Can I use my chainsaw when it's raining?

lloyd786 · Dec 18, 2022

We cut holes in the ice to ice fish. It’s like fountain when the chain finally gets to the water.

Franny K · Dec 18, 2022

OM617YOTA said:
Although I'd expect the Stihl and Husky pro battery electrics to handle rain just fine.

Maybe the new ones that have a water proof rating number/code/standard. My pole saw did not work for a few days after it got rained on, It was not enough rain to really make the ground mud. the model code is a bit different now and they talk about a new rating.

OM617YOTA · Dec 18, 2022

Franny K said:
Maybe the new ones that have a water proof rating number/code/standard. My pole saw did not work for a few days after it got rained on, It was not enough rain to really make the ground mud. the model code is a bit different now and they talk about a new rating.

No clue about your pole saw, but keep in mind that Stihl and Husky make homeowner level stuff too. I wouldn't expect those to handle rain any better than my Kobalt 80v battery saw.

Mad Professor · Dec 18, 2022

Clean the saw as soon as you finish. Wet saws attract sawdust and get messy.

Mike Kunte · Dec 21, 2022

As many of the guys have mentioned here, the saws will operate happily in a bit of rain. The danger is your environmental factors. For safety sake, it's important to remember the following:

1. You WILL slip (bark, ground and grass become very slick when wet). Take care that you don't slip with the chain running!!! Double check your footing!

2. If you're doing any kind of ropework, especially using porta-wraps, remember that the friction coefficient of wet ropes is 30 - 50% less that that of dry rope. Make extra wraps to compensate. We were caught out when a sudden, heavy downpour forced us under cover. When we returned to the site and resumed working, the load on the porta-wrap caused the wraps to slip, and we almost had a big log on our heads!

Stay safe out there and use your noggin!!!