How to Use a Chainsaw

Incorrect/Inappropriate	Correct/Appropriate
Cutting non-wood material such as plastic, masonry, or metal	Use a miter saw, oscillating multi-tool, or rotary saw for these materials instead
Cutting dimensional lumber such as four-by-fours	Use a circular saw or reciprocating saw instead
Splitting logs	Use a log splitter
Cutting on the ground	Elevate the material
Pinch chainsaw bar in the cut	Add pressure below the material to widen the groove
Cut with top of the chainsaw guide bar	Cut with the bottom of the saw guide bar
Plunge cut with the nose of the saw	Cut only on the bottom of the saw bar

Where to Use a Chainsaw

Limit the operation of the chainsaw to outdoor areas. Gasoline-powered devices, including chainsaws, should never be used in enclosed areas due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Electric-powered chainsaws do not emit carbon monoxide.

Chainsaw Safety Tips

Chainsaws can be operated efficiently and safely. Be sure to carefully read your chainsaw’s operator’s manual, as all chainsaws are different. The operator’s manual is your complete guide to the safe operation of your chainsaw.

Understand All Parts of the Chainsaw

Learn about each part of the chainsaw and its function before powering up the saw. For example, it can be easy to confuse the chain brake and the handle, as they look alike and are located in approximately the same position.

Tension the Chain Properly

Before turning on, plugging in, or otherwise activating the chainsaw, make sure that the chain is properly tensioned on the guide bar. A loose chain may whip free or draw materials into it. A tight chain may not move at all.

Prevent Kickback

Chainsaw kickback happens when the upper quadrant of the nose of the chainsaw guide bar touches an object when the chain is moving. Another cause of kickback is when the wood or any other object closes in and pinches the moving chain. Chainsaws with smaller guide bars have a reduced (but not eliminated) chance of kickback.

Never cut a tree or branch with a diameter wider than the length of the chainsaw’s guide bar. A guide bar is the solid metal section that protrudes from the front of the chainsaw and over which the chain slides. Avoid touching the front end of the saw to any surface during operation.

Tip

One common cause of a pinched chain is during bucking, in which two opposite ends of the material close in and stop or limit the chain. Avoid kickback from pinching during bucking by making sure that one end of the material is designed to drop away, creating an open V-shape in the cutting zone.

Limit Proximity to Saw Chain

Chainsaws not only can cut you, but you might become entangled in their rapidly moving chains. Clothing, hair, jewelry, gloves, and anything loose might get caught between the chain and the guide bar, drawing you toward the saw or the saw toward you.

Protect Hearing and Eyes

With chainsaws, hearing and eye protection are both required. An average gasoline-powered chainsaw produces a noise of about 120 dBs—just under the sound of a military jet lifting off. Debris blowback, too, is the norm with chainsaw operations, making eye protection mandatory.

Avoid Touching the Chain, Even When Stationary

Chainsaws’ chains are very sharp. Even when the chain is not moving, it can severely lacerate the skin. Be sure to keep the cover on the saw when not in use.