Do you engage the brake while moving around, walking here and there ? , or is it just for emergency kick back , and otherwise you don't use it at all ???
Honest
Honest
Do You Use Your Saws Brake ??
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Engage brake between cuts? No.
If I walk a bit with the saw running? Yes
Have I ever had a brake automatically engage during a kickback? Yes
If I walk a bit with the saw running? Yes
Have I ever had a brake automatically engage during a kickback? Yes
There are a couple threads here on this, one recent, and opinions will vary for sure.
I use the hell-o outta mine and I get wierd looks from some others. Haven't "worn it out" yet either like someone once told me I would. I use it when starting (you will not hurt a clutch so long as you release it or knock the saw down to idle immediately after it starts, within 3 seconds will not hurt anything.) I use it whenever I'm moving with a running saw. The motion to set the brake is automatic now as I can set/release it without removing my hand from the handlebar.Rotate the left hand around the handle bar while pushing down with your right to set the brake. Reach with the four fingers of your left hand, while leaving your thumb curled around the handle bar, and squeeze the brake towards the bar to release it. I see a lot folks try to use their right hand to release the brake with their left still holding the handle bar. Doesn't work so good with most saws.
The reason I asked this is, cuz I never used to use it, but I think it's very good idea to use it, and
I bought this After Market, Sprocket Cover with bake for the 61, but It is very very hard to pull back ,then after it's pulled back( disengage brake) and it's on my saw ,the brake handle was close to the saw handle. Well I took it apart and fixed that ,but it's still very hard to disengage ,so that putting on the brake and walking around with the saw running would not be practical.
Put another way it would be a real PITA.
So I will probably get the used OEM cover with metal handle ,that I luckily found.
I bought this After Market, Sprocket Cover with bake for the 61, but It is very very hard to pull back ,then after it's pulled back( disengage brake) and it's on my saw ,the brake handle was close to the saw handle. Well I took it apart and fixed that ,but it's still very hard to disengage ,so that putting on the brake and walking around with the saw running would not be practical.
Put another way it would be a real PITA.
So I will probably get the used OEM cover with metal handle ,that I luckily found.
It's a safety measure so if per chance, you fall while carrying a running saw, an accidental bump to the trigger doesn't set the chain in motion. The brake is there to be used.
You could run it the way I do my 031AV (no brake on that one). I shut the saw down if I need to travel more than a step or two, or if I have to climb out of a top/brush. Ain't nuthin' to restart a warm saw anyways.
Getting better at setting it .
Been using it allot when liming & working around trip hazards.
Been using it allot when liming & working around trip hazards.
As far as that goes, yeah, at least I have a brake, new bar should be here Fri or Sat
Another reason I am using the brake now, Is cuz, on other 35cc saw , I was limbing and foot caught on a vine ,I actually fell down ,saw running,brake not engaged, I pushed the saw away , It ended up not a big deal , but maybe not so lucky next time
I don't all the time but I should..... unless it's my 61, that doesn't have a brake.
My wife is learning to use her 170 and I insist she use the break whenever she moves around or sets the saw on the ground
My wife is learning to use her 170 and I insist she use the break whenever she moves around or sets the saw on the ground
When I started using chain saws over 30 years ago none had chain brakes (or low-kickback "safety chain" either).
The wee Echo has no chain brake,not even a hand guard. Other saws the brake is engaged when saw is sitting on the ground idling or when I'm moving around with it.
I've had a couple incidents over the years where the brake engaged during use.Its there for a good reason.
Use it.
The wee Echo has no chain brake,not even a hand guard. Other saws the brake is engaged when saw is sitting on the ground idling or when I'm moving around with it.
I've had a couple incidents over the years where the brake engaged during use.Its there for a good reason.
Use it.
Beer Belly
Minister of Fire
Picture says a thousand words right? Let's try something new......
KaptJaq
Minister of Fire
I find the saw is so easy to start warm that I just hit the kill switch when I am not actually cutting. It also saves that little puddle of bar oil that builds up when the saw idles
KaptJaq
KaptJaq
I dont use the brake on my 460. On the other hand there is some 361's out there that really like to free spin and use it then.
Can't say that I do . If I'm moving any distance, the saw is shut down . However, I think it is not a bad idea .
trog04
New Member
That is one of the biggest things I was taught in my falling classes. Great way to fail an evaluation is to not use the brake when you're moving with the saw running. Usually more than a few steps and the brake gets set. Like others mentioned, really easy safety precaution and worth it should you stumble.
If you let off the trigger and your chain is still spinning you have an issue. Time to adjust the carb. Now some of the older 361's are spinning fools but other than that it better stop as quick as you lift the trigger.
trog04
New Member
I wasn't talking about the chain spininng. None of our saws do that. We run Stihl 460s on all our fire trucks. I meant the engine running. It's just a safety measure the NWCG and the US Forest Service requires.
I have been running a 460 for quite awhile now. Cant see setting the brake making it any safer but if that's what they want......460's really stop on a dime even with a 16 inch bar.
trog04
New Member
Yeah, they are great saws. We run a 20" bar with carbide chain on our structural engines to cut roofs and stuff. Our wildland engines run with a 24" bar with a semi-chisel chain for falling trees. I would love to have one, but not in my budget anytime soon. Mine does great for what I need.
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