A chainsaw is only as good as its chain, yet many users unknowingly make mistakes
that compromise performance, safety, and efficiency. “Oversights, in how a chain is
used and maintained, can turn a powerful tool into a frustrating liability,” says Charles
Henderson, Business Development Manager and Tree Professional at Husqvarna,
South Africa. “Whether you’re a pro or a weekend warrior, avoiding certain common
errors will ensure your equipment performs at its best and achieves the required
results.”
Henderson highlights five key chainsaw chain missteps that users often make and how
to correct them:
1. Using the Correct Chain
Not all chains are made to fit any size or brand of chainsaw. Fitting and using the
wrong chain can lead to poor performance, excessive wear, and safety hazards.
The Fix: All chainsaws come with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) chain
but replacements must be compatible with your specific model. Always check your
chainsaw's user manual or consult your nearest dealer to ensure you’re using the
correct chain for optimal performance and safety. Low-kickback chains are best for
beginners, while professionals might prefer full-chisel chains for faster cutting.
Husqvarna’s X-Cut® chain is designed to handle demanding tasks with precision
and longevity, making it a solid choice for both efficiency and durability.
2. Pre-Stretching
New chains naturally stretch as they wear in. If too tight, poor tension can cause
excessive wear, while a loose chain increases the risk of derailment, creating a
safety hazard.
The Fix: If your chain isn’t pre-stretched, check the tension frequently, especially
during the first few hours of use and adjust as needed to ensure safe and efficient
operation. Some premium chains, like the X-Cut®, are pre-stretched, reducing the
need for frequent adjustments.
3. Improper Filing Techniques
A dull or blunt chain reduces cutting efficiency, increases the risk of dangerous
kickbacks, and can cause mechanical damage to the chainsaw. Furthermore,
improper filing will damage your chain. Using the wrong file size, incorrect filing
angles, or filing freehand without a gauge will result in uneven cutters, reducing the
chain's sharpness. Certain chains, like the X-Cut®, are designed to maintain
sharpness longer, reducing the need for frequent sharpening and ensuring smoother
cutting.
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The Fix: Use the correct size file for your chain and maintain the correct angles. A
filing guide is non-negotiable as it ensures precision filing angles. Husqvarna X-Cut®
chains are designed to maintain sharpness longer, ensuring smoother cutting.
Important to note is that a chain does the cutting work and a correctly maintained,
sharp chain will increase efficiencies plus reduce operator fatigue.
4. Ignoring the Depth Gauges
Depth gauges control how much wood the cutter removes with each pass. If too high,
the chain won’t cut; if too low, the cutter removes too much wood, increasing vibration
and stress on the saw, leading to costly mechanical damage. Chains like the X-Cut®
are engineered for precision, ensuring consistent performance with minimal
adjustments.
The Fix: Regularly check and adjust your depth gauges to the manufacturer’s
recommended height. A depth gauge tool, which is generally part of a filing gauge,
will maintain the correct settings for optimal cutting performance.
5. Running a Dry Chain
Lubrication is crucial to reducing friction and heat buildup, which can quickly wear
down a chain and the guide bar. Forgetting to check oil levels (for both battery and
electric chainsaws) or refilling the chain oil each time one refuels, will lead to
premature chain and guide-bar wear.
The Fix: Always ensure your chainsaw’s oil reservoir is full before starting a job.
Using the correct chain oil can also improve longevity and performance. Husqvarna
X-Cut® chain is designed with superior lubrication efficiencies ensuring longer chain
life.
“By avoiding these mistakes and following best practices, you’ll ensure your chainsaw
runs at its optimal level—boosting performance, enhancing safety, extending your
equipment’s lifespan, and saving you money in the long run,” Henderson concludes.
To find out more about Husqvarna’s X-Cut® chainsaw chain or any of their other
outdoor power tools, please visit https://www.husqvarna.com/za.
ENDS
WORDS: 677
Press Release Disseminated on Behalf of:
Charles Henderson
Business Development Manager – Husqvarna South Africa
Disseminated by:
Thulisile Mhlongo
PR Account Executive: Say Watt
071 326 9830
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About Husqvarna
Husqvarna, a brand within Husqvarna Group, is a market leader in innovative and high-
quality products and services for shaping green spaces in parks, forests and gardens.
Since 1689, Swedish-born Husqvarna has a strong focus on research and development
and is a pioneer in robotic lawn mowers and chainsaws. Today, the product portfolio
consists of the next generation of robotic mowers, riders, chainsaws and trimmers for
professional as well as private use. Sustainable value creation, product innovation and
digitalization remain important for the journey ahead. Husqvarna products are sold in
more than 100 countries. Husqvarna Group, which also includes Gardena and
Husqvarna Construction, has 13 300 employees in 40 countries around the world and
net sales in 2024 amounted to SEK 48,4 billion. Husqvarna Group is listed on Nasdaq
Stockholm.