Abstract: A starter device is disclosed for an internal combustion engine of a motor-driven chain saw. The starter device includes a rotor which is secured on a bearing pin by means of a spring clip. The legs of this spring clip extend partially parallel to each other and define an end portion and a guiding portion adjacent to the bearing pin. The rotor has also a pawl pivotable about a pivot axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor. When the internal combustion engine is started, the pawl engages teeth formed on an inner wall surface of a fan wheel. Between its pivot axis and its free end, the pawl has a pawl pin projecting over the pawl and guided in the guiding portion of the spring clip.