How to Use a Chainsaw Safely - Part 1

[@julian2719]

Got my first chainsaw today to take care of some trees in my backyard. Honoring my dad by by taking care of safety first by watching this instead of just going out there. Thank you for uploading!

[@USagCenters]

That is awesome!

[@LaurenAlfrey]

Grew up with a mother that wouldn't let me touch the chainsaw, even in early adulthood. Knew how to operate it, had seen it used hundreds of times, but I wasn't allowed. This vid helped me get a refresher before finally getting to use a chainsaw for the first time, sectioning an entire tree in about an hour. Thanks so much for your in-depth video!

[@BloodyKnives66]

Trying to keep you safe kinda just resulted in you having no hands on experience which could have been very helpful. As a parent thankfully I can learn and teach my kids what my parents wouldn't.

[@USagCenters]

Thank you for watching and for being safe!

[@SurrealNotion]

I bought my first 18" chainsaw and used it yesterday to help a neighbor with a tree that fell down during hurricane Helene. I've seen them used by a friend before when helping him cut trees for a living but never used one myself. I was safe and the tree clean up went well but I thought it was best to look for guidance. Thats when I found your videos. Thanks for sharing your experiences and helping mento see what I need to stay safe and in one piece.. Stay safe out there!

[@ekkimdeh8567]

I'm 100% Swedish (almost) and have about 14000 hours (at least) of work with a chainsaw. I've used Jonsered and Sthil but my favorite has always been the "Husky". The thing with the "kickback" is that you need to have the thumb under the grip at all time. Never turn the saw against you when cutting which can be tempting cutting larger logs. I have a former colleague with scars on his chest from doing that. Step over the log and cut it from the other side. I have at least 3 to 4 colleagues that cut their legs with the saw. All of them survived and went back to work but the scars are bad. 1 cm wide and full of oil from the saw and dirt. They had protection (pants) but it did'nt help. You also need too learn and see how the tree is bent when you're cutting it. It can swing towards you or up on your cheak if you're not aware of it. So ....it's not only the saw that's dangerous......

[@barryf7]

Turning the saw against you . Does that mean cutting with the saw perpendicular with the top of the bar facing you?

[@ekkimdeh8567]

@@barryf7 yes. you turn it upside down and try to saw from the other side against you.....

[@tannercook4322]

They had protective pants that didn’t help? That’s probably the only reason they are living.

[@thomask8298]

Sounds like an unsafe work environment. That's not normal

[@ekkimdeh8567]

@@thomask8298 that was reality

[@ditditditdit_dahditdit]

such an great chainsaw tutorial....i just bought my first chainsaw, thanks for making this video

[@moepow8160]

Amazing, I've lived in the mountains for many years and in many different states and never have I seen guys wear or use chainsaws in the way you two have. No wonder I never bought one. It looked to dangerous. Now that I burn wood to save money 1st I bought the same manufacture you had because that's what everyone had. And I read the manual and watched your video. In addition in bought a use electric one to practice, it was only 3 dollers at a garage sale. The chainsaw was fine it was the cord that was dangerous! So now I have a nice new one and can't wait to use it!!! Safety that is.....

[@1stFlyingeagle]

Before the age of 15, I was running my Dad's electric chain saw and swinging a double-sided ax. At age 15, I bought my first gas-powered chain saw and it was used. It was a skill solid mount and no protection. I never had safety gear. And I advanced to larger saws and hanging out of trees with twisted nylon rope. This was sheerly learned as you go. Oh, dam would that three braid nylon rope twist-up and be a pain to straighten out again. I remember tying off trees at the top to surrounding trees with two 5/8" nylon lines. then felling the tree from the bottom and slowly lowing the tree. Some real crazy stuff. I am 60 now and my record holds strong and true. I never had an accident or a tree fall and do damage. But sure do like watching how to do it safely and correctly. Dam I did not have youtube or even have a computer when I was a kid. Lol. With all my experience I am now looking to get a certificate in being a sawyer. So when I volunteer out on the trails I can run the saw.

[@rleslie66]

That's because in our youth we believe we are invincible. There is a saying among pilots, "There are old pilots, and their are bold pilots, but there are no old, bold, pilots.

