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Writer's pictureKiera Peterson

Basic safety measures for using Chainsaws in DIY projects

Updated: Sep 9, 2023

With global lockdown, many people are undertaking DIY projects in their home garage. If you have just bought the equipment then you will need time to master using it. Meanwhile, you need to follow a few basic precautions to avoid any major injuries. You can use chainsaws for your garden maintenance. Large and diseased branches of your trees are dangerous and you need to prune them every year. Plus, you can remove the tree stumps by chainsaws. You can cut them into pieces and remove the stumps from your backyard.

How would you use chainsaw?

Chainsaws come in various sizes. If you have not already bought the tool, it is recommended that you start with a beginner-friendly model, especially if you have no prior experience. If you are using this machine for the first time, it is recommended that you use one with a short-chain bar that is about 30 to 40cm long. After buying the tool, you should go through the manufacturer's manual.

Practice different beginner steps

Once you have mastered the steps for starting and stopping the device, you should start practicing on scrap wood. You should learn how to use the chain brake when not cutting and also the correct safe grips along with different stances for holding the device when using it. Start with simple and basic cutting exercises to get started.


Invest in safety gears

While some Australians prefer to skip on safety gear, they are an absolute must when you are using power tools like Chainsaws. Many people think they do not need safety gear when they are working on small DIY projects in their garage but the importance of the right safety gear cannot stress enough. Here are a few basic safety gears you definitely should invest on:

1. Head protection: Even a simple helmet will protect your head from wood chips and other falling objects. A good quality helmet will protect your face along with your eyes and ears.

2. Eye protection: This is perhaps the most important gear that you will need when working with your new tool. Eye gears designed for craftsmen are best suited for the job. If you do not have professional eye protection gear at least use a sunglass.

3. Ear protection: Chainsaws are extremely loud using it for prolonged periods can cause ear damage or at the very least a nagging headache. Ear protection is cheap but effective gear that you can have when working on your DIY project.

4. Hand protection: Proper working gloves are recommended when handling Chainsaws. One major injury risk is from kick-back. When the upper quadrant of the chain bar tip meets resistance you would get a violent Kick-back. Proper gloves will help reduce the impact on your wrists.

5. Leg protection: You can reduce the risk of any other harmful injury by always wearing chaps or trousers. You can search for such safety gear online and choose the best one for your garden cleaning.

Getting used to chain slack and regular maintenance

Once you are familiar with your tool and have the required safety gear, you will have to check the chain. Chainsaws will have a very sharp and tight chain when they are new. After a little use, the chain will stretch and slacken. You will have to become familiar with the chain-tensioning on your device.

Regular maintenance of the tool is very important as it will help keep the chain sharp. You will have to use a chainsaw sharpener or file to keep the chain in peak condition. Make sure you check the chain sharpness before you use the tool. Chainsaws can be a very effective tool if used safely.

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