UNDERSTANDING CORDLESS CHAINSAW KICKBACK: CAUSES AND PREVENTION TIPS
Cordless chainsaws are powerful, convenient tools for everything from pruning to felling small trees. But like all chainsaws, they come with a risk - kickback. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, understanding what kickback is and how to prevent it is essential for safe and efficient operation.
What Is Chainsaw Kickback?
Kickback is a sudden and forceful upward and backward motion of the chainsaw’s guide bar. It usually happens when the top quadrant of the bar's tip - commonly known as the "kickback zone" - makes contact with an object, like a branch or log.
How Kickback Happens?
The chain in the kickback zone catches or is pinched by the wood.
The spinning chain stops abruptly, and all that built-up energy transfers back into the saw.
The bar jerks back toward the operator in a flash - often too fast to react.
Why Kickback Happens on Cordless Chainsaws?
Cordless chainsaws are more user-friendly than their gas counterparts - quiet, lightweight, and easier to start - but they’re not immune to kickback. In fact, their portability can give users a false sense of security. Here are a few common causes:
- Improper bar-tip contact: Accidentally hitting the upper tip of the guide bar against wood or debris.
- Dull or damaged chain: A worn-out chain can snag instead of cutting smoothly.
- Improper chain tension: A loose chain increases the risk of unexpected movement or derailment.
- Incorrect cutting technique: Poor body position, awkward angles, or one-handed use can quickly lead to trouble.
How to Prevent Chainsaw Kickback?
While you can’t eliminate the risk completely, you can significantly reduce it with proper technique and awareness. Here’s how:
Use a Chainsaw with Safety Features
Cordless chainsaws come equipped with safety features like chain brakes, low-kickback chains and guide bars, and chain catchers with hand guards. Always ensure these features are present and working properly before each use.
Mind the Kickback Zone
Avoid touching anything with the upper tip of the chainsaw bar. Always be aware of where your guide bar is in relation to the wood. If possible, avoid plunge cuts.
Maintain a Firm Grip and Stable Stance
Hold the saw with both hands - your left hand firmly on the front handle with your thumb wrapped underneath. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and maintain balance. Never cut above shoulder height or from an unstable position like a ladder.
Keep the Chain Sharp and Tensioned
A sharp chain cuts cleanly and smoothly, reducing the chance of snagging. Also, check the chain tension before every use: too loose and it might derail, too tight and it might bind.
Be Mindful of Pinching Hazards
When cutting logs, support them properly to prevent the wood from closing in on the chain. Use wedges if needed to keep the cut open.
Wear Protective Gear
Even when using a smaller cordless chainsaw, wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential. This includes chainsaw chaps, cut-resistant gloves with good grip, a hard hat with a face shield, hearing protection, and steel-toed boots to ensure maximum safety.
Kickback is a serious hazard, but with the right precautions, you can use your cordless chainsaw safely. Always prioritize proper handling, maintenance, and safety gear to minimize risks. By staying aware and following these tips, you’ll enjoy the convenience of a cordless chainsaw without unnecessary danger.