[@ravenbaeven2941]

❤️

[@nikobitan7294]

Yeah you're one person who got lucky enough to not get injured, congrats. Other people who did it your way were dropping like flies and crippling themselves before safety features became widespread.

[@kcc4904]

Certain power tools need to have a training course. Just bought a chainsaw today and watched a few KZbin vids....I'm not a moron but feel like one after watching safety videos! Thanks for the 101 guys!!!

[@louislandi938]

Gentlemen, I have watched countless chain saw instructional videos but your’s is the first time I saw the correct operation of the chain brake! Thank you for an excellent overall lesson!

[@USagCenters]

Wow, thanks!

[@claudeschlecker800]

Best chainsaw operator safety video I have seen!

[@eatwhatukiii2532]

When I was about 10 years old I witnessed up close, my dad having a kickback accident when the saw hit a tiny hidden piece of fencing wire and kicked back to hit him square in the forehead. Blood sprayed EVERYWHERE and I ran screaming down the hill to Mom, thinking dad had been cut in half. Luckily he was wearing thick black framed glasses and the chainsaw actually bounced off them, minimizing the injury to his forehead. Nevertheless, it hit that big forehead vein and as anyone with such experiences knows, head injuries bleed PROFUSELY. This experience has given me a lifelong phobia of chainsaws, yet here I am homesteading, so I NEED one! Wish me luck!

[@USagCenters]

Thank you for sharing your story. Using proper personal protective equipment every time you use a chainsaw is essential to preventing injury. At the minimum a helmet, hearing protection, face shield, long pants (preferably chaps) and long sleeves.

[@splodgen]

Thanks. Never used one but I’ve moved to a property where I will need to use one. Safety is my first concern, so this video is excellent

[@emilyseawall1769]

Great video. I appreciate how much you drive the idea home, to be safe at all times. I work with power tools every day, and the scariest things are when someone is lax with safety, and improperly uses a tool.

[@USagCenters]

Right on

[@mattweaver2523]

@@USagCenters gotta trust men with grey hair and not missing any limbs/fingers in this business

[@BloodyKnives66]

Yup I had to learn the hard way to wear safety glasses. Had a tiny chunk of metal when working launch into the white of my eye. Thankfully I recovered, bet your a$$ I never go with safety glasses now that was painful!

[@qwut9544]

I’m preparing to fell some timber on my hunting land. This video was helpful. In my younger years, I worked with heavy earth moving equipment and similar dangerous machinery. I witnessed my friend lose his arm, in a machine, at a wood shop we worked at during high school. Another time saw guy, on another crew, get twisted and thrown several feet at the end of a directional boring drill shaft. Those kind of hard lessons never leave a guy. Do it the safe way every time, no exceptions. It’s just not worth the risk. Thanks for the video

[@USagCenters]

Thank you for sharing your message!

[@captainahab3355]

I can't imagine a 400cc 2stroke chainsaw like that. Then going wide open on it . That had to have been thrilling. Thanks for your video guys.

[@elizabethfletcher1487]

Watched part 1 and part 2 two times before taking my new 16" chainsaw out to start cutting the row of dead quaking aspens that have a nasty habit of rotting off at the ground and falling. Wanted to get to them before that stage. There was a stapled note on the saw handle that told me to add gas with oil, add chain oil, and set the brake by pulling the brake back towards my hand. What? Somehow, after watching your video twice, I thought the brake was set by pushing it away from my hand, so went back and watched part 1 again. Yep, set the brake by pushing it away from my hand grip. As an old retired technical editor, I have seen my share of really fouled up instructions, but this takes the cake. Very happy I watched your video. I did very well using your advice. As it turned out, getting tired, and continuing when I knew my arms were running out of steam holding the chain saw sideways, was the most dangerous thing I ran into -- oh, and the trees being intertwined so I had to cut three trees before all of them came down at once. Of course, the biggest tree was caught up on a smaller tree as well and both had to be cut before they fell. I figured cutting the smallest trees in the groupings, as well as the center one first on the trio so I had an escape path on the outer two were the wisest choices and it worked out. All the trees fell where I had chosen, and the groupings fell at the same time in the right direction. One tree would not fall as did the big one, which rocked slightly back. I had anchored a 72' line in both trees before cutting, which allowed me to use very gentle pressure to pull them back in the direction I wanted, from a safe distance. Aspens are nearly perfectly vertical trees, which made predicting how they would fall much easier. If these were, say, intertwined elm trees, then I would have called in a professional (I watched more than just your videos).

