Stihl 024 AV vs. 024 AVS (Comparison Guide)

The 024 AV and 024 AVS share a 42.6 cm³ engine, but the suffix alone does not prove that two saws have the same brake, bar mount, or chain setup. Treat condition and verified parts as the deciding factors. Before buying or cutting, check the serial number, saw markings, and the correct manual.

If you have two listings open, use this quick fix: ask for clear photos of each saw’s model and serial markings, bar, chain, sprocket, and brake controls. Then compare the actual parts and condition, not just “AV” or “AVS.” Both are older saws, so a sound example with verified parts may be a better buy than a more appealing suffix.

Stihl 024 AV vs. 024 AVS: the practical difference

Both model names refer to versions of the Stihl 024, a 42.6 cm³ chainsaw. “AV” denotes anti-vibration equipment. “AVS” appears on some versions and markets, but the suffix alone does not confirm a particular chain brake, bar mount, or cutting setup. Check the individual saw before deciding what it can do.

The key point is that the name is not a complete parts list. Production details and market versions can differ, and parts may have been changed during the saw’s life. I would not assume an AVS is safer, more powerful, or compatible with a specific bar simply because of its letters.

“Anti-vibration” describes a system intended to reduce vibration reaching the operator. It does not remove vibration or make long cutting sessions safe by itself. Nor does either badge make the saw suitable for overhead cutting or for felling by an inexperienced operator.

Which one should you buy?

Choose the individual saw with the better documented condition, working safety controls, correct cutting parts, and a reliable service history. If one seller cannot show the serial number or explain the fitted bar and chain, treat that uncertainty as a cost and risk—not as proof that the saw is a bargain.

For light bucking, such as cutting manageable firewood on the ground, either may suit a capable operator if it is in sound working order and configured correctly. For frequent or demanding work, compare the repair needs and parts availability with the cost of a newer saw. Displacement alone does not tell you a used saw’s current output or reliability.

How to verify the saw before purchase

A used 024’s identity and configuration should be checked on the machine itself. The serial number, market-specific manual, bar markings, chain markings, and sprocket determine what parts and operating guidance apply. Do not order a bar or chain from the AV or AVS suffix alone.

Start with legible photos of the model and serial markings. Ask whether the bar, chain, sprocket, brake parts, or clutch have been replaced. A seller’s statement can help, but it does not replace inspection of the actual markings and controls.

Check the following before committing:

• Safety controls: Look for a working chain brake, throttle lockout, chain catcher, and stop switch. A damaged or missing part needs attention before use.
• Bar and chain: Read the bar’s pitch and gauge markings. Check the chain’s drive-link count or count its links, then confirm that all three specifications match the bar and sprocket.
• General condition: Look for cracks, loose or missing fasteners, damage, heavy fuel or oil leaks, and signs of poor repairs. Ask for a cold-start demonstration only if it can be done safely.
• Support: Confirm that a qualified service shop can inspect the saw and that the needed parts can be identified for its exact version.

A common 024 fitment uses .325-inch chain pitch, but that is not universal. Pitch is the spacing between chain rivets; gauge is the drive-link thickness; drive-link count is the number of links that fit around that specific bar. All three must match the bar, and the chain must also match the sprocket.

Illustrative buyer scenarios

These scenarios show how I would compare listings; they are not reports of tested individual saws. They keep the decision focused on the saw’s actual condition and parts rather than implying that one suffix guarantees a better setup.

• The firewood buyer: Two saws look similar in photos. One seller supplies clear serial and bar markings and can demonstrate working controls; the other cannot identify the chain. The first is easier to assess, even if its badge is less appealing.
• The occasional property user: A saw has an unfamiliar bar and a chain that does not match the markings. Pause the purchase until a shop verifies the setup and estimates any repair cost.
• The frequent cutter: Both saws need unknown repairs. Compare inspection and repair costs with a newer, supported model before spending the full budget on an older machine.

The useful comparison is not “AV or AVS wins.” It is “Which saw can be identified, inspected, and kept in safe working order at a fair total cost?”

Equipment Setup and Safety Preparation

Safe setup means confirming that the operator, saw, and cutting attachment are ready before the engine starts. For an older 024, inspect the controls and fasteners, confirm the correct manual, and check the work area. A model suffix is not a substitute for training, protective equipment, or a working chain brake.

Wear a helmet with face and eye protection, hearing protection, chainsaw trousers or chaps, gloves, and protective boots. Keep other people clear. Check for overhead hazards, wind, unstable ground, and a clear escape route before cutting or felling. Follow applicable OSHA logging rules and ANSI Z133 practices for the work involved.

