#54 Stihl 2 in 1 easy file chainsaw chain sharpener review - Sharpening the Stihl MS 500i

[@BrigT262]

aweseome video my friend! Thanks for taking the time! I noticed how far out the back the large chips were flying...very impressive!

[@wthomas5697]

To be honest, I really do enjoy using the thing. It's such a pleasure to be able to get a sharp chain with such ease.

[@RBnPA]

Thanks for taking the time to help a fellow weekend warrior! Just purchased 2in1 and instructions are pretty terrible. Had it pretty much figured out and your video confirmed. Wish would have showed a nice close up of before/after so I know where I need to get. Obviously sharp but I’d like to see shape I’m really after. Still this was a huge help. Definitely thumbs up!

[@DustyJohnson-tg7fi]

I have 1 for each of my saws and never going back. Once you get the feel for it it's the best. Exceptionally in the field

[@alanscott4384]

I have 2 and love them. Easy for the non professional to use for a great result.

[@GaryRitter-f8w]

Best I have ever used. Files rakers too. Most peopl;e I know have no idea what rakers are for.

[@AroundTheYard-MN]

Thanks for the review on the 2 in 1.

[@billybobbocephus2177]

I'm green with envy! If I ever need a bigger saw than my MS 261C-M I will save my pennies for the 500i. As for the 2n1 file, they work pretty well sharpening the chain, especially if doing a quick touch up in the area where you are working. Pretty simple to use, and quick! And keeping the depth gauges at the optimum height is a bonus! I can file either way but this tool keeps the guesswork out of it. The only thing I don't like is keeping the files inside clean takes a little more than wiping it on your pants or shirt, but nothing a 1 inch paint brush won't fix.

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Good point

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Thanks for the great demo, I really need to get one (or two)!of these! Thanks! -Brad

[@cannibalholocaust3015]

3 passes is all that’s needed for touch up, 5-7 if your chain is completely blunt Stihl dealer told me this , has worked for me so far. Replacement file kit $15 for this tool but the quality means unless you’re a pro it’ll last ages.

[@trollwayy5981]

Yeah i work in line clearance and the files still last ages compared to the junk files they buy for us

[@SpoiledDad]

Being a weekend warrior as well...I was leaning towards a green chain just from a perceived safety standpoint. Any opinion on that? I was between a 261 and 500i and like you I just sort of want the best and buy once

[@stevekramer8849]

As I've seen in a video by someone else, it really helps if you colour in the (recessed, so easy to do accurately) direction arrows & saw orientation images on the plastic handles, plus the guidelines (On the 2 x shiny metal guide bars) on the tool with a 'Sharpie' marker so you don't get confused with which side, direction & angle to use the tool when you flip it over to file the opposite/alternate cutters & rakers. Also, I noticed that you didn't do the same number of passes on each 'tooth' & raker, which would eventually result in potentially significantly different filing levels! I find that just 3 passes are usually sufficient on most chains.

[@jandblawncare8570]

Ive been using these for years, bought the. German manufacture of these (Pefrd maybe) and they work very well except when the files get rusty from being kept in my toolbox lol. Ive tried a couple knock-offs as well and they didnt work as well as the actual Sthil and Pefrd (the blue ones). I will say, the files get clogged up easily and dont work as well so I tried cleaning them off with a brass brush, compressed air and even spraying brake clean and after all that they seem to only last for a few more sharpening's and seem worn out and thats using the Sthil files and after about 6-8 total chain sharpening's. I also dont think they take the rakers down enough but It's still a good investment .

[@6900pilot]

Its a fabulous tool, i found if your a strong guy and lean too much it can take the rakers down a lot, also you'll find it takes practice when sharpening each side i found it more difficult when going the opposite way than you started. Also very important to keep same amount of strokes for each tooth. Keep up the good work ! Tip.. Get yourself some soft grip magnetic vise jaws i got the orange ones on amazon, keeps your bar nice and no marring..

[@michaelfields2866]

"C gig_

[@Srealdan]

The amount of strokes per tooth can be way different and it will still cut straight but you need to have the rakers the same level to each individual tooth

[@JohnFarmer-u5q]

Yes it works like a dream

[@DaveofAllTrades75]

I love these sharpeners, I have 3 of them a 3/8 a .325 and a 3/8 picco low profile for my little top handle tree limbing saws and They all work excellent. I just don't like trying to use them on large bar chains like my 28 inch to 36 inch chains my arms and hands get sore and tired doing too many teeth. I need a grinder for those lol.

