How To Test A Chain Saw Chain Brake

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Click here for brake parts---- amzn.to/2FlgIUs Click here for a NEW saw---- amzn.to/2Fn3TsU Click here for my website--- www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/ Click here for my Parts and Tools Store---- www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon

[@garylatto4191]

Do I need to replace the brake mechanism then ? Or can it be cleaned and adjusted? Cheers gary

[@netwonc]

No service schools here. You are my service school and much appreciated. Thanks for educating me.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@MinhTran-tj4wq]

Tested my chain brake after watching this video and realize that my chain brake is not functioning correctly. The sucker broke from my last use without me realizing it. Then I looked for a replacement video from you and did not find one. Luckily enough I have enough beer and got a little smarter and realize it was almost plug and play after removing the handle and a couple more screws. Thanks for all the amazing tips. You make yard work fun again when everything is running smooth. Cheers mate!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@cammacgregor9354]

As a 3rd generation cactus trimmer, I was taught to remove the bar & chain way back in the '70s to test the brake...just like you do in the video. I've been around for almost 80 years and totally enjoy watching your channel because one is never too old to stop learning. Thanks for all the tips, Steve---!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@Gilfanon-2]

Great explanation and safety first. I had a friend who had a kickback into his forehead. It almost cost him his life. He now has a surgically installed steel plate in his forehead.

[@ramonagarciabryant9051]

Thank u. I'm gonna go grab that face shield that's covered in dust laying on a shelf somewhere in my garage, and use it. I'm a woman that lives on a MTN way too far from help to not make sure my chain brake is working properly, and the image of u describing the ppl who'd been hit in the face w a moving chain will forever live on in my brain lol, so again I thank u & appreciate ur videos. Ur a huge source of knowledge for ppl like me who don't have anybody to help em out w tips or tricks on getting things done correctly, so when I need to know something I go to KZbin to watch ur videos to get me through my task at hand safely.

[@dononthehill3092]

running saws for 3 decades . owning saws 25 plus years and did not know about inertial chain break. thanks again for the knowledge. keep up the good work.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks so much Don...

[@frosty92314]

I have a Husqvarna 450 and love it... The chain break trips easily and unnecessarily at times but I don't care. I reset it without even thinking about it and keep on cutting. You bet that break has tripped when needed too and I'm glad for it. I won't use a saw that doesn't have a working break.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@thomaskapetantsis4951]

Finally someone explained the styles of chain breaks. Thank you Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Happy to help!

[@737T1C130]

Thanks, Steve. As a causal chainsaw user, I've never heard anyone explain the danger zone on the tip of the bar nor the inertia brake. I'll always keep that in mind when using the saw from now on.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on....

[@luulemees]

the dangerzone principle is explained on the user manual usually

[@russell7489]

Pops told me to not hit ANY part of the tip on anything He lumbered till he was 30 .

[@joebloggs7522]

Widow makers, snap backs etc loads of potential dangers to be avoided

[@joebloggs7522]

@@russell7489 three quarters of the way down the underside is sweet spot

[@dannyvancauwenberghe]

I like that your measurements are also metric, moreover you speak slowly and clearly, also very illustrative, so we can also follow here in Europe.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Danny...

[@larrytyler8601]

I'm new to chainsaws. Not many trees where I live . I have learned a lot from your channel. Don't Quit!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Wow, thanks

[@MrMickjbriggs]

I've been using chainsaws for years & wasn't aware of the inertia activation of the chain brake so thank you very much, will now have to go & test my saws.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome Mick. Good luck....

[@johnbernstein203]

Steve....thanks for that safety info.You've done a great justice for your viewers. Of course , it's the responsibility of the saw operator to understand the saw dynamics like kickback, pull-in, and push back which is usually explained in the owners manual.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great comment John, Thanks...

[@olujideakinbo5094]

Thank you. I was able to use this idea to fix my 1-day-old (Yes, 1 day old!!!) MS 271 FarmBoss. I was able to confirm that oil is dripping properly but not getting into the groove of the blade. A hole on one side of the blade was blocked by wood shaving. Now I even understand the chainsaw better. Thank you!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@ilickcarpet]

Thanks Steve, I'm a younger guy starting out with my first saw (Poulan Pro 295 cc46 "FarmHand" model), and was in need of some education. I found your video very informative, helpful, and entertaining. Thank you!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@johnconnersmithllc6095]

Get you an electric saw kid they never f****** break down

[@arcd135]

Thanks Steve. I knew about the chainbreak but not about the inertia break. Off to my workshop tomorrow to check my chainsaw. Your vidios are awsome.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...and Thank You...

