Chainsaw Maintenance Schedule: Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Storage Steps From the Makers

Chainsaw upkeep is a mix of quick checks before you cut and cleaning jobs each week or month. This guide pulls the schedule from Husqvarna's maintenance checklist and the sharpening and fuel guidance from Oregon and STIHL. Still choosing a saw? See our best chainsaw guide, Husqvarna guide, or Stihl guide.

Daily (Each Day You Use the Saw)

Husqvarna's checklist for gas saws includes:

• Clean the outside of the saw, and check that the throttle trigger and trigger lockout work.
• Clean the chain brake and check that it works. Check the chain catcher for damage.
• Turn the guide bar over for more even wear, clean the bar groove, and make sure the bar's oil hole isn't clogged.
• Make sure the bar and chain are getting enough oil.
• Check the chain for cracks and worn rivets and links, check chain tension, and sharpen the chain.
• Check the drive sprocket for wear and replace it if needed.
• Clean sawdust from under the clutch cover and the starter housing air intake, and check that nuts and screws are tight.

Sharpening: Every Time You Refuel

Oregon says a chain should be sharpened every time you fill the saw with fuel. It says a chain is dull if it makes dust instead of chips, or if you have to force it to cut. STIHL says a sharp chain makes large, uniform chips, and that fine sawdust means it's time to sharpen. STIHL also lists smoke from the cut (despite correct lubrication and tension), a saw that pulls to one side, and a saw that chatters or bounces as signs to sharpen.

Our sharpening guide walks through filing, and our chainsaw sharpener guide compares file kits and powered sharpeners. Match your file size to your chain; the Oregon kit above includes three round-file sizes and a filing chart, per its listing.

Weekly

From Husqvarna's checklist:

• Clean the air filter. Replace it if it's damaged or too dirty to clean fully.
• Check the cooling system, starter, starter cord, and return spring.
• Check the vibration damping elements for damage.
• File burrs off the edges of the guide bar.
• Clean or replace the spark arrester mesh on the muffler.
• Clean the outside of the carburetor and the area around it.

Monthly

From Husqvarna's checklist:

• Check the chain brake band for wear. Husqvarna says to replace it when it's under 0.6 mm (0.024 in) thick at the most worn point.
• Check the clutch center, clutch drum, and clutch spring for wear.
• Clean the spark plug and check its gap against your operator's manual.
• Check the fuel filter and fuel hose, and replace them if needed.
• Empty the fuel tank and the oil tank, and check cables and connections.

Yearly

Husqvarna's yearly list: check the spark plug, fuel filter, fuel hose, and spark arrester mesh; clean the cooling system and the outside of the carburetor; and check cables and connections. Husqvarna also says to have an approved service center repair or replace the muffler after 50 hours of operation.

Fuel: Mix, Ethanol, and Freshness

• Mix ratio: STIHL says most of its gas equipment runs on a 50:1 mix, which is 2.6 ounces of STIHL 2-cycle oil per gallon of gas. Husqvarna specifies 50:1 for its 120 as well: 2.6 ounces of 2-stroke oil per gallon of fresh unleaded gas, minimum 89 octane.
• Ethanol: STIHL says its engines can use gas with up to 10% ethanol (E10), and that higher blends may damage the equipment and void the warranty.
• Freshness: STIHL recommends not storing or using fuel older than 60 days, and preferably no older than 30 days, even with a stabilizer.
• Pre-mixed fuel: STIHL says its MotoMix pre-mixed fuel contains no ethanol and has a storage life of up to two years. Pre-mixed fuels like TruFuel are another option; make sure the ratio matches your saw.

Storage

STIHL recommends storing a unit "dry" if it won't be used for more than 30 days: empty the fuel tank, then run the engine at idle until it uses up the remaining fuel and stops. STIHL says MotoMix can be left in the machine during storage. Also clean off sawdust, put the chain guard on, and store the saw somewhere dry.

Battery Chainsaws

Battery saws skip the fuel, spark plug, and carburetor work, but the bar and chain need the same care. Husqvarna's checklist for battery saws includes daily checks of the chain brake, bar, chain, tension, and sprocket, sharpening the chain, and cleaning the air inlet; weekly filing of bar burrs and checking battery connections; and monthly emptying and cleaning of the oil tank and blowing out the cooling slots with compressed air. For battery storage, follow your battery maker's instructions. See our Milwaukee chainsaw guide for battery options.

Common Questions

How often should I sharpen a chainsaw chain?

Oregon says every time you refuel. Sharpen sooner if the saw makes dust instead of chips or you have to force it, per Oregon and STIHL.

What fuel mix does my chainsaw need?

STIHL and Husqvarna both specify 50:1 (2.6 ounces of oil per gallon) for their gas saws covered here. Check your manual for your model.

How should I store a chainsaw for winter?

STIHL recommends storing it dry if it will sit more than 30 days: empty the tank and let the engine idle until it stops. It says its ethanol-free MotoMix can be left in the saw.

Bottom Line

Sharpen at every refuel, run through Husqvarna's daily checks before you cut, clean the air filter weekly, and store the saw dry. Your manual has the specifics for your model.