What Tools Do I Need?

[dav2no1]

Hi ..I'm new to the saw game. My buddy gave my a Stihl 024. I'm going to do some basic stuff to it. I'll be picking up a pump to perform a pressure check. Changing the fuel pick up(rotted away), I bought a carb rebuild kit(if needed), replacement caps for fuel and bar oil... will pull and/or replace spark plug.

So what tools do you guys use? Is there a specific brand you prefer/suggest? Is there a kit of tools I should buy? Is there specific sizes that are non standard I might need? Don't plan on rebuilding the whole saw, just some basic maintenance stuff.

I have a lot of automotive tools in my garage as well as a workshop downstairs. I have a couple classic trucks that I like to play with.

Any suggestions are appreciated..

 

[J D]

Not much you can't do with a scrench, a socket set, a set of T handle alan keys, a spare pull chord, & something to clean out the bar groove. A compressor is good for blowing the gunk off

 

[montana59]

Vacuum pump,27 torx long one and then it depends on what you have to do

 

[chrismike]

For tools, a scrench (13mm for bar nuts), carb adjustment tool, compression tester, and a piston stop are handy. Your automotive tools will cover most basics. Kobalt tools (checkout)are a solid, affordable choice for wrenches and screwdrivers. Grab a sharpening file for the chain too, good luck!

 

[J D]

Piston stops can be a bad idea, the pull chord down the plug hole is less likely to end badly... just gotta make sure the piston is high enough you don't get it stuck in a port

 

[dav2no1]

Ok guys..I am getting a little more involved..finished one saw 024..that needed minor things. Would like to rebuild the carb on this 026. I saw a video from a shop where the lady was opening the carb and showing the steps. I saw her use a metering valve gauge.



Looking around there seems to be several on the market. What do you use or recommend? Seems like a cheap handy tool.

 

[J D]

There's the Walbro "W" & the Zama "Z", may be others... I tend to use a straight edge & a feeler guage but that usually means looking up the gap if it's not flush.
Always pays to compare the metering diaphragms closely before setting as they can vary significantly

 

[fields_mj]

Beyond a scwrench and a decent T27 driver, I often use my cordless 1/4" impact and a 3/4" (or 19mm) socket to remove the clutch because it keeps me from needing to remove the sparkplug and risk dropping debris into the cylinder if I'm not tearing the saw down.

After 3 decades of working on automated equipment, I've come to appreciate a decent set of small precision screwdrivers as well. By decent set, I mean something better than the "eye glass" screwdriver set that's normally available. For that matter, I also mean something a little better than what you can get at Harbor Freight because small stuff is a big enough pain to begin with. No need to make it worse by using drivers that have worn or bent edges... I've used several brands over the years, and there are several good ones available. I have some cheap sets that have all kind of bits in them, but they mostly stay in the tool box and only come out for the odd ball repair on something my wife or kids broke... What I normally use is a simple 7 pc set of slotted and phillips drivers. The sets I currently have are Aven 7pc sets (amazon link below). I've also had good results with Wiha and Wera in the past. I've used the ones with interchangeable tips, but I prefer more of a fixed blade style because they are a little stronger. I also like them to come in their own case with a clear lid that latches closed. This keeps them together and organized in the drawer, tool box, tool bag, bucket, shelf (ect) where I keep them. I keep a set in my shop, another in the house, another in the basement, another in my car, another in my truck.... You get the idea. Over the course of time I've added a set pretty much everywhere I store tools, and I don't mix and match them (ie the ones in the shop stay in the shop). The set in the shop and at my bench in the basement see somewhat regular use. The others rarely get used, but when I need them, its worth the $$ to have them right there handy.

https://www.amazon.com/Aven-Precisi...precision+screwdriver+set,aps,161&sr=8-1&th=1

 

[dwaugh]

Beyond a scwrench and a decent T27 driver, I often use my cordless 1/4" impact and a 3/4" (or 19mm) socket to remove the clutch because it keeps me from needing to remove the sparkplug and risk dropping debris into the cylinder if I'm not tearing the saw down.

After 3 decades of working on automated equipment, I've come to appreciate a decent set of small precision screwdrivers as well. By decent set, I mean something better than the "eye glass" screwdriver set that's normally available. For that matter, I also mean something a little better than what you can get at Harbor Freight because small stuff is a big enough pain to begin with. No need to make it worse by using drivers that have worn or bent edges... I've used several brands over the years, and there are several good ones available. I have some cheap sets that have all kind of bits in them, but they mostly stay in the tool box and only come out for the odd ball repair on something my wife or kids broke... What I normally use is a simple 7 pc set of slotted and phillips drivers. The sets I currently have are Aven 7pc sets (amazon link below). I've also had good results with Wiha and Wera in the past. I've used the ones with interchangeable tips, but I prefer more of a fixed blade style because they are a little stronger. I also like them to come in their own case with a clear lid that latches closed. This keeps them together and organized in the drawer, tool box, tool bag, bucket, shelf (ect) where I keep them. I keep a set in my shop, another in the house, another in the basement, another in my car, another in my truck.... You get the idea. Over the course of time I've added a set pretty much everywhere I store tools, and I don't mix and match them (ie the ones in the shop stay in the shop). The set in the shop and at my bench in the basement see somewhat regular use. The others rarely get used, but when I need them, its worth the $$ to have them right there handy.