[@MarlinMark444]

Thanks Steve. That is a great learning for anyone who runs a saw. I've run a saw for too many years without knowing that. You are a Legend.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on my friend. Glad I helped....

[@clubdetennisdolbeau-mistas5971]

Super video. I remember that guy who 'REMOVED' his chain brake. He came to my firend's shop and I asked him aout it. He replied that he didn't need that feature. So, my friend and I strongly advised him that it could save his life, and we were quite serious about it. Fortunately, the guy seemed to understand the message and asked my friend to repair his brake. Better NOW than TOO LATE!

[@kevinrussell5401]

Always feel a little silly when ya gotta problem which stumps you and the fix is so simple. Cheers Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks 👍

[@johnnybernad9894]

Thank you so much Steve for this eye opener safety feature that most chainsaw operators here in the Philippines remove because of their lack of understanding of how it protects them.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@Boeing767DriverAA]

Im living proof that chain brakes work when there suppose to. My Maikita chainsaw has an internal brake and I had a kick back the chain brake engaged as its designed to do. The saw came right back hard and hit me in the jaw and cheek. Luckily the chain was not moving but I did have 2 small cuts on my chin and cheek. I was damn lucky. Now I wear a full face shield.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Wow!

[@bobbyharper8710]

You've saved me a fortune by presenting tips like this.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Excellent

[@winstonclarke9221]

Stevie, This is one of the best Video, explain on the danger of a chainsaw, and how to apply the chain brake , Thanks.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Winston...

[@ivanbg5167]

Thank you for covering the safety mechanism.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@jamesoberg7662]

Bam zoom great video for a guy across the border trying to get my craftsman 42cc to work properly!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@mikec.7657]

Steve this is the best safety chainsaw demonstrations I have ever witnessed and you've provided some very valuable information for anyone using a chainsaw. Great job!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Wow, thanks!

[@tommydstrees660]

Hey Man, Professional Arborist here... Good things!

[@tommydstrees660]

Danger Zone!... I’ve been taught!... that’s called the Kick back Quadrant!

[@keithdann9754]

I just got a chain saw and never used one before awesome video thank you for the share

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad I could help

[@DV6000victim]

Absolutely love your work my friend. Keep these videos coming. I watch them while my wife is sleeping and she wakes up whenever you crack me up. She doesn't't understand how instructional videos about chainsaws can be so hilarious in the middle of the night.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

LOL. Right on...

[@Leonardokite]

Another bout of ignorance repaired by my friend Steve! Thanks for making me/us more safe. I knew NOTHING of the inertia brake release. Now I WILL test my saws. I say saws, but reality is at this point I just have one 16 inch Poulan (ugh) that was used for the occasional tree near or over septic tank. An "urban saw." Now I have 5 acres of forest I just purchased that I am going to be having to deal with shortly. I plan on buying a new Stihl MS-261 CM and all the gear I don't have from a dealer local to the property next time I'm up there (4 hrs drive :-( ) You may have noticed I am working my way through your videos both at random and sequentially from oldest to newest. This is like a Goldmine of knowing how to care for not only my chainsaws but other two strokes and four stroke small engine devices. I can't thank you enough for providing this resource.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Buddy, I sure appreciate that...

[@BearE9090]

I only use my chainsaw to buck up wood for camping and never knew about the danger zone. Thanks for the great tip.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@jeffbutts9182]

Wow Steve you scared the crap out of me! Gotta check my saw now. Thanks for the video.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Good luck Jeff...

