How to Use a Chainsaw in Rust – Fuel & Usage Guide

William Westerlund / November 19, 2025 / 3 min read

The chainsaw in Rust is one of the most powerful tools for harvesting wood quickly and efficiently.

Unlike hatchets or traditional axes, it combines high damage output with speed, allowing players to collect wood at an unmatched rate.

Understanding how to use it, manage fuel, and maintain it is crucial for survival and base-building. This guide covers all of these topics.

Obtaining a Chainsaw in Rust

Use Chainsaw in Rust

Chainsaws are not craftable by default. You can obtain one through:

📦
Loot Drops

Chainsaws can be found as loot from barrels, crates, or supply drops scattered across the map.

🤝
Trading

Players can acquire chainsaws by trading with others on both PvE and PvP servers.

🏪
Modded Server Shops

Some modded servers offer chainsaws for purchase or rental in their in-game shops.

Tips

Check Fuel Level

Always inspect the chainsaw’s fuel level and overall condition before buying or looting it.

⚙️
Prioritize Good Condition

Select chainsaws in good condition to ensure efficient and fast harvesting of resources.

Fuel Requirements

The chainsaw runs on low-grade fuel, which is consumed quickly. Proper fuel management is key.

🛢️
Carry Extra Fuel

Bring at least 2–3 stacks of low-grade fuel to ensure uninterrupted chainsaw use.

🔥
Refuel Before Long Sessions

Use campfires, storage boxes, or refueling stations to top up before extended harvesting.

⏱️
Monitor Fuel Usage

Keep an eye on fuel levels, as running out mid-use can leave you vulnerable on PvP servers.

Fuel Tips

⚠️
Avoid Risky Situations

Do not cut near hostile players when your chainsaw’s fuel is low to avoid getting caught off-guard.

Top Off Fuel Regularly

Refuel your chainsaw regularly to prevent interruptions during extended harvesting sessions.

Using the Chainsaw

Get Chainsaw in Rust

Equipping and using the chainsaw is simple:

🪓
Equip the Chainsaw

Place the chainsaw in your hotbar so it’s ready for immediate use when you start harvesting trees.

🔘
Hold Left Mouse Button

Cut trees efficiently by holding down the left mouse button while aiming at the target.

🌲
Fell Multiple Trees

Use the chainsaw’s high damage radius to cut down multiple trees at once, saving time and fuel.

Chainsaw Usage Tips

🌳
Target Large Trees

Focus on harvesting large trees to maximize wood output for each unit of fuel used.

🎒
Keep Storage Nearby

Place backpacks or storage boxes close to your cutting area to minimize trips and save time.

🔊
Be Aware of Noise

Chainsaws are loud and can attract NPCs or hostile players, so plan your harvesting accordingly.

Maintenance

Chainsaws degrade with use, though less frequently than weapons.

🛠️
Use a Repair Bench

Repair your chainsaw at a repair bench using the required materials to maintain efficiency and prevent failures.

⚠️
Monitor Durability

Keep an eye on your chainsaw’s durability to avoid unexpected breakdowns during harvesting sessions.

Maintenance Tips

🛡️
Repair Regularly

Perform repairs after intensive chainsaw use to maintain optimal performance and prevent breakdowns.

Avoid Overuse

Do not operate a chainsaw with low durability for extended periods to prevent sudden failures during harvesting.

Final Thoughts

The chainsaw is an essential tool for any Rust player who wants to gather wood quickly and efficiently.

By understanding its fuel requirements, using it wisely near storage, and keeping it in good condition, you can significantly reduce the time spent on resource collection.

Mastering the chainsaw allows you to focus more on base building, crafting, and preparing for PvP encounters without constantly worrying about running out of wood.

FAQs

What fuel does the Rust chainsaw use?

The chainsaw uses low-grade fuel, which must be carried and refilled to keep it running efficiently.

Can the chainsaw be crafted in Rust?

No, the chainsaw is not craftable by default. It must be looted from barrels, crates, or supply drops, or obtained through player trades or modded servers.

How fast does the chainsaw cut wood?

The chainsaw is significantly faster than hatchets or axes, allowing players to fell large trees quickly and collect wood more efficiently.

Does the chainsaw make noise?

Yes, using the chainsaw generates loud noise, which can attract other players and NPCs, so it’s best used in safe or controlled areas.

How do I maintain my chainsaw?

Chainsaws degrade with use. You can repair them at a repair bench using the required materials, and regular maintenance prevents them from breaking during harvesting.

author avatar
William Westerlund
William brings 7 years of experience writing for multiple gaming blogs. He has more than 10,000 hours played in CS:GO (CS2) and have played around in other games such as TF2 and Rust. Through his experience playing the game at a high level and dealing with skins for many years, he provides first-hand insight into the topics covered on the Tradeit.gg blog.

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