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 Saw Chain Sharpening System
The PowerSharp sharpening system consists of the following items:
- Guide Bar
- Sharpener (yellow clam shell)
- Sharpening Stone (replaceable)
- PowerSharp chain
- Instructions
- Product sticker to put on your chainsaw so you’ll have the replacement chain part #.
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.
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.
- 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.
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:
- Unscrew the wing-nut on the plastic sprocket cover and lift off the cover.
- Turn the tensioning gear to loosen the chain.
- Lift the original Stihl bar and chain off the saw.
- Unfasten the screw from the back of the tensioning gear and remove the gear from the Stihl bar.
- Place the tensioning gear on the PowerSharp guide bar and secure it with the screw.
- Fit the PowerSharp guide bar and chain on the saw.
- Take up the slack in the chain by turning the tensioning gear.
- Replace the sprocket cover.
- Check and tighten the chain if needed.
Bar and chain on the saw before replacing the sprocket cover:
The Oregon PowerSharp is ready to go!
This review is continued in Oregon PowerSharp Review – Part 2.
Take care,
Bob Jackson
