Best Chainsaw Sharpener Ever - FINALLY!!! 

I'm a 2nd generation arborist. I was always the one who sharpened the chains with a round file a flat file and gauge. With this file system, just about anyone who has interest can file a chain and make it cut like new. I love it because it makes life so much easier.

I've got one for my 170, and 250. (different size files) Absolutely the best sharpening tool ever made! So compact, and very fast, and effective. I do the no pressure back pull too, I use my chain brake and will do a number of teeth in one shot, (I engage the chain break when doing this) It takes no time at all to do a chain. Unlike you, I do use their recommended pitch angle. Have been cutting fire wood for about 40 years. Be safe guys.

I just bought one of these to use on the first saw I've ever owned. I found this video afterwards and I'm glad to see Wrangler Star approves! Looks like I stumbled onto the correct file for my needs.

I bought one of these today. Never sharpened a saw in my life. First time, cuts like butter again. Very user friendly tool!

Wow, almost 1.6K comments! And so many haters, unfortunately. OK, so maybe he was wrong about the sharpening angle. But mostly, he used the tool the way the guy did in the official video. As for the people who chided him for not reading the directions first, the directions I got with my file were just a bunch of pictures with arrows on them. No text at all. From what I saw in the directions, other than angle he used, he DID follow the directions. As for the fact that he was learning while doing... well, he SAID from the start that he had never used it yet. If that's not the kind of video you want, then DON'T WATCH THIS ONE, PEOPLE! For myself, I really LIKED how he ran his common sense up against what he was seeing. Made the whole thing much more interesting to watch, and showed his personality, and how he problem solves. Seemed like a pretty smart guy to me! Also, really fun to see how he transitioned from deep skeptic about this tool to planning to buy it for friends as gifts! All in all, fun and engaging video. Good job!!!

I love the way you see him shift from 'hmm this looks like snake oil' to 'its just brilliant'.

I bought one for myself and one for my family Christmas party. My nephew, who heats with wood, got it and thanked me later for introducing it to him. Good stuff.

So bought one of these today and used it on my little battery Makita 16” saw. The Makita has a narrow kerf chain (0.043”) but 3/8” pitch. Makita wants a 4.5mm round file diameter but I figured the Stihl 5.2mm could enlarge it and it would work ok. It was a bit more work to get the sharpening done because of the mismatch, but the end result was a battery saw that cut brilliantly with with the long Easter-Basket style strips of wood. Turns out it helps battery life a LOT too if you keep that chain sharp. The chain was never super sharp even new (it’s an Oregon I think) but the Stihl sharpener left it “sticky sharp” and I’m a big fan of this sharpener! I think it nails the correct depth gauge too. Stihl would seem to know a thing or two about chainsaws.

Finally got around to buying one of these and used it for the first time last weekend. I was astonished at how easy it was to get my chain at a tip top performance level and keep it there. Thanks for the review and wish I'd bought this two years ago! :)

I bought one after taking a safety class with the NPS. The instructor had one and let us use it. Great tool for anyone who uses a chainsaw.

Ive been trying to understand how a chainsaw works and now I finally get it - nobody else explained it like you did, thank you!

I use my chainsaw to clear dirt bike trails. I'm by no means a professional logger. My chains get trashed because a lot of the logs i have to cut are laying on the ground. I bought 2 of these sharpeners (i have 2 saws that have different sized chains) based solely on this video. I've never sharpened a chain before...the chains for my trail saw are small and fairly cheap, why bother. It took me a couple minutes to figure out the perfect stroke, but in 10 minutes my chain cut like new again. It's even easier than he makes it look. And, the sharpeners were much less expensive at my local Stihl dealer compared to Amazon...i got both for about the price Amazon wanted for one. If you're on the fence, go buy 1...you'll be stoked!

Happiness is a sharp chainsaw. Anybody who has seen/felt/worked the difference between a sharp and dull chain is probably grinning right along with you. You are probably Stihl grinning now!

Love the 100% honest review. We saw a skeptic turn into a complete believer!! And the humility to admit it as the video goes on!! Well done!!!

Timely. About to purchase my first new chain saw and it has been awhile. Needed to load up on support tools and this combines lots into one. Thank you

I bought this a couple of years ago. If you own a Stihl chain saw, you NEED this!! I have no sharpening experience and I get my chains super sharp. You just have to get the knack of keeping the item level and at the proper angle. To be able to sharpen your chain after or right before cutting is priceless. I don’t work for Stihl and I’m not exaggerating regarding the ease and convenience of being able to always have a sharp chain

Ive been sharpening saws for years. I had one of these tools in my hand yesterday but was skeptical as well. I will go pick one up. $44.00 canadian Great video thank you.

