Are you familiar with the terminology when it comes to using a chainsaw? If yes, then you would know what is chainsaw kickback. However, if you are just a beginner, you must have heard other people talk about a chainsaw kickback and yet have absolutely no clue what it is. Then you have landed at the right place!
We have crafted a full-fledged comprehensive guide with all the necessary information to enlighten chainsaw beginners about what is chainsaw kickback.
You will have to keep reading to find out about what is chainsaw kickback, why a kickback occurs and what can you do to avoid a kickback when you are using a chainsaw.
Table of Contents [hide]
- Exploring the Term: Kickback!
- What Are the Reasons Behind a Chainsaw Kickback?
- Minimizing the Potential of a Chainsaw Kickback
Exploring the Term: Kickback!
Firstly, we will be exploring the term “kickback” and what it means in chainsaw terminology. A kickback is described as a very sudden upwards motion of a chainsaw’s guide bar. You will be extremely surprised to know that a kickback can happen quite often and it is also one of the most common reasons for accidents involving a chainsaw. A kickback happens too fast too soon and is incredibly dangerous for the operator. Mostly, a chainsaw kickback occurs when the correct methods of using a chainsaw are not observed.
What Are the Reasons Behind a Chainsaw Kickback?
Now that you have a better understanding of what is chainsaw kickback. We will be looking over the three major reasons a chainsaw kickback occurs.
The Wood and the Chain
One of the reasons a chainsaw kickback takes place is when you are using a chainsaw for cutting wood and the wood accidentally closes around the chain. The wood pinches the chain in a blink of an eye and chainsaw kickback occurs.
Hence, to avoid a chainsaw kickback we recommend that you plan out the cutting process. Just don’t start cutting without deciding where and how you will make the cuts.
A chainsaw kickback is a very common occurrence especially among beginners because they tend to ignore the importance of planning how they will approach the cutting process.
A professional chainsaw operator will always have a plan in mind when using a chainsaw for cutting wood. It is always a beginner’s instinct to cut through the wood which is extremely dangerous as it increases the chances of the chain being pinched.
The ideal way is to always find a way around the wood and making two or more cuts to safely use a chainsaw.
The Tip of the Chainsaw
In chainsaw terminology, the tip of a chainsaw is called the “kickback zone.”
There is a reason it is referred to as the kickback zone because the tip of a chainsaw is one of the most common parts of a chainsaw which can instantly cause a kickback. The tip of a chainsaw has the highest kickback risk involved.
Therefore, the tip of the chainsaw is never to be used to cut wood. The tip of a chainsaw bar has to be avoided at all costs for making any cuts and in case it comes in contact with the wood there is a very high possibility that a kickback will occur. No matter the chainsaw model you have, even the best chainsaws can’t guarantee a kickback free chainsaw experience.
Hence, this is where learning to use a chainsaw becomes imperative.
Looking at Other Factors
We have mentioned two of the most dangerous factors in detail above because when a kickback occurs because of them, the accident caused could lead to very serious injuries. Now let’s look at some of the other factors that can increase the chances of a chainsaw kickback.
- Improper chain tension.
- Poor maintenance of the chainsaw.
- A chain that has worn out with bends and cracks.
- Improper sharpening of the chain.
- Loose rivets.
- Incorrect chain installation.
These are some of the other factors that lead to a chainsaw kickback. Therefore, chainsaw maintenance is very imperative to avoid any potential accidents when it is being used.
Another factor that you can keep in mind is to pay attention to the size of the guide bar’s nose because with time the guide bar’s nose expands that also increases the chances of a kickback.
Minimizing the Potential of a Chainsaw Kickback
At this point, you must have a fair idea about what a chainsaw kickback is and are aware of the major factors that lead to a kickback. Now it is time to go over the steps to minimize the potential of a chainsaw kickback.
Reading the Operator’s Manual
Every chainsaw comes with an operator’s manual and it is important to read the instructions with a proper understanding of the end.
One of the biggest mistakes many people make is to assume that all chainsaws work the same way. If you are switching to a new chainsaw then you still have to read the operator’s manual of the new chainsaw because not all chainsaws function the same way. While the purpose of using a chainsaw is to cut, how to operate a chainsaw is a completely different story.
Therefore, educating yourself about the chainsaw you will be using is the most important to avoid a kickback.
Being Alert and Active
A chainsaw is a very powerful tool and when it needs to be used, the operator should be in sound body and mind. Therefore, using a chainsaw when you are fatigued is not recommended at all.
It requires concentration, alertness, and power to operate, and should only be used when the operator is not fatigued at all otherwise it could lead to possible accidents resulting from a chainsaw kickback.
Checking the Chain Brake
Not a lot of beginners are aware that a chainsaw brake needs to be double-checked before the chainsaw has to be used.
Double-checking the chain brake is very important because it is the chain brake that stops the chain from moving. If for instance the chain brake isn’t checked for its proper functionality it could lead to a chainsaw kickback which could be quite dangerous.
Using the Chainsaw at the Correct Height
As we have mentioned above, a chainsaw is a powerful tool that is also heavy to hold. One of the biggest mistakes you can make when using a chainsaw is trying to use it above your shoulders which is a recipe for disaster because the arms will easily get tired holding it too high and control over the tool will be eventually lost which could to a backward thrust of the chainsaw blade.
Practicing Caution When Cutting
When using a chainsaw to remove tree branches, ensure that the tip of the chainsaw doesn’t strike any hidden branches or logs. Similarly, when cutting a tree down make sure to use the bottom of the sidebar for making the cuts. The tip of the chainsaw should never be used to make any cuts under any circumstances.
Having Proper Grip
We can’t stress the importance of properly gripping the chainsaw when it needs to be used. The best way to have the proper grip on the chainsaw handle is tightly wrapping around your fingers. If you only half-grip the handle then you will not have the control you need to operate the chainsaw which could of course lead to a sudden kickback.
Time to Time Maintenance
Over time, a chainsaw requires maintenance because the parts may start to wear out and need to be replaced. Screws or bolts may start to loosen up as well.
Therefore, with the help of the chainsaw manual, you can learn how to properly maintain a chainsaw to minimize a chainsaw kickback when you are using it.
Wearing Personal Protective Equipment
While this may not be a factor that would minimize a chainsaw kickback. However, we felt that it needs to be mentioned because wearing personal protective equipment is extremely important when you are about to use a chainsaw.
A pair of goggles, full-clothes, gloves, hard hat, boots, and earplugs are what make the personal protective gear for chainsaw operators. To minimize injury if a sudden kickback occurs, personal protective equipment is imperative.
Final Verdict
Now that you are aware of what is chainsaw kickback, you must have a fair idea that what causes it and what are some of the protective measures you can take to avoid it. The thing with a chainsaw kickback is that it can occur in a matter of seconds and can happen at any time.
Therefore, it is advised that all factors that can lead to a chainsaw kickback should be kept in mind when you are operating a chainsaw.
We hope that this guide was helpful and has answered all the questions related to what a chainsaw kickback is, what are the steps to minimize it, and how you can protect yourself from it.
