I use the chain brake when starting a modern Stihl from cold. If you don't have it on, they scream to ridiculous RPM from stone cold - I don't like this at all. So my procedure is:
1) Brake on, full choke
2) Drop start until it coughs/fires
3) Choke off, throttle still open (position 1 on the control lever)
4) Drop start, as soon as the saw runs, release the throttle opening lever, chain brake off
5) Allow to warm up briefly
6) Cut wood.
The only saws I don't drop start from cold are the 880 and 090s/070s. Everything gets drop started from hot.
1) Brake on, full choke
2) Drop start until it coughs/fires
3) Choke off, throttle still open (position 1 on the control lever)
4) Drop start, as soon as the saw runs, release the throttle opening lever, chain brake off
5) Allow to warm up briefly
6) Cut wood.
The only saws I don't drop start from cold are the 880 and 090s/070s. Everything gets drop started from hot.