Parts of a Chainsaw
July 29, 2022 by The Merovingian
The parts of the chainsaw are what help you use it in the best way possible. They make sure that the chainsaw works properly and safely so that you can cut down trees or other objects without any problems!
Operator’s manual
An operator’s manual is a guide that tells you how to operate the chainsaw and safely store it. The operator’s manual will also give you important information about how to maintain your chain saw and care for it, as well as safety tips.
There are several places you can find an operator’s manual on the internet. If you have a specific brand or model of chainsaw, we recommend visiting their website to download one directly from them. If you don’t have access to a computer, we recommend checking with your local hardware store or library.
When using an operator’s manual:
- Read through all of the instructions before doing anything else with your chain saw; this way nothing will come as a surprise later on when things could turn dangerous without warning!
- Keep an eye out for any warnings or important information that might be relevant before starting up your machine; these details may save lives by preventing serious accidents while using these types of powerful tools around others who aren’t familiar with how they work yet!
Engine
The engine is the power source, and it’s what makes the saw go. It’s also the most important part of a chainsaw—without it, you can’t use your chainsaw.
The engine provides power to the chain and makes it spin when you pull on the trigger. The speed at which this happens is called “RPMs,” or revolutions per minute (the more RPMs, generally speaking, the faster everything moves).
Pull start/pull cord
The pull start is the most common method of starting a chainsaw. It’s basically just like a lawnmower, except you’re probably more likely to encounter some trees than grass at your home or work site.
The first thing you’ll need to know about using a pull start is that it can be tricky, especially if this is your first time using one. You’ll notice that there’s an indentation on top of the bar near where it meets with the chain—this is where the cord should go.
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Once you’ve got everything in place, give it a good tug, and voila! The saw will begin running instantly (or so we hope). If not, try pulling again until you hear that familiar hum indicating proper operation.
Throttle
The throttle is a lever that controls the speed of the engine. The faster you want to go, the more you push it up. If you want to slow down, move it down. There’s also a knob on some chainsaws that can be turned clockwise or counter-clockwise to increase or decrease your speed as well—and there are buttons on some models that do the same thing.
Throttle interlock/Throttle lock
The throttle interlock/throttle lock is a safety feature that prevents the chain from engaging until the chain brake is released. This device can be built into your saw or it can be attached as an add-on part.
The interlock/lock has two main components: a spring-loaded lever (often called a trigger) and an arm with some sort of locking mechanisms on it, such as a pin or bolt. When you pull back on the lever, depending on how it’s designed, this moves one or more parts against each other to prevent them from moving freely within their housings.
Handles
Handles are the part of a chainsaw that you hold while operating it. Most handles are made of wood, metal, or plastic. They’re used to control and steer the saw as well as to hold it while you’re working with it. Some models come with carrying straps on their handles so they can be hung when not in use.
Chain
The chain is the cutting tool of your chainsaw. It’s the most expensive part of your saw and also the part you’ll need to replace most often. The chain consists of a series of sharpened teeth that slice through wood as you pull on it with your hands or run it over some lumber.
Nose
The nose is the part of the chainsaw that has the blade on it and this is where you will attach your chain too. In order to change or remove your chain, you will have to remove it from this part of the machine.
Guide bar
The guide bar is the part of the chainsaw that the chain rides on. It’s a long steel tube with teeth cut into it and it runs from tip to tip of your saw, along its entire length. The groove for the chain is usually stamped into one side of this tube and contains a few shallow depressions where oil can pool in order to keep things lubricated as your blade makes its way through the wood.
Chain tensioner
The chain tensioner is a small metal device that keeps the chain tight and helps keep it from falling off. It’s a pretty simple piece of equipment, but it’s also important to make sure your chainsaw is properly maintained so it doesn’t accidentally cut you or someone else.
The adjustment is easy: use a screwdriver to tighten the tensioner until there’s no slack in the chain and then check again after a few minutes of cutting. If there’s still some slack, tighten it again until there isn’t anymore.
Chain brake
The chain brake is a part of your chain saw that keeps the bar from moving forward when you release the trigger. It also stops the chain from spinning when you’re using it, which helps prevent kickback and injury. The best way to check your brake is to hold down the throttle and start turning on your chainsaw. If it doesn’t cut off immediately, or if you notice any unusual noises while running, stop using that particular machine until you get an expert’s opinion.
