You know what!!
You don’t have to be an expert in sharpening to get your chainsaw chain looking like new again.
YES! You could take it to a professional sharpener & have it done in no time.
And the good thing? There are some really great services out there that can do the job!
Here are 5 options where you can get your chainsaw sharpened –
- Local Chainsaw Dealers
- Online Sharpening Services
- Mobile Sharpening Services
- Local small engine repair shops
- Chainsaw Rental Shops
No worries!
I’ll go through each one so you know what to expect.
Here are 5 options available for getting your chainsaw sharpened:
Local Chainsaw Dealers
Most (if not all) chainsaw dealers will have a sharpening service on-site.
So, if you don’t want to go through the trouble, simply take it to your local chainsaw dealer and have them do the work for you.
They’re really helpful!
I remember the first time I walked into a dealership with my dull chainsaw. (Tbh, I was a little bit embarrassed and clueless)
The staff couldn’t have been more supportive. They not only sharpened my chainsaw but also gave me a quick tutorial. (It was a Stihl dealer, btw!)
Price??
Depends on your chain size, your location, and which dealer you go to.
For example, here in Ohio, Stihl dealers charge about $7-12 per chain. And when I take 5-10 chains at the same time, they usually offer a discount!
Online Sharpening Services
Online sharpening services are getting more and more popular these days.
It’s super easy –
- ✅ Place your order
- ✅ Ship your chain
- ✅ They sharpen it
- ✅ They ship it back to you (usually within 3-7 business days!)
I’ve used this service twice, and both times it was quick and straightforward!
I reached out to a bunch of online sharpening services and asked them about the pricing. Their prices usually start at $7-15 per chain (+ shipping charge).
Here’s a chart of 7 popular online sharpening services around the USA – and their prices (as of today): 👇
However, there are 3 BIG downsides to online sharpening services: 👇
- You need to wait a few days before you get your chains back.
- The additional shipping charge. (Some companies offer “free” shipping if you order more than 5-7 chains per shipment – so make sure to ask!)
- There’s a slight risk of your chain getting lost or damaged during shipping.
And a quick tip 💡: Before placing an order, go through their reviews and see what people are saying.
Mobile Sharpening Services
These are basically sharpening services that come to your place and sharpen your chainsaw chains in front of you.
And in my opinion, mobile sharpening services are more convenient than online sharpening services.
How??
- ✅ First of all, you get your chains the same day (so, there’s no waiting period).
- ✅ There’s ZERO risk of damage or loss during shipping.
- ✅ NO shipping charge!
- ✅ You can interact with the sharpener and discuss your specific needs in person.
- ✅ And after sharpening, you can immediately test the chains and see if you’re happy with the results.
But there are also 2 main downsides:
The price is usually higher (around $10-20 per chain).
Plus, not all areas have mobile sharpening services available. So if you’re living in a rural area or small town, you might be out of luck.
Call around and see who’s offering this service in your area. Or just google “mobile chainsaw sharpening service near me“.
Local Small Engine Repair Shops
If you’re lucky enough to have a small engine repair shop nearby, that’s another great option.
Most of the time, these shops offer chainsaw sharpening services at an affordable price (around $5-12 per chain).
I contacted 3 small engine repair shops in my area and asked them about their service and prices.
Here’s what I found out: 👇
- Shop 1: $10 per chain for off-the-saw sharpening & $18 per chain for on-the-saw sharpening (which also includes bar dressing).
- Shop 2: $11 per chain (any length). But the chain has to be in good condition.
- Shop 3: $8 per chain (any length). But offers only off-the-saw sharpening.
Btw, I also own a small engine repair shop. Here are my chainsaw chain sharpening rates: 👇
| Chain Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 16" or shorter | $5 |
| 18" - 20" | $8 |
| 22" - 24" | $10 |
| Over 24" | $12 |
So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, small engine shops are probably your best bet.
Chainsaw Rental Shops
If any of the above options don’t work for you, I suggest checking out your nearest chainsaw rental shop.
Some of them offer sharpening services and their prices can be really competitive.
And you don’t even have to book an appointment! Just drop off your chains and pick them up on your way out.
But how do you find these shops?
Well, the easiest way is to just search online for “chainsaw rental shop near me“. I’m sure you’ll get some good results.
Signs that Your Chainsaw Chain Needs Sharpening
Now that you know all the options available to get your chainsaw chain sharpened, let’s talk about the signs that indicate it’s time for a sharpening –
- Your saw produces fine sawdust instead of wood chips.
- Your saw doesn’t pull itself into the wood.
- Your saw starts to smoke when cutting.
- You have difficulty achieving a straight and precise cut.
- Your saw vibrates abnormally & produces excessive noise.
Read this article where I’ve explained the signs of a dull chain in detail!
Can You Sharpen Your Own Chainsaw Chain?
YES! You can definitely sharpen your chainsaw chain at home.
All it takes is a basic understanding of the process, some practice, and a few essential tools.
Here’s a detailed video tutorial that’ll guide you through the process –
Once you get the hang of it, it’s actually quite fun! (Plus, it can also save you some money)
How Much Would It Cost If You Sharpen Your Chains Yourself?
If you’re thinking about sharpening your chain yourself, you’re in luck because it won’t break the bank.
You’ll need to purchase a few tools and safety gear. Here’s a ballpark estimate:
- ✅ Round File: About $5 to $10.
- ✅ Depth Gauge Tool: Usually between $5 and $15.
- ✅ Vise or Clamp: Range from $20 to $50 or more, depending on the type and quality.
- ✅ Flat File: Typically under $10.
- ✅ Gloves: A decent pair will run you around $10 to $20.
- ✅ File Guide (Optional but Recommended): Around $10 to $20.
In a nutshell, you can expect to invest approximately $50 to $80 for the basics. Of course, if you splurge on the fancy stuff, it could be a bit more.
If you don’t want to purchase all these tools separately, I’d suggest buying a chainsaw sharpening kit.
I personally like these 2 Oregon chainsaw sharpening kits. You can find them on Amazon.
GoodBye Words!
That’s all!
Now you know all the options where you can get your chainsaw chain sharpened.
So, if your chainsaw chain is feeling dull and you want to restore its cutting power, go ahead and get it sharpened by a professional.
It’ll save you time and frustration in the long run!
Do you have any other questions about chainsaw chain sharpening?
Let me know in the comments section below. I’m here to help! 🙂
