A chainsaw is any child’s nightmare…

When I was very little I thought this was merely something used in horror movies to hurt people. The actual purpose was only revealed to me much later when my dad decided to purchase a chainsaw to use when gardening.

A chainsaw (or chain saw) is a portable mechanical, motorized saw. It is most commonly used in logging activities such as felling, and bucking; by tree surgeons to fell trees and remove branches and foliage; to fell snags and assist in cutting firebreaks in wild land fire suppression, and to harvest firewood.

Chainsaws with specially designed blades have been developed as tools for use in chainsaw art.

Maintenance is very important should the owner wish to use it for years and years to come. A chainsaw requires two sources of lubrication. Like most two-stroke engines, the engine is lubricated by its fuel, which contains about 2 ~ 5% (depending on model) oil dissolved in the fuel. Since this mixture is highly flammable, a completely separate oil reservoir is used for the external lubrication of the blade and chain. This latter oil is depleted quickly because it tends to be thrown off the chain by centrifugal force. Failing to keep this reservoir topped up, or using an oil of incorrect viscosity, is a common source of damage to saws and tends to lead to the chain coming off of the bar.

Chainsaws can also be hired if one only needs it for one or two jobs. This is sometimes easier, because the maintenance is then the concern of the chainsaws rental shop.

A chainsaw is a very dangerous tool and should be used with great caution. Any person using a chainsaw should wear protective gear like gloves and glasses. No wonder chainsaws are used with great success in horror movies.