Tomorrow, because proper maintenance is a key to optimum, injury-free use, we’ll cover how to keep your saw in tip-top condition. There are two methods to safely start a chain saw: on the ground and, yes, between your legs. “Pinching the bar” is a good segue into the directional pressures present in the limb, log, or standing tree that dictate how the saw operator will approach the cut.
Before you go firing that bad boy up and hacking away at everything in sight, there are a few rules you need to follow for how to use a chainsaw safely. If you don’t own a chainsaw yet, and you’re reading this guide just to get a good idea of how to operate one before you buy it, I invite you to check out my top battery chainsaw reviews. As a reminder, if you’re in the market for a new chainsaw, don’t forget to check out my top battery chainsaw reviews, top chainsaws list, and the best chainsaws for firewood.
Kickback happens when the chain’s rotational energy gets thrown back at you, and you lose control of the saw. LINEAR KICKBACK. If the chain gets pinched on either side by the wood being cut, the whole saw can get pushed back at you, full speed. PULL-IN KICKBACK. If your saw hits a branch on the other end of the wood, or even a nail, it can yank the saw forward and away from you.
Do it the right way and prevent chainsaw injuries and chainsaw cuts. Cut with the top or bottom of the bar and chain, but avoid the kickback zone Kickback zone on a chainsaw. Chainsaw Cuts: Cutting the Tree Trunk Photo 4: Start cutting downward in the trunk.
how to operate chainsaw safely Related Question:
What should you not do with a chainsaw?
Don’t Cut With Improper Blade Tension A overly loose or tight chain also wears out the drive sprocket and causes rapid chain and bar wear. To determine if your chain is properly tensioned, pull up on the chain. The drive links should still be in the bar groove. If the links come out of the bar, the chain is too loose.
Should I start chainsaw with brake on or off?
Check the Chain Brake When engaged, the chain brake stops the chain from rotating around the saw’s guide bar. When using a chainsaw, you should always start it with the chain brake engaged so the chain does not move.
When should I use choke on my chainsaw?
The choke position is the fourth setting on the master control lever. This setting is used to start the saw when its motor is cold. Stihl chainsaws denote the choke position using a nearly horizontal squiggle between two vertical lines at the lowest position on the master control lever.
What is the most common chainsaw injury?
The most common hazards associated with chainsaws are injuries caused by kickback, pushback, and pull-in. Kickback is the most common and poses the greatest hazard. Kickback occurs when the rotating chain is stopped suddenly by contact with a more solid area throwing the saw rapidly backward toward the operator.
Can you cut wet wood with a chainsaw?
Can you cut wet wood with a chainsaw? Yes, you can cut the wet wood with a chainsaw. Besides, there is a misconception that wet wood can impact the chainsaw bar and chain. But actually, the damp wood will not dull the chainsaw any faster than using it on other types of wood.
What does a chain brake on a chainsaw do?
The inertia chain brake is a very important safety feature of the modern chain saw. It improves the safe use of the chainsaw in 3 separate ways: It acts as a hand guard protecting your left hand from being slapped and stabbed by tree branches while limbing, bucking, and clearing.
Do chainsaws have safety?
Modern chainsaws have numerous safety features that significantly mitigate the risk of injury. If these features are not in proper working order, the operator must not use the saw and should send it for repairs. The safety features and their benefits to the operator are as follow: Chain Brake.
How do you prime a chainsaw?
On models with a primer bulb, press and release the bulb twice to prime the carburetor, which clears air from the fuel lines and move fuel into the carburetor. Try to start the chainsaw after priming the carburetor.
Do you start a Stihl chainsaw with the brake on?
On a gas-powered Stihl chainsaw, the chain brake is located just in front of the handlebar. All you have to do to activate it is push it forward. This will keep the chain locked as a safety precaution while you are starting the chainsaw, and until you are ready to use the tool.
What is the choke on symbol?
The choke on symbol for most small engines looks like a horizontal ( — ) or diagonal ( / ) line. It also can simply say ‘Choke’, ‘Full Choke’, or ‘Start’. The off symbol for most small engine chokes is represented by a vertical line ( | ) or the word ‘Run’. Hopefully you have learned something here.
Why is it so hard to pull the cord on my chainsaw?
If your chainsaw is hard to pull, here are some common causes: The pully system is snagged or stuck. The starter assembly is stuck or sticky. The housing may be damaged.
How long should flooded chainsaw sit?
By letting the chainsaw sit for about 20 minutes it will allow some of the fuel inside the engine to evaporate.
How often does chainsaw kickback happen?
Kickback can happen in the blink of an eye too. In fact, about 30,000 chainsaw-related injuries happen each year, with chainsaw kickback accidents being the most common hazard.
Where should you position yourself when using a chainsaw?
Find a comfortable stance, and keep both feet firmly planted as you work. Hold the chainsaw with two hands and at an angle or a little to one side rather than directly in front of you, in case of kickback.
How common are chainsaw accidents?
They can also quickly cause severe injury or death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 36,000 people are injured by chainsaws annually. Medical costs for chainsaw injuries based on these facts amount to about 350 million dollars per year.