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Preparing the saw chain

Preparation Zoom

One of the main advantages of the basic saw tooth chain is that it can be resharpened with a round file.

An exception to this rule are the STIHL carbide-tipped "Duro chains" which are particularly wear resistant, their extremely hard cutting edges mean they need to be resharpened with special diamond grinding wheels. Please contact your STIHL Approved Dealer for more information.

 

When should the chain be sharpened?

Even the best saw chain wears and becomes dull with time. It is time to resharpen the chain when one of the following conditions occurs:

  •  The chain does not pull itself into the cut, it has to be forced to cut by applying pressure to the powerhead.
  • When bucking, fine sawdust is pulled from the cut instead of coarse, thick chips.
  • Smoking in the cut even though chain lubrication is good and the chain tension is correct.
  • The cut wanders in one direction. This is an indication of dull cutters on one side of the chain or irregular cutter lengths.
  • The saw "chatters" and "bounces" during the cut. In this case you must check the depth gauge settings.

Preparation

Clean the chain thoroughly

Clean the chain thoroughly

  • Start by cleaning the saw chain thoroughly, e.g. with a resin solvent. You should also examine the chain for signs of damage. Replace any damaged or worn parts immediately.
Wear marks

Wear marks

  • If the wear marks have been reached, it is time for a new chain. Contact your STIHL servicing Dealer for advice.

Tensioning the saw chain

Content Module 9273
  • The chain must be tensioned tighter than normal for resharpening. This prevents the cutters from moving and makes it easier for you to maintain the correct angles. After resharpening, restore chain tension to normal.

Identifying the master cutter

Content Module 9274
  • Find the shortest cutter.
  • Mark it as the master cutter. All other cutters in the chain have to be matched to the same length.
  • Sharpen the master cutter first and then file all other cutters back to the same length.
  • Clamp the guide bar in a vise to suit the position of the master cutter.

Clamping the guide bar

Master cutter in the left hand row

Master cutter in the left hand row

  • Clamp the guide bar with the bar nose facing to the right.
  • Pull the master cutter into the filing position and the lock the chain in position with the chain brake.
  • Disengage the chain brake to pull the saw chain along the bar and engage the brake again before filing the next cutters.
Master cutter in the right hand row

Master cutter in the right hand row

  • Clamp the guide bar with the bar nose facing to the left.