Stihl Chain Saw Blade Sharpening Procedures

When to Sharpen the Blade

• The saw will tell you when it needs to be sharpened. When it isn't cutting in a straight line, when the chips get smaller like dust or when it chatters and jumps, it needs to be sharpened. A well-sharpened chain will work its way through the wood with minimal pressure. If you have to work the chain through the cut, it's probably dull and needs sharpening. Stihl recommends that you have your chain sharpened by a service technician after sharpening your chain five times. They will ensure that the angles are correct.
  
  

The Right Tools For The Job

• Stihl recommends using their filing gauge. It has all the angles on it as well as the depth gauge. It takes the guesswork out of what angle you're filing at.
  
  You will need a specific file for the chain you are using. Stihl recommends using a 5/32 inch (4.0 mm) round file for a ¼ inch micro, a 3/8 inch Picco Mini and a 3/8 inch Picco Micro chain. They recommend using a 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) round file for a .325 Micro, Super and a 13/64 (5.2 mm) round file for a 3/8 inch Micro, Super chain. You will also need a flat depth gauge file.
  
  

How To Sharpen The Chain

• Stihl says to start by measuring the cutters and finding the one with the shortest top length. This is the cutter you will sharpen first. Sharpen this cutter to the correct angle using the filing gauge. Once the correct angle is maintained, sharpen all of the other cutters to match the first. Take as much material off as needed to make sure they all match but only as much as necessary. Sharpen all of the cutters on one side, and sharpen all of the ones on the other side of the chain. When filing the cutters, file from the lowest point to the highest point (or inside to outside) and only apply pressure on the forward push of the file. Pull the file away from the cutter when you are pulling the file towards you. This will keep a sharp edge on the point (where it belongs).
  
  Always check the depth gauge every time you sharpen the cutters. If the depth gauge protrudes above the filing gauge, take the time to file them flat. Once they are all flattened, you will still need to round off the leading edge. This should keep you on the cutting edge.