Mastering the Art of Using a Chainsaw in Adverse Weather: Expert Tips and Tricks

Your chainsaw is your go-to tool for trimming trees and even carving wood. Even pruning, bucking, and felling trees on your property become easy afternoon tasks with chainsaw blades, chainsaw chains, and a chainsaw blade sharpener on hand.

This portable tool, however, can also inflict serious injuries and create dangerous situations.

In light of this, practising chainsaw safety is a must before you use this tool. That includes understanding how to maintain and use your chainsaw chain, chainsaw blade, and other chainsaw parts, including chainsaw spare parts. It also means wearing the right chainsaw safety gear.

It is especially important to consider weather conditions when using a chainsaw. Here's a look at how to use a chainsaw in bad weather.

Let's dig in!

Cold Weather: Using Chainsaw Blades and Chainsaw Chains Safely

Practising the proper chainsaw safety techniques is especially essential in cold weather, as you'll likely face safety concerns such as snow and ice. Let's take a look at these techniques.

Proper Clothing and Gear for Cold Weather Chainsaw Use

Wear a jacket that will allow you to move flexibly while still staying warm when operating your chainsaw. In addition, you'll need to wear eye protection, like safety goggles, as well as gloves.

Avoid wearing loose articles, like scarves, as they can easily become caught in the device's chain. Also, wear durable, non-slip shoes.

Remember that cutting frozen wood can be tricky, so ensure your chain is freshly sharpened with a file. Before you begin any winter chainsaw job, the blade should also be sharpened with a chainsaw blade sharpener. Keep at least two spare chains on hand as well.

If you're cutting in single-digit temperatures, consider using a chain with a carbide tip. It will work best on frozen wood.

Pre-Starting Checks for Cold Weather Chainsaw Use

Before using your chainsaw in cold weather, look over it and remove any gunk that has built up around your chain sprocket. Take a good look at the

 tools' chain groove as well, and clean this area if needed.

You should also give your chainsaw a new spark plug and clean its air filter.

Tips for Starting and Operating a Chainsaw in Cold Weather

As a general rule of thumb, cold temperatures do not affect battery and electric chainsaws' starting ability. However, you might struggle to start a gas-powered saw.

That's because the oil and fuel become thicker in cold weather. As a result, they might not move through your chainsaw's engine smoothly.

Try to pull on the machine's starter cord more slowly and at a steadier pace than usual. This will improve the machine's ignition and thus make it easier to start up.

Hot Weather: Using a Chainsaw Blade and Chainsaw Chain Safely

The biggest threat you face when using a chainsaw in hot weather is an overheating saw, as the engine could seize up as a result, thus causing the chain to break. Your chainsaw may therefore kick back and cause injury.

Here's a look at how to deal with this and other hot-weather chainsaw threats.

Proper Clothing and Gear for Hot Weather Chainsaw Use

Even when the weather is hot, you should wear gloves when using a chainsaw. This is important because your hands will become sweaty. The sweat may cause you to loosen your grip, which can be dangerous.

Also, be sure to wear long sleeves and a helmet, which will keep your arms and head, respectively, from being exposed to the debris produced by cutting with a chainsaw. Safety goggles are also crucial for protecting your eyes.

Pre-Starting Checks for Hot Weather Chainsaw Use

To keep your chainsaw from overheating in hot wear, wipe it down with a wet rag to get it clean. A dirty saw is a common cause of overheating.

Also, lubricate the chainsaw's chain so it won't produce dangerous levels of heat. A modern chainsaw comes with a convenient automatic lubricator. All you have to do is add bar oil to it.

Tips for Starting and Operating a Chainsaw in Hot Weather

If heat has accumulated within your chainsaw, it may struggle to start. Replacing your spark plug and air filter may fix this problem.

Also, when operating your chainsaw, stick with the type of job your saw is designed for. Otherwise, your chainsaw may overheat and stop working.

Wet Weather: Practising Chainsaw Safety with the Right Chainsaw Safety Gear

Gas chainsaws can be used in rainy weather with no problem. However, you should avoid using battery-powered or electric chainsaws in rainy weather to prevent the risk of electrocution. Plus, water will short-circuit the machine.

Still, when operating a gas chainsaw in wet weather, slick surfaces may pose a significant threat to your safety. Here's a look at how to stay safe when using a chainsaw in the rain.

Proper Clothing and Gear for Wet Weather Chainsaw Use

If you intend to cut wood in the rain, you'll need to wear gloves with a firm grip. You should also wear non-slip boots.

Furthermore, be sure to wear a chainsaw visor and helmet. Finally, avoid wearing safety glasses, as they may obscure your vision.

Pre-starting Checks for Wet Weather Chainsaw Use

Before using a chainsaw in wet weather, check the chain to ensure it is properly tensioned and in excellent condition.

In addition, make sure that your oil and fuel levels are at the appropriate levels.

Tips for Starting and Operating a Chainsaw in Wet Weather

Clean or replace your air filter before starting your saw in wet weather. This is especially important if you previously used the chainsaw to cut dry wood. Any dust remaining on the filter will expand when it's exposed to moisture, and your chainsaw will end up choking out.

Also, be sure to use a chain featuring rounded or semi-chisel teeth for the best results when cutting wet wood.

Chainsaw Parts: Explore Our Chainsaw Spare Parts, Like Our Chainsaw Blade Sharpener

Practising chainsaw safety in various weather conditions begins with adequately maintaining your chainsaw parts, like your chainsaw chain and chainsaw blade. It also involves wearing the right chainsaw safety gear, like eye protection, gloves, and a helmet.

Fortunately, at Jono & Johno, we take pride in offering a wide range of chainsaw blades, chainsaw chains, and other chainsaw spare parts. In addition, we also offer multiple chainsaw blade sharpener choices.

Get in touch with us to learn more about our chainsaw spare part options, and order today!