[@johnharrison1429]

Always wondered how to test the inertia activation. Brilliant video, Steve. Thank you.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@mikecain5763]

Excellent!! Thank you for making thorough and well-paced videos. Great for beginners and experienced users. Thank You very much!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@chipmcg7766]

Love your work Dude.. Thanks much to you , Ok bought a huskavarna 345 off craigslist, played with it ,I am a tinker boy, lol. Once I got it running I noticed the chain break would not stop the blade at all. Upon disassembly of the side cover that holds the break ,, AND IT WAS MISSING the SPRING, Some fools had to have taken it out. because the plastic cover was in place with all 5 screws tight. It took me some time to figure out why it was not working. It finaaly occured to me that the plastic plunger looked to me like is supposed to had a spring to press it up and lock the break.. Wow Thanks ,,, you helped me a bunch here. And all other too.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@tjhess2]

Phenomenal video Steve! Thank you for taking the time to point out this important safety feature and how test it. Being new to chainsaws, I tested the physical engagement, but didn't know about the inertial engagement. I'll be checking mine tomorrow!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome and good luck...

[@MRMONKIBONES]

Steve. thanks for the chainbrake video. I knew about the chainbrake, however, I didn't know about the inertria brake.Thanks, for the safety tip

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

No problem 👍

[@josysteinbach4097]

Another fantastic video Steve , even me who uses a chainsaw for a long time have learn something new today , thank you et Merci .

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank you and you're welcome...

[@jeffreyrubish347]

A vid on kickback potential of different chains would be interesting, too.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Good idea....

[@alfredmorency8296]

I also would like to see a video relative danger between chain types as well as the uses of the different chain types.

[@carpediem9382]

Totally agree with Scooter below. Excellent video.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on!

[@dpete8995]

Thanks Steve! Good explanation and demo... never considered the inertia aspect.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome...

[@richv70]

Thank you! Love the little Mac on the bench in the back ground!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome... and nobody notices my mini mac! Good eye....

[@btrav667]

Steve, thanks for these videos pal. You have no idea how much they have helped me in my suburban New Jersey small engine adventures. I'm just handy enough to do "chainsaw stuff" that leaves me scratching my head. You're fricken awesome.!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@paulwharton1850]

Fantastic - I learnt a lot. You're a really good teacher !

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@kahealani9]

"Chain brakes, boys..." Well....Im not a boy, but I'll let it slide this once since your awesomeness helped me fix my Husqvarna I inherited from my dad.❤

[@Chris-yo4ks]

Ive never known about the inertia brake feature.....I always use the chain brake when I finish a cut and have to maneuver over limbs or uneven ground......sure don't want the chance of tripping with a saw that could rev up while I'm going in who knows what direction. It is even engaged when I set my saw down on the ground to roll a log when cutting firewood.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You do that exactly the same as I do! Right on Chris. Safety first my friend...

[@daleruf7481]

Thanks Chain brake video I learn something on this Video like all of your videos!! You explain things better than others also Steve!!! Take Care!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

I appreciate that!

[@crashjump1849]

Great video bro!! My first craftsman 49cc chainsaw didn’t even have a chain brake lol! Back then safety was a hand guard and a non-reversible bar that was supposed to reduce kickbacks, Compared to my MS 261 chainsaws has come along way.........

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@sylvaingagne5047]

My Homelite XL-AO doesnt have a brake, they put a cap on the bar tip that prevents kickbacks… also prevents plunge cuts and limits the size of tree one can cut… having a functional brake safely increases the usability of the saw

[@wallacesaan]

Steve. I got turned on to your channel by my brother and subscribed immediately. I just want to say thank-you for the absolutely fantastic videos! The production quality is top notch and, more importantly, the information is really valuable and clearly presented. I have been fooling with small engines since I was a kid, but I have learned a lot from your videos. Please keep them coming. All the best, from nearby in Victoria. -- Greg

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank you so much, my friend....

[@bobbyg9662]

Been using chainsaw long time. Learning much here!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Good to hear!

[@John_D2]

Welcome back , Steve ! I love that new wallpaper on your channel. Thanks for the new vid !

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks buddy! You mean that new Stihl sign on the left?

[@John_D2]

the dark image of the stihl..maybe it was there before , but i just noticed it , lol. kzbin.info/door/pqca7L2YYDN-BIHUQ2TfAA

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Oh that!!! Yeah it was green grass for the last 10 months and my wife said it needed to be changed, so I tried a couple changes and they sucked! LOL. She found that Stihl pic and just changed it last week, then showed me and said what do you think? Freakin awesome, I love it too. FYI, Stihl has given me permission to use anything "Stihl branded" that I want for the videos, thats pretty cool....

[@John_D2]

That is cool !!

[@josysteinbach4097]

Keep them coming the are so entertaining, and educational, your the best on the internet so far .🐸👍

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks Josy...

