# What is the most complex consumer product?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-complex-consumer-product/687655>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [May 4, 2014, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-complex-consumer-product/687655 "2014-05-04T19:07:55Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 4

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**Author:** ![FluffyBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecb155/32.png) [@FluffyBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FluffyBob)\
**Post date:** [May 11, 2014, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-complex-consumer-product/687655/61 "2014-05-11T15:09:45Z")

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> [@Shagnasty](#):
>
> In case you aren’t familiar with chain saw operation, below is an example. I have three of them including a Stihl which is one of the most reputable brands. The starting procedure is only slightly more complicated than starting jet fighter engine (I am not kidding). It takes 15 steps and that tells you nothing about mixing the fuel in the right way in the first place or about safe operation once you get it started. Chain maintenance and sharpening is another skill of its own and the whole saw can be rendered useless in less than 2 seconds if you hit an embedded spot of dirt in wood or if you are dumb enough to let it hit the ground while the chain is moving.
> 
> I have spent literally hundreds of hours cutting with the three of mine and at least an equal amount of time trying to get them to run right even though I bought good ones. They are insanely finicky for a tool that only has to spin a chain and cut wood. You have to disassemble them several times a day to clean and sharpen them even if the engine is cooperating and that is an involved process of its own.
> 
> [http://www.stihl.com/step-by-step-starting.aspx](http://www.stihl.com/step-by-step-starting.aspx)

Two stroke engines run on chaos theory. Relatively simplified engine, greatly increased operating complexity with mysterious zones of functionality floating in vast seas of won’t-start. I’ve used Stihls and Huskies in work environments where we used them daily and where pretty reliable, but those are good models and have fun after they have been sitting all winter. I have a crappy Homelite in the garage (not even sure how I got it). Last time I tried to use it I cleaned it up, emptied and refilled it with fresh mix, cleaned the filter, changed the plug, filled chain oil and adjusted the chain and couldn’t start it for the life of me. Had some beastly Milwaukee pruning blades for the Sawzall so ended up doing the work with it. I’m not in the bush getting firewood so next time I will probably just go buy a Makita electric and some extra chains.

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