Chainsaws are relatively complex machines that use a variety of parts to function. A gasoline engine requires several key components to stay running, and when any of these parts fail, you have a broken tool on your hands. If you checked your fuel and oil levels and everything seems fine, it’s time to fine tune your diagnostics to figure out exactly what is wrong. The first step in pinpointing the problem is to learn about the different parts of a chainsaw and what they do. When you understand the fundamentals of each part, you can better understand what may have failed. Let’s take a look at the different kinds of chainsaw parts.
Fly Wheel
The fly wheel is a weights disk that rotates when the engine is on, regulating it speed. This ensures smooth operation and prevents vibration. In addition, the flywheel has small blades on the side that act as a fan, cooling the engine. If your tool is vibrating excessively or spinning at extreme speeds, your flywheel may have been damaged or chipped.
Throttle
The throttle is designed to regulate fuel levels to the engine’s cylinders. Te throttle is controlled by the user to vary the chain speed during operation. When pressed fully, the engine revs at maximum RPM. When depressed, the throttle stops the chain from moving and sits in idle. A jammed throttle can cause the engine to rev uncontrollably. A broken throttle will not send fuel to the cylinders, resulting in a motionless chain.
Throttle Interlock
Chainsaw parts are often designed with safety in mind, as in the case of the throttle interlock. This safety feature only allows the throttle to engage when the button is pressed. The throttle interlock is located on the grip portion of the handle. To operate and start the saw, this button must be pressed first.
Clutch
Just like the clutch on your car, a chainsaw clutch connects the engine to the “drive shaft”, or chain. At low speeds, such as when idling, the clutch does not engage. When the throttle is activated and engine speed increases, the clutch engages with the chain. This chainsaw part works through centrifugal force. The inertia of high speed rotation is what engages the drive.
Chain Brake
In 1995 the chain brake became one of the essential chainsaw parts due to safety concerns. This device quickly stops the chain in the event of kickback. Kickback happens when the chainsaw comes across a particularly rough area, causing the chain to get caught and release quickly. Oftentimes the tool pops up in the direction of the operator. The chain brake stops the chain quickly to minimize injury.
Decompression Valve
After each use of a chainsaw, the pistons are often left compressed. A chainsaw left in this state can be exceptionally difficult to start. A decompression valve releases this pressure to allow for easier starting. These types of convenience-oriented chainsaw parts make operating these tools much easier.
Hand Guard
Kickback can also be dangerous to the hands. The hand guard protects the operators hands during the event of kickback. It consists of a plastic shield that is mounted between the handle and the blade. Users should always hold the chainsaw at the designated handles.
Muffler
While it may seem that chainsaws are loud machines, they would be a whole lot louder without the addition of a muffler. The muffler is situated at the very end of the combustion sequence and is where burned fuel and air exits the machine. Sound waves are muffled before exiting, effectively reducing noise and damage to the operator’s ears.
Anti Vibration Handle
Chainsaws create an exceptional amount of unseen vibration which can reverberate through the user’s body. This vibration can be damaging to the hands and arms over time. Ergonomics can be improved with the addition of an anti vibration handle. This reduces the amount of vibration entering the body resulting in a more comfortable experience.