We all know that a chainsaw is not only a versatile tool but also a dangerous tool that can cut our flesh the same as it cuts wood if not appropriately handled. So it is crucial to know how to use a chainsaw safely, whether you are a novice or a pro. And if you do not know, how to deal with your chainsaw safely, it can create the worst-case scenario ever for you.
We are here to tell you about the clever usage of this dangerous power tool.
How dangerous is using a chainsaw?
Chainsaws are great tools that we can use for various processes. Still, they are also very hazardous and may cause injury or death. According to CDC, approximately 36000 people are injured by Chainsaws annually. Recent statistical data for chainsaw injuries shows that there were 282000 emergency hospital visits related to chainsaw-related accidents recorded from 2010 to 2019.
Essential Safety Tips for a Beginner or Experienced Chainsaw User
Chainsaws are a perfect tool around the house but can also be dangerous if not handled properly. Chainsaws are designed to cut wood& removing branches but can easily damage metal pipes, electrical wires, and human flesh. If you decide to use this powerful tool, ensure you know how to handle chainsaw safely. Here are some tips on how to avoid injury while using a chainsaw.
- Check the oil level regularly. Oil levels should be checked frequently to ensure proper lubrication.
- . Clean the blade after each use. Cleaning the blade removes any dirt or debris that may clog the teeth.
- Store the chainsaw in a safe place. Store the chainsaw in a locked area to prevent children from accessing it.
- Avoid a pinched chain, it may cause kickbacks.
Keep your hands away from the chain
When operating a chainsaw, keep your hands away from the moving chain. Make sure that you don’t touch the chain while it’s running. Also, ensure you don’t put anything near the chain while spinning.
Stay away from the saw
If you’re standing directly behind the saw, you could get hit by flying debris. Instead, position yourself at least 1 feet away from the saw.
Use a good-quality chainsaw
A quality chainsaw will last longer than a cheap version. A good chainsaw will have a sharp blade and a sturdy frame. Never operate a chainsaw without first checking the owner’s manual.
Know how to start and stop the engine properly
Make sure that you know how to start and stop the engine before you begin cutting. Start the engine slowly and let it run until it stops. Then, turn the ignition switch off. Do not attempt to fix a chainsaw yourself. Only a professional should repair a chainsaw.
Precautions before starting work
Whether a pro or a beginner, always take care of some things before working with your tool.
- Never operate the tool alone. Because chainsaw injuries may occur as quickly as you can imagine, keep somebody with you while working for the safe side.
- Make sure you have informed someone of your presence to someone, and they know when you will return. In case of an emergency, if you get late, they can check you and may save your life if you accidentally get hurt.
- The presence of a complete first aid kit is also necessary.
Use Personal Protective Equipment
The first thing you should always remember is to wear proper safety gear. You must wear safety glasses, chainsaw helmet, ear protection, gloves, and boots, and never wear loose clothing. These protective gears will help protect you from any debris that may fall off of the saw blade.
Ear protection is especially important protective gear if you plan to operate a chainsaw outside. Loud noises and prolonged exposure to them cause hearing loss. To avoid hearing damage, wear earplugs or headphones.
Always wear safety goggles. Safety goggles help prevent eye injuries from flying debris and splinters.
Find the Correct Stance for Holding the Saw
Finding a correct stance for holding a saw is significant because if you have no proper grip on your tool or you are not firmly standing, it may cause a hazard to you.
So before you start, prepare yourself and maintain a good balance and secure footing during the process, always hold the chainsaw firmly with both hands and grip the front handle with your left hand and the rear handle with your right hand if you are a left-handed person. In this condition, you can best oppose and absorbs the impulse, pull and kickback forces of the saw without losing your balance.
In slippery conditions like wet ground, snow, or uneven terrain, give extra attention to your balance and grip, and never use the use with one hand.