[@USagCenters]

Thanks for this great report. We are happy that you were able to get proper instructions before taking on this task. Stay safe!

[@EpicOcrafters]

Funny what he said at the end about people going out and buying saws with no prior knowledge, that's what I did tonight!! I've read the manual, through and through. I am watching videos on how it is done properly and safely. In fact I watched one well known sawyer on KZbin for years, which at this point has peaked my interest in the subject. Shoot me down as a fool but believe you and me, I have seen what a serious accident looks like. I worked in a factory as an apprentice, H&S is paramount. I am not doing ANYTHING until I feel comfortable and the correct gear arrives to me. For now, I will enjoy these videos and drool at the trees count down in the local field across the way!

[@USagCenters]

Sounds like you have prepared yourself to work safely!

[@corycg9624]

The most important thing while operating a chainsaw is to have someone with you at all times in case of an emergency because even professionals make mistakes.

[@BloodyKnives66]

tourniquet in your pocket too just incase

[@tomtomlin7127]

Never using a chainsaw before i found this vid to be very helpful thank you.

[@reggiemcintyre1680]

I remember back in 1980 when I first started running chainsaw for the u.s. forest service. The chainsaw chaps that we were issued were green canvas with a wire mesh in between.

[@USagCenters]

Wearing chaps is always a great idea! Glad the Forest Service provided them to you. Thanks for watching!

[@dirtystayouts24]

Thanks for this refresher & your expertise regarding safe chainsaw operation. Much appreciated!!

[@USagCenters]

Thanks for watching. Stay safe!

[@farisasmith7109]

This was so informative. Bought a Stihls chainsaw out of necessity are was really apprehensive about using it. Now with practice I'll be ready to do some work safely.

[@USagCenters]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jesse2667]

@@USagCenters Me too. I have a few acres of land, lots of woods and many trees that mostly fall on their own. I finally decided I need the right tools to be able to pick up the fallen trees. And the safety has been my biggest concern on why I did not buy sooner. KZbin videos help make sure I at least know the points... to look up futher. Otherwise you don't know what you don't know. Now I will have to buy those pants, leg protection.

[@joeyjojo5]

Just about to buy my first chainsaw - thanks for posting this, very helpful safety tips.

[@USagCenters]

Practice safety techniques!

[@beckythebarber]

I'm so motivated now. I'm off to buy a chainsaw and start practicing (at age 53)!

[@syedateeq9518]

Thank you. This was very informative.

[@johnsrygley1448]

I really appreciated this video. Thank you for making it.

[@JimB-q3m]

Thank you for making this video. Very informative.

[@ByGraceIGo]

...AND to READ the manual. Thanks guys.

[@TheTacticalHaggis]

One thing not mentioned is that BEFORE you offer the bar up to the wood, make sure the chain is up to speed first.

[@johnthomas2672]

Just found this, good stuff, good teacher. I also am reasonably new to chainsaws. If you don't catch the other tutorials, when felling trees, KEEP YOUR CUTS LEVEL. Don't ask how I learned that, it was ugly. Lol

[@USagCenters]

Thank you for the nice comments!

[@nickpaulie]

Thanks much. I plan to buy chain saw soon. That's much useful video indeed

[@heatherfournier3329]

Thank you so much for this informative video. I plan on watching it a few more times in order to get the information solidly in my brain. My son plans on tutoring me, which is also a recommendation on this video. I especially thank you for the suggestion to PRACTICE in a safe place and become comfortable with the saw; I don't think we would have thought of that, and it just makes so much sense.

[@USagCenters]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anthonycruz1122]

Thank you for creating this video.

[@USagCenters]

Thanks for watching! Stay safe!

[@Bahduh10]

Thank you gentlemen,for the tips and techniques.

[@marcusuibo]

Chain brake should never be on while youre starting the saw. I know that its safer if its on, but it is just not good for your chainsaw to rev it with chainbrake on. Great video!

[@BestUserNameUK]

Correct, it'll burn out the clutch. I learnt that the hard way. Also never let a saw idle with the chain brake on.

