How to distinguish Stihl 180 original from a fake? Expert advice - Setafi

What else can I say, if everyone at least once came across such an unpleasant event as receiving a fake. It seems that the store has been checked - I constantly take everything there, but the Chinese “it’s not clear what” came. Someone is rude to managers on the sites, others write negative reviews to the original manufacturers, as if they are responsible for the fact that a person did not look at the appearance of the equipment and its technical passport. Both the first and second will be wrong, because stores often give space to other sellers to sell goods. Chainsaws are no exception.

Stihl produces really high-quality products. However, there are dozens of fakes, if not more. Our article will help you figure out: where is Calm the original, and where is the fake.

Why is it so popular among fake Stihl chainsaws?

The devices of the monitored manufacturer are distinguished by a mass of characteristics, including:

•  high performance in practice;
•  vibration dampening system allows you to hold the saw firmly and confidently;
• additional safety in the form of a brake that slows down the chainsaw links in case of a sharp blow;
•  the setting of the course and functionality is thought out to the smallest detail;
•  the main feature that many manufacturers cannot compete with is an exceptionally smooth ride;
•  build quality and availability of components;
•  warranty service, which may not be useful for the entire operation of the chainsaw.

It is not surprising that fakes on the side are increasingly appearing, and now it is critically important to know the answer to the question: “How to distinguish Chinese Calm from the original?”. We describe in detail further.

How to distinguish a Stihl chainsaw from a fake

If you are definitely not going to buy a fake instrument for the same price, it is worth remembering a few fundamental features that will distinguish the original Stihl from a fake. Description of the characteristics of the Stihl chainsaw:

• All tools from the manufacturer have their own serial number and warranty card. Marking is the first thing that can immediately distinguish a Stihl original from a fake. Standard models of the company have several serial numbers on different parts of the case. All of them must be identical. For example, STIHL stamps the serial code just below the muffler (for example, on the MS 180), sometimes you can see it to the left of the muffler, right in front of the stop. This can be clearly seen in the professional line of chainsaws.
• If we have already taken up the review of STIHL chainsaws, then everyone has a mandatory originality parameter - an embossed STIHL logo on the muffler, as well as the serial number of this muffler.
• Also pay attention to the body of the tool: immediately under the muffler there should be a sticker indicating the serial number and the country where the chainsaw was made. Chinese fakes will have their own sticker or even complete saws without it.
• Here's one more thing for you, how to distinguish a fake Stihl - a box. It should have a presentable appearance and also be completed with serial numbers, a company logo and a barcode indicating the place of production. Some apps on your phone can read these codes. Do not be lazy, install it on your phone and check the originality of your saw.
• All original Stihl devices must have a Stihl branded tire and additional equipment, which can be found on the official dealer's website. It is worth noting the fact that all official sellers of products must comply with the requirements for components. That is, Stihl separately developed rules by which you can sell their equipment: if you go to 2-3 stores and find the same model with different spare parts, you are on a fake.

How to distinguish Chinese Calm 180 from the original

Sawing device MS-180 is a common model not only among avid craftsmen and gardeners, but also among those who like to produce "pal". The technical capabilities of the Calm 180 fake leave much to be desired, although the price does not differ at all.

How to distinguish Stihl 180 original from a fake:

1.  The dimensions of the original tire in the MS-180 model are 30-35 cm. Fakes are produced with large tire sizes - from 40 cm.
2.  The body of the "garage" production has irregularities and roughness. Anyone who has ordered from Aliexpress at least once will definitely recognize such a marriage.
3.  The air filter is “pierced” by the serial number of the product and the company logo.
4.  The tire of the product must have a STIHL laser engraving, while the Chinese ones do not have it at all or it is blurry.
5.  The rivets of the Chinese creation are completely painted over to match the color of the tire.
6.  The MS-180 does not have a separate hole on the bar for sprocket lubrication.

How to distinguish real Stihl oil from a fake

High-quality oil is the key to the productivity of the device. Do you want to use the saw all the time without repair?! Therefore, the Stihl company recommends pouring only branded oil. Here, too, there was no counterfeit.

In order not to be left without money and a chainsaw, choose the lubricant in the fuel fluid correctly. Here are some signs of a fake:

• Real engine oil from the company is supplied to the store in sealed caps. If this was not found, then there are two options: someone is selling the marriage or quietly draining some of the liquid for himself.
•  The inscriptions must be convex.
•  The original has the EAC quality mark.
•  Date of bottling and batch number - on the cover of the product.

A clear sign of counterfeit products is a bad sticker-label, worn-out inscriptions or their absence at all.