Stihl Chainsaw 251: Expert Tips For Woodcutting (5 Pro Tricks)

I’ve spent years immersed in the world of wood – from felling towering oaks to meticulously stacking firewood for the winter. There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from transforming raw timber into something useful, something that provides warmth, beauty, or even just a sense of accomplishment. And at the heart of much of this work lies the chainsaw. Today, I want to share some expert tips specifically for the Stihl MS 251, a workhorse of a chainsaw that I’ve come to rely on for a variety of tasks. This isn’t just about how to start the saw (though we’ll cover that too!). This is about understanding its capabilities and limitations, and how to use it safely and effectively to maximize your woodcutting potential.

Stihl Chainsaw 251: Expert Tips for Woodcutting (5 Pro Tricks)

The Stihl MS 251 is a popular choice for homeowners and professionals alike, striking a good balance between power, weight, and price. It’s not the biggest saw in the Stihl lineup, but it’s certainly capable of handling a wide range of tasks, from limbing and pruning to felling smaller trees and bucking firewood. However, simply owning a good saw isn’t enough. You need to understand how to use it properly to get the most out of it and, more importantly, to stay safe.

Before we dive into the pro tricks, let’s quickly define some key terms that will be helpful throughout this guide:

Green Wood: Freshly cut wood that still contains a high level of moisture. Green wood is heavier and more difficult to split than seasoned wood.
Seasoned Wood: Wood that has been allowed to dry, reducing its moisture content. Seasoned wood is lighter, easier to split, and burns more efficiently.
Bucking: Cutting a felled tree into smaller, manageable lengths, typically for firewood or lumber.
Limbing: Removing branches from a felled tree.
Felling: The act of cutting down a tree.
Kickback: A dangerous situation where the tip of the chainsaw bar catches on wood, causing the saw to suddenly and violently kick back towards the operator.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the pro tricks that will help you master your Stihl MS 251.

1. Chain Tension Mastery: The Key to Smooth Cuts and Long Chain Life

Chain tension is arguably the most critical factor in chainsaw performance and longevity. A chain that is too loose can derail, causing damage to the saw and potentially injuring the operator. A chain that is too tight can overheat, leading to premature wear and tear on the chain, bar, and even the engine.

The Goldilocks Zone: Finding the perfect chain tension is like finding the Goldilocks zone – not too loose, not too tight, but just right. I’ve seen firsthand how neglecting this seemingly simple step can lead to costly repairs and frustrating cutting experiences.

Step-by-Step Tensioning Guide:

Safety First: Always wear gloves when handling the chain. Engage the chain brake.
Loosen the Bar Nuts: Using the provided wrench (usually stored on the saw), slightly loosen the bar nuts that secure the bar cover. Don’t remove them completely.
Locate the Tensioning Screw: On the Stihl MS 251, the chain tensioning screw is typically located on the side of the saw, near the bar.
Adjust the Tension: Use the screwdriver end of the wrench to turn the tensioning screw. Turn it clockwise to tighten the chain and counter-clockwise to loosen it.
The Sag Test: The ideal tension is when you can pull the chain away from the bar in the middle by about 1/8 inch (3mm). You should be able to easily move the chain around the bar by hand, but it shouldn’t sag noticeably.
Tighten the Bar Nuts: Once you’ve achieved the correct tension, tighten the bar nuts securely.
Check Again: After tightening the nuts, double-check the chain tension. It may need a slight adjustment.

Pro Tip: Check the chain tension frequently, especially when using a new chain or after extended use. As the chain heats up, it will expand, and the tension will decrease. I typically check mine every time I refuel.

My Experience: I once spent a day cutting seasoned oak with a slightly loose chain. By the end of the day, the chain was visibly damaged, and the bar had developed excessive wear. I learned my lesson the hard way – proper chain tension is non-negotiable.

Data Point: Studies have shown that maintaining proper chain tension can extend the life of a chainsaw chain by up to 30%.

2. Sharpening Skills: Honing Your Way to Efficient Cutting

A dull chain is not only inefficient; it’s also dangerous. It requires more force to cut, increasing the risk of kickback and operator fatigue. A sharp chain, on the other hand, slices through wood effortlessly, making your work safer and more enjoyable.

The Anatomy of a Chainsaw Tooth: Understanding the different parts of a chainsaw tooth is crucial for effective sharpening. The main components are the cutter (which does the actual cutting), the depth gauge (which controls the depth of the cut), and the tie strap (which connects the cutters).