[@martialme84]

Hmmm... i´m part of the "didn´t know about the inertia-brake" legion here in the comments. Will test the old Dolmar saw i use, next time around. Thanks a bunch, Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on buddy....

[@erikserafin7886]

I really enjoyed this. Sent it to a friend. Better instruction than the manuel!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Awesome, thank you!

[@robertchaffee5662]

Cheers my favorite fellow small engine Mechanic!! Good information!!

[@armandoperruc8842]

This is another fine video Steve. I feel I am taking SSES 101 college courses then apply the knowledge on my equipment as the lab work

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@HuckBowlt]

MGD one of my favorite brews unfortunately not always available in S E USA very good presentation thanks again Steve!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome...

[@CabinTrails]

MGD! Excellente. Great stuff as always Steve....added to my inspection list prior to running my Farm Boss

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Dan....

[@seadrifter8975]

Great video steve didn't know about built in chain brake very informitive Ty. BTW some nice craft beers out now should give them mention!

[@meenishal]

Brilliant video, thank you. Hello from Ireland.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Hello there!

[@LadDox_]

If you drop the saw (with the bar and chain on) on a piece of wood while standing, the power head will pivot as it would in a kick-back. THAT is when the drop test works. It wont work dropping it 1 foot because it doesnt create enough inertia with the bar (lever arm) on. It works from 1 foot with just the power head because you have shortened the lever arm (no bar)

[@winstonclarke9221]

Steve that's a good tip on a chain break, another thing forget about miller and think about Budwiser

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on....

[@ardenstrat]

excellent video.lots of help. had no idea what it was for

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad it helped

[@elitebowman5386]

I have a Jonsered 630 Super saw. Had this saw for 30 years at least. My chainbrake comes on to easy. How do you adjust your chainbrake to keep it from coming on just sawing and not hitting it on anything? Thanks for any help you can give. It has the external brake cover.

[@MrBooojangles]

Hey Steve great videos. My Stihl chainsaw stalls every time I put the chain brake on, which is a pain in the butt. I haven't used it in 6 months, but it was ok back then. It also is bogging down under work and stalling fairly often. Are these things related, any ideas how to fix this.

[@bryngullen9579]

EVERY day is a 'school day' eh? Thanks Steve. Great tips to stay safe Mate. (two thumbs up here)

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@russell7489]

Thanks for going through what a chain break does Don't know if the old ones around ye old family place never had these but new to me. Been using that shield as an auxillary handle since pops showed me how to use a chainsaw. Maybe these old saws never had them. If that's the case, wonder how many out there are using some old saw without a break? I've lived in fear of a kickback my whole life, course maybe that's why I never had one. Not that I use a chainsaw much. Still if this was a new feature, I'd have gotten a new saw long ago instead of keeping the old ones working and just hung the old ones on the walls with the rest of antique saws and tools

[@carloserazo1286]

Hey Steve one of my favorites, but how can you tell if an inertia switch or not?

[@undertwotimes]

Great vid steve, I didn't even know there was an inertia chain brake. Thanks!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@RocketMyDog1]

Great video, Steve. I had no clue. Now I do.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@anthonysirianni9352]

Steve, got a Stihl 009. Trying to get spring and trigger back . Having a tough time. Thanks

[@boyfowler6078]

Secrets safe with me from Wayne😉 Great video! I've learned a lot from your videos. Keep it up!👍

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@handson2211]

Can't wait to try this test on my Stihl MS 271. I had no idea that there was also an automatic chain braking mechanism. Another great video Steve. I plan to have a Miller Lite during my test ;-)

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Buddy...

[@hudsonboller6873]

you shouldnt be running a chainsaw if you dont no basic stuff like that

[@agka8l]

you are awesome , cheers fromm Greece

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@robmack08]

Hi Steve - Great vid - Love yer work. I have a chainsaw with the 'external' chain brake. The chain brake has become too sensitive and engages just through regular use, i.e. no debris or other branches etc getting caught up or in the way. Any tips of how to adjust this please. Cheers

[@billh8559]

Great Video Steve..... is there a way to adjust the brake to where it will engage when it is supposed to or does it have to be replaced?

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great question! The only adjustable brake I can remember, are the very old Husqvarna 2100 styles. Cleaning it will probably help though...

