chainsaw kickback: what it is and how to stay safe

Chainsaws are used for cutting down trees to trimming limbs jobs. Yet, this power carries kickback safety hazards, a sudden and potentially hazardous reactionary force.

Improper handling of chainsaw can lead to kickback incident, may cause severe injuries. In this article, BISON will delve into chainsaw kickback, explore its causes, and offer crucial advice on how to prevent it. By the conclusion, you will possess fundamental understanding necessary to operate chainsaw both safely and efficiently. Read on to protect yourself and improve your chainsaw skills.

Understanding chainsaw kickback

What is kickback?

Chainsaw kickback is the sudden and forceful movement of a chainsaw, typically occurring during tasks such as cutting through dense wood, encountering hidden nails or knots, or when chain accidentally contacts a solid object. This sudden reaction can propel chainsaw upward toward operator, creating a serious risk of injury.

Types of chainsaw kickback

Rotational kickback

Rotational kickback occurs when the chain at the tip of the chainsaw bar becomes stuck or pinched. This kickback causes the chainsaw to rotate violently towards the user, so maintaining a firm grip and proper body position is crucial.

Linear kickback

Linear kickback occurs when the wood compresses the chain along the length of the chainsaw bar. This causes the chainsaw to be pushed back towards the user. This usually happens when making a closing cut and the moving chain gets stuck.

Causes of chainsaw kickback

Recognizing the reasons for chainsaw kickback is essential for its prevention. Here are the main reasons why kickback may occur:

Improper use

Incorrect angle: Using the chainsaw at an incorrect angle increases the likelihood of kickback.

Tip cutting: Cutting with the tip of the chainsaw bar in contact with the wood can trigger a rapid upward motion, which can cause kickback.

Mechanical issues

Dull or unevenly worn chain: chainsaw requires additional force to make cuts, raising the risk of a kickback.

Lack of proper upkeep: Failing to perform regular maintenance can lead to chainsaw malfunction and a heightened chance of kickback.

Environmental factors

Tensioned wood: Cutting wood that is bent or in tension can cause it to close on the chain, which can cause kickback.

Unstable or poorly positioned wood: Using unstable or poorly supported wood increases the likelihood of sudden movement that can trigger kickback.

By understanding these causes, you can take proactive steps to mitigate the risk of kickback and operate your chainsaw confidently and safely.

Preventing chainsaw kickback

Proper technique

Maintain control: Hold chainsaw firmly with both hands, with your left hand holding the front handle with your thumb and your right hand holding rear handle. This grip provides the most control and stability.

Proper posture: Stand to one side of cutting path and make sure your feet are firmly planted. Maintain a balanced posture so you can react quickly if kickback occurs.

Avoid chainsaw tip

Proper cutting position: Focus on using the center of saw blade when cutting and avoid contacting the upper quadrant of blade tip to minimize the risk of kickback.

Regular maintenance

Sharpening the chain: Keep chain sharp and check for even wear. A sharp, well maintained chain cuts smoothly and reduces likelihood of kickback.

Inspecting chainsaw: Regularly check chainsaw for any mechanical problems, such as loose components or a defective brake, to guarantee its safe use.

Safe cutting practices

Assess the wood: Before you begin, assess the tension in the wood. Identify any potential binding points and plan your cut to avoid these areas.

Secure the workpiece: Make sure the wood is stable and properly supported to prevent shifting during the cut, which reduces the chance of pinching the chain.

Use safety features

Chain brake: Engage the chain brake as soon as chainsaw kicks back. Be familiar with how it works and make sure it is functioning properly.

Low kickback chain: Consider using a low kickback chain and guide bar, which are specifically designed to reduce the risk of kickback.

Environmental awareness

Prepare work environment: Remove any obstacles or debris from work area to prevent interference with your tasks or potential loss of balance.

Ensure good visibility: Ascertain that the area is well-lit and visibility is unimpeded, particularly in wooded or cluttered settings.

Following these measures can substantially reduce risk of kickback and improve your safety when operating chainsaw.

What to do if kickback occurs

If kickback occurs, it is critical to react calmly and effectively to minimize the risk:

Maintain control: Always keep a firm grip on the chainsaw. A firm grip helps you control unexpected movements and maintain stability.

Activate chain brake: Quickly engage chain brake to stop chain motion. Before using a chainsaw, familiarize yourself with brake mechanism so you can instinctively activate it if kickback occurs.

Avoid grabbing chainsaw: Resist the urge to grab or stop chainsaw with your hands. This instinctive reaction can result in serious injury. Instead, maintain your grip and focus on controlling chainsaw.

Summary

To safely use chainsaw, it's important to know how to prevent kickback. Learn what causes it and how to solve sudden occurrences. Reducing injury risk involves prioritizing safe practices, routine upkeep, and knowing your surroundings. Armed with this information, you can operate a chainsaw safely.