MS241 Chain Brake Adjustment?

[CacaoBoy]

To release the chain brake on my Stihl MS241 requires that the brake handle be moved back to within about 1/4" of the handlebar. It appears this may be typical of these saws, but it means that the brake cannot be released when the left hand is holding the saw in the normal position on the top of the handlebar, but rather the left hand must be shifted out of the way to the left wrap-around side of the handlebar. This means several extra movements are required as the left hand is shifted out of the way, and then back to the normal operating position. Perhaps of greater concern is the risk of injury every time the saw is juggled without having a firm grip and the brake is off.

On my previous saw the chain brake could be released while the left hand was in position on the top of the handlebar.

Before I tear into the saw I wanted to ask if anyone has adjusted the chain brake so it will release without such a close approach to the handlebar. Or is this not typical, and something that should be fixed under warranty?

 

[HarleyT]

Just a quick question:
Does the saw have the original bar/chain setup? Or has something been changed?

 

[CacaoBoy]

Just a quick question:
Does the saw have the original bar/chain setup? Or has something been changed?

The saw was bought new last week, so, yes, all original.

 

[HarleyT]

Just wondering. The ipls show a different brake band, depending on the sprocket/pitch.
What pitch/spr does your saw have?

 

[CacaoBoy]

3/8" pitch, 6 tooth spur sprocket

 

[HarleyT]

I would look into that. It likely came with the .325.
What does your sticker say?

 

[1Alpha1]

I'd just take it back to the dealer and have them address the issue. If anything is wrong, they can deal with it, right there on the spot.

 

[HarleyT]

i.e.

 

[HarleyT]

Note the indication of the sprocket.........

 

[HarleyT]

It helps when one goes back to the dealer with "knowledge".......

 

[HarleyT]

But in short... There is no adjustment..

 

[CacaoBoy]

Sticker says 3/8", matches what is actually on it.


I have sent a query to Stihl technical support and will let people here know what they say. Thanks.

 

[tacomatrd98]

On most stihls there won't be enough room to leave your hand on the top handle and release the chain brake with your other hand. Not really any adjustments and if you modify the mechanism it may cause problems with it actually engaging correctly should you encounter a kickback that should/would trigger it.

Its something that I really don't think about as it always seemed natural to me but I've watched many folks look like the monkey/football cenario trying to figure out how to take the brake off and not pinch fingers or drop the saw, etc. Fwiw, this is how I do it. If I'm holding the saw with both hands, left on the top handle in the "bucking position" and right on the rear handle, I lower my left hand and lift my right to tip the saw down. Open up your left hand while keeping your left thumb under the top handle. Pull the chain brake lever back with your four free fingers and then let it return to neutral position and regrip the handle with your left hand. I usually have the saw resting against my leg while I take the brake off which helps support it.

Hope that's helpful.

AJ

 

[CacaoBoy]

Thanks, Tacoma. I found 2 youtube videos showing the method you describe including one apparently produced by Stihl. With my old Husqvarna I could release the brake while securely holding the handlebar. I expect with some practice I can adopt your method for the new saw. Still learning.