How to Operate a Chainsaw

Co-authored by Abraham Schwartz

Last Updated: September 5, 2024 Approved

Have you ever tried to cut wood with a handsaw? It’s not an easy job! A chainsaw can get the job done in almost no time at all, but it can also be dangerous if it isn’t used properly. Luckily operating a chainsaw is actually pretty easy, and if you do it safely, you shouldn’t have any problems at all. We’ve answered a few common questions about using a chainsaw to make it even easier for you.

Question 1 of 8:

How do you use a chainsaw safely?

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Put on safety gear before you start using the chainsaw. Put on chaps, a chainsaw helmet with a faceguard, gloves, and heavy-duty or steel-toed boots. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. Don’t wear loose clothing which can get caught in the teeth of the saw. ^{[1]
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- Never use a chainsaw without any protective gear to avoid accidental injuries.

Question 2 of 8:

How do you start a gas-powered chainsaw?

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Lay the chainsaw on a flat spot on the ground and locate the chain brake, which is usually a lever between the top handle on the chainsaw and the blade. Push the chain saw brake forward until it locks into place to prevent the blade from spinning until you’re ready to use it. ^{[2]
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If your chainsaw has a choke, flip the control lever on the handle to the “choke” position. Then, locate the primer button, which is near or on top of the fuel tank. Press the button several times to prime the engine so it starts more easily. ^{[3]
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3
Put your foot through the back handle and pull the starter rope 4-5 times. Use your foot to brace the chainsaw by stepping into the back handle. Place 1 hand on the front handle and lean your weight on it to hold it in place. With your other hand, pull the starter rope a few times until the engine starts. ^{[4]
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- You can’t cut with the saw until you unlock the chain brake.

Question 3 of 8:

How do you start an electric chainsaw?

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Starting an electric chainsaw is super simple. If your chainsaw has a cord, plug it into an outlet. If it doesn’t use a cord, make sure your chainsaw is fully charged. When you’re ready to use it, flip the power switch to the on position. All you need to do is release the chain brake and squeeze the trigger when you’re ready to saw! ^{[5]
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Question 4 of 8:

How do you use a chainsaw 101?

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1
Start up the chainsaw and lay the saw where you want to cut. Turn on your chainsaw and squeeze the trigger to fully engage the throttle and bring the blade up to speed. Gently lay the blade against the wood and allow the momentum of the chain and blade to cut through it. Don’t push or force the saw to cut through the wood. ^{[6]
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- Pushing against the wood could cause the chainsaw to kickback or the blade to get stuck.
Keep the chainsaw close to your body so your arms don’t get fatigued. While the blade cuts through the wood, keep a firm grip without applying pressure against the saw. Let the blade’s momentum draw the wood in and hold the chainsaw steady so it doesn’t jump or kickback toward you. Don’t adjust the chainsaw or change position while the engine is running and continue cutting until you cut through the wood. ^{[7]
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Question 5 of 8:

How dangerous is using a chainsaw?

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Chainsaws can be very dangerous if they aren’t used properly. Always wear personal protective gear and don’t start up the chainsaw until you’re ready to use it. Make sure there aren’t any other people near you and clear any obstacles away from the area. Never force or push the saw. Instead, simply lay the moving blade on the location you want to cut and let the wood draw the saw in as it cuts. ^{[8]
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U.S. government agency responsible for setting and enforcing workplace safety standards
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- It’s also important that you keep your chainsaw properly maintained. Clear away dirt and debris from the chainsaw’s teeth and make sure it has plenty of oil.

Question 6 of 8:

Can anyone use a chainsaw?

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Anyone over 16 years of age can legally operate a chainsaw. Children are much more likely to have an accident or injury while operating a chainsaw. Don’t allow anyone younger than 16 use a chainsaw. Before someone uses a chainsaw, make sure they know how to operate it, and make sure they wear protective equipment. ^{[9]
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- If someone is a beginner, keep an eye on them and make sure they’re using the chainsaw safely.

Question 7 of 8:

How do you cut down a tree with a chainsaw?

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1
Choose a direction you want the tree to fall and clear a path. Look for an area that’s away from any buildings or people. Move any obstacles or objects out of the fall zone. Make sure you can easily move out of the way once the tree starts to fall. ^{[10]
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- If the tree is already leaning in 1 direction, cut it down so it falls that way.
2
Make a notch on the side you want the tree to fall toward. Make 1 face cut about 24 inches (61 cm) from the ground, cutting up at a 45-degree angle to a depth of about 20-25% of the tree’s diameter. Then, make another face cut at a downward 45-degree angle to meet the first cut and create a notch in the tree. ^{[11]
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- The notch creates a hinge and will direct which way the tree falls.
3
Cut the trunk on the opposite side of the notch so the tree falls. Bring your chainsaw up to speed and cut into the backside of the trunk, on the opposite side of the notch you made. Keep the saw blade parallel to the ground and cut to a depth of about 10% of the diameter of the tree. The tree will slowly start to lean in the direction of the notch and then fall under its own weight. Move out of the way as the tree starts to fall. ^{[12]
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- Make sure anybody in the area moves out of the way of the falling tree.

