Tag: Published (16th Sept)

How to start a chainsaw? is the first question that pops into the mind of the users who are new to chainsaws. Starting a chainsaw is an easy process provided you keep in mind some important points and use the instruction manual to assemble it. This blog will thus, list down in detail how to start a chainsaw. Gas and battery-powered chainsaws use different mechanisms to start. It is best if you read our blog Gas Vs Battery Chainsaw for more details.

How to Start a Chainsaw

Engage the Chainbrake

Chain brakes place a steel brake band around the driven clutch drum to prevent the cutting chain of the saw from moving. The chain brake is primarily controlled by pushing the top-hand guard forward to apply the brake and pulling it back to release it. The chain should be engaged while starting the chainsaw to stop the chainsaw from moving. The reviews of Sun Joe SWJ807E 10 inches suggest a powerful chain brake and easy maneuverability.

Pull the Choke

The choke or start button needs to be pulled out to ON. Press the primer valve 6 to 7 times. This will help create a vacuum for the fuel to pass from the tank to the carburetor, helping it start.

Hold to Start

Use your left hand to hold the front handle firmly in place and put your foot on the rear handle. This will avoid any injury due to kickback. Then pull the start cord with your right hand until the chainsaw starts.

Adjust the Choke

As the engine begins to turn over push the choke inside halfway and pull the starter cord repeatedly. Once the engine starts, push the choke to run position. Allow the engine to start and leave it for some time idle. This will allow the engine to warm up.

Safety Tips & Tricks on How to Start a Chainsaw

Be Wary of the Chain Catcher

This is a metal bar that runs parallel under the chain. In case your chainsaw fails or derails, holding the chain catcher will help.

Start a Chainsaw with Safety Controls

Two safety controls are located at the back of your chainsaw. The throttle lock prevents the accidental push of the throttle trigger. This trigger button can cause grave accidents if pushed accidentally.

Pay Attention to Emergency Stop Button

This button can be in the form of a button or a lever and is present to stop the chainsaw abruptly in cases of obstacles or hindrances.

Chainsaw Wide Level Guard

This is present towards the back of the chainsaw and is intended to secure your hand while cutting or place your leg while starting the machine.

Use Chain Brake

This safety feature is located just before the top handle and can be operated manually or just by pushing it forward. Engaging the chain brakes can halt the chainsaw blade midway avoiding accidents in case the chainsaw breaks or tips over.

You can squeeze the throttle and apply your brake simultaneously. This will allow you to see if the brake is working correctly. The reviews of Greenworks 8.5′ 40V Cordless Pole Saw indicate a strong chain brake and safety controls.

Check Fuel Levels Before Starting a Chainsaw

In the case of a gas chainsaw, take care of the fuel levels before operating. Overfilling the tank can be dangerous.

Chain Lubrication

Your chainsaw should not leave any oil trail behind while cutting. That is why it is essential to check the chainsaw first and use lubricants before going mainstream. We recommend you to read our dedicated blog on tips to use the chainsaw the right way. This will allow efficient use and troubleshooting.

Safety Gear to Keep Handy Before Operating the Chainsaw

• Helmet to protect your head from the wood splinters and overhead branches, if working outdoors
• Eye Shields for those tiny splinters flying your way
• Scratch and tear-resistant gloves for a strong grip and to protect your hands
• Earmuffs to block the loud noise of the chainsaw. In case you are using a gas chainsaw, earmuffs are a must
• Boots for leg protection against shards of woods
• Long pants to protect your legs

How Do You Unflood a Chainsaw?

• Make sure the chain brake on the chain saw is engaged and the chain saw is on a level surface.
• Use a spark plug wrench to remove the spark plug.
• You should wipe off the electrodes if they have fuel on them.
• Take out the air filter and unscrew the cover. If it needs cleaning, clean it.
• Make sure the master control lever is set to the minimum choke or open position.
• Pull the starting rope five or six times to clear the fuel out of the combustion chamber.
• Replacing the air filter and connecting the spark plug is the first step.
• Pull the starting cord several times while leaving the choke open. Your chain saw should start.

How to Troubleshoot a Chainsaw that Is Hard to Start?

It is necessary to drain all the fuel in the tank by opening the spark plug hole towards the back of the car. Push the control in to deactivate the choke, and then pull the starter cord 6-8 times while pressing in the throttle control. Replace the spark plug after it has been dried. The reviews of the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Chainsaw Kit suggest professional quality parts and exceptional durability.

Conclusion

Operating a chainsaw for the first time can be a daunting task, considering all the controls it has, not to forget, the weight. As you, however, start sawing you will take less time with each of the cuts as you become a pro with them. In the end, it is a machine for our convenience, and using it correctly will give you your desired cuts for those winter nights or Christmas. Read our dedicated buying guide on chainsaws to know more.

Never compromise on the maintenance of a chainsaw as otherwise, it might lead to untoward accidents.  Imagine the money you will save by not taking outside help for these odd jobs. A chainsaw will be enough for you. BestViewsReviews recommends and reviews some of the leading chainsaws and chainsaw accessories. We review them based on their demand, performance, and durability in this category.

Chainsaw repair is a sure way of keeping your chainsaw up and running. Chainsaws are innovative modern gadgets, intended to make our lives simpler by cutting trees and chopping wood. These outdoor tools help us save abundant time and effort.

