Sharpening 3/8" .043 Gauge Chain?

[Franny K]

You might be onto something there. That must be pretty old though. Note if you go to the an earlier link you posted then to specifications I copy and paste
OILOMATIC® STIHL PICCO™ Micro™ Mini 3 (PMM3)
PMM3 OILOMATIC® STIHL PICCO™ Micro™ Mini 3 saw chain is the successor to 61 PMN saw chain.

I edited the text from picture somewhat the way I see things. Generally there are a few filing guides at a well stocked Stihl dealership, If it appeared they had one specific to the 61pmm3 chain I likely would have got one. That pmn has bizzare long hooked I think bumper drive links. The idea is to have 20% of the file above the top plate.

3/8 PMN 9.32 5605 750 4327 5605 007 1026

1/4 rm 6.35 5056 750 4327 5605 007 1027
3/8pm 9.32 5056 750 4327 5605 007 1027
3/8pmm3 9.32 5056 750 4327 5605 007 102?


What do you think is the difference here
0811 411 8073
0811 411 8091
Both 5/32 diameter files. Perhaps the one for the skinny chain is finer more like a prfred file? The things I buy come with file and the guide, I think there is often another option that also has the flat depth gauge file in it but that is generally not stocked in as many choices. It may or may not have something to clean out the slot, do not recall. The 2 in one thing being another item.

 

[Philbert]

Maybe someone can write STIHL USA for an 'official' answer.

Otherwise, it's 'this works for me'.

Philbert

 

[SteveSr]

The thickness of the drivers doesn’t matter...only the size of the cutter.

True, but the cutters are actually smaller on PMM than on PM chain Hence the issue.

 

[SteveSr]

Bit off question but recommend upgrading the b & c to the .050 gauge. The bar is better and the chain cutters, rivets and straps all stronger. Chain stays sharper longer. When I picked up a little MS 170, dealer upgraded nc

Yea, I know that this can be done but the 170 is already under powered and now making it cut a wider kerf is only going to make things worse. A skilled sawyer with a sharp chain could probably get away with this. There is a reason that Stihl doesn't recommend this combination.

 

[HarleyT]

I always go with the .050 gauge chain. It cuts just fine.

Hard to sharpen bent cutters.

 

[SteveSr]

STIHL Filing Guides
View attachment 625267

Philbert

so it looks like Stihl makes sharpening tools for the .043 gauge (i think) chain 1/4" PM chain. Does anyone know if the cutters on this chain are the same as on the PMM3? I notice that the web site DOES NOT list the PMM3 chain anywhere on that page, hence the issue.

 

[Franny K]

so it looks like Stihl makes sharpening tools for the .043 gauge (i think) chain 1/4" PM chain. Does anyone know if the cutters on this chain are the same as on the PMM3? I notice that the web site DOES NOT list the PMM3 chain anywhere on that page, hence the issue.

I tried to clarify that in post 23 see big black text.
No that 1/4pm chain is significantly different, look on the ms150 chainsaw to see how small it is.
61pmm3 uses a 5/32 diameter file it is in plain sight on the retail packaging. I am rather confident this stuff is in owners manuals that can be downloaded from the stihl site. 6 denotes 3/8 pitch, 1 denotes 1.1mm drive links which is 0.043 inch, p denotes picco, mm denotes micro mini, 3 is the current bumper drive link reducing kickback feature designed (I suspect) to work best with a 7 tooth nosed bar. It is pretty minimal kickback on a 9 tooth nose if you can find one.

 

[SteveSr]

I tried to clarify that in post 23 see big black text.
No that 1/4pm chain is significantly different, look on the ms150 chainsaw to see how small it is.
61pmm3 uses a 5/32 diameter file it is in plain sight on the retail packaging. I am rather confident this stuff is in owners manuals that can be downloaded from the stihl site. 6 denotes 3/8 pitch, 1 denotes 1.1mm drive links which is 0.043 inch, p denotes picco, mm denotes micro mini, 3 is the current bumper drive link reducing kickback feature designed (I suspect) to work best with a 7 tooth nosed bar. It is pretty minimal kickback on a 9 tooth nose if you can find one.

Thanks for the clarification but if this is true I don't understand why Stihl doesn't mention the PMM3 in their filing kit with the 5/32" (4.0mm) files. Please see attached data sheet that comes with the filing kits. Is the filing guide or raker gauge different?

 

[Philbert]

We have to be careful what we assume with these chains!

Philbert

 

[CR888]

Don't confuse what Oregon does with what Stihl does in regard to chain and file sizes. Often there the same but sometimes are different. Especially with some of the new Oregon products as Philbert mentions.

 

[Franny K]

Thanks for the clarification but if this is true I don't understand why Stihl doesn't mention the PMM3 in their filing kit with the 5/32" (4.0mm) files. Please see attached data sheet that comes with the filing kits. Is the filing guide or raker gauge different?

I just use the stuff am not associated in any way with any dealership or any Stihl entity. I kind of prefer the Oregon file guides as the knurled nut (Still) can rub my hand, I have the Oregon center type depth gauge filing guides and the genuine Stihl flat files for the raker or depth gauges. They in my opinion are close to too hard for filing.

I looked at that two page PDF file. Pretty much all angles and dimensions one would seem to need are on the second sheet. I see pmm3 on the second sheet.

Since the cutters are small and short and I use 44dl loops chances are I would still be in pretty good shape at disposal time just using a bare file trying to keep it at 20% above top plate. And using a dremmel tool with 3/8 Diam stone counting seconds on the depth gauges which does not seem necessary right away.

If it says 5/32 on the filing guide and a 5/32 file is used you end up with 20% mentioned above.

 

[SteveSr]

I looked at that two page PDF file. Pretty much all angles and dimensions one would seem to need are on the second sheet. I see pmm3 on the second sheet.

I must be getting old... I can't read sideways and my neck won't twist that far anymore either!

It looks like that answers the question. I just wish that Stihl was a little better in their web site descriptions! Having to hunt for what should be readily available information is a real waste of time!