how do you maintain a chainsaw chain

^{5 Expert Chainsaw Maintenance Tips}

• Keep the chain sharp. Anyone who has tried forcing a dull chain through wood knows the importance of a sharp chain. ...
• Properly tension the chain. A chain that’s too tight can bind and stall the saw. On a non-roller-tip bar, an over-tightened chain can overheat.
• Break in a new chain. When it’s time to replace the chain, break it in first by soaking it in bar and chain oil for a couple hours.
• Clean the air filter. Keeping the air filter clean is one of the most important parts of chainsaw maintenance to extend saw life and increase performance.
• Use fresh gasoline for best chainsaw maintenance. Most homeowners’ chainsaws spend far more time sitting in the garage than cutting in the woods. ...

Full Answer

How do you use a chainsaw to cut wood?

You have to put more pressure on the wood than usual; the saw chain should pull into the wood doing the work. The chain creates finer sawdust rather than rough threads; it appears you are more sanding than cutting. You have difficulty achieving precise cutting positions as the chainsaw rattles during the cut.

How do you adjust the chain on a chainsaw?

While pulling up on the tip of the bar, adjust the chain so it doesn't sag and it holds itself to the bottom of the bar. I like to pull on the chain for a reference. It should "give" about a 1/4 inch from the bar without much effort. Finally, while still holding up on the tip of the bar, tighten the bar nuts.

Why is it important to maintain a chainsaw?

In general maintenance of a chainsaw is important because it can help prolong the lifespan of the different parts of your machine, as well as the machine itself. If your chainsaw chain becomes dull after a long lifespan, it will struggle to cut through the wood at the efficiency it once had.

How to use a cordless chainsaw safely?

The Chain Adjustment Knob: Use this to adjust the chain tightness to avoid binding or derailing. Different cordless chainsaws have different features. Read the manual and become familiar with the safety features on your saw and see Chainsaw Safety. You’ll also need safety equipment to protect yourself as you work.

How do you maintain a chainsaw blade?

2:143:46How To Use and Maintain A Chainsaw - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd when to do them every. Time you use the saw check the chain tension and adjust as necessaryMoreAnd when to do them every. Time you use the saw check the chain tension and adjust as necessary regularly inspect the bar. And clean it also check the air filter. Clean. And replace when necessary.

What maintenance does a chainsaw need?

Clean the chainsaw bar after each use by scraping out any debris inside the track. Inspect the air intake vent for debris in the slots, as this could prevent much-needed air from entering and cooling the engine. Finish the exterior inspection by checking that all nuts, bolts, and screws are tight.

Should I soak a chainsaw chain in oil?

When it's time to replace the chain, break it in first by soaking it in bar and chain oil for a couple hours. This ensures all the pivot points are well lubricated. Then, hang the chain from a nail and let the excess oil drip back into the pan.

How often does a chainsaw chain need sharpening?

A chainsaw may only need to be sharpened once a year if it is rarely used, but a tool that is frequently used will need to be sharpened regularly to ensure that the blade doesn't get too dull. On average, a chainsaw blade will retain its sharpness for about 3 hours of actively cutting through wood.

Do you need to clean chainsaw after every use?

After each use, wipe the chainsaw housing clean with a damp cloth. For battery models, you should also use the damp cloth to clean the battery and the battery slot. A paintbrush is useful for cleaning electrical contacts.

How do you clean a chainsaw chain before sharpening it?

I clean all my saw chains before sharpening with Simple Green (environmentally friendly). I spray them and let them soak for a few minutes, then scrub them with a toothbrush on both sides–that usually gets the gullet clean as well. Then I rinse them in water and air-gun them to get moisture out of the nooks.

Can I use WD 40 on my chainsaw?

To remove grease from the chain links, you will need to soak it in a mix of warm water and degreasing agent. We recommend using WD-40® Specialist® Fast Acting Degreaser and soak it for 10 to 15 minutes.

What kind of lubricant do you use for a chainsaw?

2:193:29What is Chainsaw Bar & Chain Oil and Why Do I Need It? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOil our recommendation at the Cardinal products review is basically use the oil that's it's actuallyMoreOil our recommendation at the Cardinal products review is basically use the oil that's it's actually manufacturers for chainsaws.

What oil do you use to lubricate a chainsaw chain?

Now you will have the question that what oil I can use for the chainsaw bar? So, the best option is vegetable or canola oil for lubrication purposes. Vegetable-based oils are composed of Triglycerides and are therefore more suitable for lubrication purposes than petroleum-based oils.

How do you tell when a chainsaw chain is worn out?

There are several signs that show if your chainsaw chain is worn out:The Chain Comes Off the Bar easily.There is smoke.Some teeth are missing.The chainsaw chain is chipped.A lot of rust.You cannot cut through wood as well as you would have expected.The Chainsaw Has a Shaky Performance.More items...

How do I know if my chainsaw chain is dull?