Question 8 of 8:

Chainsaw Safety

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1
Never saw above shoulder height. Never cut anything above your head so it doesn’t accidentally fall on you. Holding a chainsaw above shoulder height can also cause your arms to fatigue, which can increase your chances of having an accident. ^{[13]
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- If you can’t reach it, don’t try to cut it with a chainsaw!
The nose guide bar sits at the top of the saw. Make sure it doesn’t accidentally hit a log, branch, or another obstruction or it could cause the blade to kickback. ^{[14]
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Gently lay the moving blade against the surface of the wood and allow it to cut through the material. Keep a steady grip on the chainsaw, but don’t push or force the blade or you could cause it to get stuck or kickback. Don’t stop cutting until the blade cuts all the way through the wood. ^{[15]
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Question

How dangerous is using a chainsaw?

Abraham Schwartz
Handyman
Abraham Schwartz is a handyman and the owner of Fixin’ To Do, a home improvement service in Austin, Texas. Abraham specializes in both small to medium residential and commercial sized jobs, ranging from TV mounting to furniture assembly to home automation setup. Prior to starting Fixin’ To Do, Abraham worked for over 10 years as a handyman for third party services and had a lifetime of learning how to improve houses. He holds both his TSBPE Plumbing Examiners and Electrical Apprentice (TX) Licenses. In 2018 and 2019, Fixin’ To do was rated as a Top Pro by Thumbtack.

Abraham Schwartz

Handyman

Expert Answer

Chainsaws can be very dangerous. However, like any power tool, it's only dangerous if you don't read the instruction manual, you aren't careful, and you use the chainsaw irresponsibly. But if you wear protective safety gear, you're careful, and you follow the instructions, you should be fine.

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Question

Does starting the engine make the chain run?

Abraham Schwartz
Handyman
Abraham Schwartz is a handyman and the owner of Fixin’ To Do, a home improvement service in Austin, Texas. Abraham specializes in both small to medium residential and commercial sized jobs, ranging from TV mounting to furniture assembly to home automation setup. Prior to starting Fixin’ To Do, Abraham worked for over 10 years as a handyman for third party services and had a lifetime of learning how to improve houses. He holds both his TSBPE Plumbing Examiners and Electrical Apprentice (TX) Licenses. In 2018 and 2019, Fixin’ To do was rated as a Top Pro by Thumbtack.

Abraham Schwartz

Handyman

Expert Answer

No, it's not like the movies where you see someone rip the cord and the blades start spinning automatically. There's usually going to be a few additional steps there depending on the brand and model you have. Typically, there's a safety trigger you pull down and then you press a trigger to make the blade spin.

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Question

Can I start the chainsaw on the ground?

Abraham Schwartz
Handyman
Abraham Schwartz is a handyman and the owner of Fixin’ To Do, a home improvement service in Austin, Texas. Abraham specializes in both small to medium residential and commercial sized jobs, ranging from TV mounting to furniture assembly to home automation setup. Prior to starting Fixin’ To Do, Abraham worked for over 10 years as a handyman for third party services and had a lifetime of learning how to improve houses. He holds both his TSBPE Plumbing Examiners and Electrical Apprentice (TX) Licenses. In 2018 and 2019, Fixin’ To do was rated as a Top Pro by Thumbtack.

Abraham Schwartz

Handyman

Expert Answer

If you need to, sure, but don't pull the trigger when it's on the ground. This is especially important if there are any rocks or pebbles around, since the blades will send these tiny rocks all over the place, which can be dangerous.

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Warnings

Never cut anything above your shoulder height with a chainsaw.

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Always wear protective gear when you’re using a chainsaw.

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Things You’ll Need

Helmet with a face guard
Safety glasses
Sturdy boots or steel-toed boots

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How to Operate a Chainsaw

Steps

How do you use a chainsaw safely?

How do you start a gas-powered chainsaw?

How do you start an electric chainsaw?

How do you use a chainsaw 101?

How dangerous is using a chainsaw?

Can anyone use a chainsaw?

How do you cut down a tree with a chainsaw?

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