25 Inspection and Maintenance
25.4 Inspecting, Maintaining and Sharpening the
Saw Chain
WARNING
An improperly sharpened chain can increase the risk of
kickback and other reactive forces, resulting in severe
personal injury or death. For example, depth gauges that are
too low or cutters that are filed incorrectly can increase the
kickback tendency of the chain saw and can increase
kickback forces, making it more difficult to control the saw.
Always review and follow the sharpening angles and
dimensions recommended by STIHL when checking or
sharpening the chain.
WARNING
Never use a dull or damaged chain. This leads to increased
physical strain, increased vibration load, unsatisfactory
cutting results and increased wear. If the chips from cutting
are fine, more like saw dust than wood chips, the chain likely
is dull.
► Switch off the chain saw, engage the chain brake and
remove the battery.
2
► Check the height of the depth gauge (1) with a STIHL file
gauge (2) matching the pitch of the chain.
► If the depth gauge protrudes higher than the file gauge,
file the depth gauge to the appropriate height.
0458-791-8621-C
► Work carefully. Do not file the depth gauge too low. A
STIHL chain is manufactured with wear marks to help the
operator identify excessive wear. The wear marks depicted
above (1 - 4) must remain visible.
► Replace the chain if any wear marks are no longer visible.
► Check the 30° sharpening angle of the cutters with a
► If the sharpening angle is incorrect, file the cutters to a 30°
1
► If you are unable to achieve the proper angle, or suspect
An improperly filed chain can be very dangerous. It can
increase the potential for reactive forces, including kickback,
and also increase the magnitude of those reactive forces.
depth gauge that is too low must be replaced or
sharpened by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer, as it
can increase the kickback tendency of the chain saw and
can increase kickback forces.
2
4
STIHL file gauge matching the pitch of the chain.
angle.
you have not achieved the proper angle, have the chain
sharpened by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer.
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