By Jenny Mills · rural nurse & homesteader · health, safety, law and the paperwork of going bush
“After losing my thumb to a rusted chain that snapped at 10,000 RPM, I now check the drive links every single morning before dawn.”
— Jenny. Paperwork first, then the fun part.
ArticlesCalculatorsSite PlannerShopLook, if your chainsaw's not running, you're not cutting wood. And if you're off-grid in Australia, that means no phone signal to call a bloke with a truck. So learn this now. No excuses.
Look, if your chainsaw's not running, you're not cutting wood. And if you're off-grid in Australia, that means no phone signal to call a bloke with a truck. So learn this now. No excuses.
Blunt chain = wasted fuel, broken saw, and a bloody good chance you'll get hurt. Do this weekly if you're chopping firewood.
How: Use a 5/32" round file (not a flat one). Hold the file at 30 degrees to the bar. File each cutter in one smooth motion. 3-4 strokes per cutter. Check depth gauge too – if it's too high, file it down to 0.025" (about the thickness of a credit card).
Australian suppliers:
• $15-$25 for a decent file set at Bunnings (Woolworths-owned, everywhere).
• $35 for a quality file from Woodworkers (online, good for serious bushies).
Too loose? Chain flies off. Too tight? Burns the bar and kills the engine. It's simple: the chain should pull back with a bit of tension, but you can still lift it off the bar slightly.
How: Loosen the bar nuts. Push the chain up against the bar – it should sit flush. Then tighten nuts until you can't move the chain side-to-side. Check again after 5 minutes of running. If it's still loose, do it again.
Pro tip: If you're miles from town, use a screwdriver to adjust tension on the bar. No fancy tools needed. Just don't over-tighten – you'll melt the bar.
Chainsaws kill. In Australia, it's not a "maybe" – it's a fact. Do these or get hurt.
Must-haves:
• Chain brake: Test it monthly. If it doesn't stop the chain when you pull the handle, replace i
t ($50-$80 at Bunnings).
• Chainsaw gloves: $25-$40 at Bunnings. No exceptions.
• Eye protection: $10 at any hardware store.
• Never cut above shoulder height. If you're not sure, don't do it.
You're in the bush. No tools? No problem.
If the chain keeps breaking, the bar's worn down, or the engine won't start after 3 attempts – chuck it. Buying a new chainsaw ($300-$600) is cheaper than a trip to the hospital.
Worth a watch: Building a Sawmill to Build a Log Cabin for Survival, Bushcraft Off-Grid Engineering · Vadim in the WILD
While many off-grid projects are achievable as DIY, certain situations require licensed professionals:
Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before commencing work.