[@johnp.3581]

Great video as always. I really learn a lot from them. I have a question though perhaps you might answer - my craftsman 42cc saw's chain brake is locked open. Is it possible to unlock it in a similar manner as what you showed in another video to your Stihl or should I just order a replacement? Thanks man!

[@garylatto4191]

Hi Steve recently started watching your channel, great videos 👍👍. I've got a stihl 020 rear handle and wondered can I adjust the brake because I have to seriously push or pull and obviously its not ideal from a safety factor?? Cheers bud 👍

[@garysimmons3144]

You are the best, Steve, " Bar" None

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@youngprince716]

Great video. I agree with the ending

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks!

[@rltkktlr]

Another Great Video Steve!! I really didn't understand the inertia chain brake, let alone how to test. Oh hell the truth of it is I didn't know it was there!! I will share the video and I wish I could subscribe twice ten times. Best small engine Videos on you tube.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks so much buddy....

[@ryanbruner8928]

I never knew about the drop test!

[@luulemees]

give you thums up steve, but agree to dissagree, on jobsite i do not have time and will just to remove bar and check if this thing works. I hold bar approx 40to50 cm from stomp and drop just tip of the bar, mot the wholw saw, works like a charm

[@bryandowdey1779]

Very interesting and useful. Thanks Steve!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@neilmccolman8208]

Hey Steve, I have actually met Wayne. He was a professional faller for many years [ and a darn good one too ! ] I am not surprised that the saw you borrowed from him is a Stihl . Dont worry, I wont tell him about the abuse you laid onto his favorite saw.!! Ha ha

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Neil, Thank you for keeping my secret...

[@rerewest4703]

Don't let that beer get warm !

[@brianburroughs5378]

I like to know alot of fixing stead of mowing that how I like in my business because that is more important of being not stuck in business

[@perrysheen6770]

Hi Steve, I have a Husqvarna 254 chainsaw and the brake keeps going on very very easily. I have to repeatedly reset it when using saw. Any ideas as to what is causing it? Thanks in advance

[@elizabethcote545]

Hi Steve, I just bought my first chainsaw and when I got it started the chain was going in idle on its own and the brake was engaged and it just got really fast and I turned it off. Should I adjust the carb as google said? Why isn’t my brake stopping it and it’s brand new out of the box??

[@elizabethcote545]

Just for your info it’s a craftsman from Lowe’s

[@sland8547]

Very interesting. Did not know this. Thanks.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

My pleasure!

[@johnbrunetto]

My RedMax G5000 keeps applying the brake without even touching wood. What do you think the problem is? I cant get through a round with the inertia brake kicking in. I ordered new weight and springs. Hopefully I’m on the correct path. Please let me know.

[@jimb4978]

I thought that your explanation of chainbreak testing was very informative. I have a question about methods of clutch replacing. The Stihl tech support recommends using the piston stop tool & a wrench to break loose the clutch . I had just purchased the ms 271 Farm Boss,cause I needed some more power than my 12yr old 4018 Poulan. When I replaced the clutch,on my Poulan,I left the spark plug in & using the special nut with the pins to engage the clutch, i used my battery driven impact wrench,and it worked fine ,as the compression of the cylinder over comes the torque of the impact wrench. I've heard of some people having a hard time loosening the clutch,when they are extremely tight on the crank shaft. In those cases,I believe using an impact wrench could be safer,if your carefull. I have noticed that there was no movement of the chainsaw & was looseded in seconds.I was wondering how that method would work on my Stihl,when the time comes for replacing the clutch. What are your thoughts,Steve?

[@robertegan3889]

When tuning should the brake be on, or off?

[@johnfriedmann2413]

2-1/2 QUESTIONS : #1-Can the inertia brake be adjusted to be more sensitive? And #2- Is it proper procedure to use the chain break for every time you want to put the saw down or pause in cutting? Or #1/2- Is this break to be used ONLY for the emergency kick-back event?

[@chipsofstihl7538]

Take a break your beer is getting warm!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Gross....WARM beer......

[@joansmeding8181]

Chipsof Stihl in

[@TexasNightRider]

Excellent video. Will be checking my Stihl. Thank you.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@chamunorwachibanguza7902]

Thanks for the video

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@petermanley7525]

Great advice thanks

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

No problem!

[@tomsmith1390]

Thanks