I agree. This is a great tool. I've been using one for the last year. It's always in my box when I head to the woods.

Wasn't about to buy another chainsaw without first finding a chain sharpener. Been through too many new chains and sharpening mishaps. Saw this sharpener on Amazon and started researching it. Your video was the 3rd and best. BY FAR. You obviously know what you're doing and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it!! Adding this sharpener to my cart as well.

I got one about 2 years ago. Talked into it by the Stihl guy, I thought it was a gimmick till I started using it. Brilliant, so easy to use and pretty well foolproof. Bought another for the little chainsaw, and another for the bigger one.

Best I ever used. The day I saw that sharpener I also saw a board with a vise on it to hold the saw. What a revelation!!! Of course I went home and made one. Wish my Father could have seen it. The man in the picture is my Father. GOD BLESS YOU.

Cody, can you do a comparison on the angle you like to sharpen your saws vs the recommended angle Stihl has for that tool?

Hands down, the best video description of how this sharpener works. WAY better than Stihl’s own video. Well done! The only thing I would add is there are different versions of this sharpener for different sizes of chain. Get the one made for your particular chain size.

Could not agree more, hands down the best manual sharpener I've ever used! I've been around logging and fuelwood harvesting all my life and have tried most sharpening methods and usually end up free-handing it with a file and maybe a guide on the handle. Picked up one of these with my new Stihl MS-362 CM and after 5 minutes of learning how to use it, I was blown away. The only modification I made was taking a Sharpie and filling in the directional arrows so my 53 year-old eyes can see them better. I hopped in the truck, headed to ACE Hardware and bought two more (3/8P for my Dewalt battery saw and a 1/4P for my Stihl Kombi system pole saw). Hands-down, full-stop, best and quickest sharpening system I've used. Quick because you're filing the rakers at the same time as the tooth.

This tool is great. It lessens the strain on your hands that you can get from gripping smaller files. Absolutely love it.

Used this for two years! Great time saver. I used angle on the tool and no problems. If badly worn I touch up with a good old hand file so I can better see and adjust tooth length close to the same because of minor damage. I then quickly hit it again with this tool after for the correct gauge setting. Love it!

These are great! Now you may or may not have noticed but when the round files are removed the pointed end are towards the “pushing hand” . The reason for this is that this allows the files to rotate on that point as they are pushed through the chain. F’en brilliant, this eliminates you needing to rotate the round files for even wear. This is an excellent tool well worth the $45. I paid for it in Canada at my dealers. Thanks for the great review.

You sold me on this sharpener. I was reviewing my options and I had the same thought you did..."this is gimmicky". On your say so, I ordered one. I just used it and oh my goodness, this chain cuts like new!! Thanks Wranglerstar....keep these videos coming.

ive been using these every day at work and they're honestly a gift from heaven!

Every time I see the long "wood noodles" coming out of my chainsaw, that is equiped with a sharpened chain, it is a satifying feeling. I see and feel it is working just right.

Great, in-depth review, I bought one of these when I upgraded to a Farm Boss. Never looked back. I also found that one of those loggers vises helped when sharpening in the field. Just smack it into a stump and away you go! Thanks for the review!

Thanks for the tip. I ordered one and love it. I don't use a chainsaw all the time so am not a pro at sharpening. This made it simple!

Just got one after seeing this video and wow! It really makes sharpening the chain easy and fast. Thank you!

I also bought one. Never sharpened a saw before... seems to work well. The saw cut a lot better after I got done sharpening it. The angled plastic ends helped me keep it at the right angle to the bar and apparently I don't have to worry about the rakers being too high. Thanks for teh great video.

Just got my first chainsaw, a Stihl MS250. This sharpener just got delivered today, and I'm excited to use it. Great videos, been watching you for years.

I'm fairly new to tree removal work and I bought one of these filing guides . I like the way it works and I believe it saves time .And time is money .

Ive sharpened mine 2 previous times and each time I used the "factory angle" as a guide. My cutters were super sharp and it cut great. This last time tho (chain was very worn) I decided to sharpen using the 30 degree guide as Stihl suggested.....I DESTROYED my chain. It was all jacked up. That's why I watched this video was to see what angle you used. Thanks!!

Cody: whatever you say , DON’T call them rakers. They’re depth gauges. Cody: proceeds to call them rakers multiple times.

I went and picked one of these babies up today after watching your video. I’ve been hand filing for years. This tool awesome!

You are correct about filing the depth gage "slightly" more, and using the feel as it cuts to control HOW it cuts. Works for me.

