Stihl 009, 011, 012 (015?) saws

[Danno77]

Speak up if you have a small Stihl and you hate it. Speak up if you have one and love it. I've been looking on CL for a while now and see them every once in a while. Maybe someone here even has one that they'd sell me? Even if you have dead one in the barn I can probably work something out with you. 2 or three dead saws can sometimes make a good one with a little work and love.

I'd like one that I can use in the yard for cutting small rounds and sometimes to give the wife something to use.

 

[Later]

I have had a 009 for years and it did everything I asked it to do - great for working around the house. I just picked up a used MS180 from a Stihl dealer and LOVE it. Much more power than the 009. Both will do all I need.

 

[oldspark]

I like my 009L very much, never had a problem with it and with a sharp chain it will cut a lot of wood for a small saw.

 

[bsa0021]

I have a 15 year old Stihl 023 that has processed all my firewood for the past 5 heating seasons. It has been the best tool I own. I prefer it to my Husky 55 Rancher. Sorry, it's not for sale!

 

[SWNH]

I use my 170s for 90% of my cutting. I can cut for hours with them due to their light weight. The thin kerf (.043) chain makes it perform quite well for such a small saw.

 

[WNCburner]

I have an 015L. It is an antique saw, top handle, no chain brake, no anti-vibe. Without the rear handle it is a bit awkward to handle. All that being said, I love that little saw. When branches fall on the yard or some brush needs to be cut, it's my go to tool. I used it as my only saw for a few years, limbing and bucking cords of fallen hardwoods. That little saw just never quits. Does everything it has ever needed to do, just a lot slower than my other saws. I guess it was well worth the $30 I paid, but if money were not an issue I'd go get a modern saw with anti-vibe and a chain brake. If my wife were going to be using it, I'd save up a little more for a safer tool.

 

[Danno77]

thanks for the input. I know there are 009s out there with chain brakes, so that's not a big concern. It will have one for sure if i let my wife use it.

I do go back and forth between getting an old used stihl and just going out and buying a MS170 new. They aren't that expensive, and it would be fun to have a NEW saw. I dunno. there is just something about having an old saw that appeals to me. wouldn't be as self-conscious about how I treat it, either.

 

[blel]

I've had an 028 Super for years. Great saw.

Recently I sort of inherited an 011. I love it. Instead of using the 028 for cutting up 8-10" dia or so logs, I use the 011. Much lighter and easier to handle. Cuts great with a sharp chain.

The 028 and 011 make a good combo for my needs.