Assembling a chainsaw
Do you want to assemble your chainsaw yourself? We show you how to properly mount a chain on a chainsaw and how to get the machine ready for use in just a few minutes.

Assembling a chainsaw: safety first
Make sure the chainsaw is switched off and cannot start during assembly.
- On a cordless chainsaw remove the battery and engage the chain brake.
- When using an electric chainsaw you must unplug it and engage the chain brake.
- On a petrol chainsaw switch off the engine and set the combination lever to position 0. Engage the chain brake.
- Always wear work gloves made of sturdy material.
Saw Wheel Installation: Correct Installation of the Guide Bar and Chain
The saw attachment is identical for both battery-powered and petrol-powered electric chainsaws. The individual steps depend solely on the position of the chain tensioner on your STIHL chainsaw. More information about ourchain and rod systemscan be found in our article on this topic.

Assembling a chainsaw: quick-release
With all STIHL chainsaws equipped with a quick tensioner for the chain you can quickly easily and conveniently mount the saw attachment without tools. All you need to mount the saw attachment is aflat screwdriver.
Follow these steps:
Video Tutorial: Quick Chain Release
Chainsaw mounting: side chain tensioner
Many battery and petrol powered machines have a side mounted chain tensioner. The chain tensioners are easily accessible and the risk of contact with hot engine parts is also reduced.
Here's how you do it:
Video Tutorial: Side Mount Chain Quick Release
Chainsaw Mounting: Front Chain Tensioner
Only a few STIHL chainsaws are equipped with a front-mounted chain tensioner. The procedure is the same as for the side chain tensioner except for the position of the tensioning mechanism.
Step 1: Remove the chain sprocket cover
Video Tutorial: Front Chain Tensioner
Filling a chainsaw with saw chain oil
Every cordless petrol and electric chainsaw should be filled with a high-quality saw chain oil. The oil is used to lubricate and cool the chain and guide bar over a long period of time. This reduces wear and significantly extends the life of the saw attachment. You do the same with all types of chainsaws. With a petrol chainsaw you should also add oil to the chain every time you fill up the tank. With a battery or electric chainsaw you should check the tank regularly and refill it if necessary. Some STIHL chainsaws have a viewing window in the tank so you can check the level.
Refilling chain oil for the chainsaw
STIHL machines are equipped with a conventional screw cap or a clip-on fuel cap. You do not open and close them in the same way. Here we describe how to use a screw cap. Below you can read how to use a screw cap when filling the tank with fuel. If you have a fuel cap that you can remove without tools you can find more information about this in our article abouttool-free systems.
The following steps describe how to add saw chain oil to the reservoir.

Filling a Gasoline Chainsaw with the Correct Fuel Mixture
A petrol chainsaw needs fuel to start. It is important to fuel your chainsaw correctly to ensure proper operation and safety.
The right petrol-oil mixture: MotoMix
Your chainsaw runs on a mixture of petrol and engine oil. How do you choose the right product and the right quality? The overview of the suitable mixture for the chainsaw shows what you should pay attention to when making your choice.

Safety instructions
- Gasoline is highly flammable. When refueling keep a safe distance from open flames do not spill fuel and do not smoke. Refill the fuel tank at least 300.00 meter from the work area where you start the chainsaw.
- Always turn the engine off completely before refueling. Do not refuel while the engine is still hot.
- Open the fuel cap carefully to allow excess pressure to escape slowly and prevent fuel from leaking from the tank.
- Only refuel the chainsaw in well-ventilated areas.
- Be careful not to spill fuel or get it on your clothes. If you spill anything clean the machine immediately and change into clean clothes.
How to Fill a Petrol Chainsaw: Instructions
In the following section we will show you how to fill the fuel tank:
Summary: Assembling a Chainsaw
- Turn off the engine. Remove the battery from cordless machines and unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet. Engage the chain brake.
- Wear cut-resistant gloves when assembling the chainsaw.
- The guide rail is identical for both battery-powered and petrol-powered electric chainsaws. The individual steps depend solely on whether your STIHL machine is equipped with a quick-release or a side-mounted chain tensioner.
- Place the chainsaw on a clean level surface when refueling or adding oil.
- Do not fill the oil or fuel tank to the brim.