Dropped my chainsaw from a ladder - still runs like a champ!

Hey all, had a wild one yesterday. Was up on a 10-foot ladder trimming some branches with my Stihl MS 250. Lost my balance for a sec and the saw slipped right out of my hands. Hit the concrete driveway handle-first, bounced, then landed on the bar. My heart sank - thought I just killed a $400 tool. Picked it up, checked for cracks, fired it up... and it purred like nothing happened! Not even a bent bar. These pro-grade Stihls are built like tanks. Anyone else have a 'tool abuse survival' story?

Sid, that's nothing! I was milling some oak with my Husqvarna 372XP last fall on a slope. Saw kicked back, flew out of my hands, and tumbled down a 20-foot rocky embankment. Found it with the chain off, bar scratched to hell, and the clutch cover shattered. Thought it was toast. Replaced the cover, sharpened the chain, and it fired right up. Still using it today. Moral: buy once, cry once. Cheap homeowner saws would've been in the trash.

Sparky here - not a chainsaw guy, but I've dropped my Hilti rotary hammer off scaffolding twice. Thing's indestructible. But listen, Sid - you got lucky. Next time, use a damn tool lanyard. $20 could save your saw OR your foot. Safety first, even if the tool can take a beating.

Larry - 20-foot tumble?! That's insane. Makes my drop look like a love tap. And Mark, you're right about the lanyard - already ordered one after the pucker moment. Still amazed at the build quality though. My old cheapo saw would've snapped in half.

Exactly. The pro stuff has magnesium cases, better bearings, thicker castings. They're designed to survive jobsite abuse. Homeowner grade? Plastic everywhere. Saw a neighbor's Poulan Pro crack its case just from tipping over in the bed of his truck. Night and day difference.