No Ax Required: A Beginner’s Guide to Using a Chainsaw Without Wrecking the Yard
Brought to you by Raven Smith Tool Supply – Richmond’s neighborly tool rental shop.
Chainsaws can seem a little intimidating if you’ve never used one—but for a lot of outdoor projects in Richmond, they’re the easiest, fastest, and frankly most satisfying tool you can rent.
Whether you’re clearing storm debris, trimming back an overgrown tree, or cutting up logs for firewood, a chainsaw does the job in a fraction of the time it would take with a hand saw or ax. And no, you don’t have to live on a farm or wear flannel to use one.
Let’s break down what you need to know before you fire one up.
🧠 How a Chainsaw Works
At a basic level, a chainsaw is a motor-powered tool that spins a sharp, toothed chain around a metal bar. That moving chain acts like a tiny conveyor belt of knives, slicing through wood as you guide it into the cut.
We rent out electric chainsaws that are easy to handle and strong enough for most backyard or cleanup tasks. They don’t require oil mixing or complicated maintenance—just some confidence (which we’re happy to supply).
✂️ When to Use a Chainsaw
Chainsaws aren’t for finesse—they’re for speed and power. You’ll want one for:
Cutting firewood
Removing fallen branches after a storm
Trimming large limbs off trees
Taking down dead shrubs or saplings
Breaking down bulky yard waste into trash-can-sized pieces
**If you’re dealing with thick, woody material and it’s bigger than your wrist, a chainsaw is usually the right call.
🌳 3 Projects Where a Chainsaw Makes Life Easier
1. Clear Storm Debris in the Yard
After heavy rain or wind, it’s common to find large limbs scattered around or still hanging from trees. A chainsaw lets you safely cut them into manageable chunks for removal—without wrestling with a hand saw or calling in a pro.
Helpful reminder: Start with limbs that are already on the ground. If something’s dangling, use a pole saw (we rent those too) for a safer reach.
2. Cut Logs or Branches for a Backyard Fire Pit
If you’ve got a fire pit—or plan to build one—chainsaws make quick work of logs and fallen branches. Just slice them into pieces small enough to stack and dry out.
Helpful reminder: Cut on a flat, stable surface. A pair of sawhorses or a workstation like our Pegasus makes the job safer and easier.
3. Remove Overgrown Shrubs or Small Trees
Got an unruly hedge or a tree that’s slowly overtaking your fence line? A chainsaw lets you take down thick trunks and roots with confidence—especially if it’s too big for a reciprocating saw or pruners.
Helpful reminder: Mark your cuts and clear the area first. Start by trimming outer branches before going for the base of the trunk.
🧤 How to Use a Chainsaw Without Freaking Out
Chainsaws are powerful—but with a little prep and a lot of respect, they’re totally beginner-friendly.
✔️ Safety First:
Wear safety glasses and ear protection (we’ve got both).
Gloves and boots are a good idea. Avoid loose clothing.
Plan out your cuts before starting the saw.
🪚 Starting the Saw:
Set it on the ground, hold it steady, disengage the safety and power the saw on.
Begin from a fully controlled position.
✂️ Cutting:
Hold it with two hands—thumbs wrapped around the handles.
Let the saw do the work. Don’t force it.
Cut with the bottom of the bar, not the tip. (That’s where kickback happens.)
🛑 Stopping:
Release the trigger.
Engage the chain brake if it’s still spinning.
Let it cool down before storing or transporting.
🔧 Don’t Buy One—Borrow Ours
Unless you’re chopping wood every weekend, you probably don’t need to own a chainsaw. Renting from us means you skip the maintenance and storage—and you still get a clean, sharp, ready-to-use tool when you need it.
Click Explore Tools below to check availability, grab some safety gear, and get expert advice from folks who actually live and work here in Richmond. We’ll make sure you feel good about getting started—and that you don’t accidentally shred your fence.