https://www.amazon.com/Aven-Precision-Chromium-Vanadium-Screwdriver/dp/B0018A7I8I/ref=sr_1_1?crid=R0R6K53TD6DF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oQUOPAujf5XwOmVw-XWHV0HsTGgpe4uqQ6UafKk1bejXGEhKefveAAUvZd8Y-DVXdxGuMiSmaEefLASZlx_vKsaY5Tnd6REIzWzoMR-C3jB5da8U-qSlwxC5_FyuaCZuTIwsZU9vikwKIwKgpA72P8g59UUyVMw8s4zADOMCDRsp69hv8vmur7so8coBU7fu8WdTfJZ6Yvp7QVDPqWDir__zbA_AO2f6YFpDi-LcsO95BIcXC_cvXYSZAe9IpLqNlSNqTKKNUCaKG0vE_yj63jBhERLFVUUqTUfh6fFmPcl2yZakTyH10BIe_tEcolSApTGxx6Lm8xC4xSHyZgXIfvWyMEeamfCjLcmTvxoFfkDEhXtARhRCauLkAWbT2Qlaa_x0uL568dwkO4wz8e9gUAsuLOHq02-Pxcs69zCDlYH_NEu6DEGHfbDIhPDQfkdX.OzgnyMBLMAcDuHVgJIGTuFAcsfQOMwvJWJpDRJ4tBis&dib_tag=se&keywords=Aven+precision+screwdriver+set&qid=1735920511&sprefix=aven+precision+screwdriver+set,aps,161&sr=8-1&th=1

Have you tried the Starrett jewelers screwdrivers? I don't think this what you are talking about for saws.... I've always wanted a set but the price seems a little crazy... I like Wiha for bigger stuff, although I have some almost jewelers screwdrivers from them including Torx.

 

[Mad Professor]

Not mentioned yet.

Quality files to sharpen, file rakers and dress the rails on the bar. Raker gauge , file handles, file holder if you don't freehand file. Flywheel and seal pullers.

 

[Chainsaw Pete]

I use old tooth brushes every time I clean my saw. I also use old dental tools that I get from my dentist when his people wear out or break one of the picks, scrapers, scalers, whatever. I also found a piece of scrap sheet metal that fits loosely in the bar groove that does a great job of cleaning oil soaked sawdust from the bar.

 

[dav2no1]

I have quality file sets and handles. Pick/scraper tools. I mentioned the old TV adjustment tools..make great cleaners. Have toothbrush and other instruments. Have quality screwdrivers..dad had electronics workshop.

This is just the basement workshop.. I kept all the tools.

 

[dwaugh]

I have quality file sets and handles. Pick/scraper tools. I mentioned the old TV adjustment tools..make great cleaners. Have toothbrush and other instruments. Have quality screwdrivers..dad had electronics workshop.

This is just the basement workshop.. I kept all the tools.
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Love the breast drill, I have a similar one.

 

[Chainsaw Pete]

LOL, we all have drawers like that. I've been offering mine to the city maintenance guys. I suspect they just throw boxes of random screws/bolts,nuts in the metal recycling bin.

With a tool setup like that, why are you asking what tools you will need for chainsaws? They are, after all, just infernal combustion injuns with carburetors. At my age, (well into retirement) I'm trying to simplify and downsize. Anything I've not used for a year or more (including tools) gets the hairy eyeball. No, no, no, I can't throw that hunk of 1/2" scrap steel plate away.....

 

[Mad Professor]

I use old tooth brushes every time I clean my saw. I also use old dental tools that I get from my dentist when his people wear out or break one of the picks, scrapers, scalers, whatever. I also found a piece of scrap sheet metal that fits loosely in the bar groove that does a great job of cleaning oil soaked sawdust from the bar.

To clean the bar groove I make a tool from a large nail. First I bend the point end ~45 degrees, then hammer that end flat with a hammer to the width of the groove. Handy and cheap to make, I keep one in my shop and another in the tool pouch I bring in the woods.

 

[dav2no1]

LOL, we all have drawers like that. I've been offering mine to the city maintenance guys. I suspect they just throw boxes of random screws/bolts,nuts in the metal recycling bin.

With a tool setup like that, why are you asking what tools you will need for chainsaws? They are, after all, just infernal combustion injuns with carburetors. At my age, (well into retirement) I'm trying to simplify and downsize. Anything I've not used for a year or more (including tools) gets the hairy eyeball. No, no, no, I can't throw that hunk of 1/2" scrap steel plate away.....

I was thinking I would need more specific tools, but so far just regular tools I already had. Also want to keep saw tools together so I don't have to dig through my tool box or elsewhere. I have block off plates, long T27, gonna buy extra long angled pliers. Metering tool is arriving Sunday. And next Friday my digital tachometer is arriving.

Basement workshop is looking way less cluttered than when dad was alive..talk about an electronics hoard!

 

[Mad Professor]

I find a large pail of curved hemostats work better at getting inside the fuel and oil tanks to change hoses/filters

 

[dav2no1]

Think I mentioned this, but dad's friend was a surgeon at the local base, so I have a bunch plus glass syringes dad used to oil stuff..like radio knobs/dials.

 

[Mad Professor]

Real big ones with curved tips ~12" long work best.

Those spend time with my fishing tackle too, good for unhooking pike and bluefish.