Stihl 2 in 1 Easy File Chainsaw Chain Sharpener Owners Manual Instructions

Even the best Saw Chains become blunt over time, and when they do your Chainsaw becomes less effective and suffers from increased wear. Working with the Chainsaw also becomes more physically demanding, and the cutting performance reduces. If you notice the following signs when working with your Saw, you should sharpen or possibly even replace your Saw Chain.

HOW TO SHARPEN YOUR CHAINSAW THE EASY WAY: USING STIHL EASY 2-IN-1 FILE GUIDE

The STIHL Easy 2-in-1 File Guide is a great option for occasional Chainsaw users, who don't sharpen a chain on a regular basis. This tool simplifies the process of sharpening your saw chain by completing two functions at once – filing both the cutting edges of the teeth (i.e. the sharp bit!) and the depth gauge.

The video below shows you how to use the STIHL 2-in-1 File Guide.

STIHL EASYFILE 2 IN 1 FILE GUIDE

HOW TO SHARPEN YOUR CHAINSAW WITH A ROUND FILE

There are other options when it comes to filing your chain too – we make separate round files, flat files and file handles so you can have a mix and match selection to suit you! This might be a more cost-effective option if you have several chains with different pitches that need sharpening.

SELECTING THE RIGHT FILE SIZE

As there are many different sizes of chain, it is important to use the right sized file that corresponds with your chain.

This can be done by establishing the pitch of your chain, which can be found in the form of a small number marked on the depth gauges. This small number indicates which file diameter will fit the chain when using the STIHL conversion table as seen in the image below.

STIHL CONVERSION TABLE

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO SHARPENING YOUR SAW CHAIN WITH A ROUND FILE

The video and steps below show you how to use a Round File to sharpen your Saw Chain.

Step 1

STEP 1 GUIDE TO SHARPENING YOUR SAW CHAIN WITH A ROUND FILE

Secure your Chainsaw in a vice and tension the chain.
Start with the side that is opposite you. Position the file so that the filing angle is 30°

Step 2

STEP 2 GUIDE TO SHARPENING YOUR SAW CHAIN WITH A ROUND FILE

Always hold the file flat to the guide bar (right angle 90°)

Step 3

STEP 3 GUIDE TO SHARPENING YOUR SAW CHAIN WITH A ROUND FILE

Hold the file so that one quarter of its diameter projects above the top plate
Use the full length of the file and apply pressure as you file away from the tooth – lift the file off the cutter on the backstroke.
Rotate the file a little at regular intervals while filing to avoid one-sided wear of the file

Step 4

STEP 4 GUIDE TO SHARPENING YOUR SAW CHAIN WITH A ROUND FILE

2 or 3 strokes per tooth should be enough to restore a sharp edge
Once you have completed a full rotation of the chain, rotate the Chainsaw in the vice and repeat the same steps for the other side of the chain

Step 5

Check the depth gauge, simply place the filing gauge tool onto the saw chain. If the depth gauge protrudes above the top, it must be reworked. Use a flat file to file the depth gauge horizontally so that it is flush with the filing gauge tool.

STIHL Filing Kit

WHAT IS THE DEPTH GAUGE SETTING?

It's really important to make sure the depth gauge is filed too, as it is the difference between the height of the cutting teeth and the depth gauge which determines how much wood is taken out by the chain. If you only file the cutting teeth down and don't lower the depth gauge at the same time, your chain will be taking less and less wood out each time and your saw won't perform as efficiently.

HOW TO CHECK THE DEPTH GAUGE

STIHL have a handy tool for checking the side and top plate cutting angle, tooth length and depth gauge setting, as well as for cleaning the groove and oil inlet hole in the guide bar. Choose the filing gauge tool that matches your chain pitch.

To check the depth gauge, simply place the tool on the saw chain. If the depth gauge protrudes beyond the gauge, it must be reworked. Use a flat file to file the depth gauge horizontally so that it is flush with the filing gauge.

Close-up of a filing gauge on a saw chain

HOW TO SHARPEN YOUR CHAINSAW: EXPERT TIPS AND TRICKS

Do not attempt to sharpen your Chainsaw with any files other than a Saw Chain file. Saw Chain files are specifically designed to sharpen Saw Chains. They have a special surface structure, known as a file stroke, that makes them the right tool to sharpen your Chains
Before you start sharpening, mark one cutter with a marker pen. After two or three strokes of the file, check how much material has been removed. If the surface looks uniform your filing action is correct. If there are still patches of colour in places, check that you are using the right file and make sure you are not holding the file too high or low
Marking your 1^st tooth with a black marker it aslo a great way to remember where you started
Tensioning the chain will make it easier to file
Never continue working with a chain until it is completely blunt. A few strokes of the file at regular intervals quickly restores full sharpness
Count the number of file strokes and use the same number on each cutter to obtain cutters of identical length
If you find that the cutters in one row are shorter than those in the other row, you are likely to have used more pressure while filing the row concerned. Correct this by performing one or two strokes of the file on the longer cutters

A NOTE ON SAFETY

Before working on your Chainsaw, ensure that the workspace is safe and your machine is secured in a vice.

We recommend using approved STIHL safety gloves when sharpening your saw to prevent injury. Always remember to cover your Chainsaw bar with its protective scabbard when not in use. This not only reduces the likelihood of accidentally cutting yourself, but also protects the teeth from sustaining damage and becoming blunt.

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Source: https://www.stihlshop.co.nz/ask-an-expert/chainsaw-sharpening