Before starting, check the chain brake, throttle lockout, chain catcher, stop switch, bar, chain, and fasteners. Use the manual for the saw’s market and production date. Start on stable ground using its cold- or warm-start procedure, and engage the brake as directed. Never drop-start the saw.

Before cutting, verify that the chain stops at idle and that oil reaches the chain. Use suitable bar-and-chain oil. If the brake, controls, lubrication, or chain behavior is uncertain, stop and have the saw inspected. Do not run the saw until a fault is corrected.

Field Cutting and Landscaping Operation

The 024 is suitable only for work that fits its verified condition, cutting setup, and the operator’s skill. A sharp, correctly tensioned chain and an appropriate bar matter more than the AV or AVS badge. Neither version should be used above shoulder height or for work beyond the operator’s training.

For bucking, keep stable footing and a two-handed grip. Plan the cut so the bar does not become trapped by the wood’s load. Before felling, assess tree lean, loading, overhead hazards, wind, and escape paths. Have a qualified tree worker handle complex or hazardous felling.

The guide-bar upper quadrant is the kickback zone: if it contacts an object, the saw can rotate toward the operator. Keep that area clear, maintain firm two-handed control, and do not cut with a dull, loose, mismatched, or damaged chain. Remove a damaged saw from service.

Maintenance, Sharpening, and Tuning

Maintenance keeps a used saw’s configuration and safety checks reliable. Use the correct manual and chain-maker instructions for the exact parts fitted. Do not tune the engine or set oil delivery from generic internet figures; service settings can depend on the saw version and its condition.

A 50:1 fuel mix is the specified general ratio here: 20 mL of suitable STIHL two-stroke oil per 1 L of gasoline. Check the applicable manual for the oil specification and the saw’s market and production date. Never use straight gasoline.

Sharpen the chain to its maker’s instructions. For a STIHL .325-inch chain, 0.65 mm (0.025 in) is a common depth-gauge reference, not a universal setting. Confirm the chain model before using that value. Incorrect depth gauges or poor sharpening can affect cutting and increase risk.

Use the service manual for idle and wide-open-throttle speed and oil-pump specifications. Before work, confirm the chain stops at idle and oil delivery is present with a safe test. If the chain moves at idle, oiling is poor, or engine behavior is abnormal, stop and seek qualified service rather than adjusting by guesswork.

Storage and Seasonal Care

Good storage reduces avoidable wear and makes the next inspection easier. After shutting down, let the saw cool, then clean the air filter, cover, bar groove, and oil inlet. Check chain tension, cutters, and parts for damage before putting the saw away.

Refuel only after the engine has cooled, away from ignition sources. For longer storage, follow the manual’s fuel and storage instructions; do not assume that all versions or fuel conditions call for the same procedure. Keep the saw secure and out of reach of children.

Final buying decision

The 024 AV and 024 AVS have the same stated 42.6 cm³ displacement, but their suffixes do not settle every equipment or safety question. Buy the saw whose identity, controls, condition, and cutting parts can be verified. Before cutting, match the chain’s pitch, gauge, and drive-link count to the bar and sprocket, then follow the correct manual.

FAQs

Is the 024 AVS more powerful than the 024 AV?

The model suffix alone does not establish a power difference. Both have a stated 42.6 cm³ engine. Verify the specific saw and its condition rather than judging output from the badge.

Does AVS mean the saw has a chain brake?

Not by itself. Inspect the actual brake and controls, and check the manual for that saw’s version. Do not treat the suffix as proof of a safety feature.

Are the 024 AV and 024 AVS bars interchangeable?

Not necessarily. Verify the saw’s bar mount and match the replacement bar to the saw. Then match chain pitch, gauge, and drive-link count to the bar and sprocket.

What chain pitch does an 024 use?

A .325-inch pitch is common on the 024, but it is not universal. Read the fitted bar and sprocket markings before buying chain.

What fuel mix should I use?

The general ratio is 50:1, or 20 mL of suitable STIHL two-stroke oil per 1 L of gasoline. Follow the manual that matches the saw’s market and production date.

Can I use either saw for felling?

Only if the saw is sound, correctly equipped, and the operator is trained for the tree and conditions. Neither model designation makes a saw suitable for inexperienced or hazardous felling.

Is a used 024 worth buying?

It can be, if its identity, safety controls, condition, and parts are verified and the total cost makes sense. Include inspection and likely repairs in your comparison.

Why should I not use generic tuning figures?

Idle speed, maximum engine speed, and oil-pump settings should come from the applicable service manual. Generic figures may not match the saw’s version or condition.

(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Marcus Thorne. Visit our Meet the Team page.)