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Thanks for sharing

[@ejkjr.4694]

I have two of them bigger and smaller saws I like both of them it's quick and sharpens both Rackers and cutters

[@michaeljohnson2543]

Thanks for that now I know what’s it for and how to use it.

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Happy to help

[@diggerrob6356]

Was the wood you were cutting softwood or hardwood? If you mentioned it I’m sorry I missed it. I have one of those sharpeners and used the saw I sharpened for the first time yesterday and can assure you it was a lot slower getting through our Aussie hardwoods. I’m jealous~

[@cannibalholocaust3015]

Saw another guy using it wrong and set the angle off, double check you’re coming in parallel to the chain with the plastic. Probably just hardwood but the tool gets them as sharp as pro sharpeners

[@ChosenOne9387]

2 in 1 Sharpeners work! 👍 BTW you just need to do about 3 passes on each cutter/tooth

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Thanks for the tip!

[@Ti-DAWGS]

I hand file with round and flat files. No guides. I learned over time to do OK with that.

[@rebeccarobinson7024]

And if u hit something or get into dirty wood or live oak it's hard to get a sharp edge back on the tip tooth or least I been having that problem so if that happens I take it to dealer.pay $6 to get sharpen back up where I can use the 2in1 next time the gullet gets dull

[@joshua7999]

I didn’t know about the raker either

[@garyzoellner834]

Real informative

[@michaeltihon3485]

Ahaa, I love how english speakers pronounce "Steeeel" :D It's simple though, you have to pronounce it like "still". I hear nothing else but good stuff about this sharpener. I will get one myself as well. Like you said, the ergonomics seem to be better than a normal file. Nice vid' :) Thanks for sharing. That's the first time I notice they also put some angle indicators on the blade itself, very good.

[@Smoothy38]

The funny thing is, in decimal format, 3/8 is the same as .325 lol so you'd think they would work on both chains

[@indigatorveritatis8891]

I think it's because a 3/8" chain is technically .375", but there's other stuff that make it different. Changes drive link size, and seems to work better on higher gauge chains... in my experience, at least. Although I'm not that convinced about all the different arguments for one chain over the other. Consistently sharp chains.... now THAT convinces me.

[@hkerr-di1yg]

My elementary school days tell me that 3/8 = .375, not .325. They are not the same.

[@gavinelliot3564]

Used correctly/you'll never look back

[@healyfamily4]

That's all I use for sharpening my saws. I am a weekend warrior as well. I know hand filers can do a better job with some practice, but for a novice like me, it takes the guess work out of it.

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Completely agree.

[@gregbrown9271]

I'm a sthil guy but the i like 2@1 husky sharpener better you can turn the round fill you can't the sthil with out opening it up

[@rebeccarobinson7024]

I have one and u can use on 3/8 and 325 and I get mine for $40 plus tax from my sthil dealer here in TX

[@cooneysworkshop1328]

Mam you must use alot of chains filling like that

[@richardedwin5980]

No shit. One tooth is gone after his 10-15 passes. SMH…

[@Srealdan]

@@richardedwin5980 Well you want a sharp fucking chain or its hopeless

[@johnstokell1099]

2 - 3 strokes is enough

[@Trump2024Kentucky]

That’s a lot of strokes on one tooth. Typically 4 to 6 strokes has been enough for me.

[@richardedwin5980]

4-5 max is all that’s needed

[@cooneysworkshop1328]

Yah it would be you nut you sharpener 1 touth 19 tims there's no need for that many passes on one touth the most any budy that had files alot know you normally need 2 or 3 passes

[@Srealdan]

Maby more like 7 or 8 is probably better

[@sirvozelo1]

I have 3 for I have 3 difrent size chains in my case I am blind from one eye so my depth perception is very poor and sure this tool make my sharpening way esear.

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

They are really helpful for those of use that are not experts or just want some help sharpening chains. Really takes some of the special skill needed to this right out of the equation. I also have two, one for each saw and the different chains.

[@richardedwin5980]

Your chain should NEVER require that many passes with a sharpener. And your method of starting your saw shows your obvious lack of knowledge of starting a saw.

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Thanks for the feedback. I am no expert. Just passing on info. I really like the 2 in 1 file.

[@jasmhen]

Why not offer a constructive criticism of the starting of the chainsaw?

[@cannibalholocaust3015]

Exactly, he says at the start “I AM NOT A PRO” Be different if he was acting like an expert. I’ve used saws on farm my entire life but know only basics. This video is useful to demonstrate how the file is used