I run a saw everyday for work, I swear by these things! Make my life a lot easier

These are made by Pferd, the makers of the best files on the Globe.

long time subscriber and after all these years I bought one of these tools and googled how to use it and here I am. Thanks Cody.

thank you sir for your honest review. I have been waiting for months finding a new 170 ms, and dread sharpening. I bought this sharpener before getting my new chain saw. It feels so good to not have buyers remorse. I pick up my chainsaw tomorrow or Saturday and sharpener is due to arrive by the 7th! I am homeowner but have about 3 acres with some trees needing cut down and others trimmed and dead branches cut off. I use to log in Idaho for a short time but only had hand file and did by eye. Yes I can do that but 20 years later I want the easy way lol! Take care and thanks again for the video. Edit after going to your videos. I am mashing the subscribe button and like, I also pause to say a prayer for your surgery. I did not watch video but saw title you asking for prayer. I hope you are doing well.

I only cut firewood and storm blown trees off trails out the bush. Usually when the chain gets dull I slam a new one on as I'm pretty useless with the round file. This thing has totally changed the way my saw cuts and the chips it throws (no more saw "dust" lol)... absolutely worth the money for any home user, firewood guy, or those that carry a saw in your 4x4... it's fast, super easy and gives a good result!

This is the best hand filing tool I know of, highly recommended!

My son got me one of these for a Christmas gift , This thing is phenomenal !!! For someone that's not very skilled a sharping a chain, this thing is a godsend ! Absolutely LOVE mine !!!

Hey there, thank you for your review on this sharpener! I was in the market for a sharpener and was about to buy a fairly expensive one...however after I saw your review, I decided to give this one a try, since it was only $30 at my local Kubota dealer. I LOVE THIS SHARPENER!!! Thank you for the recommendation! My chain cuts through trees like butter!!

I bought this for my dad as a birthday gift a few years back. He absolutely loves it. Thanks for the tip!

Been using my two for 14 months now, love them.

Thanks for the video. I have bought one of these, watched your video and just sharpened the whole chain to razor sharp in less than 5 minutes. Awesome!

Greetings...It seemed, even you could not believe how good the "2in1" was. Those shavings were a good indicator towards how the "sharpened chain" performed. Very good review. Cheers.

I never got great results from mine, but I sharpened at Stihls recommended angle, so I'm glad I watched this.

Yes I've been using this tool and burned through a few chains now and I feel I get a perfect sharpening every time

I have missed took you in the past for somebody that was kind of dorky and didn’t have that much knowledge boy was I wrong I am so thankful that I finally dug into your input and started listening to you and what you say I have benefited by a tremendous amount and I appreciate all your about you’re one of the sharpest tools in my RU-vid toolbox Thanks again for all you do come in from Oregon I will be happening on every channel thumbs up

Bought one of these last week after watching your video and agree with you. It does an excellent job and is real easy to use.👍

Your happiness shines through, making me smile . Thanks

Cody, just re-watched this video from when it came out till now you have lost a LOT of weight man! Take a look back at this and I hope you feel damn good about the changes you've made!

Just tried one for the first time today, was impressed, so easy and quick. Then I watched this video to see if I was doing it correctly because it was so easy. I really enjoyed the video, fantastic review of a good product.

has a newbie to owning a chainsaw this is one of the most helpful videos I've seen. Thank you .

I worked in the woods for years and that was always my Achilles' heel. I was never great at filing my chain. This could really be a game changer for me. I don't work as a harvester anymore but I still use a saw around the house all the time! Thanks for the tip.

Lock your blade when you sharpen. I just bought this product, it’s now super type of field tool to sharpen the chain!! 40 years hand filing, this is much better tool to use!!!!! Great video 👍

Haven't used mine yet it came with a saw case and tune up kit I bought can't wait to try it now.

At last. A proper sharpening tool that takes all the guess work out and makes the chainsaw function at it's most optimum. Thanks for the video. I'm off to buy one now !

Pick the file up on the back stroke!!! Dragging the file backwards only serves to dull it with every back stroke.

Thanks Cody! Whether u were using it on the right chain or not, it made my life a hell of a lot easier! Took some 'old' chains and re-filed them and what do you know... They cut like new!! Ik bought it and wil give away a few to family to!

Just bought the sharpener and this is the first instructional video I've watched. Thank you.

Thanks for the update and the way you explain things thanks once again for the efforts 👍🇩🇰🙏

I did a professional chainsaw course years ago. They advised the following, chisel edged chains (sharp corners for professional use) 35'. Semi chisel edged chains (rounded corners for hobby use) 30' The chisel edge has superior cutting but is much easier damaged when it hits foraging objects. That chain seems to have very shallow angles for a chisel edged chain. A more acute angle will help its performance. It will also be easier to drive, causing less stress on the saw engine.

