A chainsaw is not a toy. Be absolutely sure to thoroughly read the operator’s manual supplied with your chainsaw. Follow exactly the manufacturer’s cutting chain sharpening and other chainsaw maintenance instructions. The following information is not meant to replace the information provided in the operator’s manual for your specific chainsaw.
Kickback
Kickback may occur when the moving chain at the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object, or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut. Tip or bar nose contact can, in some cases, cause a lightning-fast reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back toward the operator. Pinching the cutting chain along the top of the guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly toward the operator. Either of these reactions may cause you to lose control of the saw, which could result in serious personal injury to yourself or to bystanders.
The top of the tip of the chainsaw guide bar is known as the KICKBACK DANGER ZONE. When contact is made with an object such as a branch or a log, there is a danger of a sudden bar nose kickback reaction.
Modern chainsaws are equipped with a variety of devices intended to reduce the risk of injury from kickback or from other causes. Among these are the chain brake, the front (left) hand guard, the bar tip guard and low or reduced kickback saw chain and guide bars. To assure the protection afforded by these devices is maintained, it is important your chainsaw is properly and fully assembled, and that all components are securely attached and functional.