Can You Use A Chainsaw In The Rain?

Are you wondering – can you use a chainsaw in the rain?

Is it safe to do so?

If so, you’ve landed on the right page and it’s a great question.

I’ll discuss whether you can or can’t in this write-up. When it comes to using a chainsaw, you’ll want to use it in the safest conditions possible. Plus, you want to prevent any accidents that may happen due to weather.

I will go over the do’s and don’ts of chainsaw use, so you know how to operate it safely. This is a good guide for those that are new to using one. So pay close attention before you even consider pulling the starting cord. Check out my article on How To Use a Chainsaw Safely for more tips!

Let’s get started:

Can you use a chainsaw in the rain?

The short answer: you can. Even if you are outdoors and it’s pouring, you can still be able to put it to good use. It won’t damage the chainsaw.

The one thing that we encourage you to do is make sure the engine is not submerged in water. This can flood it, and it will cease to function. Be careful how the chainsaw may be positioned if you’re in standing water.

However, it’s vital to cover the chainsaw’s engine if you want extra protection. Use some plastic so that water does not enter the engine itself. This is optional, but most people do it as a precaution.

However, if you are using an electric chainsaw, you may be placing yourself at risk for an electric shock. Do not submerge your chainsaw underwater. Electric shocks can be fatal as a result.

What if I want to cut down a tree in the rain?

It won’t be a good idea to cut down trees during a downpour in rainy conditions. Not only that, you may not know about the impending weather conditions. High winds and possible thunderstorms could accompany the heavy rain.

For this reason, you’ll want to wait until the weather conditions are favorable for cutting down a tree. Also, a cut tree cannot be transported under adverse conditions anyway. So you may want to postpone that until the weather improves.

Is it possible to cut wet wood with a chainsaw?

Yes, wet wood can be cut with a chainsaw. Contrary to popular belief, you won’t have to worry about dulling the blade, especially if you are cutting different types of wood.

Before using a chainsaw, you’ll want to lubricate the chain with oil before you begin. This will prevent any friction. It will be beneficial if you plan on cutting metal with a chainsaw and want to reduce as much friction as possible.

Your chainsaw will have no problem performing its regular function, whether damp wood or dry wood.

Do’s and Don’ts of Chainsaw Use

I will go over the following ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ of chainsaw use. It’s crucial that you follow this part of the guide, even as a newbie user. You can make rookie mistakes that can make your project a failure and can be a safety issue.

Your safety is important. Make sure that you read these carefully to ensure you use your chainsaw safely without the risk of serious injury or death. Let’s take a look at the following:

DO check the weather conditions

Planning outdoor activities ahead of time is a must. Especially if you are using equipment such as chainsaws, what will the weather be for that day?

If there is a chance for rain and wind, you may want to monitor the conditions. If there is heavy rain and high winds, you’ll want to postpone using your chainsaw until conditions improve. Even with plenty of sun, windy days may not present the best conditions for using your chainsaw (especially if you plan to cut trees down).

DO wear protective clothing.

Protective clothing should be worn while you are operating a chainsaw. These include gloves to ensure extra grip. You can also wear rain boots in the event of impending wet conditions. You may also be stepping into terrain that may already be wet (such as mud and water puddles). Read more on the best protective clothing in my article Best Chainsaw Safety Gear.

If the temperatures are cool, you may want to consider wearing extra layers to stay warm.

DO lubricate your chainsaw before use.

Chainsaws will create a lot of friction between the blade and the object you are cutting. For this reason, you want to lubricate the chain beforehand. This will reduce the friction and the instance that the blade will be worn down. Check out this video on how to lubricate your chainsaw properly.

DON’T submerge an electric chainsaw in water

As mentioned before, electric chainsaws should not be submerged in water as they can pose a risk of electric shock. These chainsaws are popular, so it is crucial to exercise the necessary precautions. If you are using it and rain is likely, you’ll want to cover the engine as much as possible.

Or you can wait until conditions have improved.

DON’T cut on the ground

Cutting on the ground will increase the risk of dulling the blade. Ensure that the bar is as far away from the ground as possible.

DON’T use old fuel

If you are using a gas-powered chainsaw, you’ll want to refuel it before you use it. Empty what’s left of the old fuel and replace it with new gas. Another thing you shouldn’t do is refuel the chainsaw while the blade is hot since it can pose a fire hazard.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have found out that you can use a chainsaw in the rain, you can use it to cut any wood. However, you want to double-check the weather conditions before doing so, especially if you plan to cut down trees.

Make sure you follow the ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ mentioned above to use a chainsaw—safely cut to you. 

I hope that my article has provided you with all the answers to your questions.

Happy sawing!

Your pal,

Chainsaw Larry