So you want a good deal on a used saw.

Under the advisement of some smart fellers, I started this thread in anti inflation of my used saw purchase tomorrow. I am going to HD to check out some used Makita 6410s and was curious what to look for and what questions to ask so I can choose the best deal. I have a few to choose from, so what would you ask and/or what tests can be performed pre-purchase?

 

I'm don't know much about Makita saws but when I Googled Makita 6410s all that came up was electronic drills

 

I'm pretty sure that was a typo and he meant Makita 6421:

Makita Model Dcs 6421 Chainsaw With 20" Bar & Chain | Makita Professional Chainsaws | Professional Chainsaws | www.www.baileysonline.com.com

 

Find the manual to that saw online. Print it off and take it with you. Take the necessary tools needed to pull the muffler off so you can inspect the piston. Flashlight could be handy also.

Other than that, if you a compression tester, take that and know what the spec should be.

The people at HD aren't going to be very knowledgeable so any questions you ask, will likely get an "I don't know", or a completely made up bs answer.

Good luck!

 

This is about it, aside from a once over. If there is no mix to run them, I do what bocefus78 recommends.

 

My apologies, folks. It was late and I was using my mobile to start a thread. Barcroftb, thanks for having my back on that one!

 

I am not looking forward to the dumb look of not knowing an answer, but I do prefer that to someone trying to BS me. I can't wait to see the look on their face when I ask to take off the muffler!

 

If it was regular employees I'd be inclined to agree with the others. But the tool rental guys usually know a little more than a typical HD employee.

If your Home Despot is like mine they will likely know how to take off the muffler. Here's how I know: I had my eye on a 6421 at my local HD Tool rental with the muffler missing. It had a shiny very new looking piston. So I asked if they would sell it cheap. The rental manager said it was slated for them to repair it shortly. He also was cool enough to tell me it was also to be sold next month.

Who knows your HD may be different. I would try to work with the manager. He will be able to give you a lower price. The other flunkies wont.

 

I just called and talked to the gal at the tool rental counter and it did not sound promising that I would be dealing with a knowledgeable person. Hopefully, she just answers the phone and does rentals. Just printed the manual and am gathering the tools necessary to do some checks. Planning on going during lunch, as I was already taking a long lunch break to vote in our primary. Pics will follow, as soon as the purchase is made.......of the saw, not me voting.

 

The drop test. Hold the pull rope and let the saw drop. Not a very accurate compression test but yup can tell if there is little to none.

 

straight gas it and them show them its seized. Probably lower the price

 

Take a T-27 torx and insist on pulling the muffler to inspect the piston. It will take about a minute, and is the most accurate way to tell if the top end is okay. If it starts and runs, and is cosmetically to your liking, then make them an offer.

 

Wasn't able to bring them down too much, but $300 out the door was more than fair. They had a little bit of an edge in the negotiations, as this was THE LAST ONE!! Luckily, for me, it is in great condition. There was a run on the others this morning, so I was lucky to get this one. We started it up, sounds great. Compression on the pull rope felt good. I don't have a compression tester, so I did what I could. I also had them remove the muffler and I looked at the piston. No signs of wear, or misuse. These were just the two pics I snapped outside the store. More to come when I get home. Probably a video, as well, since I will have to field test it immediately!

 

Saw looks great! Nice score. Hit up fordf150 he should be able to hook you up with a matching inner bucking spike.

 

I was wondering why they didn't match, but I have never had bucking spikes before.

 

I'm actually pretty sure I have a match to the inner spike. I'm not using it your welcome to it.

 

Took me a bit to find them. Pm me your Addy and they are all yours. Someone might as well use em. Unless of course you'd rather rock the new style ones. In which case rock on with your bad self. I will warn you the new ones are almost too aggressive/large for my 7910. Not sure how they would be on a 6421.

 

i cant tell from the pic but looks like that outer spike is the newest version. there are 3 versions of those spikes, the first 2 are NLA so you need to take Barcroft up on his offer or buy the inner to match your outer and that may end up meaning buying a full set if that outer one is the 2nd gen

 

Great folks here. I will PM you shortly. Thank you, sir!

 

Nice score!