New pull start handles

[Burnham]

In another thread elsewhere on the site I lamented my increasing difficulty at times starting my 064. Due mostly to arthritic hands and decreased hand strength coupled with the lack of compression release on an 85cc saw. I have my bad days and my better days. The kickback can hurt, besides just having a hard time getting the beast to start .

Anyway, I recalled that @Al Smith long ago recommended replacing standard T shaped handles with large D shaped ones in similar situations. Better grip using all fingers and opposing thumb rather than just three fingers.

I ordered a pair of Stihl OEM D handles from an Ebay supplier. Cost about $10 each including shipping. The best price per came as a two pack, so I decided to put one on the 044 as well. No comp release there either, and it can give me some trouble too, though usually much less than the 064.

The Stihl ElastoStart handles are a non-serviceable part...if the cord wears out you have to replace the whole handle and cord assembly. I decided to remove the ElastoStart handle/cord complete and save them for later use if need be. New pull cord, new D handles. No surprise really, but I found that the 064 uses a larger diameter cord than the 044. Easy job on both.

I'm happy with these handles. I will report back after some more experience with actually using them.

Pics. The last one shows the big difference in size and grip area.

 

[BlackSmith]

I can still feel the pain learning how NOT to start the 090 and that was 20 years ago.

 

[SeanKroll]

If you need more pull than your hands allow and/ or are trying to reduce finger strain, a weight lifting strap might help for starting. They choke on a lifter's wrist with a girth hitch, then are wrapped around the bar so the lifter's fingers pinch the strap to the bar, transferring some force to the wrist and also fighting the fingers from rolling off the bar (d-handle in this case).

Some texture on the handle might help, like plasti-dip or something if wearing smooth gloves.

 

[cory]

For texture I've used grip tape on 201 handles, worked well

 

[BlackSmith]

I’ve never had a problem pulling the 090 it was the fact that it pulled back with a vengeance. Like kicking an old Harley with the distributor advanced. Not a welcome surprise.

 

[Burnham]

Yup. The 088 we had at my FS station was ever willing to bite you hard like that. Over 120cc's will do that . Little wonder I pretty much had sole use of it...not too many were willing to give it a go, at least more than once .

I never had any trouble pulling over my 064 until the last couple of years, as my infirmities have grown worse. Seldom would I get a kickback. But it could, even when I was younger and stronger .

 

[Burnham]

My last post reminded me that some years ago I had a fight with this same saw, and the chainsaw won that battle hands down .
15 years ago! Wow, time flies. And I thought I was old then...

https://www.masterblasterhome.com/threads/damaged-goods.13543/

 

[friedrich]

i have been meaning to order a couple of those for my larger saws (all have decompression and i am 31 years old