MS 241 C-M
English
44
Sawing effortlessly with a properly 
sharpened saw chain
A properly sharpened saw chain cuts 
through wood effortlessly even with very 
little pushing.
Never use a dull or damaged saw chain 
– this leads to increased physical strain, 
increased vibration load, unsatisfactory 
cutting results and increased wear.
N Clean the saw chain
N Check the saw chain for cracks and 
damaged rivets
N Replace damaged or worn chain 
components and adapt these parts 
to the remaining parts in terms of 
shape and level of wear – rework 
accordingly
Carbide-tipped (Duro) saw chains are 
especially wear-resistant. For an optimal 
sharpening result, STIHL recommends 
STIHL servicing dealers.
WARNING
Compliance with the angles and 
dimensions listed below is absolutely 
necessary. An improperly sharpened 
saw chain – especially depth gauges 
that are too low – can lead to increased 
kickback tendency of the chain saw – 
risk of injury!
Chain pitch
The chain pitch marking (a) is embossed 
in the area of the depth gauge of each 
cutter.
The diameter of file to be used depends 
on the chain pitch – see table 
"Sharpening tools".
The angles of the cutter must be 
maintained during resharpening.
Sharpening and side plate angles
A Sharpening angle
STIHL saw chains are sharpened with a 
30° sharpening angle. Ripping chains, 
which are sharpened with a 10° 
sharpening angle, are exceptions. 
Ripping chains have an X in the 
designation.
B Side plate angle
The correct side plate angle results 
automatically when the specified file 
holder and file diameter are used.
The angles must be identical for all 
cutters in the saw chain. Varying angles: 
Rough, uneven running of the saw 
chain, increased wear – even to the 
point of saw chain breakage.
Maintaining and Sharpening 
the Saw Chain
Marking (a)Chain pitch
Inches mm
71/4P6.35
1 or 1/4 1/4 6.35
6, P or PM 3/8 P 9.32
2 or 325 0.325 8.25
3 or 3/8 3/8 9.32
4 or 404 0.404 10.26