The 3/8 version of the Stihl 2-in-1 Easy File fits standard 3/8 pitch chains only. It does not fit 3/8 PICCO chains, sometimes sold as 3/8 mini or low profile. That trap catches buyers every week because both chains share the same “3/8” name on the shelf.
This filing guide uses a 5.2mm round file, sized for the wider standard 3/8 pitch cutter. The 3/8 PICCO version is a separate product with its own part number and a smaller file. Buy the wrong one and the file will not seat correctly against the tooth.
This page covers fit and sizing for the standard 3/8 tool only. The 2-in-1 files the cutter and the depth gauge together in one pass. For that full walkthrough, see our coverage of the 325 pitch Easy File.
Getting the 3/8 Fit Right on the Stihl 2-in-1
Chain sizing runs on three numbers: pitch, gauge, and drive link count. Pitch is the one that trips people up here. “3/8” and “3/8 PICCO” are not interchangeable despite the shared name.
Standard 3/8 pitch is the larger, older spacing used on bigger saws and longer bars. 3/8 PICCO is also called 3/8 low profile or 3/8 mini. It is a smaller spacing built for lighter saws and shorter bars.
The Stihl 2-in-1 line makes a separate tool for each. The standard 3/8 file guide is part 5605 750 4305 with a 5.2mm file. The 3/8 PICCO file guide is part 5605 750 4303, a different tool entirely.
Which Saws Run Standard 3/8
Saws with longer bars and more power lean toward standard 3/8 pitch chain. Stihl’s professional grade saws, built for heavier felling and bucking work, commonly fall into this group.
Compact homeowner saws with shorter bars usually run the smaller 3/8 PICCO chain instead. Bar length alone is not a guarantee though. Stihl sells some models both ways, depending on the bar fitted.
The saw model is a hint, not a confirmation. The chain itself is the only reliable source.
Gauge, the thickness of the drive link, is a separate spec from pitch. Two chains can share the 3/8 pitch label and still use different gauges. Match both numbers before buying replacement chain, not just the file size.
How to Check Your Chain Before You Buy
Look at the chain packaging or the paperwork that came with your saw. The pitch is usually printed there as “3/8” or “3/8 P” or “3/8 PICCO”. That label is the fastest confirmation.
Some packaging spells the pitch out as .375 instead of 3/8. That is the same measurement under a different name, not a third size to worry about.
Our chainsaw file size finder matches a chain to its pitch and file diameter. It only takes a couple of steps.
How the 2-in-1 Files a Cutter
The kit holds two round files, one flat file, and a holder. The holder sets both the sharpening angle and the depth gauge height. You run it around the chain, cutter by cutter, following the built in guide.
The flat file handles the depth gauges in the same pass through the chain. The full technique breakdown lives on the sibling page above, since the process is identical across pitch sizes.
Only the file diameter changes between pitch sizes. For more on how files are sized to a chain, see the basics of chainsaw file sizing.
Stihl 2-in-1 Easy File, 3/8 Standard
3/8 Standard Pitch
Round file plus flat file, one holder | 5.2mm file diameter | around $50
This is the correct 2-in-1 for standard 3/8 pitch chain, not the PICCO version. It combines cutter sharpening and depth gauge filing into one guided tool. You are not swapping between separate jigs mid chain.
It is a good fit for field touch ups on a longer bar saw running standard 3/8 chain, without a bench grinder. It is a poor fit if your chain is actually 3/8 PICCO. The file will not match the cutter geometry.
Pros
- One holder sets both the filing angle and the depth gauge height
- No separate flat file or angle guide to carry
- Sized specifically for standard 3/8, not a generic universal fit
Cons
- Only works on the pitch it is sized for, no crossover to 3/8 PICCO
- Files wear out with repeated use like any filing tool
- Buying the wrong pitch version is an easy, costly mistake
Mistakes to Skip
Do not buy off the “3/8” label alone. Confirm whether your chain reads plain 3/8 or 3/8 PICCO before you check out.
Do not guess based on your saw model alone. Some saws are offered with more than one bar and chain combination over their production run.
Do not assume every filing kit is universal. The Stihl 2-in-1 line is deliberately sized per pitch. That is what keeps the angle and depth cuts accurate.
If your saw runs Stihl chain more broadly, our full Stihl sharpening rundown covers the rest of the lineup. You can also browse the rest of our chainsaw sharpening picks if 3/8 is not what ended up on your bar.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line: the 3/8 Stihl 2-in-1 Easy File is the right pick for standard 3/8 chain, not 3/8 PICCO. Confirm the pitch on the box or drive link first. Then buy the matching file size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What file size does the 3/8 Stihl 2-in-1 use?
The standard 3/8 version uses a 5.2mm round file. That is separate from the 3/8 PICCO version, which uses a different file size in its own tool.
Will the 3/8 version work on a 3/8 PICCO chain?
No. The file diameter and guide geometry are sized for standard 3/8 cutters. A 3/8 PICCO chain needs the PICCO specific 2-in-1, not this one.
How do I know if my chain is 3/8 or 3/8 PICCO?
Check the chain box or the paperwork from your saw first. If that is gone, our chainsaw file size finder helps confirm the exact pitch and file size. It works from what is stamped on the chain itself.
Which Stihl saws typically run standard 3/8 chain?
Longer bar, higher power saws lean toward standard 3/8 pitch. Stihl’s professional grade line is a common example. Shorter bar homeowner saws usually run 3/8 PICCO instead, though the chain itself is the only true confirmation.
Does this tool sharpen the depth gauge too?
Yes. The kit’s flat file lowers the depth gauge in the same pass. The round file sharpens the cutter at the same time, with the built in guide holding both settings.
How much does the 3/8 Stihl 2-in-1 cost?
It lists around $50 across the 2-in-1 lineup, standard 3/8 included. Check the current price before buying since retailer pricing shifts.
Sources
- STIHL USA: 2-in-1 Filing Guide product page. https://www.stihlusa.com/en/ap/2-in-1-filing-guide-1027074
- STIHL USA: Chainsaw File Guide, maintenance and safety. https://www.stihlusa.com/en/guides-projects/maintenance-safety/chainsaw-file-guide