[@user-vj9qz3br6l]

Incredible info gentlemen

[@equatedpro]

hey thanks guys that was super informative and well-spoken and I believe that was all I was looking for... keep up the good work!

[@loobwan3963]

Thank you for sharing your video and safety procedures, it helps me how to starts and learn it for practicing, such a big lessons for me to use my new chain saw, again thanks for time of demonstration all safety.

[@USagCenters]

Glad it was helpful!

[@caydancebloom]

thank you for making this video. I'm just now starting to get into using power tools at nearly 50 YO. My sister has a chainsaw that has never been used... in the box for years. We are about to get a wood insert for the fireplace and we have property that had some trees fall last season. KZbin is a great place to start learning things. One thing you said was to seek out an expert to learn some hands on training from. This is my preferred way to learn... my problem is.... where do I look for an expert? What is a fair wage to offer when asking for training?

[@H2Oyum-yum]

Single Mom here trying to clear some land, thank you!

[@GrahamScott-yx2td]

very good, just bought a husqvarna and all new protective kit, next step to find an expert to spend a day with

[@USagCenters]

Excellent! Thanks for investing in your safety and getting professional training. Happy sawing!

[@mtbmadman187]

Just got my 1st. So apprehensive!

[@thomasdempsey8011]

This should be recommended watching for any novice

[@USagCenters]

Agreed!

[@jennyp9091]

This was very helpful. I’ll admit I’m a coward about chainsaws but I am a single woman living on a small piece of property that needs cleaning up. I don’t want to rely on someone else. Safety is priority number one for me. Knowing the best saw for me to start with priority number two for me. I don’t think I’ll be dropping any big trees but there are lots of fallen trees and branches and even wild grape vines covering trees that I would like to get rid of. What saw would you recommend for my situation?

[@ryankenny5]

Jenny P try a small cordless electric (one with a 10-12” bar, for example)... lighter, easier to start, usually affordable...good for beginners. I use a 10” cordless-electric to train my kids with a saw...

[@ingeborgcallesen8536]

electric powered chainsaw with battery and safety trousers, boots, and helmet

[@pamelah6431]

Electric chainsaws will zip right through safety chaps. Get a gas powered saw - much safer. I recently bought an Echo CS-310 with a 14" bar, some Labonville calf-wrapped chaps, and an Oregon forestry helmet (face screen and earmuffs built in). I highly recommended them.

[@eatwhatukiii2532]

I am in the same situation. I burn wood and there is plenty around with all the windfalls and dead trees still standing. I can’t keep depending on guy friends to come help all the time.

[@MrRomanpa]

Excellent class,

[@salemyobin2823]

I m confused if we can use the tip part of the teeth to slice down the wood. Will that be a correct way to do so?

[@acwakeford]

This video is very much appreciated, thanks.

[@jimbone3296]

The majority of information and demonstrations was accurate, safe and meaningful with 2 exceptions. When cutting, the thumb holding the front handle should be wrapped around the handle and not be above or parallel to the bar because during a kickback situation the saw operator will lose control. The second unsafe practice is to allow the bar's orientation to be directed toward the sawyer. It should be pointed to the side of the saw operator to prevent the saw from contacting the sawyer during a rotational kickback event. It takes less than 1/5 of a second for the saw to go from parallel cutting to striking the sawyer during a kickback situation. s

[@sridharankathirasen9506]

Lovely video 👍

[@USagCenters]

Thank you!

[@robinattig7828]

Thank you for the video!

[@سندباداليل]

agreat video thank you from Jordan

[@USagCenters]

Thank you for watching!

[@mehtaworldpeace3364]

Great video! Super informative and thorough 👍

[@USagCenters]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@vaughanmaybury2825]

Thanks for the video and helpful guidance. According to my understanding, the choke is used to enrich the fuel/air mixture when the motor is cold, wouldn't be better practice to put the chainsaw into the non-choked position before applying a load to the motor?

[@thomasfrankly978]

4:00 safety feature for chain brake

[@VictorianTimeTraveler]

My grandpa sliced his leg open with a chainsaw when he was a kid, I don't want to repeat that mistake thank you guys for this video.

[@USagCenters]

Yes, please be part of the safe generation.

