What size file to use for a chainsaw chain?

[Okie]

Stihl 034 chainsaw that has a almost new chain with a #3 stamped on the drive link tang. I'm not sure of the chain manufacturer.

I need to just do a touch up sharpening before it gets completely dull.

Anyone know what size file to use just going by the tang link #3 stamp?

 

[thomasinvancouver]

What is the pitch? 3/8, .325, etc?

 

[pioneerguy600]

3/8" semi chisel.?

 

[jchipps]

Hard to know for sure what you've got there without more info or a pic.
But an 034 should have 3/8" chain. So as long as it's not square ground (not common) you'd need a 7/32" round file

 

[user 122190]

Hard to know for sure what you've got there without more info or a pic.
But an 034 should have 3/8" chain. So as long as it's not square ground (not common) you'd need a 7/32" round file

And as the cutter shortens in length, 13/64 and finally 3/16. The only way to keep track of this is in 64th. Mine are mounted in a block and marked with a sharpie as 14, 13, and 12 (i.e. 14/64, 13/64, and 12/64).

 

[Eskimo]

Stihl 034 chainsaw that has a almost new chain with a #3 stamped on the drive link tang.

This is a link to the Stihl Blog:

Stihl Blog - How to find the right round file

 

[Okie]

It's not a square ground chain.
I was hoping that the #3 tang stamp could be a Stihl or common manu chain ID number.
I can pull the side plate tomorrow and compare existing chain pitch to some of my old worn out chains from other saws for pitch. (and maybe also see a sprocket number)

A 7/32 file looks like it's too large diameter and will ride too high on the tooth visually. (maybe 30% too high on tooth) I just want to make sure that I use a correct size file for the touch up. (and none of my other Stihl chains have a #3 stamped into on their drive tangs.

What size file would you think if I determined the pitch? (is pitch always directly related to the file size for a standard tooth type chain?)

I also keep all my files labeled for hand filing as to size and also label the saw itself as to what size file to use once the correct size is determined for the chain in use.

I'll get back tomorrow or later with more info about pitch, etc. (this was a donor saw and I just got through cutting 2 ricks of hardwood firewood and the chain really cut good and just want to make sure I use correct size file for touch up before it gets dull)

I've used wrong size file in past and well you know.

 

[Eskimo]

I was hoping that the #3 tang stamp could be a Stihl or common manu chain ID number.

In the link that I posted, they show a "3" as being a code for 3/8" pitch, and call for a 5.2 mm file.

OK, scratch that - that's for a "3" on the depth gauge, not the drive link. Better information has been posted down-thread.

 

[Okie]

In the link that I posted, they show a "3" as being a code for 3/8" pitch, and call for a 5.2 mm file.

I don't see the link you posted?

But I lost one lenses out of my glasses in the woodlot. Blind in one eye and weak in the other. Can you help me locate your link?

 

[Eskimo]

I don't see the link you posted?

But I lost one lenses out of my glasses in the woodlot. Blind in one eye and weak in the other. Can you help me locate your link?

I'm a new member here, so maybe links posted by me don't show up, or have to wait for moderation. If so, I understand; spammers are a plague on on-line forums.

Google for stihl + file + size, and you should find, "How to find the right round file" on the Stihl blog.

 

[HarleyT]

If it is a Stihl chain, the "3" stands for 1.3mm, or .050 ga.
The pitch should be @ the depth gauge.

 

[HarleyT]

Like this....

 

[HarleyT]

The correct file size is best chosen by visual comparison at a Stihl dealer or a dealer with a decent selection of round file sizes.

 

[dmb2613]

For Stihl chain , 3/8 should be 13/64 some use 7/32 and .325 is 3/16

 

[berrnard]

Per the stihl manual for normal 3/8(not picco)
13/64 for the start and 7/32 for closer to end of life for chain.


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[jchipps]

If it's regular 3/8" chain, a 7/32" file will file it correctly from day one, until there's no tooth left and it's ready for the bone pile.
No need to have 2 or 3 files, but to each his own.

 

[dmb2613]

the stihl 2 in 1 file has a 5.5mm file in it for a 3/8 chain the 5.5 = 7/32

 

[Okie]

Thanks for the info.

I stumbled onto this info also.

https://blog.stihl.com/practical-knowledge/2016/05/find-right-round-file/

 

[tla100]

Round.

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

If it's regular 3/8" chain, a 7/32" file will file it correctly from day one, until there's no tooth left and it's ready for the bone pile.
No need to have 2 or 3 files, but to each his own.

Some folks like to maintain a good hook angle without filing into the rivet when it gets down to a nub, a .325 file is an appropriate step down.