sharpening Stihls tiny 1/4" pico chain?

[Deleted member 27831]

We're considering buying a MSA200, however its only available with the 1/4" picco chain. I know from experince with the MS150 that this tiny chain is difficult to sharpen as the files are thin and flexible, and we haven't found a good mechanical solution.

There are a lot of things I like about the electric saw, but the chain is holding me back from pulling the trigger on a purchase. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Franny K]

I like the .043 gauge Picco chain 61PMM3 Are you sure you can't just get a sprocket for that I think the last 44 drive link bar for that I got was $32. The chains are 3 for $35 on the buy two get one deal.

I suspect you could use the 0.050 gauge 1/4 chain either Oregon 25ap or Stihl 13rm, would be a different bar that uses a 5/32 file.

The Husky and Makita battery saws seem to use the same diameter motor shaft with the same two flats, Stihl likely is the same the thicknesses might vary a bit.

 

[Stihl 041S]

Wait till you try that dam micro mini picco or whatever it’s called on the 150!!!!!

Back to your question.......get a grinder. And dress a thin wheel.

For the 150 chain here in the states I’m getting a thin CBN wheel.
1/8” files are spaghetti

 

[Little Al]

I got the best results & 1/8 diamond burr the ones with around an inch parallel end in a dremel tool

 

[Stihl 041S]

The “big” chain on the right is 1/4”.......

 

[redunshee]

What am I missing? Can't you use a 5/32 file? Use them all the time for 3/8 lo pro(picco) or 1/4 pitch chains.

 

[DND 9000]

There is a 5T 3/8P chain sprocket availible for the MSA 200. It comes together with a other cover that has to be put on the chain sprocket cover inside. Remove the 1/4 cover inside the chain sprocket cover and put the other 3/8P inside cover on it. Part number for this configuration is 1251 642 1201. It`s a special accessory.

 

[Franny K]

What am I missing? Can't you use a 5/32 file? Use them all the time for 3/8 lo pro(picco) or 1/4 pitch chains.

Stihl Picco 1/4 chain is not 13rm or like Oregon 25ap. The ms150, pole pruners, and battery saws seem to come with this small chain now. I am quite sure it is a nice product most likely costly to use on an extended basis. Seems Oregon is coming out with a baby sized 0.325 perhaps to compete, perhaps to add more confusion.

 

[Stihl 041S]

Stihl Picco 1/4 chain is not 13rm or like Oregon 25ap. The ms150, pole pruners, and battery saws seem to come with this small chain now. I am quite sure it is a nice product most likely costly to use on an extended basis. Seems Oregon is coming out with a baby sized 0.325 perhaps to compete, perhaps to add more confusion.

Maybe next there will be a 404 LoPro.....

 

[pro94lt]

They are a little more challenging to hand file. My problem is breaking the file

 

[Deleted member 27831]

They are a little more challenging to hand file. My problem is breaking the file

Yeah, for real. And the files flex so much I wonder about the quality of the sharpening I’m getting.


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[Deleted member 27831]

According to my saw shop, the sprocket that allows you to run the 3/8” picco chain is no longer available.

I didn’t know there was a grinder wheel that would fit, I honestly done have any experience using a grinder to sharpen.

We use the electric granberg tool for sharpening. Is there really a diamond burr bit that small?


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[Stihl 041S]

According to my saw shop, the sprocket that allows you to run the 3/8” picco chain is no longer available.

I didn’t know there was a grinder wheel that would fit, I honestly done have any experience using a grinder to sharpen.

We use the electric granberg tool for sharpening. Is there really a diamond burr bit that small?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

There can be.
I’m just gonna get one made.
Got an extra grinder that takes a small wheel so...

 

[Ketchup]

That tiny stihl chain cuts great and leaves a really smooth cut. It's a pain to sharpen, but if you use sharp files it isn't too bad. My rule is that if I bend the file more than twice on the same chain it's time for a new file.

Good idea on dressing a grinding wheel down. It will be thin and brittle, but should work.

 

[Stihl 041S]

That tiny stihl chain cuts great and leaves a really smooth cut. It's a pain to sharpen, but if you use sharp files it isn't too bad. My rule is that if I bend the file more than twice on the same chain it's time for a new file.

Good idea on dressing a grinding wheel down. It will be thin and brittle, but should work.

Yeah. There isn’t much grinder interface so you can thin it down.

 

[RedneckChainsawRepair]

I had a 150T and just bought the right files for it from local dealer. Was easy peasy IMO to file. 1/8" 3.2mm

I was impressed with the little micro 1/4" myself.

Micro 1/4 043 3rd one down compared to some reg size 1/4"

 

[Franny K]

The distance from center of rivet to sliding surface sure looks less for the tiny cutter chain. Probably the drive sprockets should differ as picco 3/8 vs normal 3/8 do.

Anyone on here running this chain on their Husqvarna battery saws? Use the Husky sprocket? Or other brand with OEM 1/4 pitch drive sprocket.

If Stihl offers a file holding tool it would support the middle.

 

[RedneckChainsawRepair]

The distance from center of rivet to sliding surface sure looks less for the tiny cutter chain. Probably the drive sprockets should differ as picco 3/8 vs normal 3/8 do.

Anyone on here running this chain on their Husqvarna battery saws? Use the Husky sprocket? Or other brand with OEM 1/4 pitch drive sprocket.

If Stihl offers a file holding tool it would support the middle.

Stihl has a file guide for the 1/8" files. Works great no bending. $8
1/4 PM 6.35 1/8 3.2 5605 771 3206 5605 750 4300 5605 007 1001 https://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/filing-tools/fileguide/

 

[Colt Marlington]

This Makita saw use 3/8 .043 chains.
I doubt it's lacking.
https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/XCU07PT

 

[rayjay257]

Dremel makes a chainsaw sharpening attachment for their die grinders. I have been using this set up for a couple of years and find it works faster and better than files. I have the homeowner Stihl cordless and just swap in the smallest diameter straight stone and go to town. Takes maybe 2 minutes to do the cutters and another 2 or 3 if the rakers need lowering. I'm always amazed at the resistance to the Dremel. It's not 1940 !!! Would you use a file to sharpen a knife ? No, you would use a stone or a belt grinder [ which is a stone for all intents and purposes ].