24 Different Parts Of A Chainsaw | A Complete Guide 2022

Parts Of A Chainsaw

Most of the users think that chainsaws are a complicated machine, with myriads of the intricated part. As a result, they rush to the nearest hardware store if any issue occurs in their chainsaw and end up paying hundreds of bucks for a task which they could have easily done. Furthermore, we also waste a lot of time by visiting the hardware store for minuscule repairs.

In this guide, I will try to demystify the fact that the chainsaw is a complicated tool. For this reason, I will give a brief explanation of all the parts of a chainsaw. As a result, you will garner sufficient confidence to repair your chainsaw if a minor issue occurs. For instance, you will be easily able to sharpen your saw and can do regular cleanup and maintenance.

Hence, this guide will prove to be the most lucrative guide for you. As it will save tonnes of time and tonnes of money. Furthermore, it will also help you in making a better decision while buying a new chainsaw. Therefore, let’s head straight to the different parts of the chainsaw.

Important Notice

Before heading towards the different parts of a chainsaw I want to inform you all that as per the safety requirement of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a chainsaw must have certain parts to meet the chainsaw safety parameters. Attributable to, this fact I will type “(OSHA)” at the end of that part name. As a result, you will be able to identify which part is a must-have in your chainsaw.

Diffrent Parts Of A Chainsaw

Firstly, I want to apprise you all that not all chainsaws are the same. As a result, different chainsaws have different parts. Therefore, if I start discussing all the parts the article will turn out to be very boring and useless as well. Henceforth, it will be better for us to only discuss the important parts of the chainsaw.

But, please note that I am not saying that I am omitting any chainsaw’s part in this article. I will just be excluding those parts which are found in a rare chainsaw or are of no use and reading about them will be of no use for our readers as they might never use such parts. Henceforth, I am listing below the important parts of the chainsaw.

1. Engine

Parts Of A Chainsaw
X-Torq Engine Of Husqvarna Chainsaw

The first thing to start is the engine as it is the core part for the functioning of the chainsaw. The function of the engine is to generate enough energy to make the chain rotate around the bar at high speed. The engine derives the power either from gas/petrol or from electricity.

We should note that the engine is the most prominent part of the chainsaw. As a result, any issue in the engine will result in an atrocious outcome. Henceforth, we should regularly clean and maintain the engine for the best performance.

2. Throttle (OSHA)

Parts Of A Chainsaw
Throttle Trigger Of A Sthil Chainsaw

The throttle helps us to adjust the RPM (Rounds Per Minute) of the chainsaw and we can find it under the rear handle. In gas-powered chainsaw, it regulates the RPM by regulating the amount of fuel that reaches the combustion cylinder. The speed depends upon the amount of fuel. Hence, more fuel present means more speed and vice versa.

On the other hand, in electric chainsaws throttle determines the ampere supply. Therefore, if we want higher RPM we need to increase the amperage with the help of the throttle.

Note: The Throttle Lock Must Be Engage For The Throttle to function.

3. Throttle Interlock (OSHA)

The throttle Interlock is located at the top of the chainsaw handle. Its function is to refrain us from accidentally increasing or decreasing the RPM, by locking the throttle. As a result, we are required to engage the throttle interlock for the throttle to function.

4. Chain Brake (OSHA)

Parts Of A Chainsaw
Handguard Along With Chainbreak

This is the key safety part of a chainsaw located above the guide bar of the chainsaw. It stops the chain from rotating around the guide bar when kickback occurs. As a result, it saves us from injuries resulting from fatal kickbacks.

Even though this is one of the fines features in a chainsaw I have seen some loggers removing the chain brake from their tool. Because they do not feel comfortable operating a chainsaw with a chain brake. It is my request not to detach the chain brake because the kickbacks are fatal and might result in deaths. Hence, we should give safety priority and should always work with chain brakes.

5. Chain Catcher (OSHA)

Parts Of A Chainsaw
Chain Catcher

Sometimes the chain loses out of the guide bar or breaks apart. As a result, it starts snapping around the guide bar and might hit us causing gruesome injuries. But, with the help of this unique safety feature mandated by OSHA, we are free from such risks. Because the chain catcher stops the chain from hitting us by catching it.

6. Spark Arrestor

The spark arrestor is located under the muffler of the chainsaw. The function of the spark arrestor is to entrap any particle or small metal piece from ejecting out of the chainsaw. As a result, it also prevents us from injuries and prevents the small projectiles from scattering around.

7. Handguard (OSHA)

Parts Of A Chainsaw
Handguard Along With Chainbreak

Some people regard the handguard as a part of the chain brake. However, in this guide, I am discussing them separately so that our readers can understand them better. The handguard is generally located below the upper handle and its function is to prevent the chain from injuring our hands in case of the chain brake.

8. Muffler (OSHA)

The muffler is another safety feature mandated by OSHA. It protects our ears from the loud sound of the engine by dampening the voice. Otherwise, our capability of hearing would have surely deteriorated.

Note: We can detach our muffler for maintenance purposes. But, please note that it is not recommended to operate a chainsaw without a muffler as it will damage your chainsaw.

9. Anti Vibration System (OSHA)

Parts Of A Chainsaw
Anti Vibration System Of Husqvarna

Anti Vibration system is a system that has a combination of springs installed in different parts of the handles and the engine to absorb the vibration generated by the engine and the saw. As a result, it makes the process of using the chainsaw more comfortable and smooth. Furthermore, it also prevents our hands and joints from getting injured due to the vibration. Hence, it is a prominent part of the chainsaw.

10. Clutch And Sprocket

The sprocket is a pair of metal teeth that engages with the links of the chain of the chainsaw. It is responsible for making the chain spin around the guide bar by rotating.

