This is for the Stihl 2-in-1 sharpener. I have plenty of replacement round files but no flat files. Are these one size fits all or does it vary?
Went to ace hardware today. Zero flat file refills for sale. So uhh. I mean, these sharpening doodads are really popular. Is it just a meme or do people actually use their chainsaws? lol
Absolutely seething right now. After FIVE FREAKING MONTHS I finally found the flat files. They arrived yesterday, loaded them into the 2in1 holder, sharpened my saw and went to bed. Today I did some cutting and went to use the sharpener and noticed the flat file was loose in the holder. I checked it against the old one, same exact part. I replaced them in the same orientation it came with as well. I went ahead and started to sharpen and did one side and when I flipped to the other the flat file FELL OUT. This PIECE OF FREAKING CRAP didn't even last for a single file change!!~ I spent about 20 mins tinkering with it and while I can't tell how it's broken it definitely appears to be broken. Guess I'm going back to the old way of sharpening.
I've been using mine for 3 years now without issue. 3/8, 3/8 Pico and .325. I stopped using the raker files in them because they make the chains to aggressive. I file rakers separately with a west coast progressive raker file. All mine are the Stihl brand.
Sorry you had trouble with yours. I have 3 different sizes and all work great. I bought a spare flat file but haven't had to use it yet. Is your replacement the exact same size? I don't see how it could fall out if it's the exact replacement.
After a good nights sleep, I decided to revisit this. If I go to the Stihl 2in1 sharpener webpage and click on warranty, I see no mention of the 2in1 sharpener, but it says hand tools have a lifetime warranty. Other than rental use it seems like the bare minimum warranty on EVERYTHING is 1 year at least. So I felt pretty good that this ~8 month old tool is covered. So I drive to my local Stihl authorized dealer where I bought it from and speak to the manager who flatly declines to replace it, citing a policy that they only do warranty replacements on Craftsman products. Well screw me right? I deeply regret buying a Stihl saw now, because if they're going to refuse covering a $50 hand tool, then they're DEFINITELY going to be deadbeats if anything happens with my $500 saw. I should have just bought an Echo. Absolutely fuming.
IN ADDITION-- one of my other serious regrets with choosing Stihl is that my local authorized dealer basically stocks NOTHING. I've spent months waiting for files to get restocked. They've NEVER stocked the flat files, ever. They don't have chains for my saw (MS251). The list goes on and on. But wait, Stihl only sells through its dealer network!! So I can't go on Amazon and buy what I need either. I'm starting to absolutely despise this company.
Sorry for your experience with stihl. I have a pieces of stihl equipment that were spur of the moment purchases. I needed something and they were available nearby. If I would have taken the time to research, I wouldn't have bought them. I would have purchased an Echo pole saw and trimmer. I don't like the way stihl does business either. They don't even publish parts lists and manuals on their website like Husqvarna does. You have to go to the dealer. The 2 in 1 file guides are made by pferd and are good tools. I have 3 and they were $35 each and haven't given a minutes trouble so far. If there is another stihl dealer nearby, I would call them.
I'm on ten HEAVILY wooded acres with hundreds of dead ash and cedar Switched back to traditional files today. Gotta be honest I'm not sure how much I'm gonna miss the 2in1. I'm a lot faster the old way.
I'm fortunate to have an excellent Stihl / Husqvarna dealer that is a small engine repair business, not a hardware store that happens to sell saws. He is very knowledgeable and stocks lots of equipment, parts and tools. I don't have an issue driving to and supporting my local guy to get items vs clicking buy online.
