9 Rookie Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Chainsaw

Whether you’re a seasoned lumberjack or just breaking in your first chainsaw, there’s a learning curve to using these powerful tools effectively and safely. Chainsaws are unforgiving by nature, and even small mistakes can lead to big problems. These are nine of those rookie mistakes you definitely don’t want to make.

Keep That Air Filter Clean

Running your chainsaw with a dirty air filter? You might want to rethink that. Chainsaws churn up a ton of dust, and the air filter is there to stop that grime from getting into the engine’s heart. If your filter is clogged (and it’s easy to overlook this), your engine will end up pulling in some of that dirt, leading to wear and tear that can be costly.

Notice your chainsaw losing power or guzzling more fuel than usual? It’s probably time to check that filter. Some can be cleaned, others need to be replaced outright. Remember, a new filter costs way less than a new engine.

Drain the Tank Before Storage

Leaving old gas in your chainsaw over winter is asking for trouble. Even if you’ve used a fuel stabilizer, it’s best to empty the tank before you tuck your chainsaw away for the season. Why? Because old gas can gum up your carburetor’s tiny passages and corrode internal parts, including the delicate carburetor diaphragm.

Stick to 2-Cycle Oil

Using car motor oil in your chainsaw instead of 2-cycle oil? That’s a shortcut to a mess and maybe a major repair bill. Unlike 2-cycle oil, regular motor oil isn’t designed to burn off with the gas. It’ll clog up your chainsaw with unburned oil, foul the spark plug, and leave nasty carbon deposits everywhere from the piston head to the exhaust port. If you keep it up, you’re not just cleaning a mess; you might be facing a full engine teardown.

Check Your Brake Before Revving

Ever rev your chainsaw with the brake still engaged? Big mistake. Your chainsaw’s safety kickback brake is a lifesaver that stops the blade by locking up the clutch drum. But it’s easy to accidentally hit the brake handle—especially when maneuvering around downed limbs or stumps. Firing up the throttle with the brake on can fry your clutch in no time.

If you pull the trigger and the chain doesn’t move, pause and check that brake. Make sure it’s off before you go full throttle.

Keep Your Blade Sharp

A dull blade doesn’t just make your job harder—it wears out your chainsaw faster. A sharp blade dives into the wood almost by itself, but a dull one? That requires you to push down harder, which puts extra stress on everything from the bar to the clutch. If your chainsaw starts spitting out fine sawdust instead of chunky chips, it’s time to take a break and sharpen up.

Stick to the Right Lube

Tempted to use that leftover motor oil on your chainsaw? Think twice. While it might seem like a budget-friendly move, used oil is loaded with stuff like fuel, acid, and soot—none of which are friends to your chainsaw’s moving parts. These contaminants can seriously speed up wear on both the bar and chain. It’s better to use the real deal—proper bar and chain oil, or at least fresh motor oil if you’re in a bind.

Cool It Before You Refuel

Hot chainsaw and a fuel can? That’s a no-go. Refueling your chainsaw while it’s still hot is like playing with fire—literally. The heat can vaporize the fuel, and if those fumes catch a spark, things can go south fast. So, patience pays off here. Give your chainsaw a good 10-minute breather to cool down after use.

Keep It Above the Dirt

Ever find yourself slicing close to the ground and suddenly, whoops—your chainsaw kisses the dirt? That split-second contact is all it takes to dull your blade and wear down your chain and sprocket. So, keep things lifted! Make sure there’s enough space under that log to steer clear of accidental soil scoops.

Get the Tension Just Right

A slack chainsaw chain? Recipe for trouble. It might just pop off mid-cut, and trust me, that’s not a thrill you want. Too tight isn’t any better—it strains your saw’s bar and sprocket. Give your chain a quick tug; if those links lift out of the bar groove, it’s time to tighten up. Keep it snug, but not strangled!