Chainsaw chain sharpener

[rrman61]

Any powered portable ones with a guide worth a hoot?if not a hand file guide that’s good?my saw is a stihl ms 271 with an18 inch blade

 

[Blue Jay]

I like to use a battery operated Dremel tool with a diamond encrusted bit.

 

[Circlebllc]

This is what I use. I tend to undercut. This keeps my file the correct height. Very easy, most people do not sharpen soon enough and not enough. Drags make a big difference. Use a drag height gauge until you can eyeball it.

 

[JoeM(GA)]

My wife bought me one of these a couple of Christmas ago, I love it, I have 3 saws with the same size chain, so it’s great to have. Not the cheapest but there are some knockoffs on the net that may work for ya

STIHL 2 in 1

 

[Brendon-KS]

I recently bought a Stihl 2-in-1 hand file and find that it works really well. It takes the depth gauges down to the correct height automatically as you move back on the teeth. The one downside is that they are specific for each chain pitch so I can only use it on my 362 and not my 290.

 

[cjunrau]

I will ad that I love the 2in 1 hand better than all the 12 volt and electric gadgets that I have bought over the years.

None of the electric can come close to doing as good or as fast a job for me.
Others love there electric

 

[rrman61]

I will ad that I love the 2in 1 hand better than all the 12 volt and electric gadgets that I have bought over the years.

None of the electric can come close to doing as good or as fast a job for me.
Others love there electri

I will ad that I love the 2in 1 hand better than all the 12 volt and electric gadgets that I have bought over the years.

None of the electric can come close to doing as good or as fast a job for me.
Others love there electric

Looks like the stihl 2in 1 it is..325 chain on the 271 right?

 

[UncleTom]

My advice is throw all the sharpeners and guides a way and learn how to use a file. If you want to learn how to sharpen a chain with a file go to Youtube and watch Buckin Billy Rays videos. He is the best.

 

[cjunrau]

Looks like the stihl 2in 1 it is..325 chain on the 271 right?

yes that is what I have. It is a little slower than just a file but takes down the rakers as well so probably a wash. I slowed down a bit when I started with the 2in1. Takes a bit to get used to setting it on the chain straight. My son commented that the chain was sharper than a new chain. I always had a bit of trouble getting one side sharper than the other. with this it seems to not matter as the rakers are equal on all teeth. No more round cuts

 

[Loosehandle]

Any powered portable ones with a guide worth a hoot?if not a hand file guide that’s good?my saw is a stihl ms 271 with an18 inch blade

I just eyeball it with a file, dremal tool for reducing gauge hight a couple times before chain is done.

 

[dlbuck]

I will ad that I love the 2in 1 hand better than all the 12 volt and electric gadgets that I have bought over the years.

None of the electric can come close to doing as good or as fast a job for me.
Others love there electric

I really like my 2 in 1 also, I bought one for each of my chain sizes.

 

[560Dennis]

My wife bought me one of these a couple of Christmas ago, I love it, I have 3 saws with the same size chain, so it’s great to have. Not the cheapest but there are some knockoffs on the net that may work for ya

STIHL 2 in 1

Very helpful video

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

I hand file for touch ups but have a clamp on file guide I got from Sears. Similar to the Grandberg but without the clamp for the link. Takes a bit to set up but it does a good job. I use it when the chains need a "good" sharpening.

 

[rrlund]

I like to use a battery operated Dremel tool with a diamond encrusted bit.

Same here.

 

[Blackhole49]

Any powered portable ones with a guide worth a hoot?if not a hand file guide that’s good?my saw is a stihl ms 271 with an18 inch blade

In the shop I use my air die grinder. I the field my battery powered one. I've found keeping them sharp (every hour of constant use) makes them last longer and cut better. The only guide I use is when filing the rakers. This is a typical chain at the end of its life.

 

[Texasmark]

Any powered portable ones with a guide worth a hoot?if not a hand file guide that’s good?my saw is a stihl ms 271 with an18 inch blade

I bought a HF cheapie years ago. It works ok for me. Have probably run chains through it a couple dozen times. Much more accurate and a lot less trouble than filing by hand.

 

[rrlund]

You might get the rings loose by running it, you might not. My brother bought a John Deere 1010 diesel crawler one time. He had been the third owner since anybody could get it started. He wanted me to see what I could do. I tore it down and every ring was stuck. I soaked them in benzene for two days and none loosened up. I had to break them up and chip all the pieces out of the grooves with a small punch.

 

[Brian G. NY]

Same here.

Me too! I work carefully.....I also make sure I have my glasses on!
Every so often I take a little off the depth gauges ("rakers").

 

[Duner Wi]

I have used a McCullogh clamp on bar for over 50 years with good results. I always use bench vise to hold saw and I have good lighting.

 

[Jim in LA]

I like this one by Stihl. It does a good job.