Abstract: A device for braking the saw chain (3) of a portable power saw (1). The power saw has a front handle (5) to be gripped by one hand (6) of the saw operator, and a rear handle (7) to be gripped by the operator's other hand (8). The device includes a brake means (11) capable of braking the saw chain (3) by means of an actuating member (12). This may have the shape of an L-shaped tube (12) which is connected to a kickback guard (9)on the power saw, and which can be operated by the operator's rear hand as a result of a coercion wrenching movement of the rear hand (8) if any kickback of the power saw will occur.