If you are a rookie, thinking of using a chainsaw – stop right there. It can be very dangerous when handled by a non-professional. Most of the time newbies make the mistake of getting a kickback from the chainsaw. This is mainly due to not having any previous knowledge of how using a chainsaw can result in a catastrophic accident.
You should always have a first aid kit close by or a person who can call for an emergency because there is always a chance of getting hurt.
In this article, we will tell you what is a chainsaw kickback? And also look at ways to stop or avoid getting a chainsaw kickback when cutting up wood logs in your garden.
What Is A Chainsaw Kickback?
Chainsaw kickback is an opposite reaction of the chain bar towards your body. It can occur when you are running the chainsaw at full speed and it accidentally touches the ground or tip of the bar touches a log. When this happens it violently throws the bar in the opposite direction and can injure the person using it.
Now we will talk about how we can avoid this from happening.
How To Prevent Getting A Chainsaw Kickback
Using chainsaws sometimes be very tricky. Irrespective of whether you have full safety apparel on, a kickback can still damage you.
The key thing to be aware of is that there are precautions we can take to avoid getting injured.
First, you need to be focused on the chainsaw that you are using. If your mind is focused on the task at hand, getting a chainsaw kickback can never even happen. It goes without saying that you should also be wearing the correct protective gear to guard against any chainsaw kickback from randomly occurring.
Another way to avoid chainsaw kickback is by making sure that other logs or branches of wood doesn’t make contact with the tip of the chainsaw bar.
- Cut one wood at a time.
- Always make sure that your chainsaw is running at wide-open throttle at its full speed.
- Make sure you are aware of the position of the nose of your chainsaw bar. Often when you cut in close proximity to other logs or branches is a very common scenario for kickback if the chain nicks another piece of wood.
One way to avoid it is to start cutting wood from the bottom of the bar. This also helps to ensure that your chainsaw will not bounce back on you. It is also important that whenever you are going for a cut, that you make sure the chain braking system works properly.
Always choose a chainsaw with the chain braking system.
Wood can in a number of various types of hardness levels. Some woods are very soft while some are very hard. It is important that you choose the correct type of chainsaw compatible with the type of wood that you are cutting.
Maintaining your chainsaw is also a very important task to be undertaken prior to using your saw.
If you do improper chainsaw maintenance and over time begin to notice things like loose rivets, broken chain components, bent or cracked bar – all these can result in a chainsaw kickback.
The way to properly maintain your chainsaw is to follow instructions guide came with it. As an alternative, if you already know how to use a chainsaw but are just not very experienced with it – then you should opt for some highly-rated low kickback chains along with bar tip guard which will help to keep the bar in a stable position.
We have looked at all the possible ways to reduce the chances of getting a chainsaw kickback when cutting up logs of wood. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how you can avoid or stop chainsaw kickback.
Finally, always avoid distractions, make sure that you are in a safe position when using your chainsaw and always be aware of your surroundings.
Stay safe.