[@fikretortanca8777]

What kind of petrol you putting in

[@kimrutkoski4182]

Why did you pull the starting release for The chain before you started to chainsaw I'm having trouble starting my chainsaw that I've just gotten I had a Craftsman that was super simple to start most of the time one pool and choke and two pools with choke in and it started right up

[@erickwidman3735]

IMMEDIATELY thank you... this is a nobel purpose

[@USagCenters]

Thank you!

[@timallen6025]

Thank you ! Really clear, steps -and why!

[@USagCenters]

Thanks for watching!

[@benn30ify]

thankyou, i can now cut my 17 trees on my block with these safety tips, cheers

[@mamilwazir7269]

Nice video. Thank you guys. Helps me a lot.

[@USagCenters]

Glad to hear it!

[@treyhart6861]

I plan on going through all these training videos! Great material so far One note though, I've read and seen several videos saying to warm up the saw before cutting. Don't just drag it out of the truck, fire it up and GO.. Thoughts?

[@charadremur333]

I am a 3rd generation firewood burners, at least, and we go get all of our firewood. The saws need to warm up, as do the chains, and bars. This allows the same to operate loosely but smoothly. You want to just give it 2 or 3 revs, at full throttle. Each rev should be about 5 to 7 seconds, but it's not really precise or a science. It mostly just reduces chain and bar wear. Additional tip. Every tank of gas, you should take a short break, and drink some water or something else, and possably a small snack or lunch. Keep the energy in your body, it's an extremely exhausting job, and even one lapse is possably fatal.

[@BloodyKnives66]

I didn't really think much about safety until I watched how scary my dad is with a chainsaw. It's a miracle he hasn't chopped something off. QUESTION: is it okay to add bar oil to the chainsaw when it's not going to be used? My chainsaw leaks the chain oil over time onto my bench?

[@USagCenters]

Thank you for being a safety advocate. Refer to your chainsaw's owner's manual for instructions on when to add bar oil.

[@Bonky-wonky]

I do quite a lot of saw work when building/maintaining mountainbike trails but the chainsaw just scares the shit out of me so I use a Silky hand saw. Takes a few more minutes on the smaller trees we have but I happily accept the time penalty.. cool, informative video though.

[@USagCenters]

Thanks for making safety a priority. Sometimes we have to sacrifice a bit of time for greater safety.

[@pamelah6431]

I love my Silky saws. Recently decided to get a Sawzall & a Hackzall for things that are garbage (keeping the Silkies for nice pruning cuts) and not so big I need a chainsaw. Nice to have options.

[@Bear-cz2ni]

Very over the top

[@TheStanky007]

You don't have to rock the chainsaw. Proceeds to rock the chainsaw when cutting. 😂 But thanks for the video.

[@theair5613]

I like working with that great chainsaw it's like doing something great especially that I live in mountains of la Kabylie

[@SouthernBelleReviews]

I just need to know where to put the gas into the chainsaw. I bought a PoulanPro PR3816 today. Please help. Do I just pour it in to one hole? There are silicone "pipes" all throughout the inside and I am confused. Something about bar oil and gas, but I have a 50:1 pre-mixture. So what am I supposed to do? Do I have to buy something else? Do I just use what I have? I need some help and I know no one is going to respond to this.

[@dazbogshift2349]

Sarafina Delirium There should be two holes in your saw, both on the left side one near the front and one near the back. The one closer to the bar is for bar oil (it’s like regular oil but thicker) to keep the chain cool and cutting smoothly. The one at the back closer to the rear handle is for the fuel, you will need a specific mix of fuel almost exclusive to your saw (meaning it probably won’t be straight of the shelf) that you will need to mix yourself! I hope this helps!

[@Predictbauer]

I purchased my saw yesterday morning. I wish I watched this video before operation as I wouldn’t currently be decapitated.

[@as7river]

I'm going to have to use a chainsaw in a few weeks and I'm scared. I'm trying to drown myself in how-tos, training and safety videos in advance. Thanks!

[@USagCenters]

Thanks for watching! Always read the owner's manual for all new equipment and use personal protective equipment, including a helmet, ear muffs, face shield, long pants and sleeves.

[@emilygalassini5766]

Why do you take the chainbreak off when your actually cutting the tree? Isn't that when you need protection from kickback?

