Important Things to Check Before You Buy a Used ChainSaw

Buyer beware!! Used chainsaws can be a great bargain but there are important things you must check before you buy a used or second hand chainsaw. From safety issues to major repairs, I take you through a check list so you don't get scammed or waste your money before you make that purchase!

If you are going to a garage sale, yard sale, estate sale or flea market or see a classified ad, take the time to watch this video first!

Why is this chainsaw being sold? Could you buy this chainsaw new at a box store for less money? What do you look for? Is it safe to use? A chainsaw is not a toy. You need facts. Watch now and share with your friends.

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Learn how to properly fix or repair your own outdoor power equipment if it won’t start, bogs out, won’t rev up, chain or blade is dull and doesn’t cut good, needs sharpened, or simply just runs poorly.

Simple and basic, do it yourself (DIY) tutorials to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment.

I do my best to teach you how I easily diagnose problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way.

Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like chainsaws, weed eaters, string trimmers, grass trimmers, line trimmers, hedge trimmers, strimmers, brush cutters, leaf blowers, or four stroke, four cycle units like lawn mowers, pressure washers, generators, ride on mowers that need parts installed or replaced, I’m your guy.

I’ve been a small engine mechanic for many years so my videos are loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to pass on to you. I want Steve’s Small Engine Saloon to SAVE YOU TIME, FRUSTRATION AND MOST IMPORTANT, MONEY!

Disclosure: This YouTube video is provided for informational purposes only. Steve is a qualified small engine mechanic and is working in an open and fully ventilated shop for the purpose of making this video. Small engines should be operated outside in fully ventilated areas only and it is important that you wear the appropriate safety gear. If you choose to try one of the suggestions made in this video, you do so at your own risk. Please ensure that you take all proper safety measures before attempting any project.

[marvinbaier]

I bought a nice used chainsaw a few weeks ago. They said they are selling it for their neighbor and I knew better than that. It was cheap for a professional Stihl saw. I did everything that you showed us. Nothing wrong at all. After I brought it home I looked at it closer. That’s when I notice the chain was on backwards. That’s when I realized why the chainsaw was so cheap. What an easy fix for an awesome saw.

[JetSkiBuyFixPlaySellChannel]

Another tip is to see what they cost when they were new. Saw a guy selling a Stihl MS170 for $150. Looked well used and needed a new chain. You can get a new one for $190.

[oceanheadted]

I remember some other chainsaw expert saying that you are better off buying a new saw unless you you really know your way around a saw. That makes a lot of sense to me - the parts get difficult to get as the saw gets older so a newer one has definite advantages. I wouldn’t buy a saw that didn’t have a chain on it because I wouldn’t be able to check the chain brake easily.

[acesegura]

Steve you got it, biggest thing I always say is a clean saw is a happy saw, if the PO doesn't keep the saw clean, he never cared about it, look at how the saw looks, biggest thing to me, did they take care of it, especially when buying used high end saws, did they take care of them, most don't know how too or otherwise don't care, used tree service equipment is usually junk, gotta find people who buy a saw to cut up down trees on their property one time and have no other use for the saw or other best deal is someone who can't fix their minor problem their saw is having, both hard to come by, gotta know alot of people

[nancykeslar]

I bought a brand new Stihl 030 in 1971 and it is STILL running today-05/28/2019-gary

[ohiofarmer]

The best advice I have on buying a Stihl chain saw is to buy an Echo 😂. They just start so easily. I recently bought a marketplace find of a four hundred and six hundred series netal bodied saws that were well loved. I asked about a package deal and he offered a BOGO.
I feel so blessed that he is a pro repair guy who fixes Diesel trucks during the day and does chain saws at night. His upgraded shop is four months old. I bought Two additional chains at fifteen each. Those saws are so easy to start that all the paint is still on them. A quick pull at the waist and vroom.

[jamesmurphy]

Was using my chainsaw at the weekend and I said I'd top up the fuel & the oil before putting it away. I needed it the following day and realised what I had done, I was like, ohh mannn, I wrecked it !!!
Followed ur steps and it's back working again, thanx a million,
Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪

[martinbernal]

I have bought 3 used saws now. 390, 066 and 084. I will keep this in mind for the future. Thanks.

[tomsmith]

Recently - Husqvarna T540 XP 14'' bar and chain $100.00. Needed a few parts and I took the risk, it ran great< Oil soaked and no chain brake.
Got in there and cleaned things up. Replaced the entire chain brake clutch cover the chain guide plate and chain catcher.
Runs like a new saw. New 16'' Bar and Pro Chains along with a few for the 14'' bar.
Wow talk about a screamer, that thing cuts like magic.
I have a passion for tools and what we can do with them.

[chrisbeard]

Thank you Steve. Between you and Buckin’ I have fallen in love with my chainsaws and I do all my own work on them, watch all your videos.
Thank you for getting people passionate about small engines and making it feel fun. Here in Alaska it’s saved me mentally in winters to be happy and having a good time getting my saws running great and my small engines are running perfect

[backyardmechanic]

I bought a used 034 av super at a flea market not knowing all this and took a chance. It wouldnt start but cleaned the air filter and got it runni g. Gave it a new bar and its still running strong

[milanshubert]

Hi Steve, just came into your vids I just want to say thank you. Your one of the few down to earth honest guys. You tell it like it is, no BS some people will give you bits and pieces and you still walk away scratching your head. But with you it's the package, you really learn important information. So thank you again for all your hard work. And I myself will watch all your vids

[acesegura]

I like this before it started, I got my ms200t from a metal bin, and $100 in parts it ran, been running it 14 years now, awesome little saw, I'll never get rid of it

[haulornothing]

Quick look at the air filter can be useful. If it's chock full, because the never cleaned it, that's a flag of some color, maybe red. 😆

[remb]

Honestly most homeowner type people sell saws that are 99% perfectly fine but have carb/fuel problems or even just adjustment problems so they gave up and it gave them an excuse to buy a new one.

[ralphsmithco]

I’ve got a pallet full of junk. I learned all this info the hard way. Great video. If the chain is ready to fall off, they don’t know anything about maintenance.

[bobweb]

I love your stuff. I have watched lots of your videos.

One thing that could be a part of the quick check is the start sequence check.
With the Stihl, switch on and off., You cant get to full choke unless you squeeze the trigger first. Squeezing the trigger should allow full choke, squeezing again it should click off.
Just look for a working linkage. Husqvarna's are different.

[jerrykast]

Great tips Steve. You always bring helpful advice in an very entertaining way. You are willing to sacrifice business to help your fellow man. That means not only are you a great mechanic but are also a wonderful human being. Thank you.

[smitz]

I bought a used husky for like 75. Started but wouldn't idle. Missing a bar bolt, and missing the spring for the chain brake. I cleaned the carb and it starts and runs well now.

[tgsgardenmaintenance]

With hindsight these are easy things to do but they are often the things we forget!