<\/span><\/h2>\nEach part listed below is meant to be used in conjunction with the illustration (picture) above. Unfortunately, due to poor planning and lack of room, I couldn’t add every part to the picture. Also, because the picture shows only one side, there are a few more parts I had to leave out. Either way, please excuse my illustration and work with me; not all the parts listed below are shown in the picture above<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/span>Engine<\/span><\/h3>\nFinding the engine is an easy task and doesn’t really need a marker but I’ve listed it here to remind everyone that nowadays, both gas and electric chainsaws are common. They both cut wood but don’t have all the same parts.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Pull Start<\/span><\/h3>\nThe pull start handle, also known as a recoil start handle, is typically located on the left side of the engine. These handles are found on gas-powered motors and they’re used to start the engine.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Front Handle<\/span><\/h3>\nThe front handle wraps around the front of the engine from the base to the top of the motor. It’s a comfortable grip meant for holding and handling the chainsaw.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Rear Handle<\/span><\/h3>\nThe rear handle is located on the back of the chainsaw. It’s where the throttle and throttle safety lock is located. One hand must be placed on the rear handle to operate the chainsaw.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Throttle<\/span><\/h3>\nThe throttle trigger is located on the underside of the rear handle. It regulates the RPM by increasing or decreasing the amount of fuel into the motor. The throttle trigger lockout must be engaged for the throttle to function.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Throttle Lock<\/span><\/h3>\nThe throttle lock is located on the top of the rear handle and its function is to help prevent the user from accidentally accelerating the throttle.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Chain Break \/ Hand Guard<\/span><\/h3>\nLocated on the front of the engine, above the guide bar, is an important part called a chain break or hand guard. This is a safety mechanism meant to stop the chainsaw in the event that kickback occurs.<\/p>\n
Kickback happens most often when using the nose of the chainsaw to cut wood. The rotation of saw and cutting chain catch the wood in such a way that causes the nose of the chainsaw to shoot upwards, towards your upper body and head. The chain break helps to prevent serious injury by stopping the chain. Needless to say, you should never remove this device nor should you use a chainsaw that doesn’t have one.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Guide Bar<\/span><\/h3>\nThe guide bar is the long steel bar that guides the cutting chain. Hence the name; guide bar. It holds the chain in position. Guide bars have different sizes which determine the chain you use. Depending on the brand you have and its size, the length may vary between 16″ to 24″ or more.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Nose<\/span><\/h3>\nThe tip or front of the guide bar is known as the nose. It has a sprocket which is hard to see at first glance. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice the chain is held in position by the sprocket.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Chain<\/span><\/h3>\nThe cutting chain runs along the guide bar. It is held into position on the guide bar and comes in many sizes. The pitch, gauge, and the number of links determine the chain you need for your chainsaw. Usually, you can find this information stamped on the side of the guide bar.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Chain Catcher<\/span><\/h3>\nPhoto credit: Emrys2 \/ Wikipedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIn the event your chain breaks, the chain catcher is meant to prevent the chain from being thrown back on the user. It is located under the guide bar towards the front of the engine.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Bumper Spikes<\/span><\/h3>\nThe bumper spikes are used to rest your chainsaw on the wood while cutting; it helps prevent kickback. Also, they’re sometimes called bucking spikes because they’re especially helpful when performing a buck cut.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Tensioner<\/span><\/h3>\nYou cannot see the tensioner in the illustration above because it’s typically located on the opposite side of the chainsaw. It controls the amount of tension or slack in the chain. In order to access the tension screw, you’ll likely need to loosen the\u00a0clutch cover nuts first. Most chainsaws come with a scrench\/combination wrench for this very purpose. Typically, when you turn the screw clockwise, it tightens the chain, removing the slack.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Decompression Valve<\/span><\/h3>\nA decompression valve releases compression from the combustion chamber of the motor. This makes it easier to turn over using the recoil start handle. Again, this is another part that’s hard to show due to the angle of the picture above. The decompression valve is usually located on the top of the engine. It’s essentially a button you press before starting your chainsaw; it should close automatically once the motor is running.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Exhaust<\/span><\/h3>\nThe muffler is located on the front of the engine, just above the guide bar. Having this placement helps to keep the exhaust pointed away from the user.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Filter<\/span><\/h3>\nThe air filter is usually concealed under the air filter cover. It should be cleaned regularly to ensure proper air flow to the carburetor. You can usually find it by removing the top cover piece on the motor.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Choke<\/span><\/h3>\nThe choke may have a different position from brand to brand. However, its location is usually near the recoil start handle if using a gas-powered chainsaw. It works by adjusting the flow of air which affects the fuel-air mixture, helping you to get the motor running.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Primer Bulb<\/span><\/h3>\nFor chainsaws with a primer bulb, they’re often located just above or around the pull start handle. Simply pump the bulb to prime the engine with gasoline.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Differences in Parts<\/span><\/h2>\nLike I’ve mentioned already, with the many different brands making chainsaws there are bound to be some differences. Whether its the location of the choke or not having a decompression valve, it’s important to remember this page and the picture above are not 100% accurate for every chainsaw. There is especially a difference when comparing a gas-powered chainsaw to an electric one. Keep in mind, safety is the most important part of using a chainsaw<\/strong>!<\/p>\nThe intention of this page and illustration above is to teach you the basics. Use this guide as a simple introduction point and expand your personal knowledge in the parts of chainsaws as you see fit.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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