Stihl MS 171 Instruction Manual page 36

English
The diameter of file to be used depends on the
chain pitch – see table "Sharpening tools".
The angles of the cutter must be maintained dur‐
ing resharpening.
29.3 Sharpening and side plate
angles
A
B
A Sharpening angle
STIHL saw chains are sharpened with a 30°
sharpening angle. Ripping chains, which are
sharpened with a 10° sharpening angle, are
exceptions. Ripping chains have an X in the des‐
ignation.
B Side plate angle
The correct side plate angle results automatically
when the specified file holder and file diameter
are used.
Tooth shapes
Micro = semi-chisel tooth, e. g.,
63 PM3, 26 RM3, 36 RM
Super = full chisel tooth, e. g.,
63 PS3, 26 RS, 36 RS3
Ripping chain, e. g., 63 PMX,
36 RMX
The angles must be identical for all cutters in the
saw chain. Varying angles: Rough, uneven run‐
ning of the saw chain, increased wear – even to
the point of saw chain breakage.
36
29.4
► Use a file holder
Always use a file holder (special accessory, see
table "Sharpening tools") when sharpening saw
chains by hand. File holders have markings for
the sharpening angle.
Use only special saw chain files! Other files are
unsuitable in terms of shape and type of cutting.
29.5
Angle (°)
A B
30 75
STIHL filing gauge (special accessory, see table
"Sharpening tools") – a universal tool for check‐
30 60
ing sharpening and side plate angles, depth
gauge setting, and tooth length, as well as clean‐
10 75
ing grooves and oil inlet holes.
29.6
► Select sharpening tools in accordance with
chain pitch
► Clamp guide bar if necessary
► Block saw chain – push the hand guard for‐
ward
► To advance the saw chain, pull the hand
guard toward the handlebar: The chain brake
is disengaged. With the Quickstop Super
chain brake system, additionally press the
throttle trigger lockout
► Sharpen frequently, removing little material –
two or three strokes of the file are usually suffi‐
cient for simple resharpening
29 Maintaining and Sharpening the Saw Chain
File holder
To check the angles
Proper sharpening
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