Sometimes, a handsaw just isn’t going to cut it, so you are going to need to use something a little more powerful. But when you move on to a chainsaw, it isn’t always guaranteed to start.
This can be frustrating, especially if you have a big project to work on, or if you have never used a chainsaw before. You have to be careful when handling one, so if it’s not starting, it’s in your best interest to be safe.
If you find yourself in a situation where you have tried to start your chainsaw but it’s not working, or you are using a chainsaw for the first time, then I am here to help.
Below you will find all the information you need to correctly, and safely, start a chainsaw, so read on to find out everything you need to know.
How To Start A Chainsaw
Starting a chainsaw isn’t always easy, and if you have never used your chainsaw before, it can seem like quite a challenge. The trick to starting a chainsaw is letting the gas run a bit beforehand. If you are trying to start a chainsaw cold, it’s not going to start up.
Let’s go over how to start your chainsaw, whether you are trying to start it for the first time, or trying to start it again after not using it in a little while.
1. Set The Chain Brake
The first thing you need to do is set your chain brake. If you don’t set the chain brake beforehand, the chain’s saw will just rotate around the bar as soon as it starts. It is extremely important that you set the chain brake, not just for functionality, but for safety reasons too.
2. Close The Choke
Once you have set the chain brake, you then need to close the choke. Closing the choke blocks airflow and allows the engine of your chainsaw to start more easily. If you don’t close the choke, you will find it a lot harder to start your chainsaw.
3. Press The Decompression Valve Is Available
This step can be ignored if your chainsaw doesn’t have a decompression valve. If your chainsaw does have a decompression valve, you will now want to press it.
The decompression valve will reduce the pressure that has built up in the engine’s combustion chamber, which will make it much easier to start your chainsaw.
4. Press the Primer Bulb/Air Purge Bulb
Primer bulbs can usually be found on older chainsaws, whereas newer chainsaws are more likely to have an air purge bulb instead. Either way, you will need to press one of them for this step.
The primer bulb helps to feed fuel into the engine and air that will keep it running. You will need to push the primer or air purge bulb around four to six times for it to be effective.
5. Pull The Starter Cord
With the other steps complete, you now need to set your chainsaw on the ground. It is important when starting a chainsaw that you never try to start it when you are holding it and you always set it down flat on the ground for safety reasons.
Place one hand on the handlebar and put your right foot into the boot grip which will provide more stability. Next, pull the cord slowly until you feel resistance.
When this happens, you then need to pull firmly and quickly until the engine fires. You should hear a pop or a sound which sounds similar to a cough.
The engine won’t keep running at this point, but this is all a part of the process, so bear with it!
6. Set the Choke to “Run” or "On"
Now you need to move the choke lever on your chainsaw to the “run” or “on” position. The name varies depending on the brand of saw you are using, but it’s all the same functionality.
Moving the lever to the “run” or “on” position will open the choke on your chainsaw, but keeps the engine running at high idle. This action allows you the air to be added to the mixture of fuel and the fuel is then fed into the engine in a consistent way that will stop it from being flooded.
7. Pull The Chord For A Second Time
After you have completed the last step, you then need to pull the chord for a second time. This time might require you to pull the chord quite a few more times because you need to hear the engine fire before you proceed.
Keep pulling the chord until you hear it, and once the engine does start, it will continue running this time.
8. Finally, Set The Engine to “Low Idle”
Once the engine has started running, leave the chainsaw run for a minute or two before you use it. By doing this, you will allow the chainsaw to reach a temperature that is ideal to use. You want it to be warm but not too hot to touch.
As soon as it has reached the ideal temperature, you then need to hit the throttle one time and release it in order to set the engine to low idle.
As soon as you are ready to use the chainsaw, all you need to do is release the chain break. You should be all set to use your chainsaw now!
Conclusion
Starting a chainsaw can be a bit of a pain and because you have to be so careful using them, working out why it won’t start can also be a bit of an issue.
As long as you follow the steps I have provided here, you should have no issues in starting your chainsaw up, even if you haven’t used it before.
Just remember that chainsaws can be incredibly dangerous, and it’s in your best interest to handle them with care. Never rush when you are using a chainsaw and take each step slowly. If you have never used a chainsaw before, take extra care and don’t be afraid to ask for help!