5/32 vs 7/32 Chainsaw File: Which One Should You Buy?
Three Oregon chainsaw file examples compared by file size, kit contents and chain type, with a verdict on which size the listings confirm.
On this page
Top picks at a glance
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- 1
PFERD Tools Chainsaw File Set9.7/10View on Amazon - 2
Husqvarna Chainsaw File Kit for 3/8" Pitch H Chainsaw Chains9.6/10View on Amazon - 3
Stihl 2 in 1 Easy File Chainsaw Sharpener9.6/10View on Amazon - 4
HARFINGTON 4pcs Chainsaw FileView on Amazon - 5
Oregon 23727 3/16-Inch Chainsaw FileView on Amazon - 6
HARFINGTON 2pcs Chainsaw FileView on Amazon
Verdict: Choose the 5/32 in examples if your chain takes 5/32 in files: the kit example covers filing angles and depth gauges, and the stones example fits an electric sharpener. The 7/32 side has no confirmed example here, since the listing tagged for that side names 5/32 in files, so confirm the file size your chain needs before ordering.
A dull chain turns cutting into pushing, and the right file brings the edge back. The 5/32 vs 7/32 chainsaw file question comes down to the file size your chain takes, not to which size is better in general. This comparison covers the two sizes, then three Oregon examples from the listings we reviewed.
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| # | Product | Woodlot Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Oregon 104004 Chainsaw Sharpening Kits, 5/32" | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  Oregon 28840 5/32-Inch Chainsaw Replacement | 9.4/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  Oregon Double-Cut Chainsaw Files | 9.3/10 | Buy on Amazon |
Oregon 104004 Chainsaw Sharpening Kits, 5/32"
A complete Oregon sharpening kit with a 5/32 in round file, filing guide, 6 in flat file, two wooden handles and a 0.025 in depth gauge tool.
Pros
- Complete kit: round file, guide, flat file, handles and depth gauge tool
- Guide sets correct filing angles, with a filing chart on the package
- Consistent hardness, so the file stays sharper longer per the listing
- Depth gauge tool at 0.025 in included
Cons
- No warranty term stated
- One round file only, no spares
- Full complement chains only, per the listing
- No case stated for the kit parts
Oregon 28840 5/32-Inch Chainsaw Replacement
A 3-pack of 5/32 in replacement sharpening stones in fine grit, for the Oregon electric Sure Sharp handheld grinder.
Pros
- 3-pack of 5/32 in stones for the Oregon Sure Sharp grinder
- Fine grit for an excellent cutting edge, per the listing
- Easily replaced on most electric chain sharpeners
- Heavy-duty, long-lasting stones, per the listing
Cons
- Stones only, no file handle, guide or depth gauge tool
- No warranty term stated, only the word Warranty in the spec table
- Made for electric sharpeners, not hand filing
- Grit stated only as Fine, with no grit number
Oregon Double-Cut Chainsaw Files
A 2-pack of Oregon double-cut chainsaw files for low profile chain, listed as 5/32 in despite the 7/32 side tag.
Pros
- Double-cut files, 2 in a pack
- Low profile chain type stated
- Listed at 2.08 ounces
- From the Oregon cutting systems line
Cons
- Tagged for the 7/32 side, but the listing names 5/32 in files
- No file length or handle stated
- No warranty term stated
- Number of items listed as 1 against a 2-pack title
More options to compare
HARFINGTON 4pcs Chainsaw FileCheck price on Amazon
Oregon 23727 3/16-Inch Chainsaw FileCheck price on Amazon
HARFINGTON 2pcs Chainsaw FileCheck price on Amazon
5/32 vs 7/32 chainsaw file side by side
| Factor | 5/32 side examples | 7/32 side example | Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| File size stated | 5/32 in size on both examples | 5/32 in in the listing, despite the 7/32 side tag | Only the 5/32 size is confirmed by the listings |
| Kit contents | Stones 3-pack; full kit with guide and depth gauge | Double-cut files, 2-pack | The full kit sits on the 5/32 side |
| Guides included | Filing guide and 0.025 in depth gauge tool on the kit | Not stated | Only the kit example includes a guide |
| Chain type | Full complement on the kit | Low profile | Match the file to the chain type stated |
| Weight | 9.07 g stones; kit weight not stated | 2.08 ounces | Weights use different units across listings |
| Warranty | Not stated as a term | Not stated | No example states a warranty term |
Figures are manufacturer stated for the examples, collected 25 October 2026.
File size and chain fit
Both 5/32 side examples state a 5/32 in size: the stones are 5/32 in replacements for the Oregon electric Sure Sharp grinder, and the kit holds a 5/32 in round file with a filing guide. The listing tagged for the 7/32 side also names 5/32 in files in its title and bullets, so it does not confirm a 7/32 in size. Until a listing states the larger size, the 7/32 side of this comparison rests on the task size, not on a confirmed example.
Chain type also differs between the two file examples. The kit example states full complement chain, while the 2-pack example states low profile chain. Match the file and the kit to the chain type your saw runs, not just to the file size.
What each example includes
The stones example is a 3-pack of replacement stones for an electric sharpener, nothing else. The kit example is the fullest package here: a 5/32 in round file, a filing guide, a 6 in flat file, two wooden handles and a 0.025 in depth gauge tool, with a filing chart on the package. The 2-pack example is double-cut files only, with no guide, handle or depth gauge tool stated.
Handling and upkeep
Stones swap onto the electric sharpener and are easily replaced, per the listing, which suits a shop routine where the grinder does the work. The kit suits hand filing at the woodpile: the guide sets the filing angles, the handles give grip, and the depth gauge tool sets the depth gauges. The 2-pack files are listed at 2.08 ounces, so they carry easily in a saw box.
The examples
How we scored them
The Woodlot Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For a chainsaw file, safety would mean a stated guard, guide or certification, and none of the three listings states one, so all three score zero for safety. No example states a warranty term either, so all three score zero for warranty. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Woodlot Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon 104004 Kit | 9.5 | 30 | 21 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| Oregon 28840 Stones | 9.4 | 28 | 20 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| Oregon 23577 Files | 9.3 | 23 | 19 | 19 | 0 | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
Wear cut-resistant chaps, a helmet with face screen and hearing protection, gloves and sturdy boots. Know where the kickback zone is (the upper tip of the bar), keep the chain brake working and the chain sharp, and never cut alone in the woods. Felling trees is hazardous work: hire a professional for large, leaning or storm-damaged trees, especially near buildings or power lines. See OSHA logging safety for chain saw operators. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
Around the Woodpile
- Keep the kit guide and depth gauge tool with the round file, so angles stay consistent.
- Swap stones on the electric sharpener as the listing says they are easily replaced.
- Store the 2-pack files where the double-cut edges will not rub against other tools.
- Check the file size on the package before filing, since the 2-pack title and the side tag disagree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which file size does my chain need?
Use the size your chain takes. Both 5/32 side examples state a 5/32 in size, while the listing tagged for the 7/32 side also names 5/32 in files, so it does not confirm the larger size.
Can I use a 5/32 file on a chain that takes a larger file?
The listings do not state cross-size use. Match the file size to the chain, and check the listing for the size before ordering.
What does the Oregon kit include?
A 5/32 in round file, a filing guide, a 6 in flat file, two wooden handles and a 0.025 in depth gauge tool, with a filing chart on the package.
Do the stones fit a hand file handle?
No. The stones are replacements for the Oregon electric Sure Sharp handheld grinder, per the listing, not hand files.
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