You obviously have talents that you didn't now about,,,,just like me!!!

Garly, it sounds like the brake is engaged. If the saw will run but not rev up and the drive sprocket will not turn the kickback safety brake has engaged. Doesn't take much to make it lock up either, first time it happened to me i thought i broke my saw. And it took more than a couple of minutes for me to realize what had happened. To engage and disengage the brake push the knuckle guard foward away from the handle and then pull it back toward the handle until it clicks. If all else fails read the owners manual. HTH

Hi GarlyDog,

I missed your post a couple of weeks ago about chainsaws.

I agree with the others who reccomended Husqvarna or Stihl chainsaws, both are first rate products.

I killed a few cheaper saws when I was younger (Pioneer x2, Craftsman, Skil, Homelite) and finally settled on Husqvarna because I found a good deal on a used one. I have used that 266 saw steady for 15 years and the only thing I have repaired was the choke lever that I broke the tip off (my fault). At work we standardized on Husqvarna's and they are much better than the Pioneer's they replaced.

There seems to be two different grades of Husqvarna chainsaws, the homeowner and professional versions. In chainsaws I think you get the quality that you pay for.

I bought a second Husky 266 at a yard sale last year for 10 dollars and figured I would just use it for parts. The saw had been in storage for years, but started up and ran well with no problem. The oiler did not function so for $12.00 I had it repaired (nylon gear changed) and after a full testing I resold it, the saw was just too good to keep sitting around for parts.

In reply to your question about protective chainsaw chaps/pants; I have been around the forest industry for 25 years and have seen many serious chainsaw accidents, I have also witnessed many injuries prevented by this protective gear.

I personally have worn ballistic chainsaw pants and gloves since the early 80's and do not cut without them (or without a partner), but I had never personally put them to the test, until Labour Day last fall. My partners and I were cutting out a survey line on a very hot day. By the afternoon I was getting tired and only had a few thin balsam fir trees left to remove. I had just cut through a small tree and carelessly took a step forward while the saw chain was still running at near full rev's. I drove the bottom of the spinning blade into my left thigh, and the ballistic nylon fibers exploded which bound up the chain; I had cut through 2 of the 4 protective layers of my safety pants. Without that protection I would have cut my thigh to the femur with huge blood loss; the location is at least an hour from the nearest hospital, I do not know if I would have survived the trip.

The cost of the safety gear is the cheapest insurance you will ever buy, at this time of year it would make a great Christmas gift from a loved one.

My 0.02 cents,

Mike

Ray:

Duh! You were right. Maybe I should read that manual again. LOL.

Thanks for pointing out the "pilot error".

I have another hour of daylight to get back to work. I am happy again.

Thanks!


Mike:

I bought the chaps before I got the new saw. I have to look into the gloves. I agree. Inexpensive insurance.

I also got a helmet with built in mesh face hood and headphones. Still use my Nebo glasses under it all.

Gary

Glad that it was not anything major. I also read the owners manual cover to cover, but when the brake engaged itself i had no idea that the saw did something that it was supposed to do. But i was relieved that my saw was not broken (i'm sure you know that feeling) and that the safety system works very well. Stay safe and take care of your Stihl and you will be using it for many years to come.

Yes. Relieved and faith restored.

I really appreciate your help.

BTW, thanks to everyone who responded to this thread.
The Stihl saw works great.

I am finally making progress on my storm damage clean up project.

Hi Garlydog,

"I have to look into the gloves. I agree. Inexpensive insurance."

I have never had a chain break apart or fly off the bar with enough force to cut into my ballistic nylon left glove, but I still wear it every time.

Once about 25 years ago I was teaching a group of 20 forestry college students how to do a quick touch-up sharpen job on a chainsaw in the bush. I had taken my gloves off for this short talk and sure enough the file slipped on the first saw tooth and cut about half way around my index finger; lots of blood, very embarrassing. I now always wear gloves when sharpening my saw, I tend to remember the lessons that involve hospital staff.

Mike