0:030:52How you can tell if your chainsaw chain needs to be sharpenedYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you can see the small pieces and then here's the larger sharpen chain pieces. So this is one wayMoreAnd you can see the small pieces and then here's the larger sharpen chain pieces. So this is one way you can tell how your chain needs to be sharpened.

Is it worth sharpening a chainsaw chain?

Sharpening your chainsaw chain is definitely worth it as a sharp chainsaw chain is easier to work with. It takes less effort to cut through wood and your chain will make cleaner cuts with sharp blades. A chainsaw chain can be sharpened multiple times without much of a cost.

What can I substitute for bar chain oil?

Chainsaw Bar And Chain Oil AlternativesMotor oil.Vegetable oil.Canola oil.Drained hydraulic fluid.

How do you oil a new chainsaw chain?

0:010:51How to Add Bar and Chain Oil to Your Gas Chainsaw - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo fill the reservoir every time you fill the tank to fill her up set the saw on a level surfaceMoreSo fill the reservoir every time you fill the tank to fill her up set the saw on a level surface unscrew. The cap and pour the oil into the reservoir no overfilling.

How do you take care of a chainsaw chain?

11 Rules For Caring For Your Chainsaw Chain Refrain from hitting the ground, rocks, or any other abrasive material while cutting. Never allow your chain to sag down. Don’t cut with a dull chain! When installing a new chain, inspect the sprocket. Be sure to always sharpen chain cutters to correct angles.

How often should I oil my chainsaw chain?

How often should I lubricate the sprocket in the tip of my bar? It is recommended that you grease the bearing in the tip of the bar each time you refuel. Make sure to grease the tip at the end of the day as well to help prevent moisture from entering the bearing as the bar cools.

Should you clean chainsaw after each use?

Keep your chainsaw running smoothly by spending an extra minute or two before and after each use to inspect your chainsaw. Clean the chainsaw bar after each use by scraping out any debris inside the track.

How do I know when I need a new chainsaw blade?

When to Replace a Chainsaw Chain Teeth are broken or worn unevenly. Issues with Chain Tension. Smoke is present when cutting. Sawdust, rather than coarse chips are left behind. Chainsaw feels unbalanced, cuts unevenly, or rattles when in use.

What happens if you run a chainsaw without bar oil?

No bar oil equals increased friction and heat. That adds up to a huge increase in chain and bar wear. Without bar oil, the chain teeth, drivers and links will all wear far more quickly. The increased friction can cause teeth to break.

How do you manually oil a chainsaw chain?

The steps are quick and easy: Set your chainsaw on a level surface, bar side down so that it lays flat. Allow a minute for the oil to settle, then unscrew the cap to the saw’s bar and chain oil reservoir. Using a small funnel, slowly pour the bar and chain oil into the reservoir, taking care not to overfill.

Why does my chainsaw chain get dull so fast?

If your chain dulls quickly, then it could be a couple of things. Check your user’s manual to ensure that you are using the right sized file for your chain. Alternatively, you could be applying too much pressure when you file. This will create cutting edges that are too thin and dull quickly.

How to sharpen a chainsaw?

Keep the chain sharp 1 Use the proper file size. The box the chain came in or your owner’s manual are two places to find that information. 2 File at the correct angle. You can purchase a file gauge at most home centers that ensures you hold the file correctly. 3 File each tooth the same number of file strokes (typically 3-6). 4 Be careful with the depth gauges (the protrusions directly in front of each tooth). If you file them too much, the saw can bite too deeply into the wood and stall or, worse, pull you off balance. Again, use a gauge to ensure you sharpen the depth gauges correctly.

How long does a chainsaw last?

Most homeowners’ chainsaws spend far more time sitting in the garage than cutting in the woods. As gas/oil ages, gasoline can breakdown in as few as 30 days, creating gums and varnish that plug the carburetor and lead to hard starts and rough running. Mix only enough fuel to last 30 days.

Why is it important to keep the air filter clean on a chainsaw?

Keeping the air filter clean is one of the most important parts of chainsaw maintenance to extend saw life and increase performance. It’s the only line of defense against the engine ingesting sawdust and dirt, which can plug the carburetor and cause the saw to start hard and run poorly.

How long does a chainsaw keep gas fresh?

You can also treat fuel with an additive designed to stabilize fuel, like AMSOIL Quickshot®. Both products keep gas fresh up to six months. Originally published Sept. 26, 2016.

What happens if a chain is too tight?

A chain that’s too tight can bind and stall the saw. On a non-roller-tip bar, an over-tightened chain can overheat.

What happens if you file too much on a saw?

Be careful with the depth gauges (the protrusions directly in front of each tooth). If you file them too much, the saw can bite too deeply into the wood and stall or, worse, pull you off balance. Again, use a gauge to ensure you sharpen the depth gauges correctly.

Do saws have a filter?

Many saws have a screen as opposed to a foam or paper filter. In these cases, use an air compressor to direct air through the filter backward to prevent lodging debris deeper into the media.

