Begin with the manual and protective equipment
Before starting, wear the protective equipment specified by the saw manufacturer and applicable workplace rules: commonly head, eye, hearing, hand, leg and foot protection. Inspect the chain brake, throttle lockout or trigger controls, handles, fasteners and guards. Do not operate a damaged or modified saw.
Set chain tension when the saw is cool
A correctly tensioned chain sits in the bar groove and moves by hand when the power source is disabled, without hanging loosely beneath the bar. Exact procedure and acceptable movement vary by design. New chains stretch during early use, and a hot chain expands; check frequently and never tension a hot chain so tightly that it binds when cool.
Keep cutters sharp and even
A sharp chain feeds with light pressure and produces chips appropriate to the wood. Fine dust, slow cutting, pulling to one side or the need to force the bar can indicate dull or uneven cutters. Filing requires the correct diameter, angle and depth-gauge setting. If those cannot be maintained consistently, use a qualified sharpening service.
Lubricate the bar and chain
Fill the chain-oil reservoir with the recommended lubricant and confirm oil delivery according to the manual. Running dry increases friction, heat and wear. Clean the bar groove and oil holes, inspect rails for damage and rotate a reversible bar when instructed to promote even wear.
Control contamination and storage
Soil dulls cutters rapidly. Avoid cutting into the ground and clean bark or positioning where practical. For storage, allow the saw to cool, remove or isolate the power source as directed, fit the scabbard and keep the tool dry and inaccessible to children. Follow specific fuel-storage or battery-storage instructions.
Pre-use checklist
- Inspect controls, brake, handles, guards and fasteners.
- Confirm correct cool-chain tension.
- Check cutter sharpness and damage.
- Fill chain oil and verify lubrication.
- Clear the work area and plan movement and escape.
- Stop if wood movement, bind or conditions become unpredictable.
Sources and further reading
Disconnect the battery or disable the engine before touching the chain. Seek trained help for felling, overhead work, storm damage and wood under tension.