I was asked by OREGON® to review the PowerSharp® Saw Chain Sharpening System. “Sure! I enjoy trying out new tools!” I replied and received a PowerSharp Starter Kit for my Stihl MS-210C chain saw with a 16″ bar.

Oregon PowerSharp Review

The Oregon PowerSharp Starter Kit consists of two bundled units: 1) Sharpener with 16″ Guide Bar and 2) PowerSharp Chain with Sharpening Stone.

PowerSharp Starter Kit

PowerSharp Saw Chain Sharpening System

The PowerSharp sharpening system consists of the following items:

  1. Guide Bar
  2. Sharpener (yellow clam shell)
  3. Sharpening Stone (replaceable)
  4. PowerSharp chain
  5. Instructions
  6. Product sticker to put on your chainsaw so you’ll have the replacement chain part #.
Oregon PowerSharp Starter Kit

Oregon PowerSharp Starter Kit

You only buy the Guide Bar and Sharpener once. Thereafter, replacing only the chain and sharpening stone if it becomes worn out. A new chain includes a sharpening stone.

How PowerSharp Works

The Oregon PowerSharp chain has cutters (teeth) that are taller compared to a standard chain.

Oregon PowerSharp Chain compared to Standard Chainsaw Chain

Oregon PowerSharp Chain compared to Standard Chainsaw Chain

The PowerSharp cutters sharpen from the top as the cutters contact the sharpening stone. To sharpen the chain:

  • Place the bar on the two steel alignment pegs in the clam shell sharpener.
Oregon PowerSharp Bar and Sharpener

Oregon PowerSharp Bar and Sharpener

  • Clamp and lock the sharpener over the bar.
  • Run the saw and press the spring-loaded sharpener foot against a tree or rock for 3 to 5 seconds.
Oregon PowerSharp Saw Chain Sharpener

Oregon PowerSharp Saw Chain Sharpener

Mounting the PowerSharp Bar and Chain

The PowerSharp bar and chain was easy to mount on my Stihl MS-210C chainsaw, taking less than 5 minutes and I only needed a screw driver. To change bar and chain:

  1. Unscrew the wing-nut on the plastic sprocket cover and lift off the cover.
  2. Turn the tensioning gear to loosen the chain.
  3. Lift the original Stihl bar and chain off the saw.
  4. Unfasten the screw from the back of the tensioning gear and remove the gear from the Stihl bar.
  5. Place the tensioning gear on the PowerSharp guide bar and secure it with the screw.
  6. Fit the PowerSharp guide bar and chain on the saw.
  7. Take up the slack in the chain by turning the tensioning gear.
  8. Replace the sprocket cover.
  9. Check and tighten the chain if needed.
Mounting the PowerSharp Bar and Chain - Stihl MS210-C Chainsaw

Mounting the PowerSharp Bar and Chain – Stihl MS210-C Chainsaw

Bar and chain on the saw before replacing the sprocket cover:

Oregon PowerSharp Bar and Chain Mounting: Stihl MS-210C

Oregon PowerSharp Bar and Chain Mounting: Stihl MS-210C

The Oregon PowerSharp is ready to go!

Stihl Chainsaw with Oregon PowerSharp

Stihl Chainsaw with Oregon PowerSharp

This review is continued in Oregon PowerSharp Review – Part 2.

Take care,
Bob Jackson

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