Benefits of a Battery-Powered Chainsaw

Battery-powered chainsaws, or cordless chainsaws, are more powerful and versatile than ever. A battery-operated chainsaw can be a great option when compared with a gas model for a few reasons:

Battery-Powered Chainsaw Safety and Protective Gear

Before you start cutting, make sure to read your user manual and always follow the safety recommendations.

Maintaining a Battery-Powered Chainsaw Chain

To operate safely, your saw must be maintained properly. A battery-powered chainsaw is a lower-maintenance option, but there are some necessary steps for proper care and safe cutting. One of the key areas that needs attention is the chain.

How to tighten chainsaw chain?

If you want to properly tighten a chainsaw chain, remember the following steps. Loosen the bar nuts so you can easily adjust the chain tension screw. While pulling up on the tip of the bar, adjust the chain so it doesn't sag and it holds itself to the bottom of the bar. I like to pull on the chain for a reference.

How to adjust chain tension on chainsaw?

To adjust the chainsaw chain tension, loosen the bar nuts first. Loosening the bar nuts will accomplish two things. First, it allows the bar to move forward as you adjust the tensioning screw which tightens the chain. Second, it allows the bar to move up and down .

How to check chain tension?

Once you have the perfect tension and still holding up on the bar, tighten the bar cover nuts which locks the bar into place. To check the proper chain tension, after you've tightened the bar cover nuts just pull up on the chain and see how much it gives .

Why is chainsaw chain tension important?

Proper chainsaw chain tension is almost as important as the sharpness of your chain. A chain that's too tight won't bite into the wood and it will prematurely wear out your drive sprocket because it puts too much tension on the sprocket itself. When you think about a chainsaw chain, it's basically an oval. As the engine moves the chain ...

Why does my chain have slack when cutting?

By adjusting your chain in the "up" position, it eliminates the slack in the chain when you cut because the bar is already in the up position. It almost takes three hands but it's possible with just two. To start, loosen the bar cover nuts.

What happens if your chain is too tight?

So, if your chain is too tight it won't take long for physics to damage your saw. A chain that's too loose is also a dangerous scenario. A loose chain can derail itself from the bar and whip back towards you, possibly cutting your hands or legs. The proper chain tension is similar to a Goldilocks nursery ryme.

How to tell if a chain is too loose?

To start with, look at your chain. If you can see the chain sagging down from the bottom of the bar .....it's too loose.

How to tell when chainsaw chain needs replacing?

How to tell when your chainsaw chain needs replacing. Chainsaws are incredibly powerful machines , which makes them very effective at the job they are designed to do. As the saying goes however, “with great power comes great responsibility” and if your chainsaw isn’t properly maintained it can be very dangerous to the operator.

Why is it important to sharpen a chainsaw?

In general maintenance of a chainsaw is important because it can help prolong the lifespan of the different parts of your machine, as well as the machine itself. If your chainsaw chain becomes dull after a long lifespan, it will struggle to cut through the wood at the efficiency it once had.

What does chain do to sawdust?

The chain creates finer sawdust rather than rough threads; it appears you are more sanding than cutting.

Why is my chainsaw crooked?

The chainsaw pulls in one direction, which results in a crooked finish. Blunt cutting teeth on one side or uneven teeth lengths usually cause this. The teeth has hit rocks or dirt and broken. If you notice the tops of the teeth are missing you will need to replace the chain.

How to preserve a chainsaw?

So here is what you have to do to ensure a long lifespan for your chainsaw carving: To preserve your chainsaw carving for as long as possible you must seal it with an oil such as the danish oil or decking oil. Apply multiple coats of the sealer with daily intervals between each coat.

How long does a chainsaw last?

Rooted, or non-rooted. If the chainsaw carving is well preserved it will last anywhere between 50-150 years depending on the conditions that it is kept in and the type of the carving.

How to avoid snow from chainsaw carvings?

To avoid that, try brushing off the snow from your chainsaw carvings when left outside, or at best, let them rest under shelter.

What is the best finish for chainsaw carving?

Marine spar varnish and Sikkens cetol are a very strong and durable finish to your chainsaw carving that will withstand any extreme climate. Where is the catch? Well, these finishes are actually fairly ugly.

Why seal wood after carving?

If the wood is not sealed and left pure after carving, this will most likely result in a lot of large cracks as the wood dries at an incredibly quick rate, and the wood can’t deal with the stress. This is why you should always seal your chainsaw carvings.

What are the factors that determine the color of wood carving?

The most important factors are: Is the wood still rooted in the ground. How dry is the stump (the older the drier) Is your wood carving painted into a color. Full log, or log cut in half. The climate of your region. Regardless of these factors, you should seal the wood, even if you don’t leave it outside.

How to seal a carving?

2. When sealing the carving, make sure you cover everything. When sealing the carving, make sure you sealed every centimeter of the wood. Even one little uncovered spot on the wood can result in bacteria or mold getting inside the wood and ruining the whole thing. 3.