Which 2 in 1 sharpener for 3/8” pitch chain and 7/32” file?

[albertj03]

I ordered the Stihl 3/8” 2 in 1 chainsaw sharpener for my Husqvarna saw but it came with a 13/64 file. Unfortunately the files are not interchangeable so I returned it and bought the PFerd (they make the Stihl ones) 7/32” file 2 in 1 sharpener. Now this one says it’s for .404” chains on it. So if the 3/8 model comes with a 13/64 file and the 7/32 file model is for a .404” chain, which one is these damn things should I use on my 3/8 chains that call for a 7/32 file?? It doesn’t appear that anyone makes one of these with a 7/32 file for a 3/8 chain. Very maddening!

Thank you for the help!

 

[CincyBurner]

The Pferd website (broken link removed) is showing both file sizes for 3/8" chain -13/64" (for Stihl) and 7/32" for other brands. It seems that Stihl manufactures their 3/8" pitch chain with just a scootch narrower (1/64") cutter than other brands of large saw 3/8" chain and .404, which both use the 7/32" file.

The website for Timberline Sharpener https://www.timberlinesharpener.com/sizing describes large files:

• 3/8″ and .404″ pitch chain = Large 7/32″

• 3/8″ pitch chain = Large 7/32″

• “Stihl” brand 3/8″ pitch chain = Large 13/64″

with a note about large 3/8" pitch:

A Note About the Large 3/8 pitch

This is where people usually get confused. If you have the large 3/8” pitch chain you will need the 7/32” carbide cutter. UNLESS the brand of that large 3/8” pitch chain is Stihl. For whatever reason Stihl makes their large 3/8” pitch chains slightly smaller than the rest of the industry (we are talking slight, as in 1/64”). This is why the manufacture recommends the 13/64” size file.

For all other size pitch’s (Stihl, Oregon etc) it doesn’t matter what brand the chain is. So a .404 pitch chain it will always be 7/32 carbide cutter. The .325 pitch chain will always be a 3/16” carbide cutter. The smaller 3/8”P pitch (Picco or micro or LP =Low Profile) will still be a 5/32. The 1/4 pitch will still be the 1/8 carbide cutter.​

 

[albertj03]

Thank you for the info. So is this basically saying that the 7/32” file model is for both a 3/8” pitch chain and a .404” pitch chain?

 

[CincyBurner]

Yes, 7/32” file is for both the 3/8” (non-Stihl) pitch chain .404” pitch chain.

 

[Jazzberry]

I never knew this. Would it make much difference if you used a 7/32 on a Stihl .404?

 

[albertj03]

I called PFerd and spoke with their chainsaw rep. Because this 2 in 1 tool is designed to file the cutter and raker at the same time he said the 3/8 model with 13/64 file is the correct model to use on a 3/8 pitch chain that calls for a 7/32 file. He said using the 7/32 model meant for a .404 chain would not fil the rakers correctly on a 3/8 chain and the size difference between the 13/64 and 7/32 files is so small it won’t make a difference.

What would really be nice is if a 7/32 file would fit in the 3/8 model. I tried it and it does not fit.

 

[albertj03]

I never knew this. Would it make much difference if you used a 7/32 on a Stihl .404?

I think what he meant above you is that Stihl uses both a 3/8” low profile chain and a regular 3/8” chain on their saws depending on the model. The 3/8” low profile (or Picco as they call it) takes a 5/32” file while the 3/8” regular (sometimes referred to as 3/8” large) takes a 13/64” file. The .404 chain takes a 7/32” file so no issues there.

What really makes this confusing is just about every other brand out there uses a 7/32” file for their 3/8” pitch chain. Stihl for some reason had to be different and call for a 13/64” file.

 

[Jazzberry]

I think what he meant above you is that Stihl uses both a 3/8” low profile chain and a regular 3/8” chain on their saws depending on the model. The 3/8” low profile (or Picco as they call it) takes a 5/32” file while the 3/8” regular (sometimes referred to as 3/8” large) takes a 13/64” file. The .404 chain takes a 7/32” file so no issues there.

What really makes this confusing is just about every other brand out there uses a 7/32” file for their 3/8” pitch chain. Stihl for some reason had to be different and call for a 13/64” file.

I worded that wrong thanks albert. What happens if you use a 13/64 on a .404? Will it work?