Release the chain brake

By Mark van der Feyst

Every ventilation and chain saw has a chain brake. The chain brake is designed to prevent serious injury from kickback. When kickback occurs, the chain brake will engage stopping the rotation of the chain — preventing the chain from cutting into the flesh of the operator.

As needed as this device is, it can sometimes be the cause of clutch failure thus leading to the saw not working at all. When the chain brake is engaged, it engages the clutch that removes the power from the chain and prevents rotation. When the motor is operating at full throttle and the clutch is engaged, the clutch will start to heat up leading it to eventually burn out. When starting a saw of this type, make sure that the chain brake is off when revving it up to full throttle. When operating the saw, make sure the chain brake is off.