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23 Maintaining and Sharpening the Saw Chain
WARNING
It is absolutely essential to comply with the
angles and dimensions specified below. If the
saw chain is incorrectly sharpened – and in par‐
ticular if the depth gauge is set too low – there is
a risk of increased kickback of the saw, with
resulting risk of injury.
23.2
Chain pitch
The chain pitch (a) is marked on the depth gauge
end of each cutter.
Mark (a)
7
1 or 1/4
6, P or PM
2 or 325
3 or 3/8
4 or 404
Select file diameter according to chain pitch –
see table "Sharpening Tools".
You must observe certain angles when resharp‐
ening the chain cutter.
23.3
Filing and side plate angles
A
B
A Filing angle
STIHL saw chains are sharpened to a filing angle
of 30°. Exceptions are ripping chains with a filing
0458-764-0121-B
a
Chain pitch
inch
mm
1/4 P
6.35
1/4
6.35
3/8 P
9.32
0.325
8.25
3/8
9.32
0.404
10.26
angle of 10°. Ripping chains have an X in their
designations.
B Side plate angle
The correct side plate angle is obtained automat‐
ically if you use the prescribed file holder and file
diameter.
Cutter shapes
Micro = semi chisel cutter, e.g.
63 PM3, 26 RM3, 36 RM
Super = chisel cutter, e.g. 63 PS3,
26 RS, 36 RS3
Ripping chain, e.g. 63 PMX,
36 RMX
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.
23.4
File holder
► Use a file holder
A file holder must be used for manual resharpen‐
ing (see table "Sharpening Tools"). The correct
filing angles are marked on the file holder.
Use only special saw chain sharpening files.
Other files have the wrong shape and cut.
23.5
For checking angles
Use a STlHL filing gauge (special accessory, see
table "Sharpening Tools"). This is a universal tool
for checking the filing and side plate angles,
English
Angle (°)
A
B
30
75
30
60
10
75
25
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