Effective cutting with zero risk: here are the essential chainsaw accessories

What do you use your chainsaw for? To cut firewood, prune, fell trees or do DIY? In this article, we’ll take a look at chainsaw accessories. Our guiding principle will be the impact these accessories have on cutting efficiency, the smooth operation of the chainsaw, the prevention of breakdowns, and the safety of both the machine and the user.

Much of what we’ll discuss applies to all chainsaws, regardless of their power source, power output, the level of difficulty of the tasks they’re designed for or – in the case of pruning chainsaws – their specific purpose. In fact, we’ll begin with the guide bar and chain, and finish off with an overview of protective clothing. In the main section, we’ll focus in particular, though not exclusively, on petrol-powered chainsaws.

Chainsaw guide bar and chain

As you know, the defining feature of chainsaws is the cutting unit, which consists of the guide bar and chain. The guide bar guides the movement of the chain, whose teeth cut through the wood, removing it in the form of chips, much like small planers. For a chainsaw to work well, a well-sharpened chain is therefore essential: for this, you’ll need a round bar (or a round file) with a diameter compatible with the chain, a flat file and the instructions in the user manual (sharpening angle, etc.). You’ll also need the flat file for maintenance of chainsaw’s guide bar (or blade): to file away any burrs that form and to adjust the sides of the guide-chain grooves if they’ve worn unevenly.

When the chainsaw chain can no longer be sharpened, it needs to be replaced with a suitable spare part: the user manual lists the specifications (type, pitch, thickness, etc.) recommended by your chainsaw’s manufacturer. The same goes for the guide bar: when the depth of the groove is significantly reduced, it needs to be replaced, approximately every 4 chain changes. Follow the instructions in the manual regarding the type of guide bar that can be fitted to your chainsaw. Only purchase the recommended guide bars and chains: it’s not just a matter of cutting efficiency, but one of safety as well. Indeed, the wrong chain or guide bar increases the risk of kickback, which is the sudden upwards and backwards jerk that the chainsaw makes when the tip of the guide bar hits something.

As the chain is used, it tends to slacken: depending on your chainsaw’s type of chain tensioner, you can use a combination spanner to tighten it. In addition, for the guide bar and chain to work properly, they must be lubricated: the oil acts as an anti-seize and anti-wear agent. Top up the chain oil reservoir with a specific product, such as CHAIN LUBE; do not use other types of oil or used oil. Careful maintenance of your chainsaw extends the machine’s lifespan and, in practice, results in a high-quality cut, as well as greater comfort and safety whilst working.

To learn more on these topics, here are some of our guides: here’s one on the chain, another on the guide bar, and the last one on cleaning the oil pump in your chainsaw.

Use and maintenance of the chainsaw

As we’ve already seen with regard to the guide bar and chain, to operate a chainsaw you need both spare parts and consumables, which you must replenish as they run out, more or less frequently depending on how much you use the machine. This especially concerns petrol-powered chainsaws.

To prevent fires, refuelling and topping up the chain oil must be carried out whilst the engine is switched off and cold. Pour them into their respective tanks using a suitable funnel and wipe up any spilled fuel or oil. Only then should you start the machine: to do so, stand well away from where you refuelled and topped up.

Carry and store fuel in approved containers, in a cool, well-ventilated place, away from flames, heat sources and direct sunlight. The same precautions apply to engine oil and chain oil, which must be kept in their original, tightly sealed containers.

Speaking of engine oil, with our PROSINT 2 EVO, EUROSINT 2 EVO and the new EXTREME, prepare the petrol/oil mixture respecting the 2% ratio. For specifications on the engine oil to use for your chainsaw, consult your user manual. Alternatively, you can go for a ready-made alkylate mixture – such as EFCO-Mix Alkylate – which, compared to a traditional mixture, is less polluting and has a longer shelf life. If instead you prefer the standard mixture, you can extend its shelf life by using a specific additive, such as ADDITIX 2000 EVO.

Finally, carry out routine maintenance on your petrol-powered chainsaw and follow the instructions in the manual to ensure you don’t overlook any steps. In particular, use a combination spanner to unscrew, clean, check and, when you need to, replace the spark plug with a spare one of the recommended type. Also check and replace the air and fuel filters. If it’s worn, don't forget to replace the starter cord.

By the way, here you can take a look at our overviews on spark plug maintenance, and the importance of high-quality oils and petrol for petrol-powered gardening tools.

Electric and battery-powered models deserve a separate discussion, as their power supply and running time do not depend on fuel. A specific risk associated with using an electric chainsaw is, of course, the risk of electric shock from contact with live parts. To avoid electric shocks, use extension leads that comply with safety standards and are suitable for outdoor use, and make sure that cables, plugs and sockets are in good condition. If instead, you have a battery-powered chainsaw, we recommend that you exclusively use the battery and battery charger specified for your model – replacing them, if necessary, with original spare parts only – and that you closely follow the instructions in the manual on how to use, charge, and store them.

Clothing and accessories for your safety

Lastly, let’s move on to protective clothing. Cut-resistant garments – trousers, overtrousers and leg guards, jackets and sleeve guards – act as a barrier against the moving chain thanks to the special fabric from which they are made. Additionally, cut-resistant gloves protect you from vibrations thanks to their anti-vibration padding. Cut-resistant boots and shoes feature, in addition to chain-stop protection, a non-slip sole and a metal toe cap to protect you from slipping and from being crushed by falling pieces of log or other objects. A helmet protects you from falling branches, whilst the face shield protects you from splinters and other projectiles during cutting, or from branches and trunks that suddenly bounce back. When working with a chainsaw, you are highly exposed to noise: wear ear defenders to protect your hearing and prevent other potential adverse health effects.

Wearing suitable clothing is essential for working safely with a chainsaw, but it’s not enough. First and foremost, it is essential to be familiar with your chainsaw, the safety features it is equipped with – chain brake, throttle lock, etc. – and the best practices for using it correctly. You’ll find all this information in the chainsaw’s user manual, which we urge you to read, regardless of your model’s type, fuel type and power rating.

The bar cover is also one of the chainsaw’s safety features. To transport it safely, switch it off, engage the chain brake, refit the bar cover, and carry it by the front handle with the guide bar pointing behind you. As well as protecting you and anyone else from cuts, the bar cover protects the chain from impacts.