Stihl pole saw questions

[Kenster]

I have a Stihl pole saw (KM). I have not used it much until recently and the chain is going to need to be sharpened soon. It's a 3/8 chain. The young man at the local hardware store/Stihl dealer handed me a set of files that are labeled for 3/8 chain (13/64.) My reading indicates that 13/64 is the right file but some recommend a 7/32. Since I actually now have the 13/64 I'd like to use them. Is this the correct file?

Second question. Same saw. Is the oil tank on the pole unit suppose to be up or down when holding the power head in the normal position? Seems like the oil tank ought to be on top. There is only one way to connect the pole to the power head. I'm thinking the Stihl store might have assembled the pole assembly incorrectly when we bought it.
This also puts the little branch hook on the top side where it really doesn't have any practical use, as far as I can see.

Looks like all I have to do is loosen the clamp that holds the pruner to it's pole and swivel it around 180 degrees. Or maybe pull it off, then rotate and reinstall?

Thanks!

 

[Jon1270]

Can't help you on the assembly orientation, but you've got the wrong files. The 3/8" chain used on small saws is 3/8" Low Profile, AKA 3/8" Picco if you're using Stihl-branded chain. It is a light-duty chain with small teeth and requires the smaller files. 13/64" is the file size used for the standard 3/8" chain used on much larger saws, 60cc and up.

 

[TreePointer]

If you told the young man that you need a file (or filing kit) for 3/8 pitch chain, then he was correct in giving you what he did.

The problem then would be that you should have told the young man that you need files for a 3/8LP (low profile) chain, as Jon1270 mentioned. The round file size for 3/8LP (Stihl Picco) would be 5/32".

If you told the young man that you need chain files for your Kombi attachment, then he should have known to give you 5/32" files (or the 5/32" kit).

 

[Jon1270]

The round file size for 3/8LP (Stihl Picco) would be 5/32"

Ah, yeah, should've mentioned that.

 

[Kenster]

Well, what I did was grab a Kombi pole pruner off the rack in the store and pointed at the data printed right there on the side of the unit. It said "3/8 P." I even asked him about the P. He only said "this is the one you want." I've never dealt with a Picco. I was counting on him to know what I needed. No big deal. I'll take it back and swap it.
Thanks!

 

[TreePointer]

Well, what I did was grab a Kombi pole pruner off the rack in the store and pointed at the data printed right there on the side of the unit. It said "3/8 P." I even asked him about the P. He only said "this is the one you want." I've never dealt with a Picco. I was counting on him to know what I needed. No big deal. I'll take it back and swap it.
Thanks!

There is no excuse for that employee. He needs more training.

 

[Kenster]

I won't argue about the training, but he is a very nice teen age boy, holding down the fort by himself on Sunday right after church. I'll point out to the bossman, when I return the files, that this could be a teachable moment for the boy. No real harm done except the store is 20 miles away in a little town where we go to church.

 

[alicewfalls]

Can't help you on the assembly orientation, but you've got the wrong files. The 3/8" chain used on small saws is 3/8" Low Profile, AKA 3/8" Picco if you're using Stihl-branded chain. It is a light-duty chain with small teeth and requires the smaller files. 13/64" is the file size used for the standard 3/8" chain used on much larger saws, 60cc and up.

You right Jon

 

[Ashful]

Without running out to my barn to check, I believe oil filler is on top, when running that saw. But no worries, you can NOT easily assemble it backwards, as there's a key on the shaft end which runs in a key slot or mortise on the socket/clamp. Unless broken or flat-out jammed together, this will prevent incorrect orientation when mating attachment to power head.

Loosen that hand screw and pull the thing apart, you will quickly see what I mean. The key is plastic, and held to the shaft of the attachment with a simple plastic teat (<-- forum clean-language filter automatically changed this from t1t to "teat"?) that engages with the hole in the shaft. This will eventually wear or break on heavily-used attachments (I have a few approaching end of life now, after maybe 10 years), but these can be replaced for $9 when you finally wear out or break one:

Amazon product ASIN B071Z98B6X

 

[Eman85]

Oil cap goes on top and it can be knocked off easily be sure it's tight. I've used a friend's and sharpened it for him and it is the smaller size file you need. I really didn't enjoy using the pole saw as gravity really comes into play! Wear wrap around safety glasses as the sawdust comes right down into your eyes. Also the branch always seems to come down and follow the pole to right onto you.