If you recently purchased a chainsaw to expedite wood cutting this winter, there are a few things you need to know before pulling the power cord. Cold weather makes it more difficult to start these tools, and there’s also the possibility of their teeth getting stuck in frozen wood. Avoid potentially dangerous problems with the following tips.

5 Tips for Using Chainsaws Safely During Winter

1. Dress Appropriately

Wear a helmet and goggles to protect your eyes and skin when you use a chainsaw in the winter, as cold temperatures cause wood to splinter quickly. Head and face protection also keep you safe from flying debris, as dead trees are even more brittle in winter. Also wear protective gloves, heavy boots, pants with chaps, and a thick coat.

2. Sharpen the Chain

Prevent frozen wood cutting problems by sharpening the chain that surrounds the blade. Newly-sharpened chains also avoid slow cutting times and potentially burned or buckled wood. Keep several spare chains within reach and don’t forget to adjust the top-plate filing angle about five degrees. Decreasing the cutting angle reduces vibrations that wear the tool out prematurely.

3. Use Oil Designed for Winter Temperatures

Switch to a winter-grade chainsaw oil and a thinner bar to prevent cold weather-related thickening issues. Research oil recommendations for your make and model, such as vegetable oil, and store the chainsaw in a temperate environment. Storing this tool in overly-warm garages and sheds often result in oil leaks.

4. Keep Snow From Accumulating

Brush snow off of your chainsaw as you work to keep the tool at the right temperature. Impacted snow within the saw’s intake limits airflow, causing heat buildup and damage. Clogged air filters also cause overheating issues. Use a thick brush to keep snow out of every chainsaw crevice.

5. Maintain a Clean Fuel Tank

Mix small batches of fuel at a time, so you always have fresh liquid to work with. Prevent fuel tank condensation issues as well as the aforementioned oil leaks by storing your chainsaw in a temperate area. Never allow snow to melt into the fuel tank because it will cause the engine to sputter instead of ignite. Too much water causes complete engine failure.

Find quality chainsaws at Fackler Kubota Tractor, the landscape equipment supply, and repair company serving Granville, OH, and the surrounding areas. Offering over 100 years of experience and an extensive inventory of top brand products, you will find everything you need to complete outdoor projects here. Call (740) 522-3128 with questions or visit the store online to review the inventory.