11
Chainsaw Names and Terms
Chainsaw Model CS1418-091
Chainsaw Names and Terms
Alignment flange:
The protrusion on the bar pad
that fits into the bar slot
Automatic oiler:
The system that automatically
lubricates the guide bar and saw chain
Bar pad:
The mounting pad on the powerhead that
helps ensure proper alignment of the guide bar
Bar slot:
The cut-out portion of the guide bar that
fits on to the alignment flange and mounting stud
Bystander safety zone:
A 20 ft (6 m) circle around
the operator that must remain free from bystanders,
children and pets
Chain brake:
A device for stopping or locking the
saw chain, activated manually or non-manually when
kickback occurs
Chain catcher:
A device for retaining the saw chain if
it breaks or derails
Chain gauge:
The thickness of the saw chain drive
link, where it fits into the bar groove, indicated by the
part number stamped on the drive links
Chain pitch:
The distance between any three
consecutive rivets on the saw chain divided by two,
indicated by the part number stamped on the drive
links
Chainsaw powerhead:
A chainsaw without the saw
chain or guide bar
Chain tensioning gear:
A gear mounted on the
guide bar that adjusts saw chain tension when
rotated
Chain tensioning ring:
The ring around the side
cover release knob, that when turned, adjusts the
saw chain tension
Drive link:
The fin-shaped link of the saw chain that
fits into the groove on the guide bar
Drive sprocket:
The toothed part that drives the
saw chain
Effective cutting length:
The approximate distance
from the root of the spiked bumper to the outside
edge of the cutting link with the tensioner set to the
middle position
Felling back cut:
The final cut in a tree felling
operation made on the opposite side of the tree from
the notching undercut
Front handle:
The support handle located at or
toward the front of the chainsaw intended to be
gripped by the left hand
Front hand-guard:
A structural barrier between the
front handle of a chainsaw and the guide bar, which
also serves as an activating mechanism for the chain
brake
Guide bar:
A railed structure that supports and
guides the saw chain Sometimes simply called the
“bar”
Guide bar cover:
The plastic cover that protects the
guide bar and saw chain when the chainsaw is not
in use
Kickback:
The rapid backward and/or upward motion
of the guide bar, occurring when the saw chain near
the top area of the nose of the guide bar contacts any
object (such as a log or branch), or when the wood
closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut
Low-kickback chain:
A chain that complies with
the low kickback performance requirements of ANSI
B175 1 and CSA Z62 3
Motor housing:
The plastic cover of the chainsaw
powerhead
Mounting stud:
The threaded protrusion on the
alignment flange that extends through the bar slot
Notching undercut:
A notch cut in a tree to direct
the tree’s fall
Rear handle:
The support handle located at or
toward the rear of the saw intended to be gripped by
the right hand
Rear hand-guard:
A structural barrier at the bottom
right side of the rear handle to protect the operator in
case of rupture or derailing of the saw chain
Reduced kickback guide bar:
A guide bar with a
maximum nose radius as specified in ANSI B175 1
and CSA Z62 3 and which has been demonstrated to
reduce kickback significantly
Saw chain:
A loop of chain having cutting teeth, that
cuts the wood, that is driven by the powerhead and is
supported by the guide bar Sometimes simply called
the “chain”
Side cover:
The plastic cover on the powerhead that
covers the drive sprocket and chain tensioning gear
which is removed and installed with the side cover
release knob.
Side cover tab:
The protrusion on the side cover that
fits into a slot in the powerhead Use it to properly
align the side cover during installation
Spiked bumper:
A device fitted to the front of the
saw acting as a pivot point when in contact with a
tree or log to make cutting easier
Also known as
“bucking spikes”.
Strain relief bracket:
The hook on the rear handle
to which the extension cord is looped to protect the
cord and prevent unplugging during operation
Trigger lock-out:
A movable stop that prevents the
unintentional operation of the trigger switch until
manually actuated
Trigger switch:
A device that turns the chainsaw on
and off
Wear parts:
Parts such as the saw chain and guide
bar that can wear during use and can be replaced by
the user