Are chainsaws a thrilling scare tactic?

Yes, chainsaws can be an effective scare tactic, especially in haunted house attractions. In these settings, actors use chainsaws (without the blade) to scare visitors. The distinct sound and association with danger create a thrilling and terrifying experience. The use of chainsaws is often accompanied by strategic distractions to heighten the scare, making visitors focus on other elements before the chainsaw appears, ensuring a sudden fright 1.

For example, in the Stuff You Should Know, Josh Clark explains how chainsaws are strategically used in haunted houses to scare visitors, with actors quickly resetting to maximize the scare effect without allowing guests to get familiar or comfortable 1.