There are not too many outdoor tools more versatile than the chainsaw. From cutting firewood to solid trees;from a delicate to a heavy duty job or whether you use a Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo or Jonsered machine, the trusty chainsaw will perform the job admirably.

Don't be fooled by it's apparent power and effectiveness though. Truth be known, a chainsaw is like a finely tuned athlete;it needs proper but basic maintenance and in return, it will provide you with years of winning performance.

One of the most common areas inexperienced and semi professionals tend to overlook is the chain oiling system. Most chainsaws have either an automatic or manual oiling system and performing regular checks will save you plenty in the long run.

Testing the oiling system is simple and quite straightforward. To perform a check;make sure the oil reservoir is full, hold the saw about 3 inches above a piece of paper(preferably white) and revv the saw a few times. By depressing the oil lever while the saw is revving, you should notice a light oil mist spraying onto the paper. If not, then you may have problems.

There are several steps you can take to locate the source of the problem. For instance, dust may have built up in the oil outlets. Your manual should highlight exactly where those oil outlets are located. They'll require careful cleaning.

Likewise, removing the chain and checking the guide bar for cleanliness is also recommended. Without regular checking of the oil outlets dust and oil build up can "cake" leading to performance restriction.

After performing and correcting these problems and you are still experiencing difficulties, then it's time to consider having your chainsaw looked at by an expert.

As stated earlier, chainsaws require basic maintenance but if performed, you'll get years of regular use and service from them.

Dean Caporella is a professional Journalist and Sportscaster who takes an interest in a wide variety of topics. Dean grew up in farm country so chainsaws were part of the furniture. "They can be misused and without proper maintenance, dangerous. I hope to provide users with basic information in their application." Visit http://www.chainsawlife.com