If you’ve ever struggled to get your chainsaw cutting like it used to, you’re not alone. Dull chains are frustrating, dangerous, and can make even the simplest cuts feel like you’re sawing through concrete. In this exceptional guide, I’m going to show you exactly how to sharpen a chainsaw chain using a simple method and a tool you might already have in your workshop: a Dremel. That’s right — no complicated jigs, no pro-level equipment, and definitely no guesswork.
This technique is quick, efficient, and can breathe new life into your saw in just a few minutes. So let’s dive into how to sharpen a chainsaw chain with confidence and ease.
Table of Contents
Why Sharpen Your Chainsaw Chain?
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why. When a chainsaw chain gets dull, it forces the motor to work harder, burns more fuel, and wears out your equipment faster. It also increases your chances of kickback — which is both dangerous and terrifying. A sharp chain makes cleaner cuts, reduces stress on the saw, and keeps you working smarter, not harder.
The Tool You Need: A Dremel (Yes, Really)
I know, sharpening a chainsaw chain with a Dremel sounds like something you might see in a life-hack video, but trust me — it works. And it works well. I used a sharpening kit designed for chains that attaches directly to the Dremel. The same kit also includes attachments for sharpening lawn mower blades and axes, which makes it an even better buy.
If you don’t already have a Dremel, now’s the time. They’re incredibly versatile for a ton of DIY and workshop tasks. In fact, I’ll drop a link to the sharpening attachment in the video description — it’s one of those tools that pays for itself after one or two uses.
- VERSATILE ROTARY TOOL KIT: Includes 3000 corded rotary tool, 2 attachments, 28 high-quality Dremel accessories, plastic storage case, and accessory case.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE 1.2AMP MOTOR: Provides maximum power and performance at all speeds.
- 6 VARIABLE SPEEDS: Provide greater control and maximum accessory versatility and precise tool control (5,000 – 35,000 RPM).
- INNOVATED AIR FLOW SYSTEM: Ventilation mechanism helps prevent heat build-up for smoother, cooler, and quieter operation.
- 28 VERSATILE ACCESSORIES INCLUDED : Ideal for DIY or crafting projects like sanding, sharpening, grinding, cutting, carving, polishing, and cleaning.
- Simplified to support your backyard and garden projects and giving your go-to tools a new lease on life. The A679 Sharpening Kit includes everything you need to keep your favorite gardening tools looking sharp.
- The Dremel Sharpening Kit includes three of our most-popular attachments to easily sharpen the dullest of chains and blades while providing the optimum sharpening angles.
- Works with Dremel tool models 100, 200, 3000, 4000, 7760, 8220, 8240, 8250 and 8260. The sharpening kit also fits onto the Dremel 4300 when used with collect and collect nut.
- Kit Content: Garden Tool Sharpening attachment (x1), Lawn Mower Sharpening attachment (x1), Chain Saw Sharpening attachment (x1), Sharpening & Grinding Stones (453, 454, 455, and 932), wrench, gauge, and spacers (x2).
- The 453, 454, and 455 aluminum oxide chainsaw sharpening stones are ideal to sharpening 1/4″, 3/8″, 3/8″ low profile, and .325″ chains.
Last update on 2025-05-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Setting Up for the Sharpening Job
Let’s walk through the setup. First, remove the collar from the Dremel and screw on the guide attachment. The kit includes three different size grinding bits. I chose the medium-sized one because it fit my chain teeth perfectly.
Now here’s where the magic happens. The guide attachment has markings for 30-degree angles — this is your cheat code for lining everything up. On a chainsaw chain, teeth alternate in direction: some face left, others right. That means you’ll need to sharpen every other tooth going one direction, then reverse the angle and do the others.
To make sure you don’t go in circles (literally), mark your starting tooth with a paint pen. A little dab is all you need to remind yourself where you began.
The Sharpening Process: Step-by-Step
I set the Dremel to a medium speed — fast enough to grind effectively but slow enough to control. Then, one tooth at a time, I matched the angle guide to the bar of the chainsaw and lightly ground the cutting edge. Don’t apply too much pressure — let the tool do the work. After a few swipes, move to the next tooth in line.
Once you complete one side, flip the Dremel guide around to match the opposite 30-degree line and start on the other set of teeth. In less time than it takes to brew a pot of coffee, you’ll be done.
If you look closely at the teeth afterward, you’ll see the shiny metal where you’ve sharpened them. That’s your visual cue that the chain is back in action.
A Few Final Tips
- Wear safety goggles. The Dremel throws off sparks, and safety is always in style.
- Clamp your saw in place if possible. It makes things easier and more accurate.
- Don’t overdo it. A few passes per tooth is all it takes.
- Keep your file or bit clean. Resin and buildup can reduce effectiveness.
How to Sharpen a Chainsaw Chain the Easy Way
Now you know exactly how to sharpen a chainsaw chain without fancy tools, without hauling it to a shop, and without any confusion. With a simple Dremel and a bit of patience, you can restore your chainsaw’s edge and keep it performing like new.
Remember, a sharp saw is a safe saw — and the better you maintain your tools, the better they’ll treat you. Whether you’re bucking logs, carving firewood, or just trying to trim up your backyard, this method will save you time, money, and frustration.
