Chainsaw Front Shield The Part That Stands in Front

A kickback happens in an instant, and what stands between your front hand and the chain is often this piece of plastic on the front of the saw. The front shield is a molded plastic plate fitted to the front of the body, a bar opening on top, two cutouts in the middle, a curved lower edge, and bolt tabs at the sides.

What does the front shield actually do? First, it blocks things. When you cut into heavy cover, branches and debris tend to strike the front of the machine, and the shield takes that hit first. Second, it guards the hand. It sits right in front of your front hand, so if the saw kicks, it helps steer the hand away from the path of the chain. Third, it keeps dust and grit out of the front of the engine.

Why plastic instead of metal? The shield sits close to the moving chain and the vibrating parts. A metal strike is harsh and can send out sparks, while plastic is light, forgiving and quiet when it gets hit, and when it is worn it is simply replaced, at low cost. The molded body carries internal ribs, so it is tougher than it looks.

How is it fitted? Use the original tabs and screws. Take off the old plate, line up the holes in the new one, tighten the fasteners, and check that it sits flush against the body, working neither loose nor rubbing the chain.

When the old shield cracks or goes missing, it is time to replace it. The shield is a safety part, and once it is cracked, the protection is already cut down, so do not tape it up and carry on.