[@mcd00ga]

You take it off so that the saw will run, if it kicks back it’ll engage the chain break and stop the saw

[@keithbickerdike4621]

Thanks men...

[@TheTacticalHaggis]

"This should not be used as training on how to use a chainsaw" This video: How to Use a Chainsaw Safely

[@USagCenters]

Thank you for this note.

[@ಠಎಠ]

Until watching this all I knew about using a chainsaw I learned from Doom2 and Quake. At least now I'm not completely unprepared!

[@padmakarpadmakar9835]

Very great video.

[@USagCenters]

Thank you!

[@humanonearth1]

Why should the nuts securing the bar not be "tight" but secure?

[@ธนิศโอภาสรังศรี]

Thank you for very informative video sir.

[@USagCenters]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TS-xj5mt]

Because of the spring tension on the throttle when your hand comes off the throttle safety switch it's wrong to say it can't accelerate, that implies the throttle will stay where it is, in fact the saw will go to idle, not just won't accelerate it will in fact de accelerate.

[@123Rockchild]

Bought my first chain saw at Lowes (EGO Power) the other day. I'm ready to RUMBLE!

[@USagCenters]

Be safe and THANKS for watching!

[@Techyfarm]

Great training!!!

[@oleboy4332]

Awesome Thank you!

[@USagCenters]

You're welcome!

[@tecnolover2642]

Where's the instruction part on stance and posture?

[@USagCenters]

Thank you for the suggestion.

[@7litres]

Great, thank you.

[@USagCenters]

You are welcome!

[@denverneill3502]

I heard your suppose to turn the chain break off when you're revving or right when you start the saw because it can really burn the break out

[@michaelpcooksey5096]

So what are the pros and cons of plastic headgear vs metal? I see experienced fellers using metal but arborists using plastic helmets complete with mesh face shields ... and you tube cameras. [Imagine mounting cameras on a metal helmet would be problematic]

[@zenjon7892]

There are very few power tools that make me nervous... Chainsaws are one of them. I remember watching my Dad use his Homelite XL when I was a kid, but he let me run it once

[@USagCenters]

Grateful your Dad understood the danger of chainsaws and kept you safe! Thanks for watching and for staying safe.

[@shaneob2189]

Thanks guys

[@USagCenters]

Our pleasure!

[@jjuggernaut3218]

What? So I don’t have to take the choke off before I cut???

[@bobsegar1242]

that knock off stevie ray vaughn scuttle button riff

[@Mixwell1983]

Haha I noticed that too

[@graysonsavri9125]

I'm 12 my cousin just gave me a 14 inch Ryobi chainsaw for clearing trails and cut firewood and NO LADDERS AND NO FALLING BIG TIMBER. for me atleast

[@no-el2404]

Hard hat checked - Ear plugs checked - Goggles checked. Beer.........no way José!

[@deniseroy589]

I respect you guy,.. Put I'm a wife and i need to operate a chain saw. How can you calm my husband.

[@thomask8298]

15:15 incorrect thumb placement. They should be wrapped around the handles

[@mariotouchette9113]

FORGOT SAFETY BOOTS?

[@gmchingon]

Just use flip flops.

[@SeriousSchitt]

​@@gmchingonAbsolutely. That way you're not gonna wreck a good pair of boots when the 'spinning chain' comes a knock'n!

[@USagCenters]

Thanks for catching that. Yes boots are essential, plus you'll look cool.

[@Pembroke1]

Awesome!

[@johnwiedl9495]

Excellent commentary but eliminated one very important fact, never operate a chainsaw without two hands on the saw.

[@jimmydickson8854]

Thank for the safety tips mate ,after all they are a lethal machine if it hits you ,you have to have the training end of story

[@USagCenters]

Thank you for the great comment!

[@jonesy4588]

this is something you learn by doing

[@40AcresandGuns]

I know stupid person borrowed this from a friend, he was bored , he ended up cutting his leg and lost a leg , he has family and kids now do nothing sit at home . I am terrified by this

[@USagCenters]

Using any equipment without proper training and knowledge can end up in an injury or fatality. Thank you for sharing this information.

[@calebreutener870]

brought to you by stihl

[@lookingforward618]

#WoW