Are you trying to figure out more about the parts of the chainsaw? If so, you’re going to find all you need here. This is a list of the most important parts of the chainsaw and how each one operates to power this tool. Take into account this the most complete guide to chainsaw terminology and meanings.
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Why Should I Know the Parts?
Your safety will be the main reason. A chainsaw is not a toy, but rather a very dangerous tool that can also prove deadly. We will never recommend anyone to use a chainsaw unless they know what they’re doing. A smart way to teach yourself is to understand the parts of chainsaw and see what they’re about.
Another reason for learning the parts of your chainsaw is for repair purposes. Knowing the pieces and what they do will help you develop a simple understanding of how to make your chainsaw work longer.
Now let’s dive in and look at the parts that make up your chainsaw:
The Parts of a Chainsaw
Chainsaws are a very useful tool that many people purchase, but few people know the parts they comprise. Many of us believe that it is unnecessary to recognize the components that make up the machine. Some people may not have the patience to learn a complex piece of equipment, but we’d say it’s worth the time.
According to the CDC report, there are more than 36,000 chainsaw-related accidents per year. We never want to see someone hurt while using a chainsaw, which is another reason why we put this list together.
We strongly recommend that you take the time to get familiar with your chainsaw as it will help you with repairs and protection in the future.
1. Throttle:
It’s the throttle that regulates the speed of the chain. In a gas chainsaw, the throttle controls the volume of fuel reached by the combustion cylinders. More petrol = more speed. The throttle controls the sum of amperage in the engine of an electric or battery chainsaw. More power = more power.
See also: Chainsaw Tips for Beginners
2. Throttle Interlock
The throttle interlock avoids unintended activation of the throttle. The throttle interlock must be pressed before the throttle can be opened and activated.
3. Chain Catcher
The chain catcher is one of the most important safety features of the chainsaw. The chain catcher is a special guard intended to capture the chain if it breaks when spinning. This security measure is important to prevent the user from being injured in a snapped chain.
4. Chain Brake
The chain braking system stops the chain from spinning when there is a sudden kickback. Kickback will happen when the tip of the chain is nicked or the chain is pinched. Kickback is a swift upward push of the blade back to the operator, and a chain brake avoids significant damage to the blade. The chain brake can be either manual (a handguard that is pressed during the kickback) or inert-activated (an automatic response based on force).
5. Handguard
The handguard is a protection that defends the operator’s hands from flying debris when cutting. It also serves to defend against the top of the spinning chain.
6. Anti-Vibration System
The anti-vibration device lowers the stress on the hands of the operator when using the chainsaw. The anti-vibration device absorbs the vibrations of the chainsaw motor, which would otherwise inflict tension on the hands, arms and joints.
7. Muffler
The muffler is an integral component of a gas chainsaw that decreases noise levels. Without a muffler, a gas-powered chainsaw will be too loud to run or to stand by without affecting your hearing.
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8. Chain
The chain is the part of a chainsaw that makes a clear cut. The chain contains sharp teeth which are divided at a specified distance (pitch) and at a particular width (gauge). Each chainsaw uses a chain of sizes. Not all chainsaws are universal.
9. Guide Bar
The guide bar is a metal bar that spins around the rope. The guide bar locks the chain in place and keeps the chain straight when cutting.
10. Chain Tensioner
The chain tensioner manages the chain tension on the guide bar. If the chain is too heavy, it’s not going to spin fast enough. If the chain is too loose, it can fall off when spinning. The chain tensioner lets you hold the chain under tension such that the chainsaw cuts easily and securely.
11. Clutch
The clutch is attached to the point of the chain. The clutch controls the movement of the chain along the guide bar.
12. Flywheel
The flywheel controls the speed of the engine and helps to cool the motor down so it doesn’t overheat.
13. Decompression Valve
The decompression valve releases compression from the combustion chamber during the starting process in a gas chainsaw. The decompression valve makes it easier to start the chainsaw when pulling the starter rope.
14. Carburetor
The carburetor controls the fuel intake of the engine.
15. Air Filter
The air filter prevents the engine from being clogged with sawdust and dirt. The gas chainsaw requires a combination of air and fuel in order to operate the tool. This component cleans the air so that only pure air passes into the engine.
16. Choke Valve
The choke valve helps to start the chainsaw. The choke valve controls the amount of air and fuel hit by carburetor.
17. Bucking Spikes
The bucking spikes enable you drive the chainsaw into a log so that you can make straighter cuts. The bucking spikes often help avoid a kickback when to do this kind of cutting. Bucking spikes also have names, “bump spikes”.
Now You Know Your Chainsaw Parts – Final Thought
If you can see, chainsaws are packed with complicated parts to get the tool started, keep it going, and make it secure to operate.
Although this is not an exhaustive list of all aspects of a chainsaw, it contains the most critical components that each operator should be aware of. Getting to the finer descriptions of each of the internal workings of the engines would take a complete guide in and of itself.
As a reminder, I have a range of other guides for you to enjoy, including the top rated chainsaws here that include the top 10 brands for sale today, the best budget chainsaw models for those looking for a decent price, and the best gas chainsaw for money.
I hope you enjoyed learning about the different parts of the chainsaw.