Any tips/precautions for using a chainsaw?

SAWYER

Lifer
Apr 27, 2000
16,742
42
91
I just bought one to cut up the limbs in my yard from the ice storm, I have never used a chainsaw. Anything other than common sense I should be cautious of?
 

Drako

Lifer
Jun 9, 2007
10,697
161
106
Originally posted by: Sawyer
I just bought one to cut up the limbs in my yard from the ice storm, I have never used a chainsaw. Anything other than common sense I should be cautious of?

Read the manual. They will pretty much cover everything safety-wise.
 

MikeMike

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
45,885
66
91
wear jeans... your legs will thank me for not being destroyed by splinters...

always try to cut so the log splits apart, and doesnt fold in to itself, else the blade will get caught and jammed.

 

TallBill

Lifer
Apr 29, 2001
46,017
62
91
Don't place your leg or body on the backside or downside of whatever you are cutting.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,583
984
126
Wear eye protection, heavy work gloves and some work boots.

I have a friend who was cutting brush away with a chainsaw and cut into the top of his foot...he was wearing flip flops.
 

DeadByDawn

Platinum Member
Dec 22, 2003
2,349
0
0
Engage stop if you are going to move around with running chainsaw. Ensure solid footing before cutting. Make sure you arm is positioned behind the kickback stop while cutting.

RTFM



 

DeadByDawn

Platinum Member
Dec 22, 2003
2,349
0
0
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Wear eye protection, heavy work gloves and some work boots.

I have a friend who was cutting brush away with a chainsaw and cut into the top of his foot...he was wearing flip flops.

Flip Flops ..... wow. :shocked:
 

squirrel dog

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 1999
5,564
48
91
make sure you empty the gas out of it and run it until it runs the gas out of it . To many folks gas up a saw,use it once or twice,put it away for years,the gas goes to varnish,then the saw won't run.I put stabil fuel stabilizer in all my stuff,but the saws,I learned the hard way.Hearing protection,safety glasses are a must.I also wear leather gloves and jeans/boots.Be sure to oil the chain if you don't have one that auto oils it for you.Also don't let the chain hit the dirt while running,it dulls the teeth real quick.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,583
984
126
Originally posted by: DeadByDawn
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Wear eye protection, heavy work gloves and some work boots.

I have a friend who was cutting brush away with a chainsaw and cut into the top of his foot...he was wearing flip flops.

Flip Flops ..... wow. :shocked:

Yeah, and to top that off he didn't go to the emergency room for 2 days. Almost lost his fucking foot. :roll:
 

TallBill

Lifer
Apr 29, 2001
46,017
62
91
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: DeadByDawn
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Wear eye protection, heavy work gloves and some work boots.

I have a friend who was cutting brush away with a chainsaw and cut into the top of his foot...he was wearing flip flops.

Flip Flops ..... wow. :shocked:

Yeah, and to top that off he didn't go to the emergency room for 2 days. Almost lost his fucking foot. :roll:

That'd be grounds for instant friend disqualification for me.
 

adairusmc

Diamond Member
Jul 24, 2006
7,095
78
91
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Wear eye protection, heavy work gloves and some work boots.

I have a friend who was cutting brush away with a chainsaw and cut into the top of his foot...he was wearing flip flops.

Back in the 70s my grandfather almost cut off his whole left leg above the knee. The blade got down to the bone and they were able to get it stopped. Some amazing doctor did a good job patching him up and he was able to keep the leg, though he had a very bad time walking for extended periods of time.
 

slag

Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
10,473
81
101
Originally posted by: squirrel dog
make sure you empty the gas out of it and run it until it runs the gas out of it . To many folks gas up a saw,use it once or twice,put it away for years,the gas goes to varnish,then the saw won't run.I put stabil fuel stabilizer in all my stuff,but the saws,I learned the hard way.Hearing protection,safety glasses are a must.I also wear leather gloves and jeans/boots.Be sure to oil the chain if you don't have one that auto oils it for you.Also don't let the chain hit the dirt while running,it dulls the teeth real quick.

never ever run a small 2 stroke out of gas. its a surefire way to lean it out and burn a hole in your piston.

stabil, sure.. running it out of fuel=bad.