r/Chainsaw

New-to-me 550XP-2

New-to-me 550XP-2

Just picked up a lightly used 550xp mk 2 for less than half price.

First auto tune saw for me, what a completely different animal from what I grew up with.

Came with .325 - .058 - 20"., from what I've read and seen, these saws prefer 20" max bar length in .325 compared to 3/8 chain being more of an Rev saw than a Torque saw.

Going to be pulling the muffler and opening it up soon, not really sure if I want to dive into pulling the gasket and stuff on this one.

Just curious what's everyone's thoughts on .325 vs 3/8 for these.

Not using for logging, strictly firewood and cleanup work.

I grew up with my father swapping everything to 3/8 for convenience of only having to carry one size file, etc...

I will be picking up something more fitting for 28"+ that will he running 3/8 for sure.

u/Roslinoutdoors — 10 hours ago

pathetic newbie question!

Hi folks,
No previous chainsaw experience but recently, trying to get late dad's garden into some kind of order, I dipped a toe in the water and bought an Einhell electric chainsaw (GH-EC 2040) and equivalent pole saw (GE-LC 18 Li T)...

The chainsaw doesn't seem to do *anything*. Like literally less effective than me plus a handsaw. You'll prob say Einhell is crap and I should have spent more money, and fair enough. (Indeed, think I'll go for a petrol Stihl MS 212 next?) But here's the thing: the pole saw, although smaller and cheaper than the regular chainsaw, works not bad. This makes me think that there is some obvious thing (chain tension maybe?) that newbie me has messed up while assembling the saws.

See attached video of the chainsaw (and I'm putting a video of the pole saw in a reply; in both videos, it's only the weight of the machine behind the saw, as I was using my other hand to make the video). It seems like the chain rotates much slower on the chainsaw than the pole saw?

Very grateful if anyone has any tips!

Many thanks

u/Beasenose — 17 hours ago
▲ 20 r/Chainsaw+1 crossposts

Give it a try with a new piston, or it's done ?

This is a Stihl 024's cylinder, the original piston of it is worn badly. The cylinder doesn't have deep scratches. Should i give a try with a new piston or not ? Thanks !

u/nem_en_voltam — 1 day ago

Sharpening jig or files?

Looking for best practices tip. Do the sharpenng jigs you can pick up from amazon work or waste of time? TIA

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u/ExcitingAd5899 — 24 hours ago
▲ 6 r/Chainsaw+2 crossposts

Jonsered 2050 Turbo cycles nicely without spark plug, but very hard to turn once spark plug is inserted.

Got a Jonsered 2050 Turbo for $5, just to tinker with and try to learn a thing or two. When the spark plug is pulled. The flywheel turns beautifully and smoothly. As soon as I put the plug back in, it is very hard to turn on the upstroke. I understand that the compression stroke is necessary for the engine to operate, but it is to the point where pull starting it is impossible. Any ideas?

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u/Ok-Caterpillar-6723 — 1 day ago

Beginner question 🙋

When servicing any chainsaw, what are the basics that need to be checked/replaced?

And how often should you generally service?
Thanks!

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u/Fenix_Sierra — 2 days ago

Problem with my ms250

Hiiii guys, I have a big issue with my chainsaw and I need help, I try to start it the usual way, but the engine makes a soft noise and doesn't make the explosion sound, so I can start it, any thoughts, advises? Help?

reddit.com

So I did a thing to my STIHL ms362c.

Swapped out the stock muffler for an undaunted cover. Haven’t cut with it, but did start it to hear it. Thing sounds like a dirt bike from my youth with the throttle wide open!

u/creektn — 2 days ago

Found a Stihl 250c with a 18” bar in my dad’s shop that he had forgotten about.

When I turned the gas cap to look what was inside the plastic housing broke/chipped. It leaks gas out and the primer bulb is rotten. Does it need a complete rebuild? Worth it?

u/younggun6632 — 1 day ago

Age vs Saw 500i *industry/daily use

How's everyone feeling about the miles they're getting out of 500i's if you've owned it for a few years now? Looking to get kitted out once again and purchase fresh saws, had the regular roster previously - 462 which copped the most use up and down trees, and 661 which mainly saw use on stumps/logging rounds/thick'uns and didn't bother with the 500i.

Was the hype/power to weight etc worth it? Or did they become problematic (as far as a saw can I guess?) with electronics or timing or whatnot, and not last.

Alternatively how're Husqi's going if you're that way inclined? 562/72/92s ? Few dealers around me and they seem to be cheaper than Stihl too now. My own, electric top handle and polesaw from them going mint after 3 years of use.

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u/russellcoightscousin — 2 days ago

Total beginner looking for my first chainsaw: Stihl MS 172 or Husqvarna 130?