This is the best thing since sliced bread I love it, follow the angle of the tool it is designed for the proper angle of the tooth. I have zero issues with my chain.

love how quickly it impressed you! thanks for the review

I saw this for sale at my local hardware store but was skeptical of it till I saw this video.... you might of just made a believer out of me! Thank you...new subscriber cause of this too

Love this file! Revolutionary!

I know this video is a bit old but being a stihl rep it's great seeing our products in use. And yes the pro saws do run a more aggressive angle to allow Biggers chips.

Definitely the best tool in my bag. Thanks for your trouble to bring us the GOOD news. Most worthwhile video ever!

Thank you for actually showing the teeth up close. I'm so new to a lot of this suburban/rural homeowner stuff as I grew up in the city. Subscribed.

Watched three other videos on this before I got to yours and this is the first one that explains it properly - by showing us the actual teeth, how they work and need to be sharpened and crucially, exactly how to sit the sharpener on the chain and what the effect is afterwards. Well done and thanks.

I have been working with chainsaws for 30 years, and just bought one of these sharpeners.... truly amazing tool!!!!!

Really pleased you approve of this sharpener... I just bought it. Cheers!

I like your review. Down to earth, no bla-bla-bla. Would love other reviewers to follow.

Several months ago I bought one of these because I watched your video. It has worked very well. The tool has a icon of a chainsaw on it, so you can easily tell which side to use depending on how your saw is on the bench. As sharp as I thought it was when I started using this, I discovered another video with the title "It took me four years to learn this" (or something very close to that). The guy said I should be lifting the file as I make my sharpening stroke to better sharpen the tooth like the factory chain. I tried his technique and this tool worked even better. It has truly cut like a new chain. I was amazed and have continued to add this technique to using this tool with excellent results. Thanks for your great videos, I've learned a lot. RC

Looks ok. If you want to get another lesson check out Buckin' Billy Ray Smith (Canadian faller). He makes a lot of sense by just using files. Buckin" sure has the experience at logging.

I got my first saw and immediately bought this sharpener. Haven’t used it yet but looking forward to it

Thank you for a great honest review . I will definitely go & purchase onee of these I was the same as you & had my doubts !!

This guy is one of the few that i actually trust when he does reviews. Like even when he likes a product and then compares it to another he is willing to kick the old one to curve if the other is better. Go watch his electric chainsaw vs gas one video. in the beginning he was singing the electric praise but by the end you could tell he wanted to kick it off his homestead.

Just tried for the first time and angle matches. I bought a different brand though. There was a log I couldn't finish last year because blade got dull and 4 passes on each tooth and cut right through it.

Best description of how a chain saw works in cutting and the importance of getting it right..and clear instructions on how the tool works..im off to get one myself after your article.. like you .. i have also seen and heard all the purported claims of a lot of stuff.

I bought one of these today thanks to your review. Haven't tried it yet though. I appreciate your reviews.

What a nice man. Thanks for the cool videos. Greetings from Iceland

Bought one ! Absolutely a no brainer . works flawlessly. Its as good as my foley ! ,and much quicker .

Thanks for your review. And great info. I will be purchasing one of these next time I’m at a Stihl shop 👍🏻

I just bought this sharpener and it’s the best sharpener I could have! Easy to use and once you start using your chainsaw it cut like butter.

The chain you have on your saw was meant to be filed with a triangle file, look very close at the tooth and you will see it is square cut in the throat of the tooth. You can file these with a round file but than you should use the angle of your tool not what is indicated by the factory etch line.

And now I know how to make my own saw chips etc. for the composting toilet as well. Great vid and thank you! Fair Winds and Smiles!

Bought one a few months back.... used it last night and the saw did an amazing job today...... buy it!!!!!

I was utterly useless at sharpening chains until I bought one of these. Yes they are awesome. Actually they are not made by Stihl but by Pferd, you can get them in Pferd blue as well and they are usually a little bit cheaper.

It’s because you have square file chisel chain and your using a round file set up. Square chisel chain uses a different angle than round file chain. There are special files for this that are shaped differently to file the top and side plates in a square shape and require drastically different file strokes. You can find these files at baileys or madsens chainsaw/logging suppliers. Square chisel chain can be round filed as you did in video but it is a lot of work until it’s been fully rounded.

Been using one for 3 years and it's ridiculously good would never go back to single files

Your video helped me decide on buying the Stihl 2 in 1 chain sharpener and its the best decision I've made. This thing works miracles and sharpens fast too. I love mine and recommend anyone using a single hand file ti pick this up cause it's a phenomenal tool. Didn't take me minutes to make my chain razor sharp and I already thought by using the hand file it was sharp as I could get it so I give this 5stars no problem

Thank you thank you thank you! After watching your video .. I ran out and bought me a sharpener and cannot believe how well it works and the time saved! Incredible.. once again.. thank you!