Stihl 021 replacement bar

[RobertN]

Buddy of mine gave me an 021. He's in his 90's and cant handle saws anymore. Him and his wife are very dear friends; I help them with projects and stuff.

This thing has sat for a few years. Have been cleaning it up. It fired up with fresh gas, but the bar and chain have rust and crust. It has an 18" bar, which I think is big for this saw.

Any recommendations 14" vs 16" on this saw? Chain?

I have other saws, including the MS461 I just picked up. I'll probably keep this saw mostly for working around my buddies property. Seems like a handy smaller light duty saw. And, he will be happy to have the saw working and seeing it used.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

I generally stick with Oregon or Stihl bars and chains. Of course there are lots of other options but these two never failed me. I Use Stihl saws almost exclusively but lots of other good brands as well..

Just make sure you match the chain, bar, and drive sprocket. I am always amazed how many people buy chains that don't work properly as doesn't match drive gear or guide bars that have wrong groove widths for the chain, or wrong sprocket tip count for the chain, etc... As long as you match all 3 components (plus oiling channels) all should be good.

 

[xyz123]

If you want a super light bar and priced right too.

Oregon Versacut.

 

[RobertN]

Update - I wound up going with Oregon bar and chain; local saw shop had it in stock. I generally prefer Stihl chain but this is working well so far.

I did wind up putting a new carb on the saw. I had put the new bar and chain on, fired it up, and went to make a cut. The saw died and would not go again. Pulled the carb apart, cleaned it, but still not going. Popped a new carb on it, and works like a charm (OEM carb).

 

[xyz123]

Cleaning if stiff diaphragms isnt going to fix that issue. If still have original carb just kit it.

But then again oem zama of that China carb is only like 25 too. Last I needed for a locals.