Chainsaws are a great tool to have around, but they can also be dangerous if you’re not familiar with them. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to operate one without fear of injury, this is the article for you! Here’s how:
Stabilize the chainsaw on a solid work surface.
- Place the chainsaw on a stable, flat surface. A table or stump is ideal, though you can put it on a log if you prefer. The surface needs to be level and have an opening large enough for you to operate comfortably. You should also make sure there is nothing in the way of this surface that could get hit by your saw or cause injury if it flies off of your chainsaw during use.
- Make sure the chain isn’t wet when starting up your machine after maintenance has been done.
Inspect the blade and chain.
- Inspect the blade and chain.
- Check for damage, rust, cracks and oil leaks.
- Check for tension and alignment of the chain.
- Make sure there is no wear on both teeth, the sprocket (pinion) or guide bar teeth.
Remove the bar and chain cover.
- Remove the bar and chain cover.
- Make sure that the bar and chain aren’t stuck together by putting your hand on the bottom of the bar, then slowly pulling up on it while holding onto each side of the chain in order to remove it from its position low on the saw base. If you are having difficulty removing them, use a pair of pliers or vice grips to gently pry them apart with one hand while holding onto each end with your other hand so as not to damage either part.
- Inspect both pieces carefully for signs of damage such as cracks or bends in any part of either piece; this could cause serious injury because they could break off during operation if not repaired first!
Check for loose hardware.
Loose hardware on the chainsaw can be dangerous. You will want to check that everything is tight before you start cutting. This includes the chain, sprocket, bar and guide bar. If these are loose, they could cause injury or damage to you and your saw. The chances of them moving around while you cut are high if they aren’t properly secured in place.
If a bolt comes loose while you’re cutting wood with your chainsaw, this can be very problematic because the chain may fall off or break due to excessive forces acting on it at once. When this happens, it is important that you stop what you’re doing immediately so that no further damage occurs (and potentially risk injury) before fixing things up again properly
Inspect the spark plug wire connection, fuel lines and choke control cable.
Before you start your chainsaw, it’s important to make sure that all of the parts are working properly. Here’s what to check:
- Inspect the spark plug wire connection. Make sure that it’s intact and that the wires aren’t frayed or corroded. If they are damaged, replace them before operating your chainsaw.
- Check the fuel lines for leaks and replace them if necessary.
- Check your choke control cable to make sure it hasn’t been bent or broken by accident, which would mean that when you pull on it nothing happens at all (or worse yet, something bad). Check whether there’s any play in this part as well—if there is any play in this part then either tighten or loosen it until there is no more play between its two ends respectively
Fill with oil and gas.
Before you fill up the tank with gasoline, make sure that you have already filled it with the correct amount of oil. After adding oil to your chainsaw, check to make sure that there is no leakage from the filler cap. If you see any leaks, tighten up both caps and go back over them again just to be safe.
Restarting a warm chainsaw
Before you use your chainsaw again, you’ll want to make sure everything is in good working order. After shutting off the saw and letting it cool for a few minutes, check these things:
- Check the oil level. If there’s a dipstick in your toolbox, use it to check the amount of oil in your tank. If not, simply look at the bottom of your gas tank—it should be about half full if all went well during operation.
- Check the fuel level and refill as needed. Alternatively (and more importantly), if there are any visible cracks or holes in your tank, dispose of it immediately—you don’t want fuel leaking out on someone’s lawn!
- Check everything else on our list below (we’ll explain each item) before getting back into business with this powerful machine!
Restarting a cold chainsaw
You’ve just started your chainsaw for the first time in a while, and now you have to restart it. Here’s how:
- Turn on the chainsaw. You can do this by pulling the starter bar or pressing the “on” button on the control panel. Let it run for several minutes so that it warms up properly.
- Check oil level and fuel level (if possible). If either is low, fill them up using an oil funnel or a gas can with a spout designed specifically for filling small engines like these—you don’t want any spills!
- Check chain tension, spark plug, fuel lines and choke control cable—any loose hardware that could cause problems down the road should be tightened back into place right away before you start cutting wood again!
- Once everything looks good (and especially if something isn’t quite right), go ahead and fire up those saw blades once more!
The proper use of a chainsaw will reduce the chance of injury
By following these safety precautions, you will greatly reduce the chances of injury or death.
- Wear proper safety equipment. These include hard hats and face shields to protect against flying debris; boots with steel toes and non-slip soles to prevent falls; gloves to protect hands from cuts and scrapes; long pants that are tucked into your boots; and protective vests that cover your shoulders and back.
- Be aware of how much fuel is left in the tank before attempting an operation so as not to run out during use (this is especially important when operating near hazards such as water).
The best way to get started with a chainsaw is to work with someone who has experience operating them. If you have never used one before, it is important that you learn the proper way of starting and operating them before you get on your own. The last thing anyone wants is an injury from using their chainsaw incorrectly!
If you have questions about your power equipment, turn to the experts here at American Power Equipment. We are here to answer any questions you may have! Come see us at 5480 Willis RD, Theodore, AL or at 104 Industrial Pkwy, Saraland, AL.
