Short answer: Look down at the saw from the top: the cutting teeth on top of the bar should face forward, away from you. If the sharp edge of the teeth faces back toward you, the chain is on backwards, because the chain runs forward along the top of the bar.
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What Phil says
"If you don't know, maybe take a chainsaw course first. Actually though, yeah, you probably should."
"The teeth should be facing forward when you look from the top of the saw down. If they're facing back towards you, if the sharp bit's facing back towards you, then it's on the wrong way because the chain spins this way, not this way."
The quick check
- Look down at the saw from above, with the bar pointing away from you.
- Find the cutting teeth on the top of the bar.
- The sharp edges should point forward, toward the tip of the bar.
- If they point back at you, take the chain off and turn it around.
Not sure? Get trained
Phil's first answer is the honest one: if you don't know which way the chain goes, take a chainsaw course before you run the saw. Then wear the right protective gear every time: chainsaw pants or chainsaw chaps.
Free one-page checklist
Phil’s chainsaw troubleshooting checklist
Seven common problems, the checks a working arborist runs first, and when it’s a job for the saw shop. Print it and keep it with your saw.
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From Clogger Answers, episode 1. These are Phil's opinions, based on his professional experience. Always follow your saw's manual and wear the right protective gear.
Phil is a professional arborist based in Invercargill, New Zealand, who runs saws every day with his crew. Clogger makes chainsaw pants and chainsaw chaps.