Chainsaws for Homeowners
After a storm, lots of homeowners pick up a chainsaw for the first time in months, or ever. Chainsaws send tens of thousands of people to emergency rooms each year, often with cuts to the legs, hands and face. Know when to cut and when to call a professional.
- Homeowners
Photo: homeowner in chaps, helmet with face screen and earmuffs cutting a fallen limb on the ground
Call a professional for
- Felling standing trees, especially near the house, wires or fences
- Any tree or limb touching or near a power line. See Tree Work Near Power Lines
- Trees bent, twisted or pinned under other trees after a storm
- Anything that requires a ladder, rope or climbing
- Large hanging limbs (“widowmakers”)
Wear the gear
- Chainsaw chaps or chainsaw pants
- Helmet with face screen, plus safety glasses
- Hearing protection
- Sturdy gloves and boots
- Snug clothing, no scarves or loose sleeves
See Chainsaw PPE.
Avoid kickback
- Kickback happens when the upper tip of the bar touches wood or something else. The saw jumps back toward your face.
- Don’t cut with the tip; keep both hands on the saw, thumbs wrapped around the handles.
- Make sure the chain brake works, and keep the chain sharp.
- Stand to the side of the cutting path, never straddle the cut, and never cut above shoulder height.
Storm-downed trees are under tension. Bent branches and trunks can spring back or snap violently when cut. If you’re not sure how a piece will move, leave it for a pro.
Fueling and starting
- Fuel with the engine off and cool, away from flames, and move 10 feet away before starting.
- Start the saw on the ground or held firmly, with the chain brake on; never drop-start it.
- Turn off or engage the chain brake when walking with the saw.
Don’t cut alone
Have someone nearby who can call 911 and knows bleeding control. See Bleeding Control and Chainsaw Safety.
Standards & references
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