Due to safety reasons, it is best to avoid using power tools like chainsaws in rain. But sometimes there is no way out of doing work.
So the short answer is yes you can even if it is pouring rain outside. This will not damage your chainsaw even without extra protection as long as the water does not reach the engine.
There are certain things to avoid and precautions to heed, but all in all, you can use a chainsaw in rain as long as it is not submerged in water and is not an electric one.
This article follows the dos and don’ts of using chainsaws in the rain, different scenarios based on weather conditions, and much more.
Let us then get back to answering ‘can you use a chainsaw in rain’ in detail:
Can You Use a Chainsaw in the Rain? Safety Measures and Preventions [2024]
Even though chainsaw and rain do not sound right together, the case is the opposite. You can take down trees and cut through the wood with your saw getting wet. Little rain is nothing, you can even use it with strong pouring rain.
Even though the chainsaws are not waterproof, the rain cannot get to the engine even without extra plastic to protect it unless you are in the water.
The gas-powered chainsaw can survive all kinds of weather. Electric chainsaws are a big no in this scenario and battery-powered ones are an exceptional case. They can survive all seasons as well but not all models can survive the rain. It is best to make sure in advance if your model is one of them.
This situation is more weather-related than tool related and because of that extra attention should be paid to the weather condition and condition of the environment you are about to work in.
Environmental Safety Measures for Using Chainsaws in Rain
When working in bad weather tools are not the only thing of concern. Although the water won’t pass the covering and the air filter toward the engine to be on the safe side use a plastic sheet and have it wrapped around the casing.
Environmental factors become just as important if not more important in a rainy situation. You should look out for
Assess your situation and the condition of the weather. Google the condition of the next few hours and see if it is safe to work.
Personal Safety Measures for Using Chainsaw in Rain
Dressing for a rainy workday is not the same as a usual day. It involves more risks, hence more measures are to be taken. Wet means cold so even if it rains in summer you are going to get cold so make sure to wear something warm in other words dress in layers.
You are about to use a chainsaw in rain so do not take your safety lightly
- Wear a polyester or wool base layer.
- Mid-size wool or fleece sweater.
- Polyester pants.
- Waterproof jacket.
- Waterproof rain pants.
- Socks
- Waterproof shoes.
- Work gloves.
- Chainsaw helmet.
- Hat under the helmet for winter.
- Protective eyewear.
Based on the severity of the weather up or down it a notch.
Explore: Why Were Chainsaws Invented?
Preventive Measures for Chainsaw Rust
Rain might not damage the chainsaw and wet wood might not dull the chain but the rain definitely causes rust in the chainsaw bar and chain.
There is no going back from rust, you might need to replace the bar and chain altogether. But there are measures you can take to prevent this from happening. Once you are done using the chainsaw in wet weather
- Dry the whole chainsaw thoroughly with a dry rag. Especially
- Casing
- Bar
- Chain
- Handle
- Clean off stuck sawdust from the chain.
- Oil the bar and chain.
You can oil it yourself by hand or after drying start it and let it run till the automatic lubricant is activated and oil it.
Here is how Fluty Lick Homestead gears up for using a chainsaw in rain:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use a Chainsaw in Water?
No, you cannot use a chainsaw in water. Chainsaws are not waterproof. They can handle the rain because of the casing and the air filters protecting the engine. But nothing can stop the water from getting to the engine once you are in it. Not even extra layers of plastic. If the chainsaw is submerged the engine is done. Not to mention you as well if you try using it.
Can You Use an Electric Chainsaw in the rain?
That is a life-threatening idea. Water and electricity do not go together. Unless you have a death wish you cannot use an electric chainsaw in rain at any cost.
Can You Use a Battery Chainsaw in the rain?
Battery and mini chainsaws might not use a corded power source but they are just as dangerous as well during rain if not more. If water gets to the motor it can short-circuit the saw and damage the battery.
Companies are now offering water-resistance battery systems but you have to make sure that your chainsaw is one of them before taking it to the rain.
Can you Use a Stihl Chainsaw in the Rain?
Yes, you can. By now you are aware of the do’s and don’ts of using chainsaws in rain, it is the same for every saw. But Stihl also offers battery power chainsaws as well that can work in rain just as fine.
Their AP System allows the battery tools to run perfectly in rain. You’ll just need to dry the battery as well with the tool after usage.
You can check the list of cordless chainsaws to see if your model fits the criteria.
Can You Chop Wood in the rain?
Whether it is with an axe or a chainsaw you can chop wood in the rain. Cutting the wet wood is not a problem, in fact, most of the time it is easier to cut through wet wood.
The problem lies with the weather condition. Strong winds can move the wood or your aim. Rain can blur your vision. So have these environmental factors covered and you are good to go.
Final Takeaways: Can You Use Chainsaw in the Rain?
Using a chainsaw in rain is not different in terms of wood. Cutting wet wood is the same as cutting through dry wood, just the sawdust is different and can get stuck in the chain. The rain does not damage or affect the chainsaw if it is tended to after finishing the work unless it has submerged in water.
The real challenge is brought by the weather, the heavy winds, sounds, lightning, slippery slopes, etc. are real problems. These make you lose your footing and your aim and even affect your vision.
The best practice is to assess the severity of the weather, and the condition of the workplace and put on proper gear before entering the rain for this job.
his personal experience and loves to share their nitty gritty details with his audience.
Although Richard does focus on other home improvement tools, his focus remains on cutting fallen trees or maintaining his backyard via chainsaw tools. He pledges to come up with new knowledge about chainsaws every once in a while.
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