Basic Chainsaw Maintenance

Routine maintenance for chainsaws is generally simple. Chainsaws have to be lubricated and most chainsaws have two sources of lubrication. 

Most two-stroke engines are lubricated by their fuel, which contains approximately 2 to 5% oil, depending on the model and make of the chainsaw. The oil is dissolved in the fuel, forming a highly flammable mixture. Therefore, for the external lubrication of the blade and chain a completely separate oil reservoir is used.

Important Safety Note: Before you service or perform any maintenance on your chainsaw make sure that it has had proper time to cool down. Always ensure that the spark plug has been disconnected if your chainsaw is gas powered. If your chainsaw is electric always, ensure that it is unplugged before performing any maintenance. Always wear protective gloves and eye ware when handling or performing maintenance on your chainsaw.

The oil that is used to lubricate the blade and chain is quickly depleted because of the centrifugal force of the chain tends throw off the oil. Always ensure that this reservoir is properly filled before each use of the chainsaw. In addition, if you will be using the chainsaw for a long period of time it is suggested that you have extra oil to refill this reservoir. Failing to maintain this reservoir, or using the wrong viscosity oil for the make and model of your chainsaw will damage the saws and tends to cause the chain to come off of the bar. If you are working with some types of soft woods, it may be necessary to occasionally stop and clean out or unplug the oil holes that dispense oil to the chain.

You will also need to clean the air intake filter, which tends to clog with sawdust. Generally, you should check this before each use, to prevent problems. Usually, if the intake filter is cleaned from time to time it is not a problem during operation. For instructions on how to clean your intake filter, refer to your owner’s manual. Many professional chainsaw operators clean the intake filter with gasoline. Do Not Use gasoline that oil has been added to, for this will clog your intake filter.

Chainsaw will need to have their chains removed from the saw and sharpened. How frequently this must be done, will depend on how often the chainsaw is used. When the teeth of your chainsaw are sharp, your chainsaw will produce chips of wood, when the teeth are dull, it will produce more sawdust, than wood chips.
 

There are several simple methods to keep the teeth of your chainsaw sharp.

You can purchase kits, rotary tool attachments, or simply take a few minutes and sharpen them with the proper files. To make sure you are doing this properly, check your owner’s manual, or visit your chainsaw storeowner. Where you purchased your chainsaw should have technicians who will show you how to sharpen your chain correctly. You can sharpen your chainsaw teeth with a round file, or thoroughly sharpen them with the use of a specialized electric sharpening jig. The jig ensures that each cutting face is at the correct angles. These angles are carefully balanced to maximize the saw's cutting efficiency.

Important Note: Carbide chainsaw blades cannot be sharpened with conventional sharpeners. They must be sharpened by a certified chainsaw repairman.

There should be no reason to adjust your chainsaw’s carburetor. These are adjusted at the factory for optimal performance and efficiency and normally do not require readjustment. However, if your chainsaw's carburetor does require to be readjusted, you will have to take it to an authorized service center. Incorrect adjustment will result in engine seizure.


 

More hardware and equipment information:

Material handling equipment
Work equipment
Home construction equipment
Work truck equipment
Finish construction accessories

©, Chopping Chain Saws.com
All rights reserved worldwide. Always read instructions before using any chain saw equipment and follow manufacturers recommendations. The content on this site is the authors opinion only.

Disclaimers

Chain Saw Online Book

Where to buy