How Important Is the Chain Catcher In a Chainsaw?

[samuelanali]

In my opinion, It's an important safety feature.

Because if the chain comes off the bar, it can be dangerous and cause serious injury.

That's why, it's a good idea to use a chainsaw with a chain catcher (especially if you are a BEGINNER!). However, even PROS should use a chain catcher whenever possible to help ensure their safety and the safety of those around them!

Happy sawing!

 

[gthompson1245]

Ive had chain come off and whap me in the chest.. if it weren't for the catcher stopping the spinning chain there's certainly enough momentum to cut you pretty good

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

The pitcher is probably twice as important as the catcher.

 

[markle]

When the chain catcher does it job, nothing bad happens, except to the chain catcher. If you doubt they are working, take a look at them…they take some wicked hits based on the scars. I don’t often change them on saws I service. But some aluminum ones have been about cut through and/or bent…these get changed out.

 

[Okie]

Without the chain catcher if the chain comes off at high speed it could put some scars on your pretty saw.

 

[stihltech]

Chain catcher- a few bucks. Hole in fuel tank-big bucks. Injury to operator-thousands. Take your choice.

 

[Dean-O]

I wish HipaStores account had a “chain catch” on it to catch it from bot posting garbage threads

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

I wish HipaStores account had a “chain catch” on it to catch it from bot posting garbage threads

Or how about someone doing a test on aftermarket chain catch replacements to see if the alloy is as strong as cardboard?

 

[Dave berry]

View attachment 1011810
Some may notice there is a small part under the chain in modern chainsaws. It is a safety feature called chain catcher.
View attachment 1011808
What is it?
This small metal part is a kind of safety feature, called a chain catcher. In some modern chainsaws, the chain catcher comes in aluminum or plastic and is fixed by a rivet or integrated with the clutch cover. While in some old chainsaws, there is a small roller that comes as the chain catcher, or there is just no such safety feature.

What is it used for?
We all know the chain runs at about 100 miles an hour around the guide bar on typical chainsaws, especially it can run up to 14,000 RPMs (Rotate Per Minute) on some big pro chainsaws. Therefore, the chain will have a strong tendency to run in a circle.
But when the chain sits on the guide bar with improper tension and runs at such a fast speed, the chain may come off the bar with the spinning momentum to hurt your leg. If there is a chain catcher on your chainsaw, it would stop the spinning chain and protect you from being injured.

Why do you need the chain catcher?
Even if the chain catcher looks tiny, it plays a crucial role in personal security. If you are using an old chainsaw without a chain catcher alone in the wild and get cut on the leg, it could be very catastrophic to you because you may die because of the lack of a small safety feature.
The chain catcher can not prevent all accidents from happening but protect you from the worst, so it also matters to use a chainsaw correctly: How to use a chainsaw safely.

Note
If the chain catcher is worn or bent, you’d better replace it. It takes only $4 or $5 but may save you and your family.

Important enough to not make your leg look like it's been trough a meat mincing machine I guess. I am glad I've never been cut but even pros get it wrong some times