Avoid These Common Chainsaw Mistakes (and What to Do Instead)

A chainsaw is one of the most useful tools for tree work, pruning and firewood – but it’s also one of the easiest to misuse. From blunt chains to bad fuel mix, small mistakes can quickly lead to poor cutting performance, expensive repairs, or serious accidents.

The good news? Most of the biggest issues are simple to avoid once you know what to look out for.

In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the most common chainsaw mistakes and show you exactly what to do instead, including how to use the right 2-stroke oil, PPE, sharpening files and ladders to work more safely and efficiently.

Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Fuel Mix or Poor-Quality 2-Stroke Oil

A classic chainsaw killer is incorrect fuel mix or cheap, low-grade oil. Two-stroke engines rely on the oil mixed into the fuel to lubricate moving parts. Get that wrong, and you can cause:

• Overheating

• Scoring of the piston and cylinder

• Loss of power or complete engine failure

What to do instead

• Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended mix ratio (commonly 50:1, but check your manual).

• Use a high-quality 2-stroke oil designed for chainsaws, not generic or random leftover oil from other kit.

• Mix small batches so the fuel stays fresh and shake the can before filling to keep the oil evenly distributed.

If you regularly use your saw, it’s worth sticking to a trusted brand of professional purpose made 2-stroke oil, such as Rotatech, so you know exactly what’s going into your engine every time.

Mistake 2: Cutting with a Dull Chain

Trying to cut with a blunt chain is one of the fastest routes to frustration and injury. A dull chain:

• Bites unevenly and wanders through the cut

• Creates fine dust instead of proper chips

• Forces you to push harder, which increases fatigue and kickback risk

What to do instead

Make chain sharpening part of your normal routine:

• Check the chain before each job. If it’s slow or burning the wood, it needs attention.

• Use the correct round file size for your chain pitch, and keep the file at the right angle.

• Touch up little and often rather than waiting until the chain is completely blunt.

• Don’t forget to check depth gauges (called rakers) with a guide and file them when necessary.

A couple of good files and guides in your kit will keep your saw cutting fast, straight and safely and dramatically extend the life of your chain.

Mistake 3: Skipping PPE

It’s tempting to 'just do a quick cut' without gearing up properly. That quick cut is often where things go wrong.

Working without basic PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) can mean:

• Cuts and abrasions to your hands and arms

• Eye damage from flying chips and dust

• Hearing damage from engine noise over time

What to do instead

At a minimum, you should be using:

• Gloves for grip, protection from splinters, thorns and cold, plus better control of the saw

• Eye protection such as safety glasses or visor

• Hearing protection like ear defenders or plugs

• Helmet and, for more serious work, chainsaw trousers and steel toed boots

Good chainsaw gloves are a small investment that pays off every time you start the saw, because they improve your control as well as safety.

Mistake 4: Using the Wrong Ladder 

Climbing onto an old wobbly step ladder with a chainsaw is a recipe for disaster. A huge number of chainsaw accidents involve falls from height, not just the chain itself.

Household ladders are often:

• Too narrow at the base to be stable on uneven ground

• Not designed to be used on grass, soil or slopes

• Easy to overreach from, tipping them off balance

What to do instead

When working off the ground:

• Use a ladder designed for tree and hedge work, such as a tripod ladder with a wide base and purpose built feet.

• Make sure the ladder is on firm, level footing and reposition it rather than stretching beyond a comfortable reach.

• Keep three points of contact when climbing.

A proper tripod ladder gives far more stability than a standard DIY ladder and lets you focus on the task at hand instead of worrying about balance.

Mistake 5: Poor Chain Tension and General Neglect

Running a chainsaw with chain tension too loose or too tight causes all sorts of problems:

• A loose chain can derail off the bar which is dangerous and damaging

• An overly tightened chain increases wear on the bar, sprocket and engine

• Neglected bars can develop uneven rails and poor oiling

What to do instead

Make a quick check part of your routine before starting work:

• With the saw off and chain cool, the chain should snap back into the groove if pulled up, and you should still be able to pull it round by hand (with gloves).

• Check that the chain oil is flowing properly by holding the tip near a clean surface and running the saw briefly to see a fine spray.

• Flip the guide bar occasionally to even out wear.

Combining correct chain tension, clean oiling and regular filing keeps the whole cutting system running smoothly.

Mistake 6: Standing in the Wrong Place and Ignoring Kickback

Even with a sharp chain and good fuel, you can run into trouble if your body position is wrong or you don’t respect the kickback zone (the upper part of the nose of the bar).

Common issues include:

• Standing directly behind the bar tip

• Cutting with arms straight and locked

• No clear escape path if the wood moves or closes on the bar

What to do instead

• Always know where the kickback zone is and avoid burying that part of the bar in the wood.

• Stand with your feet firm and slightly apart, with the saw close to your body for better control.

• Plan where the branch or log will fall, and always give yourself a clear, easy retreat path.

Good technique turns the chainsaw from something you fight against into a tool that feels balanced and predictable.

Mistake 7: Taking on Jobs Beyond Your Experience

It’s easy to underestimate how complex tree work can be. Felling larger trees, dealing with hung-up stems, or working near power lines are not DIY tasks, even with good kit.

Trying to tackle advanced jobs without the right skills and equipment can lead to:

• Uncontrolled falls

• Damage to buildings, vehicles and fences

• Serious injuries to you or anyone nearby

What to do instead

• Be honest about your skill level and equipment.

• Keep DIY work to smaller trees, basic pruning and firewood.

• Call a professional arborist for big fells, rigging, or anything near structures or utilities.

Your chainsaw, 2-stroke oil, PPE, files and ladders are there to help you work better, not to push beyond safe limits.

Build Better Habits, Not Just a Bigger Tool Kit

Avoiding these common chainsaw mistakes isn’t about being perfect; it’s about building good habits and using the right gear:

• Use quality 2-stroke oil and the correct mix to protect your engine.

• Keep your chain sharp with proper files so the saw does the work, not your arms.

• Wear PPE (especially gloves) every time, even for quick jobs.

• Choose stable, purpose-built ladders when working at height.

• Check tension, oiling and your surroundings before every cut.

Get those basics right and your chainsaw becomes safer, smoother and far more enjoyable to use, whether you’re a professional arborist or a serious home user.