A start device is for a chainsaw having a combustion engine. The start device includes an electric motor with a control device, which initiates operation of the electric motor and starts up the combustion engine. The chainsaw has a brake device for bringing the tool to a standstill, wherein the brake device can be operated via an actuation lever. For this purpose, the actuation lever can be moved from a first position (A) into at least one further position (B). The control device is connected to a signal transmitter, which is actuated, and emits a signal to the control device, when the actuation lever is moved from the first position (A) into the further position (B), wherein the signal forms a start signal for initiating operation of the electric motor and for starting up the combustion engine.