Is your chainsaw not quite up to snuff these days and you’re looking to troubleshoot? Or maybe you’re just interested in the inner workings of a chainsaw.
Either way, knowing the parts of a chainsaw and how a chainsaw works is the first step toward using your chainsaw safely. And you definitely don’t want to be working with a faulty part on a chainsaw.
What Are Some Parts of a Chainsaw?
A chainsaw is a lot more complex than you might think. But it has to be – considering the work it does.
So we’ll take a look at a dozen of the more common parts.
1. Start/ Stop Switch
More than just an on/off switch, what makes this part so important is its location. It’s strategically located to allow the chainsaw user to activate the saw using the right thumb if needed.
2. The Chain
Obviously, the chain IS the chainsaw.
Within the chain, there are several other parts that are essential for cutting, controlling the depth of the cut, enabling the bar to guide the chain and just plain holding the chainsaw together.
3. Chain Catcher
This metal or plastic guard is essential in keeping the operator safe should the chain derail or break during operation.
4. Chain Brake
As the name implies, a chain brake stops the chain. This is crucial in situations where dangerous kickback occurs during operation. Even so, it wasn’t added as a necessary safety feature until 1995.
5. Muffler
There’s no denying that a chainsaw is loud. Yet each one actually has a muffler that absorbs most of the noise the saw produces. So it’s difficult to imagine how loud they really are.
6. Flywheel
This part is a weighted wheel that not only controls engine speed but also assists in cooling the engine.
7. Clutch
The clutch joins the engine to the chain sprocket and its main purpose is to control the cutting speed of the saw.
8. Throttle
The throttle regulates the saw’s revolutions per minute by increasing or reducing the volume of fuel to the cylinders. Releasing pressure on the throttle will stop the chainsaw from running.
9. Throttle Interlock
When the throttle interlock is depressed, the locking mechanism in the part prevents the throttle from getting activated.
10. Decompression Valve
Without the decompression valve to release saw compression, a chainsaw would be far more difficult to start.
11. Filters
Just like any other machine, a chainsaw is prone to dirt and dust clogging up the carburetor. That’s why chainsaws have both an air filter and a fuel filter to inhibit dust and other impurities from gumming up the works.
12. Tensioners
A chain that’s under a lot of tension is more likely to derail or break. And that’s a potentially dangerous situation for the user. So each chainsaw is equipped with right and left tensioners at the sides so that users can tension the chain with ease.
Rev Your (Chainsaw) Engine
We hope you have a better understanding of the parts of a chainsaw and how they all come together to create this powerful tool.
And keep on checking back with our chainsaw blog to get more great information on everything chainsaws.
