# How to Start a Chainsaw - **Published:** 20 October 2022 - **Type:** Both Video - **Format:** step by step - **Tags:** Lawn & garden Chainsaws are a handy piece of kit to make light work of your firewood. But, there are few things you need to know to use a chainsaw efficiently and safely, including the starting procedure. If you’re new to using a chainsaw, sometimes it can take a little effort and know-how to get the tool started. Whether you’re using an electric chainsaw or petrol chainsaw, there are a few things to know before you get started. If you are new to using a chainsaw or want a refresher, check out our comprehensive guide on [everything you should know about chainsaws](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/using-a-chainsaw-everything-you-should-know.md). Ready to roll? Here are our top tips that will have you starting your chainsaw like a pro in no time. ## Equipment you'll need - [Chainsaw Petrol 24" to 30" Bar](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws/527c-chainsaw-petrol-24-to-30-bar.md) - [Chainsaw Battery 14" to 16" Bar](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws/526a-chainsaw-battery-14-to-16-bar.md) - [Chainsaw Chaps](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/safety/safety-gear/692g-chainsaw-chaps.md) - [Chainsaw Petrol 20" Bar](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws/527b-chainsaw-petrol-20-bar.md) - [Chainsaw Petrol 16" to 18" Bar](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws/527a-chainsaw-petrol-16-to-18-bar.md) ## Tools explained ## Types of chainsaws At Hirepool, we have a wide range of chainsaws available for hire. We pride ourselves on the safety and quality of our gear and only hire out professional-grade chainsaws that are regularly cleaned and serviced. ### Battery-powered chainsaws Battery-powered chainsaws are cleaner and quieter, offering less vibration than petrol-powered ones. They are great for beginners and offer a more user-friendly experience, as they’re often simpler to start and use. Most suited for outdoor applications like landscaping jobs or cutting small pieces of wood for firewood. Batteries offer roughly 40 minutes of work time and can be recharged in about 40 minutes from flat. ### Petrol chainsaws Petrol powered chainsaws are more common and are available in three different chain lengths depending on the size of your job. They offer a decent level of power and are great for remote use where you can simply refuel and carry on with the job at hand. ## Choosing your chainsaw Some may argue that you can pick up cheap chainsaw models from your local hardware store for not much more than it may cost to hire, but the quality of the gear will likely be inferior. Using a cheap chainsaw will likely have less grunt than a professional saw and it may take you longer to complete your job, cost you more in fuel, and the chain may need to be replaced more often. Additionally, if petrol chainsaws are not maintained properly, they can be harder to start. This is another great reason to [hire a chainsaw from Hirepool](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/landscaping/chainsaws-pruning-saws.md). We have a large range of chainsaws to choose from, depending on the size and type of your job. The selection includes: - [Chainsaw petrol 24” to 30” bar](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws/527c-chainsaw-petrol-24-to-30-bar.md?addToCart) - [Chainsaw petrol 20” bar](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws/527b-chainsaw-petrol-20-bar.md?addToCart) - [Chainsaw petrol 16” to 18” bar](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws/527a-chainsaw-petrol-16-to-18-bar.md?addToCart) - [Chainsaw battery 14” to 16” bar](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws/526a-chainsaw-battery-14-to-16-bar.md?addToCart) - [Pruning saw battery 4” bar](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws/526b-chain-saw-pruner-batt-4.md?addToCart) ## Instructions ### Step 1: Read the instructions for use When you hire a chainsaw from Hirepool, you are required to read our instructions for use sheet, which can be found either on our website, attached to your contract or by scanning the QR code on the green tag attached to your equipment. Please take the time to read these and follow all the safety steps. We also recommend reading up on [WorkSafe’s guide to safely working with chainsaws](https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/machinery/saws-and-shears/chainsaws/). Your Hirepool staff will also run you through how to use your chainsaw when you pick it up, so it’s a good idea to allow time for this when you visit. ### Step 2: Check your chainsaw Your chainsaw will come fully serviced out of the branch- however, it’s good to check all the safety devices are in place and working. Before starting your saw, you should check the tension on the chain should be nice and firm, but not too tight that it won't budge. Make sure you are wearing protective gloves before you handle the chain to check the tension. Ensure there is enough movement that you can be confident the chain will move freely across the bar. When you pick up a petrol chainsaw for hire, it will have a full tank of fuel and oil, however, it’s best to double-check that both are sufficiently full. Hirepool's range of chainsaws are run on a 2-stroke mix, and we can include spare fuel along with the hire. Petrol powered chainsaws require a few simple steps to get