What gear should you wear every time you run a saw?
Chainsaw protective gear is made for the job. That means cut-resistant leg protection, a helmet with a face screen and hearing protection, eye protection, sturdy boots and snug gloves. Ordinary jeans and a ball cap do not stop a moving chain.
Check the labels on the gear and the manual for your saw. Replace gear that has been cut, since the protective layers are meant to be used once in an incident. Wear clothing close to the body so nothing can wrap around the bar or catch a branch.
Fit matters as much as the gear itself. Helmets should sit snug, chaps should cover from the waist to the boot top, and gloves should let you feel the handle. Try everything on before you buy, and replace worn straps and screens so the whole set works together.
- Helmet, face screen and ear protection
- Cut-resistant chaps or pants
- Protective boots and fitted gloves
- Safety glasses under the face screen
What is kickback and how do you avoid it?
Kickback is the sudden upward or backward motion of the bar when the chain at the tip catches wood or something solid. It is fast and can hit your face before you react. Learn where the danger zone on your bar is, and keep the tip away from anything you do not intend to cut.
Hold the saw with both hands and a firm grip, with your thumb wrapped under the handle. Keep your body slightly to the side of the cutting line, not directly behind it. Many saws have a chain brake and low-kickback features, but these help only if they are working and you use them.
How do you handle fuel and starting safely?
Mix and pour fuel outdoors, away from sparks, and use a container labeled for fuel. Let a hot saw cool before refueling, and move a few steps from where you fueled before you start it. Wipe up spills, since fuel on a hot muffler can ignite.
Start the saw on firm ground with the chain brake on, and never drop start it. Clear bystanders, and keep children and dogs well out of the work area. For the right fuel mix, check the owner's manual rather than guessing.
What does routine chainsaw maintenance involve?
Before each use, look over the saw. Check that the chain is sharp and properly tensioned, the bar is not damaged, the chain brake works, and the throttle returns when released. Keep bar oil topped up so the chain stays lubricated, and keep the air filter clean.
A dull chain makes you push harder and can lead to bad habits. Sharpen it as the manual describes or have a shop do it. Look at the spark plug and the fasteners now and then, and store the saw clean and dry with the bar cover on.
Keep a simple log of when you sharpened, cleaned or repaired the saw. It helps you notice patterns, such as a chain that dulls fast because you are cutting near dirt, and it helps a repair shop find the problem. If the saw runs rough, smokes, or vibrates oddly, stop and have it looked at before using it again.
- Chain sharpness and tension
- Bar condition and oil level
- Air filter and spark plug
- Chain brake and throttle return
When should you not cut?
Do not cut when you are tired, in a hurry, or alone in a remote spot with no way to call for help. Skip jobs involving trees under tension, trees caught in other trees, or large trees near buildings and power lines. These are the situations where experienced people get killed.
Storm cleanup is especially risky because wood can be under tension and electrical lines may be down. If a tree is on or near a line, stay away and call your utility. For large or leaning trees, hire a qualified arborist.
Plan your escape route before every cut. Know where the saw will go if the wood moves, and keep a clear path behind you at an angle. Put the saw down with the engine off whenever you walk, even a short way.
Where can you learn more and what if you get hurt?
Chainsaw training courses are often offered through extension offices, forestry agencies and community colleges. Ask what is available near you. Practice cuts on small logs before taking on bigger jobs.
A deep cut needs immediate attention. Apply firm pressure and call 911. Keep a first aid kit and a way to call for help with you whenever you work, and tell someone where you will be.
Key takeaways
- Wear full protective gear every time you run a saw.
- Keep the bar tip clear of anything you do not mean to cut.
- Fuel outdoors, away from sparks, and move before starting.
- Leave tree work near power lines or under tension to professionals.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.