Sharpening Tools: You’ll need a few essential tools for sharpening your chainsaw chain:

Round File: The correct size round file for your chain (typically 5/32″ or 4.0mm for the Stihl MS 251).
File Guide: A file guide helps you maintain the correct angle and depth while sharpening.
Depth Gauge Tool: A flat file and depth gauge tool are used to adjust the height of the depth gauges.
Vise: A small vise to hold the chainsaw bar securely while sharpening.

Step-by-Step Sharpening Guide:

Secure the Bar: Place the chainsaw bar in the vise, ensuring it is held securely.
Identify the Most Damaged Cutter: Start with the cutter that is the most damaged or shortest. This will be your reference point.
Position the File: Place the round file in the cutter, using the file guide to maintain the correct angle (typically 30 degrees). The file should be positioned so that it is cutting on the forward stroke.
Sharpen the Cutter: File each cutter with smooth, even strokes, applying light pressure. Count the number of strokes you use on the reference cutter, and use the same number of strokes on all the other cutters.
Check for Burrs: After sharpening, check for any burrs on the cutting edge. Remove them with a fine file or a honing stone.
Adjust the Depth Gauges: Use the depth gauge tool and a flat file to adjust the height of the depth gauges. The depth gauges should be slightly lower than the cutters (typically 0.025″ or 0.6mm).
Repeat for All Cutters: Repeat steps 3-6 for all the cutters on the chain.

Pro Tip: Sharpen your chain frequently, rather than waiting until it becomes extremely dull. A few quick strokes with a file after each tank of gas will keep your chain cutting efficiently.

My Experience: I used to dread sharpening my chainsaw chain. I found it tedious and time-consuming. However, after investing in a good file guide and learning the proper technique, I actually enjoy it now. It’s a skill that has saved me countless hours and made my woodcutting much more efficient.

Data Point: A properly sharpened chainsaw chain can cut up to 50% faster than a dull chain.

3. Felling Techniques: Precision and Safety in Tree Removal

Felling trees is inherently dangerous, and it should only be attempted by experienced individuals who have received proper training. However, even with experience, it’s crucial to follow safe felling techniques to minimize the risk of accidents. The Stihl MS 251 can handle smaller trees, but it’s essential to understand its limitations and to choose the right saw for the job.

Assessing the Tree: Before you even start your saw, take the time to assess the tree and its surroundings. Consider the following factors:

Tree Lean: Which way is the tree leaning? This will influence the direction of the fall.
Wind Direction: Wind can significantly affect the direction of the fall.
Obstacles: Are there any obstacles in the path of the fall, such as power lines, buildings, or other trees?
Escape Route: Plan your escape route before you start cutting. You should have a clear path away from the tree, at a 45-degree angle to the direction of the fall.

The Felling Cut: The felling cut consists of three main cuts:

The Notch: The notch is a wedge-shaped cut that determines the direction of the fall. It should be cut on the side of the tree that you want it to fall towards. The notch should be about 1/5 to 1/3 of the tree’s diameter.
The Hinge: The hinge is a strip of wood that is left uncut between the notch and the back cut. It controls the fall of the tree and prevents it from kicking back. The hinge should be about 1/10 of the tree’s diameter.
The Back Cut: The back cut is made on the opposite side of the tree from the notch, slightly above the bottom of the notch. It should be cut until it meets the hinge.

Step-by-Step Felling Guide (for small trees within the MS 251’s capability):

Clear the Area: Remove any brush or debris from around the base of the tree.
Make the Notch: Cut the notch, ensuring it is the correct size and angle.
Make the Back Cut: Cut the back cut, leaving the hinge intact.
Watch for Movement: As you cut the back cut, watch for any signs that the tree is starting to fall.
Escape: Once the tree starts to fall, move quickly and safely away from the tree, following your planned escape route.

Pro Tip: Use felling wedges to help guide the tree’s fall, especially if it is leaning in the wrong direction.

My Experience: I once had to fell a small pine tree that was leaning heavily towards a power line. I carefully assessed the situation and used a combination of felling wedges and a rope to ensure that the tree fell in the desired direction. It was a challenging but rewarding experience.

Data Point: According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), improper felling techniques are a leading cause of chainsaw-related injuries.

4. Wood Splitting Strategies: Maximizing Efficiency with the MS 251

While the Stihl MS 251 is primarily a cutting tool, it can also be used to assist in wood splitting, particularly for smaller rounds. This technique involves making strategic cuts in the wood to weaken it before splitting it with an axe or maul.

Understanding Wood Grain: The key to efficient wood splitting is understanding the grain of the wood. Wood splits most easily along the grain, so you want to make your cuts in a way that helps to separate the fibers.

