How to Use a Chainsaw Safely

Chainsaws are very dangerous tools, and you should never attempt to use one unless you have the correct safety equipment and have fully familiarised yourself with the instructions and safety guide.

In this guide we look at how to correctly use one, however we advise you to attend a training course that will teach you how to use one correctly also.

Types of Chainsaws

Chainsaws come in two main types: petrol and electric. Knowing the differences can help you choose the right one for your needs.

Electric Chainsaws

Electric chainsaws are lightweight, quiet, and easy to start, making them ideal for small jobs. However, they’re less powerful than petrol models, and you must be aware of the power cord while working to avoid cutting it.

Battery-powered, cordless options are also available today. Models with 50+ volts offer better performance than common 18-24 volt versions, however a downside to these is that batteries tend to run out quickly.

Petrol Chainsaws

Petrol chainsaws are more powerful and suited for more heavy-duty and professional use. They come in various bar lengths (the bit the chain runs around) and engine sizes, ranging from 30cc to over 100cc.

If you’re regularly cutting trees or working for extended periods, a petrol chainsaw is the better option for you.

Most petrol chainsaws are 2-stroke and need a specific fuel mixture to run efficiently – more on this below.

Choosing the Right Chainsaw

Consider the type of work and power needed when selecting a chainsaw. For light tasks like trimming branches, a smaller electric saw will suffice. For frequent, heavy-duty work like felling trees and cutting logs, a larger, petrol-powered saw is best.

Also, ensure you can comfortably handle the weight of the saw for safe operation, they can be heavy and awkward to wield. Visit a showroom to test different models if possible to see what suits you best.

The Parts of a Chainsaw

In order to fully understand how to use a chainsaw, it’s essential that you know what each individual important part is called and what function it has. Here follows a list of all the essentials you need to be aware of:

• Cutting Chain: This is the part that does the cutting. Rotates around the bar, driven by the engine and the teeth cut into the object you’re cutting
• Bar: This provides a rigid object for the chain to run around
• Chain Brake/Guard: When pulled, it slows the rotation of the chain, when the throttle is disengaged. Also protects your hands
• Top Handle: Provides a sturdy handle for you to grip and operate the saw
• Pull Start: Allows you to start the saw, it rotates the engine until it fires and starts
• Air Box: Houses the air filter that feeds the engine with oxygen for combustion
• Safety Switch: Ensures the trigger isn’t accidentally pulled
• Trigger Throttle: Allows you to rev the engine and rotate the chain at higher speeds for cutting
• Rear Hand Guard: Protects your hand whilst operating the throttle
• Fuel Tank: Holds the fuel that the engine uses
• Fuel Filler Cap: Allows access to the fuel tank for filling
• Engine Housing: Provides a protective cover that contains the engine
• Oil Fill Reservoir/Cap: Holds the oil that lubricates the chain as it is rotating
• bar Bolts/Adjuster: Holds the bar firmly on the body of the saw and also allows you to slacken or tighten the chain

Mixing Fuel for a Chainsaw

As the engine that drives a petrol chainsaw is a fairly small and in order to get the revs up so that the chain rotates at high speed for cutting, most petrol chainsaw engines are 2-stroke, meaning that it goes through 2 stages (one complete revolution) to finish a power stroke.

Another key feature of a 2-stroke engine is that they do not have an oil sump and in order to receive the oil that keeps the moving parts lubricated, it is mixed in with the fuel and when the fuel is burnt off, it runs down and into special outlet for lubrication use.

To ensure it gets the correct amount of oil, a specific amount needs to be mixed in with the fuel, normally around 20:1 to 40:1 (20 or 40 parts fuel to 1 part oil). The exact amount will be stated in the manufacturer’s instructions.

To ensure you mix in the right amount, the best item to use is a 2-stroke mixing bottle. It is essential that the correct amount of oil is mixed. Too little and the engine will cease up, too much and it will create huge amounts of smoke and not run correctly.

Safety Clothing When Using a Chainsaw

Chainsaws are extremely dangerous items to use, the slightest mistake or lack of care can mean serious injury or even worse!

To safely use a chainsaw, especially if you are new to their use, it’s essential to wear the right protective gear. Here’s what you should always have on:

Helmet: Invest in a chainsaw helmet with a face shield and ear defenders. This protects you from flying debris and reduces noise-related injuries.

Gloves: Wear durable gloves that offer protection while still allowing enough movement for operating controls comfortably.

