A chainsaw is a powerful tool that can be used for various tasks, from pruning branches to cutting through large logs. But in order to use it safely and effectively, you need to know what parts make up the chainsaw itself. Knowing the parts of a chainsaw will help you understand how it works and identify any parts that may need replacing or repair.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the different parts of a chainsaw and explain their functions. We’ll go through the different parts of a chainsaw so that you can easily recognize them when using your own saw. So let’s get started.
What are the parts of a chainsaw
Engine
Locating the engine for a chainsaw is straightforward, but worth noting as both gas and electric types are now commonplace. Although they both serve the same purpose of cutting wood, components vary between options.
Pull Start
On the left side of most gas-powered motors, you will find a convenient pull start handle – better known as a recoil start handle. Taking hold of this device and giving it an effective tug is all that’s needed to kickstart your engine.
Front Handle
The front handle on the chainsaw is ergonomically designed with a comfortable grip for easy handling, stretching from the base up to the top of the motor.
Rear Handle
The rear handle of the chainsaw is situated on its back side and houses both the throttle and safety lock. Operating this powerful tool requires that one hand must be placed firmly on this essential handle.
Throttle
Found beneath the rear handle, the throttle trigger manages your motor’s RPMs by either boosting or decrementing fuel intake. The trigger must be switched on for it to operate properly.
Throttle Lock
To prevent users from accidentally ramping up the throttle, an intuitive Throttle Lock has been strategically located on the upper part of the rear handle.
Chain Break / Hand Guard
Found above the guide bar on the engine’s front is a crucial part referred to as the chain break or hand guard. This security component works to rapidly terminate your chainsaw in case of any kickback occurring.
Kickback, where the nose of the chainsaw is thrust up into your neck and face area as you cut wood, can be a dangerous situation. Thankfully there is an essential safety feature on all modern chainsaws known as ‘chain break’ that stops the chain when kickback occurs. Therefore it would be remiss to ever disable or not use a chainsaw without this important safeguard.
Guide Bar
The chainsaw bar is the foundation for a cutting chain, often seen as the “blade” of a chainsaw. In truth, it’s two distinctive pieces combined: the bar and chain. Moreover, its length plays an integral part in determining how much wood can be cut with one sawing session.
To keep the cutting chain in alignment, a long steel bar known as the guide bar is essential. This all-important component comes in varying sizes depending on your brand; ranging from 16″ to 24″, or even bigger. Ultimately these measurements determine which size of chainsaw will be suitable for your needs.
Nose
The nose of a guide bar is the pointy end, where you’ll spot a sprocket if you observe closely. This small mechanism secures the chain firmly in place and ensures that it won’t go astray.
Chain
The chainsaw chain is affixed to the guide bar and comes in a range of sizes. To know which one you require, take note of its pitch, gauge, as well as link number which is generally etched on the side of the guide bar. As soon as you have this information handy, it will be easy for you to choose your desired cutting chain.
Chain Catcher
Located near the engine’s front, under the guide bar, is a chain catcher. Its purpose: to protect you from the peril of an unexpected broken chain being hurled back at your person.
Bumper Spikes
Bumper spikes are a must-have for anyone using a chainsaw to cut wood; they support the saw while it’s in use and help prevent kickback. And, because they’re essential when performing bucking cuts, these helpful tools have earned the nickname of “bucking spikes”.
Tensioner
Although not visible in the illustration above, a tensioner is usually located on the opposite side of your chainsaw. This device allows you to adjust and control how tight or lose your chain is.
To access the tensioning bolt, it’s likely that you must first loosen up the clutch cover screws with a scrench/combination wrench; this tool often comes included when purchasing a chainsaw. Turning said screw clockwise will tighten your chain and deplete slack accordingly.
Decompression Valve
The decompression valve eliminates pressure within the combustion chamber of the engine, making it much easier to start using a recoil starter handle. Since this part is hard to identify in pictures, it’s usually located on top of the motor.
When you’re ready to begin your chainsaw session press down on that button – and watch as it deactivates automatically once your device has started up.
Exhaust
Positioned at the front of the engine above the guide bar, this muffler is designed to direct exhaust away from its user.
Filter
To guarantee the ideal air flow to your carburetor, you must frequently clean the air filter – which is usually located beneath a cover. Taking off the top covering of your motor should be sufficient for finding it.
Choke
The choke’s placement may vary among brands, yet it is typically situated close to the recoil start handle of a gas-powered chainsaw. By altering air flow and thereby influencing the fuel-air blend, the choke helps you jumpstart your motor.
Primer Bulb
If your chainsaw has a primer bulb, you’ll likely find it around or above the pull start handle. Just pump the bulb to immediately prime the engine with gasoline and get started.
What differs between the parts of a chainsaw?
With a plethora of brands manufacturing chainsaws, there will assuredly be fluctuations in the range. From minor divergences like the positioning of the choke to more intricate distinctions such as missing decompression valves; it is critical to bear in mind that this page and its accompanying image are not guaranteed for each saw.
What are the parts of the chainsaw chain?
Chainsaw chains are composed of 5 essential components: cutters, guides, drive links, tie straps, and rivets. Additionally, depending on their cutter shape sequences and additional features added to them, different types of chains can be produced for diverse applications.
What is the name of the spikes in a chainsaw?
To prevent kickback and safeguard your chainsaw while cutting, invest in a bumper spike. This handy tool will securely hold the saw against wood as you make buck cuts so that you can work safely with greater assurance.
What is a chainsaw gullet?
The size of the gullet profoundly influences cutting performance. It is crucial that it can hold enough sawdust to stave off overfilling and packing. If there’s not enough space, an abundance of chips and dust would clog up the gullet, resulting in additional friction as well as overheating.
This will overload your device, necessitating more energy which may result in serious harm to your saw blades.
26 Chainsaw Parts Explained: Know Your Tool Video
Know more about what are the parts of a chainsaw and how they work, so you can better understand how your machine works and get the best out of your investment.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the parts of a chainsaw, it’s time to get out there and make some sawdust! Whether you’re using your chainsaw for cutting firewood or trimming trees in your yard, knowing each part is essential for keeping yourself safe and getting the job done right.
With this knowledge under your belt, you can confidently use any type of chainsaw with ease. So grab those eye protection goggles and work gloves – it’s time to start working on projects like a pro!
Now that you know the key parts of a chainsaw, you may be interested in a chainsaw for home use; if that is the case, check out The 3 Best Gasoline Chainsaw For Home Use.
