Stihl 038 chain brake

[209primer]

Greetings Chainsaw Gurus,

I have a question about the chain brake on my 038 Mag. Compared to my newer generation saws there is a large gap between the handlebar and the chain brake lever on this older saw. Is this normal? See picture. Both saws have the brake activated.

My concern about this is safety related. My understanding of the reason for the small gap is that the operator's left wrist will actuate the brake in the event of a kickback when the saw is forced upward. My concern is that the significant gap between the handlebar and the brake on the 038 would prevent this safety feature from being useful.

 

[big t double]

Yup...your sh!ts broke. Time to take it apart and see.

 

[gunnusmc03]

That's normal, the 038 lever has a long throw.

 

[big t double]

Mine don't throw that far

 

[GPX433Todd]

I'll join the "That doesn't look right" bandwagon.

 

[huskihl]

That's an ohshit brake setup. Right before the bar hits you in the forehead, it activates.

 

[gunnusmc03]

Top photo is with brake disengaged. Bottom is engaged.

The brake engages as soon as the cam trips and the handle moves forward...no different than any other stihl saw.

The brake doesn't engage at the end of the handle stroke...

 

[big t double]

Your sh!t looks broke too
Here's mines with the brake engaged...maybe there's a few variations of the 038 brake? Mines from Brazil fwiw

 

[gunnusmc03]

Appears there's some variances. I've never felt unsafe using mine.

 

[209primer]

My saw appears to be Brazilian. The brake is unlike any other Stihl saw I've used. I definitely agree with the "ohshit" observation, which is why I wrote the post. Are there other Stihl models that are like this?

 

[RBurtcher]

The brake lever on my 038 Mag rests in the engaged position like the picture in big t double's pic. ( 45 deg angle) Although it engages and disengages at the same spot at the top of the muffler and the end of the top cover. There is about 10 degrees of free movement/ slop in the engaged position.