How To Clean A Chainsaw?

Every power tool requires some maintenance to keep them working for a long time. Dust and debris can get accumulated in a chainsaw with regular use. These particles make the motor hot easily. They also restrict the airflow between the saw. They slow down the cooling performance as well. If not given proper maintenance and attention, you might have to replace your chainsaw soon.

Since it is an expensive tool, it is better to clean it rather than buying another one chainsaw soon. Here we will talk about steps to clean a chainsaw. All the steps are correctly described. Once you read the article, you will know how to clean a chainsaw properly to make it last longer.

Contents

How To Clean A Chainsaw – Step by Step Guide

Before you begin with the cleaning process, make sure that there isn’t any power running to the tool. Make the following preparation before you start performing any steps.
1.Gas Chainsaw: You have to drain the fuel tank of the saw. Also, remove the spark plug adapter from its socket.
2. Battery Chainsaws: Then, remove the battery of the saw.
3. Corded Electric Chainsaw: Then, you need to detach the power cord from the saw.

Total Time: 45 Mins

1. Cleaning The Bar

The saw’s side cover includes two bolts. Locate them but do not loosen them.

There are certain chainsaws in which you can not remove the cover while the chain brake is working. It will be easy to remove the cover in other models but again, fitting it inside will be hard. So, to avoid any complication, you should always disengage the chain brake before cleaning the bar. Remove all the cover nuts once the chain brake is disengaged. Now, from the powerhead, you need to separate the chain and then put it aside.

Use soap and water on the rag if the bar is moderately dirty. You will need a degreaser solvent if it is heavily spoilt. The degreaser solvent loosens up the gunk that has been built up in the machine. With the help of a special groove cleaning tool, you can clean a chainsaw guide bar groove. You can also use a putty knife for the same. Move the tool around the guide bar groove. Keep running it until it is free of all the gunk.

You can use a pick or a thin screwdriver to clean a chainsaw chain oiler holes. The compressed air can also be used for these holes. Don’t forget to clean the hole near the tip of the blade.

Step 2: Cleaning The Chain

Mix a cup of ammonia in a gallon of water in a bucket. Soak the chain in this ammonia and water solution for 15 minutes. To get rid of the debris in the section of the chain, scrub this section with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Make sure that you are wearing thick rubber gloves for this purpose.

Once it’s cleaned, rinse the chain under running water to remove the solution. Then dry it to remove all the moisture.

Submerge the chain in a tray half-filled with bar and chain oil. Let it remain there for 3 hours. Then turn it around. Leave it there for another 3 hours. After this, dab the chain with paper towels to get rid of the extra oil. You can sharpen the chain after it has dried.

Step 3: Cleaning The Powerhead

Using a dry cloth, clean a chainsaw powerhead body. For the dirt in the crankcase, clutch drum, and the bar studs, use a soft paintbrush to dust off the dirt. A thin screwdriver or a pick can be used to remove the thick gunk that’s been stuck in those areas.

Step 4: Cleaning The Air Filter ( Only For Gas Models)

Detach the upper cover of the saw. Remove the air filter. Then, place a rag there. The rag will prevent any dirt from falling into that area. With a soft paintbrush, remove the dust from the air filter. You can even run it underwater if it’s extremely dirty. This will remove the particles stuck. Let it dry. Once it is dried, you can reattach it back to the saw.

Step 5: Cleaning The Spark Plug (Only For Gas Models)

Detach the top cover from the chainsaw. Now you can see the spark plug. Unscrew and remove the spark plug off the saw using a T-Wrench or a supplied Scrench along with the chainsaw.

Once you remove the spark plug, check the electrodes. They will need replacement if they are black, chipped, or looks damaged. Otherwise, if the electrodes are dark brown, then you are good to go. Check your manual booklet to know the spark plug number to replace the electrodes.

Step 6: Cleaning The Cooling Fins( Only For Gas Models)

Detach the side panel from the cooling fins and the rope rotor.
Very gently scrape off any gunk from the fins using a screwdriver. Be gentle, or else you will bend the cooling fins.

Step 7: Reassemble The Chainsaw

Now when you are done cleaning all the parts of the chainsaw, you can reassemble them in reverse order.

Things You Would Need

Soapy water to clean the bar.
Degreaser solvent to clean the bar if it is heavily spoilt.
T-Wrench or a supplied Scrench to clean spark plug.
Groove cleaning tool or a putty knife for cleaning the guide bar groove.
Thin screwdriver to clean the chain oiler holes.
Soft paintbrush to dust off the dirt.
Compressed air- to clean the holes in the bar ( optional).
One cup Ammonia for cleaning the chains.
Soft-bristled toothbrush for scrubbing the chains.
A tray for dipping the chain.
Damp cloth
Warm water

Final Thoughts

You will notice an increase in the performance when clean a chainsaw and then use it. If the chainsaw is cleaned regularly, it will last for a lot longer. Cleaning the chainsaw, keep it free of debris or any deposits that built-up inside it. If not maintained adequately, you will need to replace it with a new one soon enough. If even after cleaning, the chainsaw is not working according to your needs, that means that it is way too dirty and gunked up. In such a case, you might want to buy a new machine. Happy sawing!!