Proper and safe drop starting technique

[SawTroll]

Man, I couldn't even watch that gal start her saw. I watched no more than 6 seconds of that one.  Ouch.

Well, my wife ("SawWitch" on another site) didn't do it like that, when she still lived.

[Warbird]

No worries, Shotgun.  There is no violence/gore in that 10 second clip.  I found it by searching on how not to start a chainsaw. 

[barbender]

I had to go examine how I actually start a saw, I don't put it on the ground but I know I don't flail it all over either. I realized it's sort of like drop starting, but I anchor the rear handle on my thigh so saw is held firm. If that make any sense

[Dave Shepard]

Al makes a great point, if you're not comfortable with any method, then don't do it. On the ground with a foot in the handle is definitely a good way for most saws, but is also more time consuming and not an option if you aren't near the ground, i.e. in a bucket or hanging from a rope. I always start any saw with the brake on, this really reduces the chance of an injury. My Huskys really like this, the Stihls with their foolish one lever switch where you can start choked at low idle don't like it so much, but they don't have a choice. Just be quick to hit the trigger to get it off of high idle when it fires.

[SwampDonkey]

My opinion, and that's all it is, my saws are placed on the ground before starting. The whole drop start thing worries me a tad.  ;) I've seen those "one hand on throttle and pull cord with opposite hand that is not dominant" episodes. I usually see scars, or get the sad story of where and how. ;)