Hi everyone!

​I’m looking to buy my very first chainsaw for simple work around the house (cutting some firewood, pruning branches, and basic yard cleanup).

​To be honest, I don't know much about chainsaws and how they work. I just want a reliable tool. I've narrowed it down to two entry-level models that fit my budget (240 dollars):

- ​Stihl MS 172

- ​Husqvarna 130

​Since I'm a complete beginner, I am looking for something that is easy to start, safe, and not overly complicated to maintain.

​Which of these two is the better choice for someone just starting out? Any basic tips for a newbie are also highly appreciated!

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u/Laur_Reddit — 2 days ago

Update: can someone take a look at this video and tell me if you see anything suspect?

From yesterday, 357xp Husqvarna $300 Canadian

Has the original recoil plate, does anything look aftermarket?

u/cdnchef — 2 days ago

Is it a red flag to buy a Husqvarna with this damage for $300?

357xp - Fella says it was from a branch, I've never bought a used saw and just looking for input, $300 is Canadian

u/cdnchef — 3 days ago

Husquavarna hot start

Can anyone offer insight on solutions for hit start issues? Saws fire up and cut great cold. But if you stop for gas you are done until tomorrow. Dealer said nothing wrong with them.

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u/Adept-Criticism-8170 — 3 days ago

Cylinder scoring?

I didn’t listen to my wife, who said to buy new. Bought it off of eBay. Seller had nearly 100% positive. Saved a hundred bucks. Starts and runs OK. Tested a cut. Pulled the muffler and see this. I don’t know from experience, and not sure this photo is good enough. Looks scored to me though…

u/Skjellyfetticat1 — 3 days ago

UK- just got my crosscutting ticket and not sure what trouser protection to get

I just got my crosscutting ticket and want to get some chainsaw protection. I do a little work for some people I know which will now include some light chainsaw work, however, I also volunteer at a local park (where I might be soon getting a part time job).

They do a fair bit of cross cutting because there is a large woodland to manage and they sell firewood too, and they said that they are happy to help me get some more time on a saw now that I have my ticket. I was asking them what class chainsaw trousers they use and they all said that they use class 2, which makes sense since I think they do cut a fair amount of hard woods.

Only problem is I have been looking around and I am struggling to find many good options for class 2 chainsaw trousers. The best I found are the Arbortec Breathflex class 2 trousers.

I know its dumb and I should just get whatever I can, but I always prescribe to the idea of getting work gear that you like and will want to use, and I hate the look of all the very high vis trousers. I wanted to get the Breathflex Pro in Olive but they are only class 1.

I know I will likely just have to suck it up, but does anyone out there have any good recommendations for class 2 trousers?

Sorry for the long post, and I appreciate any help.

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u/Alvadar65 — 3 days ago

Best Electric Chainsaw in 2026?

Now I'm currently searching for the best electric chainsaw in 2026 that is powerful, safe to use, and handles everyday cutting tasks like trimming branches, cutting firewood, and light yard work. I want something with a long battery life, easy start mechanism, and that operates smoothly without too much noise or maintenance.

I've come across several options during my research, but I'd love to hear about your personal experiences and recommendations. Some options I've been considering include:

  • DEWALT 20V MAX XR Chainsaw
  • Greenworks 40V Cordless Chainsaw
  • BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX Cordless Chainsaw
  • Oregon CS1500 Self-Sharpening Chainsaw
  • Makita XCU03PT1 Cordless Chain Saw
  • EGO Power+ CS1604 Chainsaw
  • Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Chainsaw

If you have any personal favorites or additional insights on these best electric chainsaws in 2026 or others that might be better for cutting performance, battery efficiency, and everyday yard reliability, please share!

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u/Enougjzj — 4 days ago

Will I see chain sharpness continue longer if I switch to Oregon bar and chains from OEM Ryobi?

I've used a Ryobi 40v 18" that I inherited a couple of times and it seems to get dull after each single use. I found (not a combo) but matches for my model on the Oregon website using their S62 chain, an Advanced cut, single rivet bar (.050" gauge, 3/8" low profile pitch, 62 drive links, tail mount A041, and 5/32" file size.) I don't have enough experience to know if it's oiling properly, but the tank seems to show it's using oil that I've put in it.

I really don't don't need an 18" bar for my use - storm cleanup on a small suburban property - but that's what I have, so there's no point in spending money to replace it with something smaller. My plan is to replace the bar and chain (if that will be useful), lube it and put it away for the next fallen limb. Will a new bar and chain help keep it sharp longer? I'll also buy a sharpening kit and learn to use it.

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u/Jack15911 — 4 days ago