LittleLebowski's big inspirational chainsaw thread

[Crazy Dane]

So I think I’m replacing the sprocket/clutch basket on my Stihl. I’m a newb wrt chainsaws. Go with the OEM parts, or is there an aftermarket brand we trust? The clutch itself is working, just a worn sprocket.

If the sprocket is made on to the clutch, oem. If it's a rim sprocket Oregon is fine. Sprockets, both types, are wear items and is good to have an extra on hand along with the other bits and pieces. I've dropped clips and bearings in the field and they never been seen again.

[Cookie Monster]

Go ahead and spring for this tube of grease (probably a lifetime+ supply) and grease the needle bearing under the sprocket. As I think of it, if you've worn out the sprocket, might not be a bad idea to replace the needle bearing as well. That bearing rides on the end of the crankshaft. @Cookie Monster might have some more, or better, thoughts on this. Go OEM on the needle bearing.

I am in full support. You might as well get a spare e-clip as well, those mofo’s can go flying into another dimension like a Glock firing pin spring.

My saws are low to moderate use, every few years I will replace the needle bearing, tank vent, spark plug, fuel filter, and oem air filter in a winter clean/maintenance if I am still using it on the saw (majority of my saws now run oiled air filters - maxflow or red beard saws.

[Eric_L]

I am in full support. You might as well get a spare e-clip as well, those mofo’s can go flying into another dimension like a Glock firing pin spring.

My saws are low to moderate use, every few years I will replace the needle bearing, tank vent, spark plug, fuel filter, and oem air filter in a winter clean/maintenance if I am still using it on the saw (majority of my saws now run oiled air filters - maxflow or red beard saws.

How do you remove the clutch? Rope in combustion chamber? There are lots of videos on how, but what is good and does not damage the saw? Thank you..

[Cookie Monster]

How do you remove the clutch? Rope in combustion chamber? There are lots of videos on how, but what is good and does not damage the saw? Thank you..

It took me a second.

Most of my saws are newer Stihl pro saws which have the sprocket outboard - no need to remove the clutch. Pop off the eclip with a carb screw driver and remove a washer and sprocket.

I just cleaned up and maintained some old Huskies I found in a shed at work - a 395, two 288, a 272, and a 266.

I used an impact with a 19mm socket to remove the bolt. It is reverse thread and I did remove the spark plug and stuffed a clean rope into the cylinder before hitting it with the impact. I learned it from a You Tube video.

[rob_s]

Well, looks like the milwaukee leaks

[TOTS]

So should I go 251 or pay the extra $90 for the 271? And after that, Im confused by all the different models. Farm/Wood Boss or regular MS? Any experience with the Quick Chain Adjustment system vs single bar nut vs double?

Finally decided against the Milwaukee in favor of the Stihl. Apparently, there’s concern about overheating the batteries unless you’re using the 12.0 ahr batteries. Which I don’t have. By the time I get the kit with the battery and charger im deep in gas saw territory. What seals it is how quickly they lose charge. A main usage for me is storm cleanup. When I may not have power.

[RoyGBiv]

Did I mention earlier that I picked up this small electric saw a few months ago?

I've only run it a few hours so far, cutting small limbs and a shrub for a neighbor... Works great.
I was surprised at how well it cut and the battery charges have lasted reasonably well. Enough for my needs, anyway.

I'm still not an electric saw fan for felling or bucking, but, this thing gives me some hope.

Charge battery, add bar oil, cut. No drama so far.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B8H9LL2Y/

[Coyotesfan97]

Did I mention earlier that I picked up this small electric saw a few months ago?

I've only run it a few hours so far, cutting small limbs and a shrub for a neighbor... Works great.
I was surprised at how well it cut and the battery charges have lasted reasonably well. Enough for my needs, anyway.

I'm still not an electric saw fan for felling or bucking, but, this thing gives me some hope.

Charge battery, add bar oil, cut. No drama so far.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B8H9LL2Y/

I actually need a saw like that and I was looking at Milwaukee but the cost of batteries and a charger killed that. I ordered this. I have to saw some small limbs that this should work on when I don’t want to run the gas saw. Thanks for the link! And PF costs me money yer again. LOL

[Eric_L]

So should I go 251 or pay the extra $90 for the 271? And after that, Im confused by all the different models. Farm/Wood Boss or regular MS? Any experience with the Quick Chain Adjustment system vs single bar nut vs double?

Finally decided against the Milwaukee in favor of the Stihl. Apparently, there’s concern about overheating the batteries unless you’re using the 12.0 ahr batteries. Which I don’t have. By the time I get the kit with the battery and charger im deep in gas saw territory. What seals it is how quickly they lose charge. A main usage for me is storm cleanup. When I may not have power.

I had a farm boss. The dealer said it was popular. The professional line- at that time a 260, now is a 261, was comparable. The 260 was lighter. I personally would choose the professional line. That 260 is nice. Whatever you get take care of it, either drain the tank and run it dry or run it monthly and keep fresh fuel- 6 weeks or less. I’ll occasionally go 8 weeks, but I use Stabil in all my small engine gas. And no ethanol premium gas.

[ccmdfd]

So should I go 251 or pay the extra $90 for the 271? And after that, Im confused by all the different models. Farm/Wood Boss or regular MS? Any experience with the Quick Chain Adjustment system vs single bar nut vs double?

I had a farm boss. The dealer said it was popular. The professional line- at that time a 260, now is a 261, was comparable. The 260 was lighter. I personally would choose the professional line. That 260 is nice. Whatever you get take care of it, either drain the tank and run it dry or run it monthly and keep fresh fuel- 6 weeks or less. I’ll occasionally go 8 weeks, but I use Stabil in all my small engine gas. And no ethanol premium gas.

+1 on a 261. Heck of a saw. If I had to choose only one saw to keep, it would be that one.