Recommended Tools

The two chainsaws I use most often are Stihl’s Wood Boss (MS250) and Farm Boss (MS271). Both are exceptionally good for cutting logs for firewood.

Stihl doesn’t sell their chainsaws online, but you can check-out Husqvarna’s 455 Rancher, which is similar to the Stihl Farm Boss. Husqvarna and Stihl are close competitors and are the Ford vs. Chevy of the chainsaw industry.

The best, easiest, and most cost-effective way to keep your chainsaw chain sharp is by using a file guide.

You can find out how to use one in this post. We’ve used both Stihl and Pferd brand file guides, and they’re very similar, but I recommend Pferd because it’s the original brand and is also much cheaper on Amazon.

Affectionately called a scrench (screwdriver + wrench), this tool is a staple for chainsaw use and maintenance.

If your chainsaw did not come with one, you will definitely need one. This one should work for most standard chainsaws, but it’s usually a good idea to double-check that it fits your chainsaw. You can get it for just a couple bucks on Amazon.

I love using the Woodchuck log jack to elevate a log to make it easier to cut. This reduces your chances of pinching your chainsaw bar.

Plus, using a Woodchuck makes the process of sawing easier on your back, and can really save you a lot of trouble. I really like this tool. You can find them on Amazon here.

This is a nice improvement on standard gas jugs. It has a push-button on the back of the spout, which you press to release fuel.

This helps prevent spills, and if you don’t have fuel cans yet, I recommend you get at least one of these.

I’ve been using an old pair of chaps, but if I were to get a new pair, I might go for this pair of Husqvarna chaps on Amazon.

Here’s another great piece of gear from Husqvarna. A chainsaw helmet system has built-in head, eye, and ear protection. You definitely should not skimp on this. You can find this on Amazon here.

Chainsaw gloves go a step above standard work gloves and often have kevlar embedded in the back of one or both gloves.

I found this pair of Husqvarna gloves on Amazon. I haven’t used them myself, but it’s a reputable brand and they seem pretty solid. However, to be honest, you might have better luck getting good gloves by going to a local saw shop.

You can use felling wedges to help you directionally cut down trees. They’re also handy to help you avoid pinching your chainsaw bar while cutting up logs for firewood.

There’s a ton of different wedges online, but I would tend to lean towards a basic wedge from a name brand. Here’s a solid pair of wedges from Oregon on Amazon.

The best splitting axe I’ve ever used is this Gransfors Bruks Splitting Axe, check it out on Amazon here.

It’s not cheap, but it’s hand-forged, well balanced, it has a solid Hickory handle that makes splitting feel more like a hobby than work.

If the price is too steep for you, I’ve also used a great Husqvarna splitting maul with a much lower price. Here it is on Amazon.

This is another Gransfors Bruks hand tool, though this one is much smaller.

If you split a lot of kindling, or you burn a lot of firewood, then I think you’ll really enjoy this 19″ hatchet. View it on Amazon here.

This is an adorable, yet super handy little tool. It fits almost perfectly in one hand, and it’s kind of like carrying a big pocket knife. Have a look on Amazon here.

This is the Swiss Army Knife that I carry outdoors and take camping. To be honest, the little saw tool is probably unnecessary, but I like having it just for fun 🙂

This tool has served me well, and it’s hard to go wrong with Swiss Army Knives. See the one I have on Amazon here.