Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder which can be produced of die cast metal. The cylinder is for a two-stroke engine in a portable handheld work apparatus such as a motor chain saw. A combustion chamber (3) is formed in the cylinder (2) and this combustion chamber is delimited by a piston (5). In the cylinder wall (16), there is an outlet (10) for conducting away the combustion gases from the combustion chamber (3). Furthermore, transfer channels (14a, 14b) are provided which open into the combustion chamber (3) via transfer windows (12, 15) and supply the operating medium from the crankcase (4) needed for operating the two-stroke engine. The transfer channels (14a, 14b) are configured in the cylinder wall (16) as channels opening radially to the outside. These channels are closed by a seated cover (23).