Chainsaws are a useful garden tool, allowing you to keep your garden in top condition by trimming trees or branches. Stihl chainsaws are among the most popular brands due to their durability and exceptional performance.
Knowing how to start up a chainsaw safely is essential for avoiding serious injuries, whilst taking care of it helps to prolong its lifespan. At Gustharts, we answer some of the most common questions regarding Stihl chainsaws.
Table of contents
- How to start a Stihl chainsaw
- How to change a Stihl chainsaw chain
- Are Stihl battery chainsaws any good?
- How to remove the clutch on a Stihl chainsaw
How to start a Stihl chainsaw
Before starting your chainsaw, you need to ensure your surroundings are clear of any hazards and other people. Wear protective equipment, such as trousers, a jacket and chainsaw boots, to avoid serious injury.
It is recommended that you start up a Stihl petrol chainsaw outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, as the emissions created could cause environmental harm and exposure to carbon monoxide.
Engage the chain brake and press the decompression valve before starting your chainsaw to help avoid any kickback when operating. This will make it easier to start up your chainsaw.
For chainsaws with manual fuel pumps, pressing the primer bulb a few times will make it easier to start your chainsaw, as fewer pulls of the starter cord will be needed.
Set the master control level to the lowest position and place your chainsaw on the ground to start it, ensuring the chainsaw bar doesn’t make contact with the ground.
Stabilise the chainsaw by putting your left hand on the handle and your right foot on the rear handle. Using your right hand, pull the starter cord upwards slowly until you feel resistance, then pull the starter cord firmly until the engine starts.
Your chainsaw will start briefly before quickly turning off. Move the master control lever up one setting to half-throttle before pulling the cord again to start the chainsaw engine.
Once your Stihl chainsaw is running, tapping the throttle trigger will set itself to the idle setting. Lift your chainsaw off the ground and release the chain brake so the chain can begin to move and you can start working.
How to change a Stihl chainsaw chain
When it comes to changing your Stihl chainsaw chain, you need to ensure that you are wearing safety gloves to protect yourself from cuts. Whether you have a petrol, battery or cordless chainsaw, you should always switch it off and apply the chain brake before changing your chainsaw chain.
Chainsaws can have different tensioning devices, meaning there are different ways to change your chain depending on the tension. Your chainsaw will either be equipped with quick chain, side chain or front chain tensioning.
Changing a chainsaw chain with quick chain tensioning
Turn the chainsaw wingnut anti-clockwise to remove the chain sprocket cover before taking out the tensioning gear and removing the tensioning gear screw with a flathead screwdriver.
Release the chain brake and refit the tensioning gear onto the guide bar by lining up the tensioning gear pins with the guide bar boreholes. Once you have them lined up, place and tighten the screw.
Working downwards from the nose of the guide bar, fit your new chain and ensure the chain faces the direction of rotation.
Turn the tensioning gear clockwise as much as possible and place the chain onto the sprocket, ensuring the tensioning gear is facing outwards from the guide bar, before turning the tensioning gear anti-clockwise.
Refit the sprocket cover before tensioning your chainsaw by turning the adjustment wheel and tightening the wingnut.
Changing a chainsaw chain with side chain tensioning
Widely used in petrol, battery and cordless chainsaws, side chain tensioning requires a combination sprocket tool to loosen the sprocket cover. Once you have removed the chainsaw’s sprocket cover, release the chain brake.
Adjust the tensioner slide to move as far left as possible by turning the tensioning screw anti-clockwise. Fit your new chain onto the guide bar, working downwards, ensuring that the chain faces the direction of rotation.
Place the new chain onto the sprocket and replace the sprocket cover before tightening the nut by hand. Turn the tensioning screw clockwise to tighten the chain onto the guide bar before using the combination tool to tighten the nut.
Changing a chainsaw chain with front chain tensioning
Chainsaws with front chain tensioning have the same process for changing a chain as side chain tensioning, with the only difference being the location of the tension adjustment screw.
If you have a chainsaw with a front chain tension, follow the same steps for side chain tensioning. You will find the tension adjustment screw at the front of the chainsaw rather than the side.
Are Stihl battery chainsaws any good?
Stihl battery chainsaws are a great choice for those needing to keep their garden in top condition. Battery chainsaws are quieter than petrol chainsaws and produce less carbon emissions, making them a great option for those in urban areas.
While petrol chainsaws are quite heavy and difficult to operate, battery-powered chainsaws are lightweight and easy to use. Battery chainsaws have simple starting mechanisms and require little maintenance, making them a fantastic long-term investment.
Stihl battery chainsaws are an excellent alternative to petrol chainsaws for cutting down small trees and large branches. If you need to cut down a large tree, a petrol chainsaw may be a better option for the extra power.
How long does a Stihl battery chainsaw last?
The lifespan of a Stihl battery chainsaw depends on how frequently you use it. If you constantly care for your chainsaw and keep it in good condition, it can run for approximately 2,000 hours.
How to remove the clutch on a Stihl chainsaw
A chainsaw clutch is essential for transferring the motor’s power without adding extra strain to the chainsaw’s engine. Clutches disconnect the motor from the chain when not in use, meaning the motor will be idle and chances of injury are reduced. Due to their constant use, you must regularly replace your chainsaw clutch.
You will need various tools to help you remove the clutch on a Stihl chainsaw:
- Rubber piston stop tool
- Clutch removal tool
- Wrench
- Socket wrench
- Screwdriver
Firstly, block the piston using starter rope or thick string, allowing you to turn the clutch without moving the crankshaft. Remove the clutch drums and sprockets to access the clutch before using the clutch removal tool to remove the clutch.
Find all your chainsaw essentials at Gustharts
This guide answers some of the most common questions regarding Stihl chainsaws, helping you replace chains and clutches, and keep your chainsaw in working order. Are you on the lookout for a Sthil chainsaw? Why not opt for the latest range of Stihl petrol or Stihl battery chainsaws?