To ensure that a chainsaw keeps working perfectly, a proper maintenance regime is important. The important parts of a chainsaw like a chain, brake, oiler, etc. need regular maintenance and cleaning to function well. This blog is a complete step-by-step guide to help you understand what the maintenance of a chainsaw includes. You can visit BestViewsReviews for the best chainsaw buying options.

Chainsaw Repair: Common Problems

Chain Tensioning Does Not Work

Some chainsaws have a mechanism that prevents over tensioning. Even if you have followed the correct procedure for adjusting tension, the tensioning screw may still be damaged. Adjusting the chain properly can be challenging. Your chain should have no slack visible, but you need to be able to move it easily around the guide bar. You should be able to pull your chain slightly away from the guide bar. It is important to do this correctly to prevent damage to your chain.

Chain Does Not Oil

Chain oil runs from the tank through a tube into the groove where the chain moves around the guide bar, then into the guide bar itself. There could be wood shavings or dirt lodged in the chain or a blockage in the line leading to the chain-oil tank. If the chain does not oil, it may be clogged with wood shavings or dirt. Preventing ensures that you clean the chainsaw afterward. Alternatively, you can try to run the saw without the bar to see if the oil is being pumped out.

Engine Will Not Turn Over

Fuel line blockage, faulty spark plugs, and mistuned choke are all possible reasons why a petrol chainsaw won’t start. It is still possible for petrol chainsaws to be difficult to start, even if all the parts are in good condition. You should clean your chainsaw thoroughly after every use. Remove all covers so you can reach every part. Make sure your oil filters are clean and drain your fuel tank regularly. Regular maintenance is a must.

Chain Brake Failed

Chain brakes work by clamping a band around the drive mechanism that turns the chain so that it cannot turn. This is held in place by a spring, and it is this that usually breaks down. A chain brake needs to function properly, and adjusting and repairing it is a specialist job. Schedule regular maintenance for your chainsaw so that problems can be addressed before they occur.

Chainsaw Isn’t Cutting

If you see smoke from your chainsaw or it powders the wood rather than producing small chips, the chain is dull and needs to be resharpened. You will quickly dull the teeth of the blade if the blade accidentally hits metal or dirt. To sharpen the chain, the right files are essential since it is a tricky job. So, it is advisable to follow the instructions carefully. The reviews of Amerfist 4 Inch Electric Power chainsaw indicate a sharp blade with sufficient lubrication and quality parts.

How to Do Chainsaw Repair

It is pivotal to understand that operating the chainsaw in the right way will also ensure its polished functioning over a period of time, which is indeed quite valuable for proper maintenance of the blade. Thus, check out our blog on beginners guide to learn more.

Condition the Air Filter

When you use a chainsaw, small particles and dust tend to get accumulated, clogging your filter. If not checked, this clogging will interfere with the oil flow that is much-needed for lubrication. Otherwise, the chainsaw chain and guide bar may malfunction. Always clean the chainsaw filter in warm soap water. However, all filters cannot be cleaned, some need to be replaced depending on the model you are using. Reviews of BLACK+DECKER Lopper Chain Saw, 4.5-Amp suggest that it comes with an easy to clean and reusable filter for convenience.

Sharpen The Chainsaw

In order for a chainsaw to work well, it is imperative for the blade to maintain its sharpness. If you are using a lot of force to cut a small portion of the wood, then the chainsaw is not sharp enough.  At such a chainsaw chain sharpener will come in handy. The reviews of Seesii 4-Inch Cordless Electric Pruning Chain Saw come to indicate a durable chain and bar that doesn’t easily become blunt and cuts effectively. You can read our blog on resetting the chainsaw chain if the equipment malfunctions even after sharpening.

Keep an Eye on the Smaller Parts

A chainsaw is built of many components, big and small. When a chainsaw works, it maintains a constant vibration. Such actions may loosen the smaller components resulting in the malfunctioning of a chainsaw. So, an eye or smaller components will help. This is especially helpful if, you are using a used chainsaw and the parts are old as compared to a brand-new one. The review of Sun Joe SWJ807E 10 inch reveals that it comes with a convertible model and lesser small parts.

Chainsaw Repair FAQs

Why Does my Chainsaw Chain Pull or Cut to One Side?

The chain in your chainsaw may be malfunctioning if it pulls to one side when you cut or cut crookedly. Ensure that the top plates, which sit on each tooth on the chain, are the right size. Each top plate should be equal in size. The reviews of the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Chainsaw Kit suggest that it comes with quality parts that allow it to function effectively without any faults.

How Do I Lubricate the Bar and Chain on my Chainsaw?

Rapeseed oil, commonly called canola oil, is the most common chain-and-bar lubricant. Vegetable oil is a natural ester or triglyceride that comes from agricultural crops and is good for chainsaw and bar lubrication. We have a dedicated blog in chainsaw oil to help you know more about chainsaw oil and lubrication.

My Chainsaw Starts and Then Dies, What is Wrong With It?

A partially or completely blocked air filter can starve the engine of fuel, causing your chainsaw to die. If your chainsaw runs for a few seconds and then dies, then you should immediately clean the air filter. You should, however, replace a damaged air filter.

Chainsaw Repair: Conclusion

There are many people who are hesitant towards owning a chainsaw, owing to its complex nature. However, modern tools like chainsaws and chainsaw accessories are created for our convenience. But, they can become complex only if not maintained properly.

A properly maintained chainsaw will make your work easy while keeping you safe during the cutting process. Remember the more you maintain, the more you will get to know your chainsaw. BestViewsReviews lists some of the most reviewed and recommended chainsaw product variants in its featured section. Take a look to know more about your buying options.