🛡The Ultimate Guide to Chainsaw Maintenance
A good chainsaw is the key to the castle. By cutting down trees, removing fallen branches, and preparing firewood to warm your family, you are the King of your Castle! Any good king knows he's only as good as his loyal subjects, and in this case, that means a chainsaw that turns on when you need it to. Good chainsaw maintenance will result in a loyal tool that will serve your wood-cutting needs for many years.
Your first port of call is the manufacturer's operation manual that came with your chainsaw. If you do not have a copy, a quick Google search for a PDF of it will usually solve that. Those who made your saw know it best. So if they say do something, you should do it. But onwards, here is our guide to keeping your saw in top shape.
📝Basic Tips on How to Properly Maintain a Chainsaw
To start, there are three key points on the checklist:
- Before you use the chainsaw, ensure that the bar and chain oil is full. A chain with no oil will quickly become unsuitable for proper cutting, and it will also begin to degrade.
- The chain must be kept sharp. A sharp chain will obviously cut through wood better than a blunt chain, but importantly, a sharp chain also helps to reduce the risk of an accident occurring or the chain getting stuck in a log.
- Cleaning your chainsaw of wood debris after each use will help keep the engine in top shape and reduce the chance of blockages, for instance, from the oil release port.
Adding Bar and Chain Oil
For the chain to work properly, chainsaw bars should be kept well lubricated. A good oil will penetrate into the chain links, ensuring they function well. To add oil, simply add it to the machine where it is clearly marked for the chain oil. Do not overfill, as this is just a waste of oil. A well-oiled chain will also work to help prevent rust from developing on the chain and will help resist the build-up of unwanted deposits such as pitch, sap, or gum.
One should always use oil that has been properly designed for chainsaws. They contain what is referred to as a "high-tack" additive that prevents it from flying off the chain as it travels around the tip. Other oils do not have this property, so they will quickly disappear off the chain, which is just a waste of oil and time. That said, there is a big environmental movement to use specially curated vegetable oils as bar and chain oil. This is so that the 'traditional oils' are not left behind in the forest after tree culling (the chain oil is lost in the sawdust). A common complaint from users of vegetable oil is that chains can become gunked up pretty quickly due to the nature of the oil.
Keeping the Chain Sharp is a Must for Good Cutting (Duh!)
A sharp chain is pretty much a must when it comes to chainsaw maintenance. You can sharpen the chain yourself or get a professional to do it for you; it's a service many chainsaw agents are happy to provide. Here are some sharpening tips:
- Ensure that you use a file that is the proper size. The owner's manual will tell you what is the correct size to use.
- When filing, do so at the correct angle. You can use a file gauge to hold the file in the correct position if need be.
- Use the same number of filing strokes on each tooth to ensure a consistent sawing action.
- Avoid filing the depth gauge too much. If this occurs, the saw will bite too deeply, running the risk of a stall or dragging you off balance.
- A great trick is to place the blade inside a vice so it's held steady when filing. You can also use a stump vice.
Keeping the Air Filter Regularly Cleaned
You've no doubt changed or cleaned the filter in a vacuum cleaner or your lawn mower before, so why wouldn't you do the same for your chainsaw? Other than the air filter, there's not much standing between the engine and dirt and sawdust. Get any of that in the internal workings of your saw and the carburetor will have some issues. Many modern saws have a screen as opposed to a foam or paper filter. A handy way to clean them out is to use an air compressor. If you do have a foam or paper filter, then consider regularly replacing it.
Simple Guide-Bar Groove Maintenance
The channel that guides the chain along the bar can easily become clogged. You can remove the drive-case cover, chain, and bar, then clean the groove with a small screwdriver or a piece of wire. You can force out dirt and debris with a blast from a can of CRC or WD40 or a can of compressed air. Also, if your bar has a sprocket, check it regularly to keep it free of wood chips and debris.
Keeping Oil Ports Clog-Free
There is nothing so annoying when using a chainsaw as when the oil port gets clogged. This means your chain isn't getting the oil it needs. You can usually tell when this has happened as the wood you're chopping might start to smoke due to the friction! A handy tip is to clean the port(s) out with a small wire or pipe cleaner when you have the bar off the saw.
A Properly Tensioned Chain Saves You Pain
A loose chain is not going to cut well and is more likely to come flying off. An overtightened chain can also be an issue, causing the oil to overheat. If you can't advance the chain forward manually with your hand (wear a glove for safety), then loosen the tension slightly. Remember to loosen the bar nuts before you turn the tension screw!
Spark Plug Maintenance for Strong Ignition
"Start Me Up" is not just a song by the Rolling Stones; it is a wish from every person who's ever tried to start a chainsaw they haven't used in a few months. A well-maintained spark plug will go a long way to helping you start one easily. To clean a spark plug, use a plug wrench to remove it and a wire brush to clear off any gunk. If the plug itself is rusted, it should be replaced. When replacing a spark plug, check the manual to make sure you are installing the correct kind and that it is gapped properly.
Only Use a Chainsaw That Has a Working Chain Brake
If you want to see the horrors of what can happen when things go wrong, I dare you to Google "chainsaw facial accidents." It ain't pretty. This is why modern-day chainsaws come with a chain brake. To test it, place your saw on a sturdy surface, release the brake, engage the throttle, and then activate the brake by pushing your wrist against the kickback guard. The chain should stop immediately. If it doesn't, get the unit serviced.
When Mixing Petrol and Oil, Follow the Recommended Ratio
When using a two-stroke chainsaw, you'll need to add engine oil to petrol. It pays to follow the directions. If the ratio of fuel to oil is 50:1, then that's what you should do. You can get mixing bottles that have the ratios marked on the side. The fuel mixture will begin to degrade quickly; it's often recommended you do not use any leftover mix that's older than one month. If you manage to get too much fuel into the engine before it ignites, you've 'flooded it.' You can let the fuel evaporate with time or you could try this method to start a flooded chainsaw.