Don’t Get Duped: How to Spot and Avoid Fake STIHL Tools

 

In today’s fast-paced digital world, bagging a bargain often feels like a win—but when it comes to garden tools and machinery, a suspiciously low price can come with serious risks. As is the case with other premium brands, counterfeit STIHL tools are circulating more widely than ever, deceiving customers who are then exposed to dangerous flaws.

As a proud STIHL Authorised Dealer, we’d like to help you separate fact from forgery—so you can shop STIHL tools with confidence and protect both your wallet and your safety.

(And please note: ALL of the images featured in this article are of genuine STIHL products.)

Why Counterfeit STIHL Tools Are on the Rise

STIHL’s reputation for excellence—built over nearly a century—has made it one of the most trusted names in the outdoor power equipment industry. That reputation also makes it a target for counterfeiters looking to cash in on the brand’s credibility. These imitators often operate through dodgy online marketplaces, social media ads, and even car boot sales, offering tools that mimic the appearance of genuine STIHL products but lack the quality, safety, and longevity that customers rightly expect.

While it might be tempting to take advantage of a ‘too-good-to-be-true’ price, it’s worth remembering that counterfeit tools often cost far more in the long run. From premature breakdowns to potential safety hazards, fake equipment poses real risks to you and your garden.

The Hidden Dangers of Fake STIHL Tools

Counterfeit garden machinery is not just a cheap alternative—it’s a safety hazard. Genuine STIHL tools undergo rigorous testing to meet strict performance and safety standards. Counterfeits, on the other hand, are usually thrown together with sub-standard materials, often omitting essential safety features entirely.

Take chainsaws, for example. One of the most critical safety mechanisms is the hand guard for the chain brake. On fake STIHL saws, this component may be broken—or worse, missing entirely—putting users at serious risk of injury. Beyond that, poor-quality carburettors, chains, and control systems can lead to machine failure mid-use, with little to no hope of repair since authentic parts won’t fit imitation tools.

In short, fake tools don’t just underperform—they put your safety and productivity on the line.

How to Spot a Counterfeit STIHL Product

Even trained eyes can struggle to spot a fake STIHL tool at first glance. Here’s what to look out for:

1) Suspicious Pricing

If the price is drastically lower than what you’d expect from an authorised dealer, it’s a major red flag. In some cases, counterfeiters even price items only slightly below retail to maintain the illusion of legitimacy. Trust your instincts—if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

2) Unusual Sales Channels

STIHL does not sell through auction sites, nor will you find legitimate tools at car boot sales or from market stalls. All new STIHL products are sold exclusively through authorised dealers to guarantee quality and service.

3) Branding and Spelling Errors

Watch out for misspellings like ‘STHIL’ or ‘STILL’. While many counterfeit tools do mimic STIHL’s iconic orange colour scheme and stamp a familiar-looking logo on the body, it’s the small details that often give the game away.

4) Fake Accessories

It’s not just machines that are being copied. Counterfeit saw chains, guide bars, and even pruners have been found in circulation. If you’re buying a replacement part or accessory, make sure it comes from a trusted STIHL dealer to avoid damaging your equipment or putting yourself in danger.

5) No Serial Number or Verification Issues

Every genuine STIHL machine carries a unique serial number, often engraved on the engine or side housing. You can contact STIHL directly to verify the authenticity of the number—and it’s well worth doing if you suspect the machine may have been stolen or is a fake.

Case Study: The GTA 26 Copycat Fiasco

When STIHL launched the GTA 26 Cordless Pruner, it quickly became a customer favourite. But this popularity also sparked a flood of counterfeit listings on social media, promoting pruners at a fraction of the proper retail price.

What did customers receive? Not a state-of-the-art pruner, but often just a loose saw chain with two fabric loops masquerading as handles—completely unusable and highly unsafe. This alarming example highlights how far counterfeiters will go to trick unsuspecting buyers, and why it’s crucial to only buy from authorised sources.

Second-Hand STIHL? Proceed with Caution

It’s not uncommon to see used STIHL tools on second-hand marketplaces. Not all are fake, but if you’re considering buying a pre-owned machine, inspect it thoroughly. Always check for:

• Correct model name and serial number
• Consistent and clean branding
• Obvious signs of quality (no weak handles or flimsy buttons)
• Documentation, where available

If in doubt, get in touch with STIHL Customer Services or visit an authorised dealer to verify the serial number before handing over your cash.

Why Authorised Dealers Matter

Genuine STIHL tools are exclusively available through a network of authorised dealers—over 55,000 of them worldwide. These dealers are trained to offer expert advice, carry out servicing, and provide access to genuine parts and accessories. Buying from an authorised dealer guarantees not just product authenticity, but also after-sales support, warranties, and complete peace of mind.

At Ron Smith & Co, we’re proud to be one of those trusted dealers. Our team knows STIHL products inside and out, and we’re committed to helping you find the right tool for the job—without any of the risk that comes with counterfeits.

Don’t Risk It—Buy STIHL the Right Way

STIHL tools are an investment in quality, reliability, and safety. Counterfeit alternatives may be dressed up to look the part, but underneath the surface, they’re riddled with issues—from poor performance to serious injury risk. With no warranty, no access to parts, and no guarantee of safety, these fakes are never worth the gamble.

Instead, shop smart with Ron Smith & Co. As an Authorised STIHL Dealer, we offer the full range of STIHL tools and garden machinery—electric, cordless, and petrol—backed by expert advice and genuine aftercare. Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a keen amateur gardener, we’ve got the real kit you need to work safely and effectively.

Ready to Buy Genuine STIHL Tools?

Don’t take chances with counterfeits. Being an Authorised STIHL Dealer, we’re here to ensure you get the real deal—every single time.

Shop STIHL at Ron Smith & Co now and experience the quality, safety, and performance that only genuine STIHL tools can deliver.