English
The chain pitch marking (a) is embossed in the area of the
depth gauge of each cutter.
The markings mean the following:
Marking (a)
1
2
3
4
6
7
To sharpen the chain:
► Switch off the chain saw, engage the chain brake and
remove the battery.
► Select a chain file with a diameter matching the pitch of
the chain.
Other files are unsuitable and can result in improperly filed
chain, which can increase the potential and force of
kickback and other reactive forces.
► Clamp the guide bar if necessary to make filing easier.
► To advance the chain, first disengage the chain brake,
@ 17.2.
► Use a file holder.
File holders have markings that indicate the proper
sharpening angle.
54
a
Saw Chain Pitch
1/4"
.325"
3/8"
.404"
3/8" PICCO
1/4" PICCO
► File all the cutters with an identical angle. Two or three
strokes of the file are usually sufficient for simple
resharpening. Remove a little material with each stroke.
Sharpening at varying or inconsistent angles or heights
can be very dangerous and may result in rough or uneven
running of the chain and increased wear, even to the point
of chain breakage. It also can increase the tendency and
force of kickback and other reactive forces.
► Guide the file horizontally at a right angle to the side
surface of the guide bar in accordance with the specified
angle.
► File only from the inside of the cutter outward.
► Lift the file on the backstroke. The file only sharpens on
the forward stroke.
► Do not file tie straps or drive links.
► Periodically rotate the file in order to avoid uneven wear.
► To remove a file burr from the cutter tooth, run the cutter
across a piece of hardwood.
► Check the sharpening angle with a file gauge.
All cutters must be of equal length and filed down to the
length of the shortest cutter. Otherwise, the tendency and
force of kickback and other reactive forces will increase.
STIHL recommends having your chain sharpened by an
authorized STIHL servicing dealer to reduce the risk of
severe or fatal injury from an improperly sharpened chain.
25 Inspection and Maintenance
0458-791-8621-C