How to Use an Electric Chainsaw for the First Time

Gear up before you touch the saw

An electric chainsaw is quieter and easier to start than a gas saw, but it is still a cutting tool with a fast-moving chain. Dress for the job before you even pick it up.

Loose sleeves, dangling cords on a hoodie and open-toed shoes have no place near a saw. Wear close-fitting clothes and sturdy boots with good grip.

• Safety glasses or goggles to block chips and sawdust
• Hearing protection, because electric saws are quieter than gas but still loud over a long session
• Cut-resistant gloves with a firm grip
• Chainsaw chaps or cut-resistant trousers if you have them
• A hard hat if anything could fall from above

Check and set up the saw

Read the manual that came with your saw first. Every model is a little different, and the manual tells you the right oil, the right battery or cord, and how to fit the chain.

Before each use, look over the saw while the battery is out or the plug is out of the wall. This is the safest moment to handle the chain, because the saw cannot start by accident.

• Check that the chain is installed in the right direction. The cutting teeth on the top of the bar should point toward the tip.
• Check chain tension. The chain should sit snug against the bar but still pull around by hand. Many saws, including the ones on our comparison sheet, have tool-free tensioning, which makes this quick.
• Fill the oil reservoir with bar and chain oil. An automatic oiler feeds the chain as you cut, but it only works if the tank is not empty.
• Make sure the guide bar and chain are clean and the chain looks sharp. A dull chain forces you to push, which is when control slips.
• For a cordless saw, seat a charged battery firmly. For a corded saw, check the cord for cuts and use an extension cord rated for outdoor use.

Start the saw safely

Find a flat, stable spot. Clear the ground of loose branches, rocks and clutter, and keep kids, pets and bystanders well back. Never start a saw while standing on a ladder or any unstable footing.

Most electric saws use a two-step start. You press a safety lock or button, then squeeze the trigger. There is no priming and no pull cord. Hold the saw with both hands, the left on the front handle and the right on the rear handle, with your thumbs wrapped around the grips.

Engage the chain brake if your saw has one. A chain brake stops the chain quickly if the saw kicks back. Release it only when you are set up and ready to cut. Do not drop-start the saw or start it with the bar touching anything.

Let the chain reach full speed before it touches wood. Then keep the saw low and balanced, and keep your body to the side of the cutting line rather than directly behind the bar.

Make your first cuts

Start with a small, supported branch or a log that sits steady. Rest the saw's body against the wood so the bark spikes or the saw housing bite in, then let the chain do the work. Do not force it. If you have to push hard, the chain is probably dull or the tension is off.

Kickback is the biggest danger for new users. It happens when the upper tip of the bar touches wood or snags in a cut, and the saw jumps back toward you. Keep the tip away from other branches, the ground and anything it could catch on.

Pinching is the other common problem. When a log sags and squeezes the bar, the chain stalls. Think about which way the wood will move before you cut. For a log lying on the ground, cut partway down from the top, then finish from the other side so the weight does not trap the bar.

Take breaks. Tired arms lead to sloppy cuts, and a saw that feels heavy by the end of a session is a sign to stop for the day.

Pick a saw that suits a beginner

If you have not bought a saw yet, think about weight, bar length and safety features. Our best electric chainsaw page lists them side by side. A lighter saw is easier to control, and a shorter bar is easier to keep out of trouble on small jobs.

The table below uses three saws from our spec sheet to show how much these choices vary.

A mini saw is easy to hold but only suits pruning. A 16 in saw handles limbs and small firewood. A longer bar reaches thicker wood but adds weight, and the corded 18 in saw here is the heaviest of the three. You can see the full range, including battery energy and warranty details, on the best electric chainsaw comparison.

Finish up and store the saw

When you are done, release the trigger and wait for the chain to stop fully. Then remove the battery or unplug the cord before you do anything else with your hands near the chain.

Brush off sawdust, wipe the bar and check the oil level. Keep the chain covered with the guard that came with the saw, and store it somewhere dry and out of reach of children.

For cordless saws, follow the manual for charging and battery storage. Do not leave a battery in direct heat.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use an electric chainsaw in the rain?

It is best not to. Some listings mention weather-resistant construction, but wet wood and wet ground make slips and kickback more likely, and a wet cord is a shock risk.

How often should I check the chain oil?

Check it before every session and again if you are cutting for a long time. A dry chain heats up quickly and wears out faster.

What should I do if the chain stops in the cut?

Release the trigger, wait for everything to stop, then remove the battery or unplug the cord before you free the bar. Never try to pull a stuck saw out while it is powered.

Is it safe to use an extension cord with a corded saw?

Yes, if the cord is rated for outdoor use and heavy enough for the saw. Keep the cord behind you and away from the chain, and check it for damage first.