Clothing: Even in warm weather, wear protective clothing like chainsaw trousers, a chainsaw jacket, and steel toe-capped or specialist chainsaw boots. These items provide vital protection for your body, arms, and legs.

Working Environment

Chainsaw safety isn’t just about protective gear—it’s also about working in a secure environment and keeping others safe nearby.

When chopping logs, ensure a clear workspace and use a sawhorse to stabilise the wood. This prevents slipping or dangerous kickback.

Avoid using a chainsaw while on a ladder or balancing in a tree — it’s way too risky.

If cutting branches or felling a tree, make sure there’s enough room for the wood to fall safely and anyone in the close area knows exactly what’s going on.

Inform others when you’re working with a chainsaw and always have a friend or co-worker nearby in case of emergencies.

Chainsaw Kickback

As kickback injuries are so common and can cause serious injury, this particular occurrence warrants special mention.

Kickback is a common and dangerous hazard when using a chainsaw. It happens when the chain catches, causing the saw to jerk upwards and back toward the user.

To minimise the risk, avoid contact with the upper tip of the bar, as this is the main cause of kickback.

Understand the saw’s forces: cutting with the bottom of the bar pulls the saw toward the wood, while cutting with the top pushes it away. Adjust your stance and grip to stay in control and reduce kickback risk.

Other Chainsaw Safety Tips

Here follows some further safety tips and information that you must be aware of.

Always maintain a firm, two-handed grip on the chainsaw. Avoid over-reaching—don’t cut above shoulder height or with outstretched arms. Keep the saw close to your body, lock your elbows, and wrap your thumb around the handle for extra control.

Regular maintenance is key. Test the chain brake before each use, and engage it when moving the saw to your cutting area.

Check for power or telephone lines that could be hit by falling branches or trees.

Work with a partner to clear debris and keep the work area safe.

Keep the chain sharp to reduce the risk of kickback, and always cut at full power to prevent the chain from catching.

Avoid using a chainsaw on a ladder—both hands are needed for operation, leaving no way to stabilise yourself. If a ladder is necessary, hire a professional tree surgeon.

When cutting a branch from below, first make a top cut, then cut from below to meet the first cut.

If you are looking to buy a chainsaw, then ensure the one you go for has a chain brake and chain catcher. The chain brake allows the user to slow and stop the chain rotating and also prevents it moving while moving about, while the chain catcher stops the chain flicking back to the user in the event that it brakes. Never buy a saw without these two features!

How to Use a Chainsaw: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we have looked at all the important aspects of the chainsaw, what features they have and most importantly, all the safety pointers you must be aware of, it’s now time to look at how to use one correctly.

• Wear Proper Safety Gear: Always use protective equipment such as a helmet with a face shield, gloves, chainsaw trousers, and steel toe-capped boots to protect yourself from debris and accidents.
• Check the Chainsaw Before Use: Ensure the chain is sharp, the chain brake works, the chain is the correct tightness and not slack, and the saw is well-maintained. A dull or faulty chainsaw increases the risk of kickback and injury.
• Firm Grip and Proper Stance: When using the saw, always hold it firmly with both hands, keeping your elbows locked. Maintain a balanced stance with your feet shoulder-width apart. Avoid over-reaching or cutting above shoulder height.
• Start Safely: Always start the chainsaw on the ground or a stable surface. Never try to start it while holding it in the air or while it’s against a surface like a log.
• Avoid Kickback: Never let the upper tip of the chainsaw bar touch anything. Kickback can cause the saw to jerk back toward you. Keep the chain sharp and always cut at full power to prevent the chain from getting stuck.
• Cutting Technique: When cutting logs or branches, use a sawhorse to hold the wood in place. For branches, make a top cut first, then a bottom cut to avoid pinching the saw blade.
• Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Clear the work area of debris and obstacles. Make sure no one is in the immediate area where the tree or branch might fall. Check for power lines or other hazards before starting.
• Never Use a Chainsaw on a Ladder: If you need to reach higher areas, either hire a professional tree surgeon or use a stable surface like a scaffold tower, that’s firm and allows plenty of safe working space. Using a chainsaw on a ladder is extremely dangerous as you need both hands to operate the saw safely. This is an absolute no-no!
• Work With a Partner: Having someone nearby helps ensure safety. They can assist in clearing debris and be there in case of an emergency.
• Engage the Chain Brake: Always engage the chain brake when moving between work areas. This prevents accidental operation while walking with the saw.

Following these steps will help you operate a chainsaw safely, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring efficient, controlled cutting and a successful job.