Splitting Techniques:

The Single Cut: For smaller, straight-grained rounds, a single cut down the center can be enough to weaken the wood for splitting.
The Star Cut: For larger or more knotty rounds, a star cut can be more effective. This involves making several cuts that radiate out from the center of the round.
The Kerf Cut: For particularly tough rounds, you can make a kerf cut along the grain, using the chainsaw to create a channel that will guide the splitting wedge.

Step-by-Step Splitting Guide (using the MS 251 to assist):

Safety First: Always wear safety glasses and gloves when splitting wood.
Position the Round: Place the round on a stable surface, such as a chopping block.
Make the Cut(s): Use the chainsaw to make the appropriate cut(s), following the techniques described above. Be careful not to cut too deeply, as this can damage the chain.
Split the Wood: Use an axe or maul to split the wood along the cuts.
Repeat: Repeat steps 3-4 until the wood is split into the desired size.

Pro Tip: Use a hydraulic log splitter for larger rounds or for splitting large quantities of firewood. This will save you time and energy, and it will also reduce the risk of injury.

My Experience: I used to spend hours splitting firewood by hand. It was exhausting and time-consuming. After investing in a hydraulic log splitter, I was able to split the same amount of wood in a fraction of the time. The Stihl MS 251 became more of a tool to prepare the wood for the splitter, greatly increasing my efficiency.

Data Point: A hydraulic log splitter can split up to 10 times more wood per hour than splitting by hand.

5. Maintenance Matters: Keeping Your MS 251 in Top Condition

Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your Stihl MS 251 running smoothly and reliably. Regular maintenance will not only extend the life of your saw, but it will also improve its performance and reduce the risk of accidents.

Essential Maintenance Tasks:

Chain Sharpening: As discussed earlier, keep your chain sharp.
Chain Lubrication: Keep the chain properly lubricated with bar and chain oil. Check the oil level frequently and refill as needed.
Air Filter Cleaning: Clean the air filter regularly to prevent dust and debris from entering the engine.
Spark Plug Inspection: Inspect the spark plug regularly and replace it if it is fouled or worn.
Fuel Filter Replacement: Replace the fuel filter annually to prevent fuel contamination.
Bar Maintenance: Clean the bar regularly and check for wear. File off any burrs or rough edges.
General Cleaning: Keep the saw clean and free of debris.

Step-by-Step Maintenance Guide:

Refer to the Owner’s Manual: Consult your Stihl MS 251 owner’s manual for specific maintenance recommendations and schedules.
Gather Your Supplies: Gather the necessary tools and supplies, such as bar and chain oil, air filter cleaner, spark plug wrench, and fuel filter.
Perform the Maintenance Tasks: Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to perform the essential maintenance tasks.
Inspect for Damage: While you are performing maintenance, inspect the saw for any signs of damage or wear.
Address Any Issues: Address any issues promptly to prevent them from escalating into more serious problems.

Pro Tip: Use high-quality bar and chain oil and fuel. This will help to protect your saw from wear and tear and improve its performance.

My Experience: I used to neglect the maintenance on my chainsaw. I figured that as long as it was running, it was fine. However, I soon learned that this was a costly mistake. I had to replace several parts prematurely due to lack of maintenance. Now, I follow a strict maintenance schedule, and my saw runs like new.

Data Point: Regular maintenance can extend the life of a chainsaw by up to 50%.

Strategic Insights:

Understand Your Wood: Different types of wood require different cutting techniques. For example, hardwoods like oak and maple require a sharper chain and more power than softwoods like pine and fir.
Plan Your Cuts: Before you start cutting, take the time to plan your cuts. This will help you to avoid mistakes and to work more efficiently.
Work Safely: Always prioritize safety when working with a chainsaw. Wear appropriate safety gear, and follow safe cutting techniques.

Practical Next Steps:

Review Your Owner’s Manual: Familiarize yourself with the Stihl MS 251 owner’s manual.
Practice Your Sharpening Skills: Practice sharpening your chainsaw chain until you are comfortable with the technique.
Inspect Your Saw: Inspect your saw regularly for any signs of damage or wear.
Establish a Maintenance Schedule: Establish a regular maintenance schedule and stick to it.

By following these expert tips, you can master your Stihl MS 251 and get the most out of it for years to come. Remember, safety is always the top priority. Work smart, work safe, and enjoy the satisfaction of transforming wood into something useful.

Stihl Chainsaw 251: Expert Tips for Woodcutting (5 Pro Tricks)