Safe Bar Length?

[hotajax]

Stihl 021. I have a "factory" manual. There's shitttloads of useless safety info, but nothing on what "safe" bar lengths I can use. Be careful not to cut off your foot. Yeah right. How do you find out this info? Thanks.

 

[esean]

As far as safety goes, I think a shorter bar can be more dangerous. Its less visible so its easier to get careless about where it is. For functionality a 36cc saw is usually happy with a 14" bar, 16" max, depending on what you're cutting.

 

[Chevboy0167]

According to Oregon, 12-18".

 

[Wood Doctor]

Most of the Stihl 021 saws that have been supplied to me for servicing or repairs have had 14" or 16" lightweight bars on board and none has had anything longer than 16". Same is true for the 210.

 

[PV Hiker]

Here is one place to search. Not the latest, but neither is the 021. 021 0n page 50.

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

Here is one place to search. Not the latest, but neither is the 021. 021 0n page 50.

On mine its on page 53.

OP look at the manual contents- head to the page listed for "specifications" read that.

 

[Valpen]

As far as safety goes, I think a shorter bar can be more dangerous. Its less visible so its easier to get careless about where it is. For functionality a 36cc saw is usually happy with a 14" bar, 16" max, depending on what you're cutting.

I echo what is mentioned here.
I have a 16" on mine, and it works very nicely.
Remember it is a narrow chain, so it has less wood-width to cut, to 16" is ok for 36cc.
Just handle it lightly so it doesn't bog-down in large diameter stuff, and you have the benefiit of the extra reach to save your back when doing limbing etc...

 

[irhunter]

+1 for 16" 3/8LP chain on the 021.

Even in beech and yellow birch, it pulls well-enough with a correctly-sharpened chain. Oils a 16" bar.

Roy

 

[hotajax]

Thanks, gents

 

[hotajax]

According to Oregon, 12-18".

View attachment 1163036evy

Chevyboy: Where did you get this chart?

 

[Chevboy0167]

https://www.oregonproducts.com/en/ufoundit

 

[hotajax]

https://www.oregonproducts.com/en/ufoundit

Thanks. now I know where to find more info.