When starting a saw, should the brake be on or off?

When starting a chainsaw, the brake should be on. Engaging the chain brake while starting the saw is a safety measure designed to prevent accidental chain movement. This ensures that if the saw were to start unexpectedly, the chain remains locked and cannot cause injury. Keeping the brake on during startup protects the operator and others nearby from the potential dangers of a rotating chain.

In safe chainsaw practices, it is standard procedure to always start the saw with the brake engaged. This protocol reduces the risk of the saw moving unexpectedly and allows the operator to evaluate the environment before releasing the brake and proceeding with cutting tasks. Combining this practice with proper personal protective equipment further enhances safety when working with chainsaws.