Even if everything seems okay with your chain brake, remember: It should be adjusted regularly with each new bar of chain or whenever you change something about how you’re using the saw (like switching between cutting wood logs).
Chain catcher
A chain catcher is a metal plate that catches the chain when it breaks. It’s a safety feature and one of the most important parts of a chainsaw, as it keeps you from being injured by sharp pieces of metal flying around your face.
Clutch/sprocket
The clutch is a device on the saw’s body that allows you to engage and disengage the chain. When engaged, it keeps the chain moving while you are cutting, but when disengaged it will stop spinning. The sprocket is used to engage the chain with your saw’s engine. It can also be called a clutch or a chainring or even a chain wheel.
Muffler
The muffler is a device that reduces the noise of a gas-powered engine. It’s a cylindrical metal or plastic device placed on the exhaust pipe of an engine to reduce its sound. The muffler helps to contain and dissipate heat, as well as keep other parts of your chainsaw running smoothly by reducing vibration and wear and tear throughout its life span.
Spark arrestor
A spark arrestor is a device that prevents sparks from escaping the engine. It is part of the muffler and not something you should put on your chainsaw in order to keep it safe.
Spark plug
The spark plug is the part of a chainsaw that ignites the gas in order to create an explosion and keep the chain running. It’s attached to your chain saw’s engine, and it needs to be properly maintained so that it doesn’t fail you when you need it most. The spark plug’s main function is to ignite the fuel/air mixture inside of your engine, which creates an explosion (or combustion). This explosion powers up both pistons in order for them to spin at high speeds and turn over some heavy-duty power tools like chainsaws or weed eaters.
The correct size for your spark plug gap should be somewhere between .050″ – .055″. If there is too little gap between two electrodes within them (i.e., too close together), then this could lead to combustion problems due such as misfires or carbon buildup on those electrodes because they haven’t been able to properly ignite enough energy from each other yet in order for everything else around them work properly as well–including their own parts!
High/low adjustment
The high/low adjustment is used to adjust the chain speed. The higher the number, the faster it will cut. The lower the number, the slower it will cut and be more likely to get stuck in the wood.
Lean adjustment
The lean adjustment is done by the screw on the carburetor. Turning this clockwise increases the fuel flow and decreases engine speed, while turning it counterclockwise decreases fuel flow and increases engine speed. The lean adjustment is used to adjust your saw so that it runs smoothly at high RPMs. If your saw is running too hot or not getting up to full power, try adjusting this screw slightly clockwise for a few rotations before trying again with more aggressive adjustments if needed (and always double-check that all screws are tight).
On/off switch + choke/choke valve
The on/off switch is usually a round button that you push in to turn the engine on and off. It can also be located at the top of the choke valve.
The choke/choke valve, which opens and closes when you pull or push it with your hand, regulates how much fuel is put into the combustion chamber at once (this is called “choking”). The choke makes it easier to start up a cold chainsaw because there’s less fuel coming out all at once and thus less fuel to ignite. The more open you keep this valve, the more easily your chainsaw will start up when cold.
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The start/stop switch controls whether or not power goes through your engine—if it’s in a neutral position, no electricity flows through; if it’s pushed forward slightly into the “run” position without being held down against spring tension by hand (or otherwise held), then electricity flows through but stops flowing if released from pressure. This button often has two positions: one for starting an engine that isn’t running yet (usually labeled “start”) and another for shutting down a running engine when it needs to be stopped for some reason (usually labeled “stop” or just plain ol’ “off”). When pushed forward farther than necessary for starting an idle chainsaw but still not enough so that its spring tension holds it there by itself indefinitely without any outside force applied against its face surface area.
Summer/winter shutter
If you’re going to buy a chainsaw, there are a few things that should be considered. The first is the type of chain that it uses and if it can be changed. If not, then you may have to purchase a new saw when the chain needs replacing. This can get expensive quickly if you don’t know what kind of chain your saw uses.
Another important thing to look at when buying your chainsaw is whether or not it has a winter/summer shutter option. This means that once winter comes around, your blade will automatically change from an aggressive one to something more mild for cutting through ice and snow without damaging anything else nearby like trees or other plants that grow around them outside in colder climates where these conditions exist regularly throughout most winters but not necessarily all year long during summer months either!
