.325 chain, conflicting file sizes

[Doorguru]

I have a Pferd 2 in 1 sharpener. Molded into the plastic, it indicates that it is for a .325 chain and uses a 3/16 file. Looking at the H72 chain Oregon packaging that came with my .325 chain, it indicates to use a 5/32 file.

I am confused. Why are two different size files shown for a .325 chain?

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

Either size will work. Same thing with 3/8” pitch chain. 7/32 or 13/64 files will work.

 

[Doorguru]

Either size will work. Same thing with 3/8” pitch chain. 7/32 or 13/64 files will work.

Thanks for the quick reply! I guess I was over thinking !

My 3/8LP sharpener shows uses a 5/32 file.

 

[Philbert]

Different manufacturers have different specifications.

.325” is the pitch (rivet spacing) of the chain, but different .325 chains can have different cutter profiles.

In practice, s lot of guys will use the 3/16” file when the chain is new, and the cutters are larger, and switch to smaller 5/32” files when the cutters get shorter and lower.

The actual difference is small.

Philbert

 

[chilipeppermaniac]

I have a Pferd 2 in 1 sharpener. Molded into the plastic, it indicates that it is for a .325 chain and uses a 3/16 file. Looking at the H72 chain Oregon packaging that came with my .325 chain, it indicates to use a 5/32 file.

I am confused. Why are two different size files shown for a .325 chain?

View attachment 1091968 View attachment 1091969

Thanks for the quick reply! I guess I was over thinking !

My 3/8LP sharpener shows uses a 5/32 file.

Dsoorguru, I do not think you were over thinking things.

I come up with this. If you use a slightly larger 3/16 on your Oregon chain, it will just be more aggressive a profile on your teeth than the 5/32

 

[chilipeppermaniac]

I have a Pferd 2 in 1 sharpener. Molded into the plastic, it indicates that it is for a .325 chain and uses a 3/16 file. Looking at the H72 chain Oregon packaging that came with my .325 chain, it indicates to use a 5/32 file.

I am confused. Why are two different size files shown for a .325 chain?

View attachment 1091968 View attachment 1091969

I pulled up Oregon H72 and get this too. odd that your package says 5/32

 

[Doorguru]

I pulled up Oregon H72 and get this too. odd that your package says 5/32

View attachment 1091972

That is strange. My chain package appears old. Maybe they decided to change the file size to conform with other brands and end confusion (?) For what ever reason it does seem to show that either file size is fine.

 

[Philbert]

Something important about the 2in1 sharpeners is that the spacing of the files / geometry of the sharpener is only for one chain pitch.

Even if one file size might be used with different pitch chains, if free hand filing, the 2in1 is pitch specific.

Philbert

 

[Doorguru]

Something important about the 2in1 sharpeners is that the spacing of the files / geometry of the sharpener is only for one chain pitch.

Even if one file size might be used with different pitch chains, if free hand filing, the 2in1 is pitch specific.

Philbert

Yes, I think I understand. Example: A 7/32" File will work free hand for either a 3/8" or a .404" pitch chain, but when this file is in the Pferd 2 in 1 jig, it will only work for one pitch or the other, not both, depending on what is indicated on the jig.

More info: https://www.arboristsite.com/threads/anyone-changed-file-sizes-in-a-2-for-1-sharpener.349357/