started. ### Step 3: Stabilise the saw Ensure you place the chainsaw on a flat surface, and check the bar is not in contact with the ground. Leaving the chainsaw on the ground, place one hand on the handlebar and the other hand on the starter rope handle. Push your right toe cap into the rear handle to stabilise the chainsaw. ### Step 4: Activate the chain brake Before starting your chainsaw, activate the chain brake by pushing the chain brake guard forward. If your chainsaw is fitted with a decompression valve, press it now. It assists with firing the engine and starting your chainsaw. Pump the fuel primer at least six times, until the fuel is visible. ### Step 5: Engage the choke If you’re doing a cold start, make sure you engage the choke. If doing a warm start, make sure it’s disengaged. On a Stihl chainsaw, the choke is the fourth setting down on the master control lever, located to the left of the handle. On a Husqvarna chainsaw, the choke is also located to the left of the handle. Pull it out completely to engage. ### Step 6: Pull the starter rope Slowly pull the starter rope until you feel resistance. Then, pull the starter rope hard several times until the engine fires briefly with a cough or a splutter. Pull upward, keeping it as vertical as you can, without allowing the rope to chafe against the fan housing. The engine will likely fire only briefly and die again immediately. ### Step 7: Disengage the choke Move the Master Control lever up one notch (to the half-throttle position) to disengage the choke. Some saws will do this automatically. If it’s a Husqvarna chainsaw, push in the blue choke control switch. If the chainsaw is fitted with a decompression valve, press it again. ### Step 8: Fire the engine Once you have pulled the starter rope after disengaging the choke, the engine will fire and start running. Briefly touch the throttle trigger to blip the engine and return the saw to idle. You can now disengage the chain brake by pulling the chain brake guard back. Touch the throttle trigger briefly with your index finger to move the chain. The master control lever will move back to the normal idle setting. And to turn off the chainsaw - ensure the chain brake is on. Simply press down the red trigger on a Husqvarna or on a Stihl, move the master control lever up to the first setting (off). If using a battery powered chainsaw, it pays to remove the battery while not in use to avoid accidental start ups. ### Step 9: Troubleshooting if the engine floods If you continue to pull the starter cord with the chainsaw still on full choke after the engine fires briefly, you may flood the engine, and it won’t start. If this is the case, this means too much fuel has entered the engine, and you will have to wait for the fuel to drain out of the chainsaw before you can start the process again. This should only take five minutes. If you’re working with a battery powered chainsaw, you won’t be required to follow these steps. Simply put the battery in, pull the trigger, and you’re away! Ensure that the battery pack is removed from the saw when not in use to prevent any accidents. ### Step 10: How to stop after use Once you’ve finished with your job, a chainsaw is very easy to power down. Simply move the stop-start switch to the stop position, engage the chain brake, and then you’ll want to put back on the chain protector. ## Ready to start sawing? So there you have it - that’s how to correctly start a chainsaw. As we’re sure we don’t need to remind you, a chainsaw is a helpful and time saving tool when it comes to cutting up firewood. We have a selection of chainsaws available at Hirepool, depending on the size of your job. If you’re cutting large logs and trees, a petrol chainsaw may be a good option. If you’re cutting up trees or green waste in a residential area, a quieter battery powered option may be preferred. Ready for your project? [Book your professional-grade gear online](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products.md) at Hirepool now and then pick up your gear from [your nearest Hirepool branch](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/branches.md). We also have a series of helpful chainsaw guides, tips and tricks to help you work smarter. Some of our handy guides include: - [Hirepools range of chainsaws](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/hirepools-range-of-chainsaws.md) - [How to replace a chain on a chainsaw](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/how-to-replace-a-chain-on-a-chainsaw.md) - [Chainsaw tips and tricks](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/top-chainsaw-tips-and-tricks.md) If you need to hire a trailer for your firewood, we’ve also got a [large selection of trailers for hire](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers.md) at Hirepool. ## Useful products for this guide - [Chainsaw Chaps](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/safety/safety-gear/692g-chainsaw-chaps.md) - [Chainsaw Battery 14" to 16" Bar](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws/526a-chainsaw-battery-14-to-16-bar.md) - [Chainsaw Petrol 16" to 18" Bar](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws/527a-chainsaw-petrol-16-to-18-bar.md) - [Chainsaw Petrol 24" to 30" Bar](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/building-renovation/saws/527c-chainsaw-petrol-24-to-30-bar.md) Source: https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/how-to-start-a-chainsaw