I have always used a file until a few years back when carpal tunnel got so bad in my hands I could not grip the file enough to keep a true angle! I have had surgery and still have trouble with keeping my grip so I broke down and bough a sharpener from harbor freight! Im not saying its anywhere near as good as a good hand sharpened saw but if your like me and have trouble....it will sure make life easier! I keep about three chains per the three saws I have and just keep chains sharpened and take them all out on the job with me when Im doing a tree job!