How to start a chainsaw?

Chainsaws are powerful tools that can cut through wood quickly—but for beginners, they can seem intimidating. Without proper precautions, even starting a chainsaw can be hazardous. Whether you’re a first-time user or a professional, and whether your saw is gas or electric, BISON will show you how to start your chainsaw safely and efficiently.

The purpose of this article is to provide a clear, step-by-step start process so you can work confidently while keeping your cutting smooth and controlled.

Safety and preparation

personal protective equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE prevents accidents and serious injury:

• Gloves: improve grip and protect hands from cuts and vibration.

• Safety goggles or face shield: shield eyes from flying wood chips and debris.

• Ear protection: chainsaws are loud; use earmuffs or earplugs to protect your hearing.

• Helmet: guards your head from falling branches or accidental strikes.

• Chainsaw chaps or pants: cut-resistant material reduces the risk of leg injuries.

• Steel-toe boots: protect feet from heavy logs and provide stable footing.

Preparing the starting environment

A safe starting area reduces the risk of accidents:

• Firm, level surface: place the chainsaw on stable, flat ground. Avoid uneven terrain, wet or icy surfaces, and slopes.

• Clear surroundings: remove obstacles like branches, tools, or debris.

• Keep people and pets away: maintain a safe radius of 10–15 feet while starting and operating the saw.

• Ventilation: always start and operate outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Engine exhaust produces harmful emissions that accumulate quickly in enclosed spaces.

• Read the manual first: consult the operator's manual for your specific model before starting

Two starting positions

Always maintain two points of contact with the chainsaw to keep it stable and under your control throughout startup. Choose one of the two recommended positions below based on your situation and comfort.

On the ground

• Place the chainsaw on a firm surface.

• Hold the front handle with your left hand and place your right foot on the rear handle.

• Keep your left arm fully straight — a locked arm acts as a brace that prevents the saw from kicking back toward your body if the chain engages unexpectedly during cord pulls.
  

• Keep your back straight and lean slightly forward.

• Pull the starter handle with your right hand until the engine fires.

On uneven or rocky ground, clear away loose debris to create a stable flat spot before starting, or brace the saw against a log or firm surface to keep it steady while pulling the cord.

Between your legs

• Place the rear handle between your left thigh and behind your right knee.

• Hold the front handle with your left hand, keeping your arm straight.

• Pull the starter handle with your right hand to start the engine.

Always maintain full control during startup. Drop-starting and throw-starting are dangerous techniques that must be avoided—both prevent a firm grip on the saw at the moment it is most critical, significantly increasing injury risk.

Chainsaw inspection

Inspect these components before every start to confirm your chainsaw is in safe working condition:

• Fuel and oil levels: ensure the fuel tank and chain oil reservoir are full. For 2-stroke engines, use the correct fuel-oil mixture.

• Chain sharpness: a dull chain can cause kickback and uneven cuts. Sharpen or replace if necessary.

• Chain tension: the chain should be snug but move freely. Adjust per the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Lubrication: check that the chain is properly lubricated with bar and chain lubricant. Run the saw at half throttle over a light-colored surface — a visible oil trail confirms the system is working. If no trail appears, refill the bar and chain lubricant tank before proceeding.

• Chain brake: test the chain brake as a standalone safety check before the engine is started. Confirm it engages and releases correctly.

• Safety features: test the throttle lock and stop switch to ensure they work correctly

How to start a gasoline chainsaw?

The correct startup procedure depends on your specific model. Chainsaws with electronic engine management systems (EMS) may follow different startup sequences than conventional models. Always consult your instruction manual before proceeding—the steps below cover the general procedure for standard gasoline-powered models.

Gas chainsaw cold start

A cold start means starting a chainsaw that hasn't run yet that day. Note that cold starts require the choke to be engaged, while a warm engine should bypass the choke entirely—conflating the two procedures is a common cause of flooding.

1. Set the chain brake: Always engage the chain brake before starting. This prevents the chain from moving unexpectedly and reduces injury risk.

2. Close the choke: For a cold engine, move the choke lever to the full choke position. This limits air intake and creates a fuel-rich mixture, making the engine easier to start.

3. Press the decompression valve: If your chainsaw has a decompression valve, press it to reduce pressure in the combustion chamber, making the engine easier to fire.

4. Press the primer bulb: Press the primer bulb 3–6 times to inject fuel into the carburetor and prepare the engine for ignition.

5. Pull the starter rope: Place the saw on the ground, hold the front handle with your left hand, and stabilize the rear handle with your right foot. Pull the starter cord smoothly until you hear a “pop” or cough—this means fuel has reached the combustion chamber.

6. Move the choke to half-choke: Once the engine coughs, immediately move the choke to the half-choke position. This allows the correct air-to-fuel mixture for the engine to keep running and prevents flooding. If you continue pulling with the choke fully engaged after that first fire, the engine will flood; wait approximately five minutes for excess fuel to drain before restarting.

7. Pull the starter rope again: Pull the cord firmly until the engine ignites and runs smoothly. Be prepared for slight kickback as the saw starts.

8. Set the engine to low idle: Let the saw run for about a minute to reach ideal temperature. Gently release the throttle to bring the engine down to idle to help protect the clutch. Once ready, release the chain brake and start cutting.

