Stihl 2 in 1 Possible Design Flaw

[tmanmi]

Maybe it's just me but it seems like one of the round files is locked in place and the other rotates freely when sharpening causing the cutters to be uneven. I hardly ever use my bench sharpener anymore and use the 2 in 1 for the life of a chain. I know some of it could be the way I file, left side vs right side but I noticed this a long time ago and adjusted my filing technique.

 

[Vintage Engine Repairs]

I have found that it changes from jig to jig. I think their main issue is the lack of accuracy in how they’re made.

 

[bwalker]

I tried a Pferd 2n1 years ago. After messing with it for awhile I chucked it in the trash.

 

[ammoaddict]

I have noticed that one file is looser than the other but I can't tell that it's caused any problems. I use mine almost every time I use a saw which is not that often anymore.

 

[pioneerguy600]

I have observed guys using them on site and I must say the results they get from using them makes better/faster cutting chains than these same guys can do freehand filing.

 

[Karrl]

I liked my 2in1 for a while but I think tweeked it with uneven pressure doing left to right cutters. I get way better results freehand with a progressive gauge for the rakers but the 2in1 was faster for sure.

And using it made me more consistent with angles and pressure freehand filling so I think it’s a good tool to try for anyone.

 

[IntegrityCarpentry]

I discovered this accidentally, use an older file as it will get loaded up with plastic. Chuck the file into a drill. Go gentle and take only a little bit at a time and take a little bit of material out of the two in one where the file fits. Put your file back and see if it can spin. I like mine to be able to spin lightly. Then when I end a stroke and reset the file sometimes moves to a different spot by rotating, or I rotate it with my fingers between a pass. Go easy, you can’t put plastic back. Think about it for a moment. Hope that helps. I do this as it’s less likely to get worn spots in the files, though it still happens.

 

[old CB]

Even after getting to be pretty good filing freehand, I converted to the 2-in-1 and have been using it exclusively for 5 or 6 yrs. or more (can't remember when I started). I have several, one Pferd (7/32 file) and 2 Stihl models (13/64 and whatever size I have for my 346xp saw with .325 chain). Yes, it seems they can be tricky. I sometimes have to use pliers to spin a file, or remove it and re-insert. Regardless, it's a great tool. I've had neighbors, colleagues on the fire dept, that I've handed a saw to use while on a community job, who cannot get over how sharp and fast cutting my saws are. (Granted, most of these guys are weekend warrior type, not pro sawyers, but all the same . . . )

Because we are in a pine forest, all conifer wood, when sharpening for our native trees I usually put a more aggressive angle on my saw teeth, and take an additional swipe or two with a flat file off the rakers. Regardless, the 2-in-1 is my go-to. I got rid of the grinder I had after it gathered dust for a number of years.

The thought just occurred to me--has anyone tried a dab of penetrating oil on the file to lube it inside the 2-in-1? (Myself, I haven't used wd-40 in years, I prefer Kroil.)

 

[IntegrityCarpentry]

Even after getting to be pretty good filing freehand, I converted to the 2-in-1 and have been using it exclusively for 5 or 6 yrs. or more (can't remember when I started). I have several, one Pferd (7/32 file) and 2 Stihl models (13/64 and whatever size I have for my 346xp saw with .325 chain). Yes, it seems they can be tricky. I sometimes have to use pliers to spin a file, or remove it and re-insert. Regardless, it's a great tool. I've had neighbors, colleagues on the fire dept, that I've handed a saw to use while on a community job, who cannot get over how sharp and fast cutting my saws are. (Granted, most of these guys are weekend warrior type, not pro sawyers, but all the same . . . )

Because we are in a pine forest, all conifer wood, when sharpening for our native trees I usually put a more aggressive angle on my saw teeth, and take an additional swipe or two with a flat file off the rakers. Regardless, the 2-in-1 is my go-to. I got rid of the grinder I had after it gathered dust for a number of years.

The thought just occurred to me--has anyone tried a dab of penetrating oil on the file to lube it inside the 2-in-1? (Myself, I haven't used wd-40 in years, I prefer Kroil.)

To help the file spin? Oil?

 

[Jza]

I started out filing by hand and got Givin one of these , wasn't sold on it until I took the flat file out . Now it works good! I use a brass brush to clean the file every couple of teeth since I can't tap it like a normal one.

 

[NSEric]

I have one without the flat file in it too.
On certain semi chisel chains the flat file was taking way too much off the depth gauges.
I like it for touch ups in the woods, it's very easy to use in spots where you cant hold the saw in something.