Choke it, then stop.

Yes, there’s a simple two-step method that works for almost every gas chainsaw.

Set the choke (full on). Pull the cord until the engine coughs or fires once — usually 2–3 pulls. Then immediately turn the choke off. Pull again, and it should start within 2 pulls.

That second pull with choke off is what actually lights it. If you keep pulling with the choke on, you’ll flood it. The engine gets too much fuel, the plug fouls, and now you’re waiting ten minutes or swapping plugs.

One stupid trick: don’t touch the throttle. Most saws don’t need a throttle pump on cold start — just the choke and a few pulls. If it doesn’t fire after chokes, then go check your fuel mix or spark plug.

Your saw will start faster and live longer if you learn to trust that first cough.