Tools & Materials you need
- Chainsaw helmet
- Nonslip work gloves
- Protective chaps
- Steel toed boots
- Earmuff hearing protection
- Two-stroke engine oil
- Chain oil
Incorrect & Correct Chainsaw Usage
| Incorrect Usage | Correct Usage |
| Using a saw for non-wood material like metals or plastic etc | Hold the saw firmly |
| Cutting above the shoulder height | Be aware of the guide bar nose to contact the kickback zone |
| Cutting with the top of the chainsaw bar | Keep a good balance |
| Contacting the nose of the saw with any object | Never forget to take PPEs |
| Cutting at full throttle | Choose the correct saw according to its need |
| Cutting on a ladder or insecure support | Don’t forget to take a thorough look at the user manual of your tool |
| Refueling a hot saw | Inspect the tool carefully before usage |
| Working in insufficient light or at night | Engage the chain brake before you start |
How to use a chainsaw safely? A Stepwise Usage guide
If you have to take a plunge to try your handyman-hidden skills and try to make your first cut ever, then you know what? It is a good idea because we have jotted down every detail on how to cut a tree with the chainsaws easily.
Here is your stepwise guide that will make you aware of how to use a chainsaw without hesitation, even if you have never used it before.
Let’s dig into the details.
STEP 1: Scan your work area
Scanning the working area before you start is crucial because you need to be more familiar with your working ground to do things safely.
Your tree may fall in the wrong direction, so it is good to be prepared for any possible scenario. As we all know, Chainsaws are called “widow makers ” for enough reasons as they are the most dangerous power tools that can be fatal if mishandled.
And be very unpredictable if you need a proper understanding of your terrain and the equipment.
STEP 2: Prep yourself and your saw
After being familiarized with the working ground, you should prepare yourself with all the necessary gear from head to toe. Then check that chain tension your equipment is in good condition , adequately lubricated, and other essential maintenance requirements that may cause kickbacks and other problems while operating.
STEP 3: Filling of the Fuel
Another thing you should take care of is that if you are working with the gas chainsaws, check the gas levels and fill in the fuel before starting your work.
If you are working with a two-cycle engine, the gas and oil will require mixing, so use two-stroke oil, add to the tank according to the manufacturer requirement ratio, and lubricate the chain for smooth operation.
If you’re working with battery equipment, ensure they are fully charged.
STEP 4: Engage the chain brake
Now, photos of light on the ground with the bottom down, and poster change break forward until engaged.
STEP 5: Choke and prime the saw
For gas-powered chainsaws, turn on the choke; if there is a primer button, push it four to six times to pull gas into the carburetor, then turn the power switch on. In the case of an electric chainsaw, you need to depress the safety switch and turn the power button on.
STEP 6: Secure the chainsaw and pull the starter handle
If you are using an electric chainsaw, you can skip stepping 7, but if you are using a gas chainsaw, put your right foot through the back handle and put your weight down on the hand to secure the saw. Then use your left hand to hold the front handle tightly in place. Now with your right hand, pull the starter rope out smartly to its entire length. It will usually take five pulls to start the engine.
STEP 7: Get ready to cut
To start the chainsaw, press the trigger after planting yourself firmly on the ground and with a firm grip on the saw. Remember to cut the saw off to the side or angle away from you to lower the risk of kickback or injuries.
STEP 8: Make your cut
Then release the chain break and engage the throttle. Put the chainsaw where you want to cut, but ensure you are not applying too much pressure. If you are using a corded electric saw, ensure you are well aware of the cord and never let it tangle you.
STEP 9: Finish your cut
Maintain a strong study group on the Chains and keep the throttle fully engaged during the operation release the throttle only when you have cut through the wood or removed the blade from the cut
STEP 10: Turn off the saw
Bingo, you have done your first cutting task. Switch it off now and let the saw cool down before you store it.
If you are working with a gas chainsaw, it is better to take out the left fuel and oil.
Drain out the fuel and the oil into any container, and make sure you are not disposing of it into the soil or in the garbage, because it can cause serious injury, and it is illegal too.
Finally, store your chainsaw in a case or with a cover to keep it safely stored away and prevent dirt and debris from settling on the chain to increase its lifespan and prevent accidents.
