February 16
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A chainsaw is a handy power tool to have for doing all kinds of yard work.
From yard maintenance to a full-on landscaping project, it’s an indispensable tool that’s worth investing in.
The problem is, some find it quite overwhelming to learn how to use.
If you have no idea how to operate one, much less how to start a chainsaw, you’ve come to the right place.
Here, we’ll share with you a step-by-step guide to getting the most out of this machine.
Before anything else, though, you want to get to know a chainsaw first.
This complex tool has different parts working together to cut through wood smoothly.
Like any other machine, your chainsaw will not perform well when one of the components is disconnected or damaged.
The engine is an essential part of a chainsaw. It is where the machine picks its power for the blade and chain to function.
Depending on the model you buy, it can run on gas, electricity, or battery.
The carburetor transmits the air and fuel via the chainsaw, driving the bar and chain to rotate as it cuts wood and other material.
You will find the chainsaw’s clutch in the drive mechanism, protecting the engine while idle or experiencing a kickback.
This part takes signals from the clutch when there’s a kickback.
They are placed in the same location, stopping the bar and chain’s movement.
The chain is the part that runs around the blade as it cuts through the wood or other materials.
It is also one of the first components that you need to replace.
So, how do you start a chainsaw?
If you are asking that question, you probably own a gas-powered chainsaw. Electric and battery-powered types have power buttons.
Before we go to the actual process, it’s vital to read the user’s manual beforehand.
It would also help to familiarize yourself with the tool’s components and controls, as well as follow the safety recommendations stated in the manual.
Make sure to wear protective clothing when operating the power tool.
Fill up the chainsaw with the gas and oil mixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Likewise, fill up the chain and guide bar oil tank.
Ensure that the chainsaw bar and chain are free of dirt or other debris that may hinder it from spinning correctly.
Check the chain if it’s moving freely around the guide bar by moving it manually with your hand.
Now that we are done with the preparation stage, let us go through the step-by-step guide on how to start chainsaw engine.
There are varying procedures on how to start chainsaw engine depending on its model. That is why first-time users get confused.
There are two different concepts when it comes to starting a chainsaw: cold and warm starts.
Both follow a similar start-up process except for using the choke option.
Choking the engine of the chainsaw allows more fuel to enter the carburetor while airflow is reduced.
The step-by-step process mentioned earlier is an example of how to turn on a chainsaw for the first time or when it’s cold.
Warm starting a chainsaw only means that the engine is already warm; hence, no need to use the choking process.
A flooded chainsaw is due to too much fuel supplied into the engine, preventing the chainsaw from starting.
You can try several ways to try clearing out the oversupply of fuel in the chainsaw’s engine.
The standard practice is to allow the gas to evaporate from the machine.
Try starting the chainsaw after 15 to 20 minutes. It’s a useful technique for mildly flooded engines.
Another method you can try when starting a flooded engine has a more direct approach.
It involves engaging the chain brake guard and then turning off the choke knob.
Turn on the throttle or the choke lever to activate the fast idle. Also, move the power switch to the “on” position.
Place the chainsaw on the ground and make short, brisk pulls on the starter rope.
If it still fails to start, remove the spark plug and check the electrode for wet or moist deposits.
While the spark plug is out, try removing any gas from the engine through the spark plug hole.
There are different ways on how to start a chainsaw, and using a drill is one of them.
This option is perfect for elderly users who don’t have the strength to pull a starter cord.
You can convert some chainsaw engines, too, from using a cord to turn on to pushing a button for an electric start.
If your chainsaw is non-convertible, using an electric drill is the next best option.
You just need to buy some materials to make it work.
Look for a socket you can fit right into the nut of the flywheel and how you can connect it to the drill.
Buy a square-head four-inch bolt with a shank that will fit your drill chuck.
Modify the bolt by grinding its head to fit the socket. Then, remove the engine’s cover and turn it on.
Prime the carburetor before attaching the socket to the flywheel’s nut.
Lastly, use the drill while in the forward position to start the engine.
Remember to use an electric drill for this purpose. Battery-operated ones lack the strength to power-up the machine.
Always observe caution when using a drill to start a chainsaw, as the bolt may come out of the nut as you crank up.
If you are not ready to cut anything, always keep the chain brake on before starting the chainsaw to prevent the chain from rotating.
You will find the chain brake on top of the chainsaw’s handle. Its primary purpose is to stop the chain’s rotation around the chainsaw bar.
You can activate the chain brake if you push the handle forward or by force when a chainsaw kickback happens.
Here’s what you can do to ensure that the chainsaw’s chain brake is functioning effectively.
Start by turning on the saw and holding it firmly with both hands.
Here are some things that you should not do with your chainsaw.
A drop start is a dangerous technique for starting up the chainsaw.
The user would hold the machine with one hand while pulling the starter rope with his other hand.
Avoid this start-up process at all times; chainsaws need to be stable to prevent accidents from happening.
A starter rope comes with a handle that you hold on to during start-up.
Never attempt to hold the rope directly; worse, do not wrap it around your hand.
Remember to remove the bar from being stuck in some wood before attempting to start the engine.
Starting the chainsaw like this may cause the tool to do a kickback and injure the user.
Be careful when handling the starter code and avoid letting it snap back in, as it may damage the starter components.
Before attempting to start using a chainsaw, read the user’s manual first.
Follow all the precautionary measures suggested by the manufacturer.
Make sure you wear personal protective equipment and adhere to the step-by-step guide we have provided so that you can start your landscaping project.
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