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The last thing I suggest checking out before making this big decision about how much money will go into owning one (or several) power tools would be how easily replaceable parts are available such as blades etcetera because let’s face it: nobody wants constant maintenance costs every week/month depending on how often they use their tools like lawnmowers etcetera so this article should help guide consumers towards finding reliable brands with products built with longevity in mind so everyone wins here!
Flywheel
- The flywheel is the heavy disk at the end of the crankshaft. It is a key component in any chainsaw, and it serves several important functions.
- First, it’s one of your main sources of power and torque. The flywheel acts as an energy reservoir for starting up a chain saw, providing a burst of spinning energy that powers the engine up to full speed before you start cutting wood or clearing brush.
- Second, it helps keep your chain moving smoothly as you’re working with it. When you’re using a reciprocating saw to cut through metal or wood (or anything else), there are two things happening: You’re moving your saw back and forth over your target material; and then there’s also “downward pressure” being applied by gravity itself, constantly pressing down on whatever surface is between yourself and the ground below (like when you’re standing up). This downward force can cause problems if not properly balanced out by something else—like another physical force pushing back up against gravity’s downward pull on everything around us!
Decompression valve
A decompression valve is a device that prevents the engine from stalling. It keeps the engine from running too lean, which can cause damage and loss of power. The decompression valve works by restricting airflow into the carburetor when there’s no load on it. When you’re cutting wood, this allows air to pass through so that fuel can be introduced into your saw’s internal combustion chamber where it mixes with your engine’s spark plug and creates an explosion to power your chainsaw.
Exhaust
Exhaust is the outlet of an engine. It’s where all the heat, smoke, fumes and noise comes from. The exhaust also functions as a warning device: if you see or hear it start to smoke, that could mean your engine is overheating and needs maintenance.
When you’re working with a chainsaw, in particular, it’s important to keep your eyes peeled for any signs of trouble with your chainsaw’s exhaust. If there are any cracks in the muffler or tailpipe (the part connecting those two together), these can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to leak into your work area. When this happens without proper ventilation around you—which would include opening doors and windows—you’ll definitely want to get out fast before you pass out from lack of oxygen!
Carburetor
The carburetor is an engine component that mixes air and fuel to create the right ratio for combustion. It can also be called a carburetion system, or simply a carb.
The basic task of a carburetor is to mix fuel and air so they will burn smoothly and efficiently. This is done by adjusting the air-fuel ratio in order to achieve maximum power while minimizing emissions.
The carburetor contains many parts, including:
- Float bowl – holds fuel level
- Venturi – narrows airflow into throttle bore (opening)
- Throttle lever – adjusts throttle valve opening position inside bore (in turn affecting the amount of airflow)
Air filter
The air filter is one of the most important parts of your saw. It keeps dirt, dust, and other debris out of the engine to ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently.
If you don’t replace the air filter regularly, your chainsaw will be underpowered while cutting through dense tree branches or logs. If you keep it too clean, however, it’ll be over-powered and may overheat from having too much air going into its engine (and this could result in cracking).
Fuel tank
The fuel tank is located on the bottom of your chainsaw. It holds fuel and sends it to the engine when you prime it. The fuel capacity varies by chainsaw model, but as a general rule, a full tank will last about an hour of continuous use before needing to be refilled.
When you purchase a new chainsaw, make sure that it has an appropriate amount of gas for your needs. Some models require special low-odor or high-octane fuels that aren’t available at all local stores; others are designed with enough storage space that they can hold only one gallon at most (which may not sound like much but will go further if you’re only working on small projects). Whenever possible, choose one that can be filled with common octane levels so you’re not limited by where new supplies are available within reasonable driving distance of your home or office.
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Fuel filter: Your chainsaw’s manual will tell you what type(s) of oil should be used in order to run properly – some engines require synthetic oil while others need plain old petroleum-based varieties such as regular gasoline or diesel fuels.
Lubricant tank
The lubricant tank is a reservoir that contains oil. It can be found on top of the engine, most often above or to the side of your throttle handle. The lubricant tank is usually translucent, transparent, and made from plastic. It contains a small amount of oil for lubricating parts within your chainsaw’s crankcase.
Conclusion
This article has been a brief introduction to the parts of a chainsaw. Some of these parts are more important than others, but they’re all necessary for your saw to operate properly. If you want more information about any of these parts or would like to learn more about chainsaws in general, feel free to contact us at any time!