HT 100, HT 101, HT 130, HT 131
English
36
STIHL saw chains are sharpened to a 
filing angle of 30°. Exceptions are 
ripping chains with a filing angle of 10°. 
Ripping chains have an X in their 
designations.
B Side plate angle
The correct side plate angle is obtained 
automatically if you use the prescribed 
file holder and file diameter.
The angles must be the same on all 
cutters. If the angles are uneven: Chain 
will run roughly, not in a straight line, 
wear quickly and finally break.
File holder
N Use a file holder
A file holder must be used for manual 
resharpening (see table "Sharpening 
Tools"). The correct filing angles are 
marked on the file holder.
Use only special saw chain sharpening 
files. Other files have the wrong shape 
and cut.
For checking angles
Use a STlHL filing gauge (special 
accessory, see table "Sharpening 
Tools"). This is a universal  tool for 
checking the filing and side plate angles, 
depth gauge setting, cutter length and 
groove depth. It also cleans the guide 
bar groove and oil inlet holes.
File correctly
N Select sharpening tools according 
to chain pitch.
N If you use an FG 2, HOS or USG 
sharpener: Remove the chain from 
the bar and sharpen according to 
the instructions supplied with the 
tool.
N Clamp the bar in a vise if necessary.
N Sharpen the chain frequently, take 
away as little metal as possible – 
two or three strokes of the file are 
usually enough.
N Hold the file horizontally (at a right 
angle to the side of the guide bar) 
and file according to the angles 
marked on the file holder. Rest the 
file holder on the top plate and depth 
gauge.
N Always file from the inside to the 
outside of the cutter.
N The file only sharpens on the 
forward stroke – lift the file off the 
cutter on the backstroke.
N Avoid touching the tie straps and 
drive links with the file.
N Rotate the file at regular intervals 
while filing to avoid one-sided wear.
N Use a piece of hardwood to remove 
burrs from the cutting edge.
N Check angles with the filing gauge.
All cutters must be the same length.
Cutter shapes Angle (°)
AB
Micro = semi chisel cutter, 
e.g. 63 PM3, 26 RM3, 
71 PM3
30 75
Super = chisel cutter, e.g. 
63 PS3, 26 RS, 36 RS3 
30 60
Ripping chain, e.g. 
63 PMX, 36 RMX 
10 75