Have you just got a new chainsaw and can’t wait to use it? Or maybe before making the buy, you’re really trying to find out what you’re actually in for? Either way, this is the right page for you if you want to know how to start a chainsaw. Below, I’m going to teach you step-by-step how to easily get a chainsaw started each time.
Now, if you’re in the market for a chainsaw, I invite you to check out my review page for the best gas chainsaw. This includes the best chainsaws you will find today, as well as some essential aspects to look at such that the exact specifications are fulfilled by the saw.
Or take a look at my best 18-inch chainsaw page and best 16-inch gas chainsaw page if you’re looking for a certain model gas chainsaw to see what’s available in those lengths.
Therefore, give them a quick look. Now, let’s get to the starting guide for the chainsaw!
Recommended Chainsaws (Top Selling)
Preparation (Before You Start the Chainsaw)
- Safety first: Do you have gloves, leather or cut-resistant chaps, hearing aid, a hat, and goggles (or a face mask hat) on the chain saw? If not, suit with this safety gear for the chainsaw.
- Use gasoline and oil mix to fill up the chainsaw. For the correct mix, refer to the saw’s manual.
- Load up the oil reserve of the guide bar and chain.
- Evaluate the guide bar and chain for any grit, dirt, or existing wood chips that could help stop the chain from twisting or fly off a cause an injury.
- Using your hand, move the chain around the guide bar to ensure that it’s moving freely.
How to Start the Chainsaw (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Stabilize the Chainsaw
- On level land, the chainsaw should always be started; never up in the air or on a high surface.
- Within the rear handle, position your right foot and firmly press it down to lock the chainsaw.
- Place the top handlebar with your left hand.
- Ensure that nothing is touching or near the guide bar or chain of the chainsaw.
Step 2: Engage the Chain Brake
Lean your wrist forward with your left hand on the top handlebar to force the chain brake handle forward. It would include the chain brake, which during the beginning phase stops the chain from spinning.
Step 3: Turn the Chainsaw On and Open Up the Choke
- Turn the on / off control of the chainsaw to the on the place.
- Besides moving the knob/lever to the cold start (or fully open) position, open the choke. The choke controls the mixture of air/fuel which goes to the engine.
Step 4: Prime the Fuel
Three to five times or until the bulb stiffens and you can see fuel in it, press the fuel primer bulb. The primer bulb contains fuel that is pulled from the tank and into the carburetor.
Step 5: Pull the Starting Cord a Few Times
- Pull up on the starting cord with your right hand in a smooth, quick motion with your left hand on the top handlebar, the chain brake engaged, and your right foot in the back handle.
- Pull up a couple of times on the starting cord before you hear the engine trying and failing to turn over.
Step 6: Close the Choke
Move the choke lever to the halfway position when you hear the engine failing to turn over.
Again, pull up on the starting cord. It should start and idle the engine. Pull up even more times if not.
Step 7: Let the Chainsaw Idle
- Allow the chainsaw to idle for 30 seconds. If you don’t, the chainsaw could stall out.
Step 8: Close the Choke
- After 30 seconds of idling time, shift the choke lever to the closed position.
- Chainsaw always should be working.
Step 9: Disengage the Chain Brake
- With your right hand, pull back on the chain brake handle to disengage it. Otherwise, after starting, the chain will not spin.
Step 10: Lift Up the Chainsaw
- Lift the body into an upright stance with the chainsaw still securely in both hands.
- Pull the throttle with the index and middle fingers of your right hand to start the sawing operation.
How to Stop a Chainsaw from Running
You will turn off the chainsaw by releasing your fingers from the trigger and turning the on / off lever to the off position until you have finished cutting or just need a break.
How to Start a Chainsaw That’s Been Warmed Up
- If you are taking a short break from using a chainsaw, because the engine is already fuel-primed, you can restart it without using the choke.
- Place the chainsaw on the ground and put the rear handle on your right foot.
- Switch the on position to turn the chainsaw on / off.
- Grip the top handlebar with your left hand.
- Engage the chain brake with your left wrist.
- Pull the starting cord several times with your right hand until the engine turns over and idles.
- Raise your body up while holding the chainsaw firmly in both hands until it’s around waist level, then proceed to pull the throttle to cut.
Final Thoughts:
I hope you liked this guide to how to get a chainsaw started. In addition to certain main features, you can find the top chainsaws you can purchase today that you can consider finding the right gas chain saw for your needs.
To help you find the top chainsaw for specific lengths, I also have dedicated guides. Also, check out my best 18-inch chainsaw page and best 16-inch gas chainsaw page to see what you can buy.