Getting the Most Out of Your Chainsaw!

Getting the most out of your chainsaw starts with a well-matched bar and chain. Accurate part matching improves performance and reduces wear. You’ll also want to consider your saw size, power output, and type of work you do — pruning tree limbs versus cutting logs. Once you’ve determined the right size of chainsaw, and what kind of cutting job you need to do, it’s time to choose a quality bar and chain for your project.

You can narrow down your options by considering the kerf size, cutter design, and special features. For example, a micro chisel chain has sharpened edges that grab the wood for clean cuts. It also requires less maintenance because it resists dulling, lasts longer, and sips fuel.

A ripping chain, on the other hand, is designed for a very specific task: milling logs into planks. The cutters on ripping chains cut at a lower angle than standard chainsaw chains — 10 degrees versus 30. This allows the chain to cut into the wood with greater force, while reducing vibration and wear on the bar and sprocket nose. The cutters are deep quenched and hardened for toughness, and the anti-kickback and reduced-vibration technologies ensure a safer working environment.