Must-Do Chainsaw Maintenance
Chainsaws are costly. You want to make sure they last as long as possible. Here’s how to do it.
Cleaning
First thing first, you need to clean everything off. You probably know what I’m talking about if you have a chainsaw. But if you don’t, then here’s a quick rundown. First, remove the bar from the handle. Then take out the blade and put it somewhere safe. Next, pull out the trigger guard and remove the trigger. Now, you’re ready to start cleaning!
Chain lubrication
You’ll need some oil to keep things running smoothly. You should use two types of oils: mineral oil and synthetic oil. Mineral oil is suitable for chainsaws that run on gasoline, while synthetic oil is best for those that run on diesel fuel. Either way, you’ll need to get a few different kinds.
Tensioning
This is a small metal piece that holds the chain tight. You’ll want to tighten this periodically. Keeping the chain tension adequately may prevent inconvinience.
Sharpening
Sharpening your chainsaw blade has many benefits and is a part of the general maintenance of the tool. You should sharpen your device because it can help extend the lifespan of the different parts of your chainsaw and its components. And if your chain becomes dull after prolonged use, it may struggle with cutting through the wood, and its efficiency may be affected. So before getting a new chain, you can sharpen your chainsaw blade to save the cost of buying the new one. Sharpening your tool is also necessary because it becomes hazardous if its blade goes dull or broken. Depending on your chainsaw’s usage, model, and brand, the period of sharpening the chain may vary. You can sharpen it by various methods.
Chain Replacement
Your chainsaw uses a chain to cut wood. You’ll want to change the chain every year or so.
When to Replace the Chain
Chainsaws are great tools for cutting down trees and shrubs, but they have limitations. A chainsaw chain wears out over time and eventually becomes damaged. When this happens, you need to replace the chain before it causes damage to your saw. You should always check the chain periodically to ensure it’s kept in check. If you notice any signs of wear, then it’s time to get a replacement.
The first sign you need to replace your chainsaw chain is if you hear a loud noise while using the tool. This means that the teeth of the chain are worn down, causing the chain to slip off the sprocket. Another sign that you must change the chain is if the teeth start breaking off. If the teeth are becoming loose or broken, it’s time for a new chain.
If you’re unsure whether or not your chain needs replacing, you should take it to a professional. A professional chainsaw maintenance specialist can tell you what type of chain you need and how long it should last.
When to Sharpen the Chain
The chainsaw chain should be sharpened at least once a year. The teeth may become dull if you have used the same saw for several years without sharpening. It a; so depends on the usage of the chainsaw. You may need to sharpen your chain frequently if you are a frequent user. When you sharpen the chainsaw chain, you will notice that it becomes much easier to cut through wood. You will also notice that the blade is not easily stuck in the wood.
FAQs Related to How to Use a Chainsaw
How do you stop a chainsaw kickback?
You should install a safety tip to prevent the guide bar’s nose from contacting the kickback zone on the saw. As well as this, make sure you use the right part of the blade and pay attention to the nose of your chainsaw bar.
How hard is it to use a chainsaw?
Using a chainsaw is easier than it seems. You get confidence and can cut down trees and split logs safely as soon as you get the hang of this equipment, even though it is a dangerous tool.
A Final Thought on How to Use a Chainsaw
You’ll need a chainsaw to build or fix something around the house. But if you’ve never used a chainsaw before, you might wonder how to use a chainsaw properly.
If you’ve ever tried using a chainsaw, you know it’s dangerous. And even though they’re designed to cut through wood, they can easily slice through flesh.
How do you eliminate those pesky weeds without cutting off your fingers?
To use a chainsaw effectively, you should know its features and how to operate it correctly. For example, you should know how to start the chain saw adequately, adjust the blade height, control the speed, etc.
Check out this guide on chainsaw usage to improve your chainsaw skills. You can find everything you are looking for in this article. Please share it with your colleagues and family, so they can also benefit from this valuable information.