Granberg has sold a bar mount filing guide since the late 1950s. The basic design has barely changed since then. That kind of shelf life is rare in chainsaw gear, and it usually means the tool actually works.
The current version is the G-106B. It clamps onto your bar and holds a round file at a fixed angle and depth. You push it through each tooth, and it removes most of the guesswork.
This guide covers what the G-106B does well, and where it struggles. It also compares the G-106B to freehand filing and cheaper 2-in-1 guides.
What a Granberg Chainsaw Sharpener Actually Fixes
Chain sharpening lives or dies on three things: filing angle, file height, and depth gauge setting. Get any of those wrong on a few teeth and the chain cuts crooked or slow. Freehand filing puts all three on your hand and eye alone.
A bar mount guide takes filing angle and file height out of your hands. It clamps to the bar, not the chain, so it stays put. That is why owners reach for one over freehand filing.
The tradeoff is setup. A bar mount guide takes longer to get dialed in than a simple handheld clip on guide. Get your filing angle set correctly first, and the rest of the setup goes faster.
| Method | Type | Best for | Price band | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freehand filing | No jig | Experienced hands, light kit | Files only | |
| 2-in-1 file guide | Handheld clip on guide | Quick touch ups in the field | Under $20 | |
| Granberg G-106B | Bar mounted mechanical guide | Consistent results without a grinder | Around $65 | |
| Precision grinder | Bar mounted powered grinder | Fast repeat sharpening at a higher budget | Around $110 |
Where the G-106B Sits
A 2-in-1 guide is cheap and fast to grab, but it only rides on the file itself. It cannot lock onto the bar, so consistency depends on your grip staying steady across every tooth.
The brand also sells a powered bar mounted grinder above the G-106B in its current lineup. It uses the same mounting idea but replaces the hand file with a small motor and grinding stone. Owners pay more for speed, not for a different core concept.
Granberg G-106B Bar Mount Guide
Best Overall
Bar mounted mechanical file guide | round files 5/32 to 7/32 inch | around $65
The G-106B clamps to the bar and sets your filing angle with a calibrated swivel marking. It also controls file height and includes a depth gauge tool for the rakers. Files are sold separately, so budget for a set the first time you buy.
Owner reviews repeatedly mention a rough first setup. The included instructions are thin, and getting the clamp seated correctly takes a few tries. Past that point, the recurring theme is consistent, sharp cutters that beat freehand results.
Pros
- Locks filing angle and height mechanically
- Works on most chain pitches with the correct round file
- No power source needed
Cons
- Setup takes real time the first few uses
- Factory instructions are minimal
- Can slip on Teflon coated bars
Fit and finish get mixed marks. Some owners note rough casting edges on newer units, needing a quick pass with a file before first use. A few also report tighter clearance on half inch chains than older runs allowed.
File Compatibility With the G-106B
The G-106B does not include files. It is built around standard round files in 5/32, 3/16, and 7/32 inch diameters. Sizing works the same way as any hand filing setup, matched to your chain pitch.
Check your chain against a file size chart before you order files. The wrongly sized file will not sit correctly in the guide. Buying the correct size the first time saves a return trip to the hardware store.
Oregon File Kit
Best File Match
Round files matched to chain pitch | includes handle and depth gauge tool | budget friendly
Oregon sells round files in the same 5/32, 3/16, and 7/32 inch sizes the G-106B uses. Matching one to your chain is straightforward. Kits typically bundle a handle, a flat file for the rakers, and a depth gauge tool.
This is the simplest way to get a correctly sized file without guessing. Owners who buy the wrong diameter tend to blame the guide when the file was the real problem.
Pros
- Sized to match common chain pitches
- Bundles a handle and depth tool
- Widely stocked
Cons
- Files wear out and need replacing
- Still requires the guide to hold the angle
Mistakes to Skip With a Bar Mount Sharpener
Do not skip how to size a chainsaw file correctly before you buy files. A file even one size off will not seat right in the guide. Every cutter after that comes out wrong.
Do not rush the first setup. Owners who fought the clamp and instructions on day one report better results after slowing down. The guide works exactly as intended once it is seated correctly.
Do not expect a bar mount guide to replace a grinder. That distinction matters if you sharpen chains for other people or run a saw daily. A powered variant and shop grinders exist for that job.
How a Bar Mount Guide Compares to a 2-in-1
A 2-in-1 guide wins on speed and portability. Toss it in a saw case and touch up a chain in the field in a couple of minutes.
A bar mount guide wins on consistency across a full chain. That matters most for someone still building filing skill. It takes longer to set up, but it holds its angle without relying on a steady hand.
Many owners keep both. The handheld guide covers quick field touch ups, and the bar mount guide handles a full sharpening at home. the full spread of chainsaw sharpening tools covers where each option fits.
The bottom line: the G-106B earns its price if you sharpen your own chains regularly. It delivers consistent results without buying a grinder. Expect a fiddly first setup, then steady results after that.
Bar Mount Sharpener FAQ
Does the G-106B come with files?
No. The guide holds a round file at the correct angle and depth. Files are sold separately and must match your chain pitch.
What file size does the guide use?
Standard round files in 5/32, 3/16, or 7/32 inch diameter, chosen to match your specific chain. The wrong size will not sit correctly in the mount.
Is a bar mount guide hard to set up?
The first setup is the hardest part. Owner reviews repeatedly mention a slow start with thin instructions. Mounting gets quick and repeatable once you know the steps.
Is the G-106B better than a 2-in-1 file guide?
For consistency across a full chain, yes. For speed and portability in the field, a 2-in-1 guide still wins. Many owners keep both for different jobs.
Does Granberg make a powered version?
Yes. Granberg’s current lineup includes a bar mounted powered grinder above the G-106B. It suits owners who want faster, ground edges instead of filed ones.
Will the G-106B fit any chainsaw bar?
It fits most standard bars, but a Teflon coated bar can be slicker to clamp onto. Seat the mount carefully and recheck it partway through a pass.
everything else we cover on chainsaw sharpening rounds out the rest of our filing and sharpening guides.
Sources
- Granberg International: Company History, About Granberg International. https://www.granberg.com/about-granberg-international/
- Granberg International: G106B bar mount file guide, product specifications. https://www.granberg.com/product/g106b-file-n-joint-low-profile/
- Granberg International: G1012XT Precision Grinder product specifications. https://www.granberg.com/product/g1012xt-precision-grinder-12v/
- Oregon Products: Chainsaw sharpening kit 104004 specifications. https://www.oregonproducts.com/en/oregon%C2%AE-chainsaw-sharpening-kit—includes-file-guide,-5-32-in-round-file,-flat-file-and-depth-gauge-adjustment-tool-104004/p/104004