File Sizes for Sharpening Chain
- Thread starter Fellin Feller
- Start date
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Is my filing not what I should be looking for?That's why I use 13/64!
Seems to cut well and make nice chipsThat's why I use 13/64!
I was like " **** this whole time I thought this was right" lol. 
Manufacturers set standards for applications just like anything else , but experience using different diameter files at what works and what doesn’t it what it’s all about
Indeed, some folks filing styles or methods might yield different results also and like mentioned above one should try different sizes and techniques to achieve the desired outcome.
Stihl actually recommends 13/64.
When I use the Pferd 2 in 1 (also sold under the Stihl brand name), it cuts faster than a new chain. I use the 13/64 size. I also use only Stihl RS. I agree with what you said on Stihl chain compared to Oregon. And the other chains stretch a lot more, too.To save you time and trial and error. Use the following and only the following:
1. Stihl chain.
2. Stihl files.
3. In your case use the 7/32.
I've tried other brands chains over the years and when I used stihl chains, I never bothered with anything else. They hold their edge far better than Oregon or husky chains and you need their extra hardened files to file them. When I have tried another brand a time or two again, over the years, I was always disappointed. I've been running only stihl chains now for, I dunno at least 15 to 18 years I guess. It didn't take me too long to try them on my huskies, due to having a nearby Stihl dealer. It was probably just dumb luck and I was working nearby and looked in there to see if they'd have a chain for my husky. I'll never bother with another brand chain. Stihls are the absolute best.
The reason you want to go up a size file is because it sharpens not just the cutter side edge, but the top part of the cutter too at the same time in same stroke and you'll get a sharp, factory like cut.
Here's a simple little photo I grabbed off the net. See the little circle I added in red? If you use the called for size, your file will just fit down inside and get the main part of your cutter nice and sharp no problem but if you don't go back and take another stroke while holding upwards on the called for file, you wont hit that part I circled, see? That's why you'll never get that same "brand new chain" feeling while cutting again, even if you (eventually, once you file the chain a few times) bring your rakers down or get a nice perfectly sharp cutter again. If you miss that step, she'll never feel like factory new again. So two options to hit that; pull up a stroke or two on the called for file size to hit it, or cheat and use a size up, in your case (and mine, with my 372xp) use a 7/32 and while sharpening, the oversize file will hit them both. The side and the top and you can regain that factory, brand new chain cut!
View attachment 968894
For us 372xp guys, it's easy. Just remember to grab a 7/32 for that 372.
I usually touch up new chain it’s not super sharp as u mite think .
Definitely, stock chain isn't the best.
Check this garbage out!! This was on the 462 I just picked up used... What a waste... it is literally impossible to cut with this chain haveing the rackers/depth gauges that low..
Check this garbage out!! This was on the 462 I just picked up used... What a waste... it is literally impossible to cut with this chain haveing the rackers/depth gauges that low.
WOW
View attachment 969052
Right?!?
@Paul Silvestri Just put that chain on your 395...
@Fellin Feller skip to the pics of cutters, and then to the end.... https://www.arboristsite.com/threads/how-i-exactly-sharpen-chains.355828/page-4#post-7683969
As @Philbert says, you can make the cutter shape you need with almost any saw file, as long as you know what you need. (Maybe you already know this) On a new chain, I'd run 7/32", and as the cutter gets older/shorter, run 13/64".
@Fellin Feller skip to the pics of cutters, and then to the end.... https://www.arboristsite.com/threads/how-i-exactly-sharpen-chains.355828/page-4#post-7683969
As @Philbert says, you can make the cutter shape you need with almost any saw file, as long as you know what you need. (Maybe you already know this) On a new chain, I'd run 7/32", and as the cutter gets older/shorter, run 13/64".
I've never seen the upsize files at any of the Stihl dealers around me. Only 7/32
Upsize from 7/32 would be 1/4
Downsize from 7/32 would be 13/64, unless I’m not understanding your post.
Stihl dealers near me have both 13/64 and 7/32.
And the speed of light is 1.803e+12 in furlongs per fortnight. ;<)
Karrl
ArboristSite Operative
I found a 6 pack of 11/64 pferd files for $7.25 on Amazon, figured I’d try them on some 3/8 lp. Slightly oversized but I’ve heard of guys using 3/16 so it should work good. Anyone ever use this size file? I never knew it was an option.
