How to Start a Gas Chainsaw

A chainsaw can be a very handy tool to have around, from cutting firewood to trimming trees or fallen limbs from a storm or even creating your own lumber. The list of uses for a chainsaw is a long one.

But just starting a chainsaw can be a frustrating task if you don't follow a very specific process.

This article will help you understand that process, eliminate frustration and even drastically reduce blood pressure and cursing! It may even save the life of a chainsaw you love.

So don't throw that saw into the creek just yet. Follow these simple instructions and get it cranked up!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Know-how

1. When a chainsaw is cold, it will always be necessary to give it a full choke before the first pull. Listen carefully to the saw. You want to hear a "burping" sound, as some experts refer to it. This is when the saw sounds like it wants to start. When you hear this sound, do not pull the cord again. Move on to Step 2.

2. Give your saw some air now--reduce to a half choke. Your saw should start within the next several pulls, ideally just one, but commonly two to four. Move to Step 3. (If saw has not started by now, refer to Tips below!)

3. As soon as your saw starts, set in the run position. Do not continue to choke it at all. Allow your chainsaw to warm up 30 to 60 seconds before you work it. (It's important to allow it to cool down before shutting it off as well!)

Tips & Warnings

• Check to make sure you have gas. Apologize to the saw if you cursed it for not running without fuel!
• If your chainsaw has been sitting for a long period without use, it may be a very good idea to drain the gas and start fresh.
• Don't continue cranking and cursing your poor chainsaw endlessly if it doesn't want to start. It likely just needs a little simple maintenance! Try replacing the spark plug. Also check the air filter regulary and blow it out or replace it altogether. Keep these two inexpensive components clean and new and you'll be surprised at how easy the saw is to start and how well it will run.
• Absolutely make sure you are running the correct gas/oil mixture in your specific saw! There's no quicker way to kill a saw than to run straight gas. A close second, however, is to run a mixture too lean or too rich.
• Spraying a quick shot of starting fluid onto the air filter can help get it started in a pinch. However, the fact that you must use it is probably a sign that maintenance is called for!
• Don't forget to fill the bar oil each time you fill the gas. It will greatly extend the life of your chain and make cuts much easier. And don't use motor oil! Bar & chain oil has special cling properties to keep the oil where it should be--not slinging off in every direction, including all over you and your jeans.

[tachic]

on 3/3/2009 Good tips thanks!

[kittykat3]

on 2/27/2009 I have never had to start a chainsaw, but this is helpful for if ever I would need to. Funny introduction as well. 5* and recommend.

[rand1204]

on 2/21/2009 I'm still waiting for the hubby to let me use the chainsaw. He's convinced I'll cut off some part of my body I might want to use later on. But with this article...now I can cut off body parts without his permission! I love to cut stuff down. It makes room to plant new stuff, so I can cut it down next year!