I have used this saw for cutting fire wood about 12 to 15 cords a year with no issues for over 30 years .replaced 1 bar ,1 fuel line and spark plug 2 years ago and a fuel cap.it starts and runs without any problems.the best thing about it is light weight and handy for trimming and does not tire you out.

I bought a used 021 around 25 years ago, and I have used it to fell trees up to 30" across. This has been my primary woodcutting saw all this time, both for my personal stove and also for selling firewood, and it has been both tough and dependable. In all that time I have had one tune up and carb clean out (due to not being used for a couple of seasons). The little saw (with 16" bar) still starts up with just a few pulls, even after long stretches sitting unused. No, it doesn't have the kind of power to just speed through the big stuff, but it has enough torque to get the job done if you let it saw at its own pace. I can't remember how many chains I had worn out with this saw, but with a fresh chain this saw will do just about anything you can throw at it. If I have any criticism it would be that the 16" bar leaves something to be desired for me. I am 6'5" and I appreciate the longer bars that come with the bigger saws, especially when limbing a fallen tree. I also prefer felling larger trees with a longer bar, though I have dropped many an oak tree cutting through from both sides. Also the tensioning screw is a little inconvenient as it is on the body side of the bar. What the saw lacks in size and extra horsepower it more than makes up with its mobility and toughness. It cuts at every angle you can try. Maintenance is simple and quick. Parts are readily available. All in all, this saw continues to perform at a high level. This saw will stay in the family for years to come!

This saw has been handed down from my grandpa to my dad now me. Min 25yrs old never in for service yet. Cleared a ton of trees between cottage and home. My dad cut i can't even tell you how many cords of wood. Just bought 5 acres and started clearing. Cut about 20 pine trees last weekend id say abour 12" or more delimbed and cut up. Just keeps going.

I have had my stihl 021 chainsaw for three years and it has been the beast first chainsaw i have own i cut wood with it all the time love the way it cuts and this to all the people if you dont have a stihl 021 you need yo get one you will love it as much as i have.

I've had this saw for about 10 years now and whenever I used it I pushed it beyond its designed use to extremes sometimes. I clean it once a year and thats it. Never needed anything but one spark plug in all that time. I can honestly say that I chopped at least 20 power poles (old untreated ones) into 450mm pieces for firewood. If that does not show you how good it is nothing will as its not meant for this kind of work. Build quality is excellent, chain saw made in Canada and bar in Germany. Top product.

I have had my Stihl 021 saw now for 16 years and it has been perfect. I get a kick out of the "Low End" comments of one of the previous owners mentioned. The 021 is manufactured to the same specs as their other models. It's a great machine.

Bought the Stihl 021 in 1998 for tree work; its been so reliable as the amount of work its done is incredible .The saw might be small but looked after correctly and sharpened ,you will be impressed.

I've had an 021 for 12 years. It's always run strong, started easily and has cut oak up to 20 inches in diameter. Of course it's designed for smaller trees but in a pinch it's cut everything I've needed. I use it mainly for climbing but it's cleared a few lots and has been a really good saw for storm cleanup. It's lightweight makes it an excellent saw when you need to climb a tree to cut limbs...pulling the saw up with a rope is effortless and it's small enough that you can manoeuvre around relatively easily.

Good all-round saw.

My old Stihl 021 finally gave up the ghost. Before it did, I used it in clearing several acres of thick forest. I calculate I felled several hundred trees ranging from small Yupon up to 24" diameter oak. I cut most of the oak into Firewood and cut up the limbs for the burn pile. This chainsaw outlasted my Poulan and McCulloch by several times over and was not as tempermental.

There are some keys to remember about Stihl chainsaws; they are designed to work best with Stihl chains, bars and oils. Using generic or other name brand parts will not give you the same results; they are not designed specifically for this saw although they will work and give average service.

When I get back, I'll be buying another Stihl, it was the best buy for my money.

This little saw does everything it is intended to and more. The Stihl 021 is great for trimming and small firewood cutting. It always starts and runs great. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

People buy the low-end Stihl's just to have the name brand, but the low-end models are not reliable OR well-built, compared to others. When I went to the Dealer for service, and they see it's a low-end "consumer" model, they just shrugged me off like when you have a Harley Sportster, and not a "real" Harley.

After the Stihl 021 chain saw I bought, I'd never buy another Stihl anything again after the way I've been treated.

Very Briefly.

Bought a chainsaw in 2005.
Used it sparingly for domestic use cutting a few branches for my log fires.
It broke.
Wouldn't oil the chain.

Was told by service agents that a bearing had broken and this had hit the casing, cracking it, causing oil to flow out and not into lubricating the chain.
Cost as much to replace casing as buy new one.

I phoned Stihl, they said two year gurantee on home use, so they spoke to agents.

Agents told them I'd used engine oil in my oil tank - I hadn't.
Agents told them the saw had been used with the brake on and this had caused the case to melt - they told me above. Bear in mind they'd already charged me nearly £80 for replacing bearing and clutch parts.

Stihl eventually picked up saw for checking.

3 months later and they still haven't told me what's wrong with it.

I even had an email 11 days ago saying that it had come back from the workshop and I'd have another email in the next day or two.

I've sent emails requesting an update they just get ignored.

I've been without my saw for over 6 months now.

Stihl customer service? What customer service. I'd recommend anyone to steer well clear of any Sthil product in the UK, if not and you get treated like me you'll wish you'd taken my advice.

I'm off to buy any other make of chainsaw, it's bound to last longer than my Stihl did and not cost me anywhere near as much.

I have had the Stihl 021 chainsaw for 9 years, and it is still going strong!