STIHL Progressive Depth Gauge Tools

[rumatt]

For 325 the Stihl's Hard setting is still definitely more aggressive than Husqvarna's. The picture below shows a raker that was

1. Filed with Husqvarna in the hard setting
2. Marked red
3. Filed (just two swipes) with Stihl in hard setting.

You can see that a lot comes off, and it's a steeper angle - the bottom portion came off first.

 

[rumatt]

I need to spend more time with each, but from first impressions I like the Stihl a lot.

1. It fits on the chain much better than the Husqvarna. The opening on the Husqvarna isn't wide enough for the gauge to stay parallel to the chain, so the bottom never quite sits nicely on the straps. It's also inconsistent whether the position should be based on where the base hits the next cutter or not, because sometimes the raker isn't in the hole when you do that.

2. I always wanted somewhere in between Husqvarna's Hard and Soft setting. Stihl's Hard seems to be exactly this.

I need more time with the stihl, but I think I'm going to like it.

One thing I'm not crazy about is that the markings on the Stihl are going to wear off as you use it. What were they thinking there?

 

[Philbert]

It would be interesting to learn more about the design intent, including the 'crown' area. But it has been hard enough getting STIHL to acknowledge that these even exist!!!

One thing I'm not crazy about is that the markings on the Stihl are going to wear off as you use it. What were they thinking there?

Label Maker Tape is your friend!

 

[Wonkydonkey]

I just had a scoot through a German or Dutch 2017 catalogue. They are there

 

[SteveSr]

I need to spend more time with each, but from first impressions I like the Stihl a lot.

So, are the Stihl gauges made out of hard stainless or just soft mild steel like the Husqvarna gauges?

 

[Wilhelm]

It says 62HRC on the packaging of the gauge.

 

[Philbert]

That's the problem! We did not call them by their proper name: 'Vijlkaliebers'!

Kind of like ordering shelves from IKEA!

Philbert

 

[Wilhelm]

I just had a scoot through a German or Dutch 2017 catalogue. They are there


View attachment 208636

Not German, most likely Dutch or similar Scandinavian language.

Now I have to take a second look at my Croatian catalogues, maybe I missed them not knowing what to look for.

 

[Wilhelm]

They are there.

2019

2018

2017


Says, reinforced steel with special coating.

 

[rumatt]

So, are the Stihl gauges made out of hard stainless or just soft mild steel like the Husqvarna gauges?

I have no idea, but I filed a grand total of 3-4 cutters and you can see mine are scratched badly already (in the pics above). I'm not optimistic about how long they'll last.

 

[Philbert]

So, are the Stihl gauges made out of hard stainless or just soft mild steel like the Husqvarna gauges?

I have no idea, but I filed a grand total of 3-4 cutters and you can see mine are scratched badly already (in the pics above). I'm not optimistic about how long they'll last.

I have always been reluctant to file hard against any type of depth gauge guide.

If the guide is soft, you will file it away / change the setting. If the guide is hard, you will wear the file teeth unnecessarily.

I typically place the guide, eyeball what needs to be removed, remove the guide, take a few file strokes, re-check, etc.

Replacing the guides is not a big expense, but in this case, they are not easy to obtain.

Philbert

 

[Wilhelm]

. . . Replacing the guides is not a big expense, but in this case, they are not easy to obtain.

Philbert

Just negotiate a standing monthly or so order with anyone whom can get them, problem solved.
Or get a bunch at once and order more once Your stock runs low.

 

[Wonkydonkey]

Just negotiate a standing monthly or so order with anyone whom can get them, problem solved.
Or get a bunch at once and order more once Your stock runs low.

How much are they in your place..,..

 

[Wilhelm]

25 HRK (Croatian Kuna) a piece.

Google currency conversion translates that to 3.72$, but PayPal currency conversion is less favorable and it'd be about 4$ or so.

Croatia has 25% VAT, so usually everything is more expensive here than in other European countries.
The sellers added profit margins don't help either.

 

[Wonkydonkey]

That’s about what they are here.. depending on where you get them..

 

[Philbert]

No need to 'defile' a good tool!

Philbert

 

[Wonkydonkey]

I have no idea, but I filed a grand total of 3-4 cutters and you can see mine are scratched badly already (in the pics above). I'm not optimistic about how long they'll last.

I thought about the laser etching being filed away, maybe as Philbert says. mark on the underside. Why stihl only marked them where they did. Made me wonder what that dumbfuker disigner didn’t see coming.
.Also thought about the scratching/filing it thinner.. what about measuring the thickness of the guides. It would give you an idea of the life of the tool

Surely it should take some time before it makes some difference and you got measurements

 

[AlfA01]

Okay, I've got everyone sorted that had contacted me initially about these raker guides. I've got some leftovers.

3x FL1 1/4p
2x FL2 3/8p
2x FL3 .325
4x FL5 .404

Come and get 'em. I have more FL4 3/8"'s regulars on order.

 

[Philbert]

Somebody at STIHL has to be wondering why these are suddenly so popular!

Philbert

 

[AlfA01]

Okay, I've got everyone sorted that had contacted me initially about these raker guides. I've got some leftovers.

3x FL1 1/4p
2x FL2 3/8p
2x FL3 .325
4x FL5 .404

Come and get 'em. I have more FL4 3/8"'s regulars on order.

Some fellas have contacted me and claimed some of these, so updating below.

Quantity update (available):
3x FL1 1/4p
3x FL5 .404

On order (available):
2x FL4 3/8