Stihl MSA 120 C Instruction Manual page 54

English
STIHL saw 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 saw chain if any wear marks are no longer
visible.
► Check the sharpening angle of the cutters with a STIHL
file gauge matching the pitch of the saw chain, @ 26.4.
► If the sharpening angle is incorrect, file the cutters to the
proper angle, @ 26.4.
► If you are unable to achieve the proper angle, or suspect
you have not achieved the proper angle, have the saw
chain sharpened by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer.
An improperly filed chain can be very dangerous and
increase the tendency of the chain saw to kickback and can
increase kickback and other reactive forces.
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
52
a
Saw Chain Pitch
1/4"
.325"
3/8"
.404"
3/8" PICCO
1/4" PICCO
To sharpen the saw chain:
► Switch off the chain saw, engage the chain brake and
remove the battery.
► Select a saw chain file with a diameter matching the pitch
of the saw chain.
Other files are unsuitable and can result in improperly filed
chain, which can increase the potential and force of
kickback or other reactive forces.
► Clamp the guide bar if necessary to make filing easier.
► To advance the saw chain, first disengage the chain
brake, @ 16.2.
► Use a file holder.
File holders have markings that indicate the proper
sharpening angle.
► 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 saw chain and increased wear, even to the
point of saw chain breakage. It also can increase the
tendency of the chain saw to kickback and increase
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.
24 Inspection and Maintenance
0458-716-8621-C