Beware: eBay seller of STIHL chain loops in Tasmania

kaazih

I just received an order of 5 chain loops via an eBay seller in Tasmania and must warn anyone considering the same to beware. The first thing I noticed was that only one of the chains appeared to be the 36RSC type stated in the ebay auction while the other 4 looked like the older style RSK without the 'nose' leading in to the depth gauge - see below



No big deal with that - I don't expect it'll be that much different? I've no doubt that it's genuine STIHL chain - just a different type (does not have a 'C' stamped on the cutter either like all other 36RSC chain I've bought in the past (Australia or US)

I then had a closer look at how the loops were made and that's when the old alarm bells started ringing - see image below. The first chain I examined had a cracked tie-strap! I'm not a big fan of chains breaking under load especially when blocking down in the tree.



Only one of the chains will I use as is. Apart from the cracked tie-strap, three others have been joined with the rivet squashed inside the tie-strap seizing the link up completely (nice for making the chain jump off the bar - thanks to the inventor of the chain catcher for saving us on that one.)

I phoned the eBay seller and firstly asked about the different chain types. He said "that it depended on whether the chain came from the US or china"! ... more alarm bells. I told him that "I was pretty sure all STIHL chain was made in Switzerland" - hence their opening of a second chain manufacturing facility in 2007. That's probably also why all those little chain boxes say 'Made in Switzerland' too.

Mr eBay seller didn't seem too worried about the cracked tie-strap either. "Oh, well nobody is perfect are they?" ...

Anyway, I have access to a chain breaker and chain spinner so at least I can fix these problems.

Of course you all remember to check your chain before it goes on the bar right?

S

Eric Frei

Bugger me, thanks for letting us know.

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stihlman441

This is why you are better of getting 100 foot roll (from some one you can trust) and make up your loops,go in with a mate,or even sell a couple of loops to your mates if a roll is to much.

jimmy34

Sounds like the same guy I bought a new Husky 24 inch bar and 5 chain package from. Before I bid I asked whether the bar was compatible with my saw (460 Rancher), answered yes. Received items, left good feedback then attempted to fit bar to saw. No luck there, not compatible. Asked whether he would exchange for the correct bar, answer no, none in stock, gets it all from the US. he then tried to sell me the saw (Husky 576) to fit my new bar that he incorrectly sold to me....... I don't think this guy is purposefully shonky, probably just a little ignorant. Luckily I have been eyeing off the Husky 576 Auto Tune and will buy one from the USA when the Aussie dollar goes past 1.10 hopefully before the end of the F/Y. reckon I will get a 32 inch bar so I will have the 24 and 32 inch for versitility.