In this head, I have listed two parts the clutch and the sprocket because they both work together. The clutch is a ring that surrounds the sprocket. Its function is to refrain the sprocket from spinning in case of the chain brake by contracting around the sprocket and stopping it. Hence, we can say that the clutch determines the spinning of the sprocket.

11. Guide Bar

Parts Of A Chainsaw
A 24 Inch Guide Bar Of Husqvarna

Most of the newbies regard the guide bar and the chain as the same part. However, in reality, both are very different. The guide bar is a long metal bar around which the chain wraps around and spins. The length of our cuts is determined by the size of the guide bar. For instance, a guide bar of length 24-inches will make a cut of a max of 24-inches at a time.

12. Chain

Parts Of A Chainsaw
Chain Of A Chainsaw

The chain is wrapped around the guide bar and it performs the prime function of the chainsaw i.e, chewing through the woods. We should note that there are different types of chains available in the market which are good for a specific job. Hence, we should pay attention while buying a new chain for ourselves. If you want a complete guide about the different parts of the chain please read our article The Diffrent Types Of Chainsaw Chains You Must Know About.

13. Chain Tensioner

The Chain Tensioner determines the tension of the chain on the guide bar. With the help of a chain tensioner, we loosen the chains to detach them for sharpening and maintenance. Furthermore, we also tighten the chain with the help of a chain tensioner to prevent it from losing.

Note: Please make sure to hit the sweet spot while tightening the chain tensioner. Otherwise, the chain might not spin at full speed if you tighten it too hard. On the other hand, it will derail from the guide bar if you have not tightened it well enough.

14. Flywheel

Parts Of A Chainsaw
Flywheel Of A Sthil Chainsaw

The flywheel is an internal part of the chainsaw and it determines the speed of the engine by controlling its speed. Furthermore, it also helps the motor from not getting overheated by cooling it down.

15. Carburetor

Parts Of A Chainsaw
Carburetor Of Husqvarna Chainsaw

The carburetor helps us to adjust the amount of fuel and air that can enter the engine. Hence, it helps the chainsaw to function most efficiently and economically.

16. Fuel Tank

The screw of the fuel tank is located near the assembly trigger. We need to unscrew the screw and fill the fuel in the chainsaw.

17. Lubricant Tank

The Lubricant tank screw is located above the bar of the chainsaw. Its function is to supply sufficient lubrication to the chain and the bar so that it works smoothly. But, please keep in mind to not fill it up with ordinary oil always use Bar and Chain Oil for lubrication.

I have listed below the finest bar and chain oil available in the market, for those who were looking for a good bar and chain oil.

18. Starter Rope

It is also called the pull chord the function of the pull cord is to start the engine. All we need to do is to pull the starter rope a couple of times and the saw will start.

19. Decompression Valve

Parts Of A Chainsaw
Decompression Valve Of A Sthil Chainsaw

The decompression valve is located at the top of the engine. It simplifies the starting process by delivering the compression from the combustion chamber to the motor. As a result, the chainsaw gets started in a few pulls.

20. Choke Valve

The choke valve also helps in easing the starting process of the chainsaw. It is generally located near the recoil start handle and it helps us to alters the flow of fuel and air mixture. As a result, we are able to reach a perfect combination for starting the chainsaw.

21. Air Filter

The job of the air filter is to ensure that clean air goes into the engine and the carburetor of the chainsaw. For this purpose, the air filter is found under the cover of the air filter. It should be noted that the air filter is detachable and we should clean it regularly. The cleaning is necessary because the dirt and debris get accumulated in the filter.

22. Bucking Spikes

Parts Of A Chainsaw
Bucking Spikes Of A Chainsaw

The bucking spikes help us in making perfect and straits cuts into the log by stabilizing the chainsaw. Some loggers also call these spikes bumper spikes.

23. Spark Plug

Parts Of A Chainsaw
An Image Of A Spark Plug

The spark plug is one of the most important parts of a chainsaw as it makes the starting of the chainsaw easier. In the absence of a spark plug starting a chainsaw becomes a backbreaking task.

The spark plug looks just like the smaller version of the spark plugs found in the cars and is located above the engine. Its function is to ignite the fuel present in the chainsaw to keep it running.

We should note that the sparks plugs need to be replaced on a regular basis because it gets worn out.

24. Shutter

Some people call the shutter winter and summer shutter. Its function is to control the temperature and the airflow of the engine by allowing and restraining air to pass through the engine.

For instance, in summertime the engine needs the outside air to heat up soon hence we allow the air to flow in with help of the shutter. On the other hand, during the wintertime, we want to retain the warmth of the engine. As a result, we block the outside airflow with the help of the shutter.

Final Words

Parts Of A Chainsaw

After reading this article most of the reader’s myth of chainsaw being a complicated tool must have faded. Furthermore, now most of you will also be able to do minor maintenance and repair of the chainsaw on your own.

However, it is my request to please keep in mind that I have not mentioned all the parts of the chainsaw. In addition, there might be some parts in the above list which might be absent in your saw.

Hence, it is my request to go through your chainsaw guide and manual as well if you have any confusion. Furthermore, if you want to know how to do regular maintenance and cleaning of our saw do not forget to read our articles listed in the recommendation section below.

If you still have any doubts or queries regarding this article or any part of the chainsaw. Please do let me know through the comment section. It will be a pleasure for me to answer your doubts and queries.

Resources

Here at best for customers, we try our best to provide complete and correct information. Therefore, we have a stern guideline for sourcing the information. As a result, we refrain ourself to display the facts and data garnered from tertiary sources because they might have some distorted information that may cause harm to our readers.

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