Gas chainsaw hot start

A hot start means restarting a chainsaw that was recently used and whose engine is still warm. Since the engine is already at operating temperature, it requires less fuel priming and choke adjustment than a cold start. Hot starts are quicker and simpler, but safety should remain your top priority.

1. Set the chain brake: Always engage the chain brake before starting. Even with a warm engine, this prevents the chain from moving unexpectedly and protects you from accidents.

2. Adjust the choke: For most warm engines, the choke requires only a momentary action—pull it to activate, then immediately push it back down. This briefly admits extra air rather than enriching the fuel mixture.On some models, a partial (half) choke may help stabilize a warmenginethat is hard to start.

3. Press the decompression valve: Pressing the decompression valve relieves some compression in the combustion chamber, making the engine easier to start, even when warm.

4. Pull the starter rope: Place the saw on flat ground and secure it firmly. Pull the starter cord firmly until the engine ignites. A warm engine should start quickly, usually in one pull.

5. Disengage the chain brake: Once the engine runs smoothly, carefully release the chain brake. Ensure your hands, body, and surroundings are clear of the chain before starting work.

How to start an electric chainsaw?

BISON electric and battery-powered chainsaws are convenient, quieter, and require less maintenance than gas models. Starting them is simpler, but safety precautions remain essential.

1. Check battery or power connection: For corded saws, plug into a grounded outlet and use a heavy-duty extension cord rated for 10–20 amps with at least number 10-3 wire gauge, no longer than 50 feet. A lighter or longer cord causes voltage drop that can overheat the motor. For battery-powered saws, ensure the battery is fully charged and properly installed. Always have a spare battery available. Never attempt to start if the power supply or cord is damaged.

2. Engage safety switches: Engage safety features — confirm the chain brake is engaged (hand guard pushed forward) to prevent accidental chain movement. Electric chainsaws also have a throttle lockout or safety switch.

3. Release the chain brake: Keep the chain brake engaged for now. Unlike gas chainsaws, the chain will not spin on an electric model until you press the trigger, so proceed to start the saw with the brake still on. Release the brake only after the saw is running and you are ready to cut.

4. Press the safety button: Also called a throttle lockout or trigger lock, this button is usually on the rear handle. Press it with your thumb while holding the saw.

5. Press the trigger switch: While holding the safety button, pull the trigger with your index finger. Release the safety button and continue pressing the trigger to operate the saw. Electric chainsaws respond immediately, so keep a firm grip on both handles.

6. Maintain safety posture: Stand on a stable surface with feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your body balanced and ensure no one is within your cutting area. Always be ready to release the trigger or stop switch immediately if needed.

Troubleshooting common starting issues

Even with a high-quality BISON chainsaw, you may occasionally encounter starting problems. When your chainsaw won't start, work through a prioritized inspection sequence: begin with the air filter (clean or replace if clogged), then check the spark plug (inspect for fouling, damage, or incorrect gap), and finally inspect the fuel filter (replace if blocked or dirty). Also verify the fuel tank is not empty and the choke is set correctly.

Engine doesn‘t start

Engine flooded

Engine stalls immediately after starting

Difficult pull cord

Chain not moving

Conclusion

As a professional chainsaw manufacturer, BISON emphasizes that safe and efficient operation starts with proper preparation. Following the key steps—safety and preparation, inspection, and correct starting procedure (cold or hot)—ensures your chainsaw runs smoothly while minimizing risks.

BISON offers “easy-start” chainsaw models with features designed to make starting smoother and easier.

• spring-assist start system: Special springs reduce the resistance when pulling the starter cord, lowering the effort needed by up to 35%.

• hot spark devices: Technologies like capacitor discharge ignition (CDI) help the spark plug ignite the fuel even at low engine speeds, making starts quicker and more reliable.

• automatic high idle mechanism: Some saws automatically adjust to a high idle when starting, ensuring the engine gets enough fuel without flooding, which helps the saw start efficiently every time.

Faqs

How long should I let a chainsaw warm up before cutting?

After starting, let a gas chainsaw idle for approximately one minute before releasing the chain brake and beginning work. This allows the engine to reach operating temperature, ensures proper lubrication circulation, and helps the carburetor stabilize the fuel-air mixture. Skipping the warm-up on a cold day can cause the engine to stall mid-cut. Electric chainsaws require no warm-up period.

How do I start a chainsaw that has been sitting unused for a long time?

Drain and replace old fuel—stale gasoline degrades and clogs the carburetor. Clean or replace the spark plug, check the air filter for debris or moisture, and inspect the chain for rust or stiffness. Prime the carburetor thoroughly and follow the full cold-start procedure. If the saw still won't fire after these steps, have a qualified technician inspect the carburetor.

What should I check if my brand-new chainsaw won't start?

Confirm the fuel tank is filled with the correct fresh fuel mixture and the chain oil reservoir is full. Verify the chain brake is engaged and the choke is set to full cold-start position. New saws sometimes ship with minimal lubrication, so press the primer bulb the full recommended number of times. If it still won't start, consult the manual or contact BISON support.

What makes a chainsaw easier to start?

Features that reduce starting effort include a decompression valve, which lowers combustion chamber pressure before pulling the cord, and a primer or air-purge bulb, which pre-delivers fuel to the carburetor. Regular maintenance—clean spark plug, fresh fuel, and a properly tensioned chain—also dramatically reduces the pulls needed to fire the engine. Battery-powered models eliminate pull-starting entirely, making them the simplest option for occasional users.