The STIHL 012 is part of a well-known family of compact chainsaws that includes the 009, 010, and 011 — a series built for homeowners, farmers, and light professional work.
Produced during the 1970s–1990s era, these small saws became popular for their simple design, reliable engines, and easy serviceability. Among them, the 012 stands out as one of the later and more refined models, carrying forward the rugged reputation that made the earlier saws so widely used.
First up, let’s look at the different versions.
The featured image (above) comes from a eBay seller ‘Yakaspakdeals’ and this 012 is for sale at the time of posting.
STIHL 012 versions
Here’s the rear-handle 012 AV electronic quickstop.
And here’s the same version, but one in which you see the unique 2.8 cubic-inch decal on the side.
There was also a version 4.5 CM³ decal for the metric market.
Here’s the same version from above.
Here’s the STIHL 012 AVP EQ with a 2.8 ci decal.
‘P’ stands for professional, and this is a top-handle version.
And another example of the 012 AV EQ.
There are mentions of a STIHL 012 AVE version, without Quickstop, but I’ve not been able to find an actual picture of such a model, so I don’t think it exists. Let us know if you have one or find a picture of one!
This is the cover of the user manual for the 012 AV EQ and 012 AVP EQ.
Download the STIHL 012 Spare Parts List here.
Specifications
| Specification | STIHL 012 |
|---|---|
| Common variants | 012 AV EQ, 012 AVP EQ |
| Manufacturer | STIHL Andreas Maschinenfabrik, Stuttgart, Germany |
| Series / assembly number | 1120 |
| Production years | 1986–1994 |
| Engine type | Air-cooled, single-cylinder, 2-stroke |
| Displacement | 45 cc (2.74 cu in) |
| Power output | 1.64 kW (2.2 hp) |
| Cylinder bore | 40 mm (1.57 in) |
| Piston stroke | 36 mm (1.42 in) |
| Bore × stroke | 40 × 36 mm (1.57 × 1.42 in) |
| Piston ring spec | 1.5 mm, 2 rings (0.059 in, 2 rings) |
| Cylinder construction | Aluminum cylinder with chrome-plated bore |
| Intake type | Piston ported |
| Published weight | 4.5 kg (9.9 lb) |
| Operator configuration | One-man saw |
| Handle system | Anti-vibration |
| Chain brake | Yes |
| Clutch | Centrifugal, 3 metal shoes |
| Drive type | Direct drive |
| Main construction | Injection-molded polymer with die-cast magnesium components |
| Ignition / magneto | Electronic |
| Carburetor | Zama C1S-S1 or Walbro WT-29 |
| Air filter system | Felt element |
| Starter type | Automatic rewind |
| Starter rope size | 3.5 mm × 960 mm (0.138 in × 37.8 in) |
| Oil pump | Automatic, diaphragm-and-plunger type |
| Maximum engine speed | 9,500–9,800 rpm |
| Idle speed | 2,200–2,400 rpm |
| Ignition timing | 1.8–2.2 mm BTDC (0.071–0.087 in BTDC) |
| Flywheel / coil air gap | 0.15–0.20 mm (0.006–0.008 in) |
| Spark plug | Bosch WSR6F or Champion RCJ7Y |
| Spark plug gap | 0.51 mm (0.020 in) |
| Crankshaft main bearings | Caged needle roller |
| Fuel tank capacity | 250 ml (8.4 fl oz / 0.26 US qt) |
| Fuel mix ratio | 40:1 with STIHL oil |
| Recommended fuel grade | Regular grade gasoline |
| Recommended mix oil | STIHL 2-cycle chain saw mix oil |
| Chain pitch | 3/8 in Pico low-profile (approx. 9.53 mm) |
| Chain type | STIHL Pico |
| Guide bar | 30 cm (12 in) – 40 cm (16 in) |
