0458-790-8221-A
56
English 
22 Inspection and Maintenance
STIHL chain is manufactured with wear marks to help the 
operator identify excessive wear. The wear marks depicted 
above (1 - 4) must remain visible.
► Replace the chain if any wear marks are no longer visible.
► Check the 30° sharpening angle of the cutters with a 
STIHL file gauge matching the pitch of the chain.
► If the sharpening angle is incorrect, file the cutters to a 30° 
angle.
► If you are unable to achieve the proper angle, or suspect 
you have not achieved the proper angle, have the chain 
sharpened by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer.
An improperly filed chain can be very dangerous. It can 
increase the potential for reactive forces, including kickback, 
and also increase the magnitude of those reactive forces.
The chain pitch marking (a) is embossed in the area of the 
depth gauge of each cutter.
The markings mean the following:
To sharpen the chain:
► Shut off the engine and engage the chain brake.
► Select a chain file with a diameter matching the pitch of 
the chain.
Other files are unsuitable and can result in improperly filed 
chain, which can increase the potential and force of 
kickback and other reactive forces.
► Clamp the guide bar if necessary to make filing easier.
► To advance the chain, first disengage the chain brake, 
@ 12.2.
► Use a file holder.
File holders have markings that indicate the proper 
sharpening angle.
► File all the cutters with an identical angle. Two or three 
strokes of the file are usually sufficient for simple 
resharpening. Remove a little material with each stroke.
Sharpening at varying or inconsistent angles or heights 
can be very dangerous and may result in rough or uneven 
running of the chain and increased wear, even to the point 
of chain breakage. It also can increase the tendency and 
force of kickback and other reactive forces.
a
0000-GXX-1446-A0 
Marking (a) Saw Chain Pitch
11/4"
2 .325"
33/8"
4 .404"
6 3/8" PICCO
7 1/4" PICCO