PFERD 17304 Chain Saw Sharpener CS-X, File 7/32 inch, File and Depth Gauge File in One Ergonomic Tool

Bottom line up front: Try this sharpener. It is totally worth it if you can get the hang of using it (which is easy)!I'll preface this review by admitting that I don't have a ton of experience with chainsaws. (But this sharpener works great for a novice) When I started cutting my own firewood, I tried using a handheld chain sharpener, that I got cheap with the saw, with zero luck. I don't know if I just didn't have the patience to do it right, but it just didn't get the chain the sharpness I wanted. I bought a kit that went in the dremel, once again, not a solution. I did a little better with that, but the "angles got off" according to the guy that I brought the chains to to get sharpened. The only good solution was to carry multiple chains, and swap them if they started getting dull, then bring all the dull ones in to the local dealer to get them sharpened. Then I saw some videos, reviews, etc on the Stihl version of this (which costs a lot more) and thought I would give the Pferd a try, as from what I can tell, they are the same. It look a little bit to get used to it, but once I got the hang of it, it works fast and gives you a razor sharp chain.Operating it is simple, I like to set the saw on a table or tailgate, stand to one side, figure out which end of the sharpener to hold, and then start sharpening. The angle on the tool helps me keep the correct angle on the sharpener. Once the entire chain is done from the one side, I turn the saw around, and go end for end with the tool, and repeat with the other teeth. Usually 3 passes per tooth on a dull chain, and it's razor sharp again. There's no need to take the chain off, or drive to the dealer to get it sharpened. I always sharpen after a day of cutting, and usually that's sufficient, but it's easy to sharpen in the woods also.I really didn't think I'd ever get away from getting the chains professionally sharpened, but this inexpensive tool has already saved me over $100 in sharpening costs. Not to mention prolonging the life of the chain, as I've heard some other people complain about the amount of material the dealership takes off when they sharpen. I don't have to be constantly worried that I might dull my chain and have to bring it to the dealer. Possibly the best indication that I love this tool is that I bought one for my dad. He's a dremel sharpening devotee, but I'm working on getting him to incorporate this, because I really believe that this is the best way to maintain your chains. It also works really quickly, maybe 10 minutes to sharpen a 20 inch chain.

I purchased this 17302Pferd Chain Sharp CS-X chain saw filing guide product after much review! I currently have about 3 types of chain saw sharpeners, and I didn't want to buy another one that was no better than the ones I already have. After watching product videos and reading Amazon reviews, I decided to purchase this product! I am very happy with the purchase after its initial use. The CS-X comes in a thin, clear plastic case/bag (which probably won't last long) with instructions, but, other than a brief introduction in English (there are 7 different language intros in all) to the CS-X, all the 'how-to-use' instructions are in pictures only. I would recommend watching instructional videos to help with the use of this product for the first time, rather than using just the instructions provided. After that, it is pretty simple, quick, and easy to use! The handle design on the sharpener gives you the correct placement angle (30 degrees for my product) in which to set the sharpener on the chain and then PUSH (only PUSH, not pull) the sharpener to sharpen the chain cutting teeth. The handle, which makes it easier to grip while filing, also has an arrow to show you which way to push the files to cut. The cutter has 3 files incorporated into it, which sharpens both the cutting teeth and files the height of the depth gauge at the same time. Of course, you will have to sharpen all the teeth from one side of the bar first, then work from the opposite side of the bar to finish sharpening the remaining teeth and filing the depth gauges. About 5-6 pushes was all that was needed to sharpen each cutting tooth and file the depth gauge to the correct height on my chain. Instructions recommend putting the chain bar in a vice, but once I tightened the chain on the bar appropriately, I didn't find the absolute need for a vice. Just make certain you are using the correct angle for each tooth and NOT pushing AND pulling (push only) to sharpen the teeth. After sharpening the teeth and depth gauges, I was noticing long strands of wood shavings being cut by my chain saw.....not little chips of shavings, which means the chain isn't very sharp! There are 3 files in this tool.....two of them are round files (7/32") that should be easy to replace, but the third file is a two-sided, flat, narrow, (used to file the depth gauges and is about 3/8" wide by 1/8" thick) file and may not be as easy to find and replace. There is nothing in the instructions about about where to order a replacement for any of the files, so that would be my only concern (replacing the flat file) about this product. Hopefully, it will be a while before I have to worry about replacing any of them. The results with sharpening the chain with the CS-X were very good, in my opinion, and I am pleased that I have a better chain sharpener than any of the ones I currently have or use!

I have a PFERD sharpener for all of my saws and they work excellent. Super easy to use and quickly sharpens a chain in a matter of minutes. Compact size makes it very portable for use in the field or back in the shop. Files last a long time before needing replacement. A great accessory for anyone with a saw that wants to sharpen their own chains. Return on investment will be super quick.

I have a husqvarna sharpener like this but this one has two round files making it easier to use. Quality product.

Best sharpener I’ve ever used. I’ve been using an Alaskan mill for about a year now and tried several sharpeners- files, dremel, bits, etc. This is the one I needed. Was able to cut a truckload of large pine boards in about 3 hours thanks to this file.

Very easy, quick and accurate way to sharpen your chain. Mine seems to leave a slight hangnail on the raker, like the flat file is a 32nd of an inch too far from the round file, but it still cuts great.

This saw file is easy to use and does a good job if you stay on top of your sharpening and don’t let your chain get too dull before you try to sharpen it.