How to Cut Firewood with a Chainsaw? | Safe & Efficient Method

Cut firewood safely by supporting the log at waist height, wearing full PPE, and cutting below shoulder level.

Knowing how to cut firewood with a chainsaw comes down to three things: stable timber, sharp equipment, and disciplined positioning. Most chainsaw injuries happen when the log moves unexpectedly or the operator reaches too high. Get those two factors under control, and the job becomes straightforward.

What Gear Do You Need Before Starting?

Full protective equipment is non-negotiable for chainsaw work. OSHA and the CDC both emphasize the same core set: a hard hat, eye and face protection, hearing protection, work gloves, cut-resistant legwear or chaps, and boots that cover the ankle.

One note on hearing protection: the HSE points out that some cordless chainsaws run quietly enough that ear protection may not be necessary. Petrol saws, though, always need hearing protection.

How To Prepare the Saw and the Work Area

The work area matters as much as the saw. OSHA says the area should be clearly marked and free of people nearby. The USDA Forest Service adds one more step: always plan and clear an escape route before cutting.

For the saw itself, follow a simple pre-check:

• Start the chainsaw on the ground or another firm surface with the chain brake engaged, per OSHA guidance.
• Check the chain tension — it should be snug against the bar but still pull freely by hand.
• Confirm the chain is sharp. A dull chain is more dangerous than a sharp one because it forces you to push harder.
• Fill the bar-and-chain oil reservoir. The CDC says lubricate regularly and check tension throughout the day.
• Inspect the chain brake and bar before each use.

The Right Cutting Technique for Firewood

Position the timber securely at roughly waist height before you cut. Cutting at waist level or below keeps the saw under control.

When you make the cut:

• Keep both hands on the saw and the body to one side of the cutting path. Stay out of the line of possible movement if the log rolls or kicks.
• Avoid using the nose of the bar — that’s where kickback happens. Keep the saw in front of your body.
• Never cut above shoulder height, and don’t cut while the log is unsupported on the ground where it can roll and pinch the bar.
• Clear debris and sawn pieces as you go so your footing stays solid.

One important warning from the USDA: don’t cut spring poles — bent, tensioned wood — unless you truly must. If you do, make the release cut on the top side of the portion that will fall. And before any cut, scan the log for embedded nails, cables, or fence wire.

If you’re comparing saw models before buying, our tested picks for cutting firewood cover the trade-offs between cordless and petrol options.

How To Finish a Firewood Cutting Session

When the stack is cut, set the saw down on level ground and engage the chain brake before you walk away. Let the engine cool, then check tension once more — a hot chain that loosens overnight is a cold chain that’s too slack the next morning. Wipe the bar clean and store the saw with the bar scabbard on.

A final review of the day’s work: the timber was supported at waist height, the area stayed clear of people, and every cut stayed below shoulder level. Done that way, splitting wood becomes the satisfying part of the job.