What size file to use for a chainsaw chain?

[Franny K]

Thanks for the info.

I stumbled onto this info also.

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

That link basically says file size used should be determined by tooth height. Maybe there is a similar document showing what percentage of the file diameter should be above the top plate. 20% is what I recall.

 

[Little Al]

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

As said but if you live my side of the pond it will be 5.5 mm unless it's Stihl & it reverts back to Imperial with the odd 13/64th's size All straight forward" init"

 

[jchipps]

Nothing wrong with a good debate.
I enjoy reading all the various ways people do different things, and always like learning better ways to skin a cat.

You can split hairs all day long about a millimeter here, a 64th there, or the perfect percentage of file height above the tooth, so on and so forth.

But at the end of the day, if you use one 7/32 file (5.5mm) on any regular 3/8 chain, regardless of manufacturer, you're good to go from now until eternity.

 

[Okie]

It's a 3/8's pitch chain on this old 034 and a 7/32 ROUND file was what it needed even though the file looked to be too riding too high on the almost new cutter tooth.
Was really surprised how this old 034 will eat up hardwood fast and not even strain or lug during full bar cuts.

Thanks for the tip that a round file was needed. (instead of triangular, etc)

I'll pass the round file info onto the young chainsaw guy (so called chainsaw mechanic) at the local saw shop. (sounds like info he can use)

 

[Del_]

Nothing wrong with a good debate.
I enjoy reading all the various ways people do different things, and always like learning better ways to skin a cat.

You can split hairs all day long about a millimeter here, a 64th there, or the perfect percentage of file height above the tooth, so on and so forth.

But at the end of the day, if you use one 7/32 file (5.5mm) on any regular 3/8 chain, regardless of manufacturer, you're good to go from now until eternity.

That is true as long as you aren't concerned with optimizing.

I am.

But I square file the 3/8 pitch on my 026. I have 3.

 

[Ted Jenkins]

And I thought all files were 7/32'' or should be. My 3/8'' and 404 work well with 7/32. Just got 64 files thank goodness I did not try to shop around for sizes. Thanks

 

[Little Al]

Nothing wrong with a good debate.
I enjoy reading all the various ways people do different things, and always like learning better ways to skin a cat.

You can split hairs all day long about a millimeter here, a 64th there, or the perfect percentage of file height above the tooth, so on and so forth.

But at the end of the day, if you use one 7/32 file (5.5mm) on any regular 3/8 chain, regardless of manufacturer, you're good to go from now until eternity.

I always use a 5.5 mm on all std 3/8 chain just pointing out the oddities of Stihl although when you are nearing the last few sharpens a 13/64 file seems to work better with the reduced tooth height

 

[Okie]

I stumbled across this handy little plastic gauge made by Oregon. Can check the pitch really fast.
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OREGON Chainsaw Bar & Chain Pitch, Gauge, File Measuring Tool 556418