if you don’t mind replacing the handle every once in a while, this kit can add a decent value to your toolbox.

If you use multiple chainsaws regularly, getting a kit that works with interchangeable file sizes can give you a bigger bang for your bucks.

Pros:

• Rolls to a compact, portable, and protective case cover that fits in your pocket
• Sturdy, long-lasting round files give you a good value for money
• The file guide allows for three filing angles (25°, 30°, 35°)
• Different file sizes are interchangeable with the same handle to reduce costs

Cons:

• The hardwood handle requires proper maintenance to avoid molding
• The file gauge only fits one file size from the included set of three

Best Budget: Oregon 25894 Chainsaw File and Guide Set

When you don’t have the budget for larger kits, the Oregon 25894 Chainsaw File and Guide Set can get the job done in 10-15 minutes.

You don’t get a pouch or even a flat file with this set. It’s stripped down to the core tools: a round file, guide, and wooden handle.

Oregon offers this set in four different sizes: 3/6”, 5/32”, 11/64”, and 7/32”. For the operation angles, the guide is good for only two options: 25° and 30°.

Don’t let the affordable price fool you, though. This set is well made

In fact, you might find that the wooden handle here is sturdier and more practical than that of the Katzco kit.

In terms of portability, I wouldn’t say it’s as good as the Katzco or even the Pferd Chain Sharp CS-X.

Although it’s very lightweight and simple, it would be a bit inconvenient to carry it around without a protective pouch.

If you want to step up your filling game, you might want to upgrade to a larger kit by Oregon that includes a flat file and a depth gauge.

Don’t expect anything too fancy with this file. If you want to file your chainsaw on a budget, this set can save you in a pinch.

Pros:

• Cuts down to the basic tools to save you money
• The file teeth are angled and staggered to boost efficiency
• Comes in the hard-to-find 11/64” file size
• Sturdy wooden handle that handles moderate abuse

Cons:

• Doesn’t include a flat file for the rakers
• Doesn’t come with a carry case

Best Operation: Sharp Pebble Electric Chainsaw Sharpener Kit

If you’re not a big fan of traditional manual files, the Sharp Pebble electric chainsaw sharpener kit might be a good fit for you.

With the rotary tool itself, you get three file sizes, from 5/32”, 7/32”, to 3/16”. Once those files are worn down, you can get replacements replacements and keep reusing the same electric tool.

You also get two wrenches and an angle guide. Unlike the Pferd Chain Sharp CS,-X, you get more filling angles.

The automated process isn’t only easier, but it also guarantees equal results on all the chainsaw teeth.

As a plus, you don’t have to worry about the wooden hand wearing down quickly as you would with products like the Katzco kit.

If the Sharp Pebble had a battery power option, it would have been a huge plus, considering that it’s branded as an outdoor power tool.

Instead, you just get the corded tool that requires a 120V outlet, which means you won’t be able to power it on a car adapter and take it on the go.

The Sharp Pebble electric chainsaw file is a good option for people who have trouble manually filling down their tools.

Pros:

• Fast results in about a quarter of the time it takes to file manually
• A safety switch that helps prevent injuries
• Variable speed dial 8000 to 33000 RPM for different experience levels
• The diamond sharpening stone is long-lasting and worth its price

Cons:

• Adjusting the speed means flipping the tool to the other side, which might not be convenient for many users
• Not as portable as manual files since it requires a power source

Best Workshop Addition: Granberg G-106B File-N-Joint Bar-Mount Chainsaw Sharpener

Operating the Granberg G-106B File-N-Joint Bar-Mount Chainsaw Sharpener is a skill worth mastering for every professional crafter obsessed with quality. It’s a nifty addition to your workshop.

If freehanding isn’t your forte and electric fillers are too much hassle, you might be interested in this old-school jig.

It offers the support you need to hold the file, adjust the gauge, angles, and go to town.

You also get the widest range of angles of all the other chainsaw filling tools on this list, from 0° to 40°.

The catch here is that the actual chainsaw files aren’t included in the package.

You can look at this from the bright side, though. This leaves a large for customizing your kit with the file selection that suits your needs. Just make sure to consider all this in the net budget.

Keep in mind that this beast of a filling tool comes in at a 1.1lb frame, making it, hands down, the least portable option on the list.

Additionally, it might take you a couple of tutorials before you master the G-106B File-N-Joint jig adjustments.

Don’t worry about assembly, though. You’ll only have to put in one thumbscrew and load a new file.

The Granberg G-106B File-N-Joint isn’t for people on a deadline or even a tight budget, for that matter. However, it caters more to quality and craftsmanship.

Pros:

• Offers high precision and repeatability
• Wide operation angle range thanks to the swivel guide markings
• Fits on different chainsaws with various file sizes
• Durable frame made of cast aluminum and zinc-plated steel

Cons:

• Files not included with the bar-mount
• Too heavy to be considered a portable filling tool

Chainsaw File Features to Consider

Picking the best chainsaw file depends on your needs. Some of the most important considerations are the size of the file your chainsaw requires and how portable you need the files to be.

Let’s take a closer look at a few of these factors:

File Size

First things first, you’ll have to identify the correct file size for your chainsaw. The higher the teeth are, the larger your file has to be.

However, you can’t eyeball the compatibility. Many chainsaws have this info engraved on the handles.

If you can’t find it, try contacting the manufacturer with the model number and confirming the pitch.

Alternatively, you can measure the distance between any three consecutive rivets and divide it by two. That’s your chainsaw’s pitch.

You can then use the conversion table by Pferd to know what file diameter corresponds to the pitch.

Operating Style

The most stripped-back operating technique is the freehand filling. It can be faster than using angle guides, but it takes a lot of skill and practice to accomplish without damaging the teeth.

The majority of people go for regular handheld files with a guide. This balances time and required experience.

However, if you want something a bit easier on your arm muscles, you might want to consider an electric file like Sharp Pebble’s kit.

Handle Style

The beauty of separate handles is that you can use a single one for multiple files to save on money and space.

On the flip side, if the quality is subpar, you might end up with cracking or potentially dangerous mold.

As a general rule, try to store the handle out of moisture and humidity to keep it lasting longer.

Kit Components

More isn’t always better. The basic tool that you simply can’t do without is a file of the correct size. Even the guide could be ditched if you can freehand.

For professionals who use multiple chainsaws often, you can consider expanding your toolkit further with different sizes, handle materials, gauges, and clamps.

Portability

For some people, being able to carry the file on the go is a huge plus. If that’s the case for you, then you might appreciate how the Katzco pouch rolls into pocket size.

More professional setups like bar mounts are less portable, but they can get you better and more precise results.

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about chainsaw files:

Conclusion

The best chainsaw files should help you keep vibrations and dust to a minimum.

All in all, you can’t go wrong with a manual handheld file like the Pferd Chain Sharp CS-X Chainsaw Sharpener. It’s an all-you-need filling kit warped up in a single pocket-sized tool.

Just remember to stay safe and wear protective gear around power tools!