English
Maintaining and
Sharpening the Saw Chain
Cutting effortlessly with a correctly
sharpened chain
A properly sharpened chain slices
through wood effortlessly and requires
very little feed pressure.
Do not work with a dull or damaged
chain as it will increase the physical
effort required, produce unsatisfactory
results and a higher rate of wear.
N
Clean the chain.
N
Check the chain for cracks in the
links and damaged rivets.
N
Replace any damaged or worn
parts of the chain and match the
new parts to the shape and size of
the original parts.
Carbide-tipped saw chains (Duro) are
particularly wear resistant. STIHL
recommends you have your chain
resharpened by a STIHL servicing
dealer.
It is absolutely essential to comply
with the angles and dimensions
specified below. If the saw chain is
incorrectly sharpened – and in
particular if the depth gauge is set
too low – there is a risk of
increased kickback of the saw,
with resulting risk of injury.
44
3/8
The chain pitch (e.g. 3/8") is marked on
the depth gauge end of each cutter.
Use only special saw chain
sharpening files. Other files have the
wrong shape and cut.
Select file diameter according to chain
pitch – see table "Sharpening Tools".
You must observe certain angles when
resharpening the chain cutter.
A
B
A
Filing angle
B
Side plate angle
Chain type
Rapid Micro (RM)
Rapid Super (RS)
Picco Micro (PM)
Cutter shapes
Micro = Semi-chisel
Super = Full chisel
The specified angles A and B are
obtained automatically if the
recommended files or sharpening tools
and correct settings are used.
The angles must be the same on all
cutters. If the angles are uneven: Chain
will run roughly, not in a straight line,
wear quickly and finally break.
As these requirements can be met only
after sufficient and constant practice:
N
Use a file holder
A file holder must be used for manual
resharpening (see table "Sharpening
Tools"). The correct filing angles are
marked on the file holder.
For checking angles
Angle (°)
A
B
30
75
30
60
30
75
Use a STIHL filing gauge (special
accessory, see table "Sharpening
Tools"). This is a universal tool for
checking the filing and side plate angles,
MS 311, MS 391