In case you’re new to the world of chainsaws and have bought or are planning to buy a chainsaw, this article is definitely for you.
Before you start using a chainsaw, I think it’s so very important to know the basic parts of a chainsaw. Of course, you’re a beginner and you don’t have to know every bit of detail yet, but knowing what each part does, is important.
The chain, engine, blade, and handles are the major parts of a chainsaw. But there are many other parts too that you should be aware of, just like the chainsaw guide plate, which drives the chainsaw chain in a straight light while cutting.
Also, different chainsaws would have different parts because brands manufacture them in different ways.
Similarly, many chainsaws would have the same parts too, but they might not be located at the same exact position on all saws. For example, electric chainsaw parts might be different from those in gas-powered chainsaws. So, knowing them individually would be very helpful to you as it has been for us.
Now that you know different chainsaws could have different parts, we’re here to discuss the main parts which you’re likely to see on almost every chainsaw.
Let’s dig in and know more!
How to Tell Which Way Chainsaw Chain Goes?
No matter what chainsaw you own, the chain of every chainsaw goes in the same direction that is, the sharp blade edges must be directed in the clockwise direction. This means that these edges will always be opposite to the body of the chainsaw.
Parts of a Chainsaw
The more advanced a chainsaw, the more parts it may have, or you may call them additional advanced features.
As mentioned earlier, we’ll help you know about the most important parts of a chainsaw which are the most used ones too. So basically, you do not need to know about every single part of every chainsaw and what function it performs.
Having basic knowledge about the main parts would be more than enough for all of us!
So, let’s learn about the 16 main parts of a chainsaw.
- Pull Start/Pull Cord
- Engine
- Handles (Front and Rear)
- Throttle Trigger and Throttle Lock
- Chain
- Chain Brake
- Chain Catcher
- Clutch
- Guide Bar
- Decompression Valve
- Tensioner
- Bumper Spikes
- Air Filter
- Exhaust
- Choke
- Nose
1. Pull Start/Pull Cord
As the name indicates, this part is what starts the chainsaw and is present on the left of the saw. It is basically a rope fixed into the chainsaw and has a plastic handle at its end. You simply pull it with a jerk, and it starts up the engine.
Electric-powered chainsaws don’t have them. Instead, they have buttons to start up. Gas-powered chainsaws have these pull cords.
2. Engine
Well, this part doesn’t really need a description because who doesn’t know about an engine right? But because it’s the most important part, so it had to be here. It controls the running of the chainsaw and till the time your engine is working, your chainsaw’s running.
3. Handles (Front and Rear)
The handles provide firm gripping to the chainsaw so that your chainsaw can operate in a controlled environment.
The front handle is located on the front of the engine, on top of the motor basically.
While the rear handle is on the back of the saw. For the perfect handling of the saw, one hand must hold the front handle and the other one should be on the rear handle.
4. Throttle Trigger and Throttle Lock
On the underside of the rear handle, you’ll find the throttle trigger. The function of the throttle is to control the speed of the chainsaw. And to regulate the speed, it governs the increase or decrease in the amount of fuel that travels into the motor.
The throttle lock is what keeps the throttle trigger non-accelerated. It is present on the rear handle, and it prevents the accidental activation of the throttle.
5. Chain
The chain is fitted on the bar and has sharp edges that cut the wood.
6. Chain Brake
The chain brake or hand guard is a very important part of a chainsaw. It is used in case a kickback occurs. Whenever a user accidentally experiences a kickback, he would apply this chain brake to simply stop the chainsaw. You’ll find it on the engine’s front side.
7. Chain Catcher
Because chainsaws can be extremely dangerous tools at times, safety measures are an important part of their manufacturing. This chain catcher thing is responsible for catching up the chain in case it breaks. This prevents the chain from hitting the user.
A chain catcher is also present on the engine’s front side but on the underside of the guide bar.
8. Clutch
Low RPM engine rotation is enabled by the clutch. When the chain brake is applied, the clutch is activated. It then squeezes the sprocket, as a result of which the chain stops spinning and comes to rest.
9. Guide Bar
The guide bar is the bar that holds the chain in place, meaning, it guides the chain. Different chainsaws come with different length guide bars and so, chains of different lengths fit them.
10. Decompression Valve
The decompression valve is a small valve and sits on the engine top. It helps in the smooth startup of the chainsaw. You have to press this valve and then pull the start cord. Now, what happens is, that the motor’s combustion chamber is relieved of the compression and the chainsaw starts running.
11. Tensioner
The tensioner provides the chain with just the right tension it needs. You can adjust the amount of tension required by tightening or loosening the tension screws.
12. Bumper Spikes
Bumper spikes are also called bucking spikes. In order to prevent kickbacks, bumper spikes help the chainsaw rest for a while in between the process of wood cutting. They are located on the right of the chainsaw.
13. Air Filter
A chainsaw’s air filter traps the sawdust and other debris to keep the engine clean and hence, properly working. It is necessary to clean up the air filter after some time because it may get clogged due to the accumulation of dust and dirt over time.
It is located on top of the chainsaw, covered with a cap.
14. Exhaust
Many brands name this part as mufflers too. Mufflers are used to reduce the noise generated by chainsaws. Additionally, they also reduce the amount of exhaust that is inhaled by the operator.
An exhaust is located over the guide bar, on the front side of the chainsaw engine.
15. Choke
The choke adjusts the airflow, so, you are able to make the fuel-air mixture work more efficiently, making the engine run more smoothly. You’ll find it somewhere near the pull cord, but the location may vary in different chainsaws.
16. Nose
The very tip of the guide bar is named the nose of the chainsaw. It is responsible for holding the chain in its exact position.
These were some of the very major parts of a chainsaw. There are plenty of others too, but I think having knowledge of these parts was most important.
How Does a Chainsaw Work?
A chainsaw starts up by pulling the pull cord with a jerk. It might take 2 to 3 pulls to start. However, in the case of electric-powered chainsaws, there is no concept of the pull cord. They simply start with the press of a button.
Now that the chainsaw has started, it means the engine is running. You’ll now use it for cutting through the woods.
Parts of a Chainsaw – FAQs
Conclusion
Sometimes, different chainsaws do have the same parts, but their locations may differ. Well in such a case too, here’s nothing to panic about. Because now you’re aware of the functioning of different parts of the chainsaws, you can easily judge what part is located where.
All you have to do is pay attention to how the chainsaw operates and you’re already there!
We hope our article would have been really helpful for our readers. Especially those who previously had no knowledge about the parts of a chainsaw but now they know them all.
