Chainsaw Maintenance - Overview

No matter what kind of chainsaw you own, daily, weekly and monthly routine checks are essential for its continued safe and effective use. Certain components and features need specific attention regularly to ensure that no problems are developing or escalating. Catching a problem early will give whatever’s wrong a much better chance at being rectified and keep you from operating faulty, dangerous machinery.

Chain Tension

Ensuring that your chain is in good health is vital to the effective operation of your chainsaw. The chain tension and oiling system should be checked and adjusted regularly. A loose chain can either separate from the guide bar or bind in the wood you are cutting, whereas a chain that is too tight can cause chain and bar wear. A brand new chain can need to be readjusted in as little as ten cuts. The optimum chain tension will mean that the chain can be moved easily when pulled and will sag slightly when idle. Remember to ensure you are wearing gloves when you do this. To check and adjust the tension, you should loosen the guide bar-retaining nuts that are found where the motor is attached to the guide bar. With the chain adjustment screw, you can then increase or decrease tension by turning it clockwise or anti-clockwise. It is time to replace the chain if is it still too loose and the tension screw has stopped. Having a spare replacement chain ready at all times can be really helpful.

It is a good idea to visually inspect various aspects of the chainsaw prior to and during operation too. The bar-retaining nuts can become loose because of vibration. The chain bar should also be checked for curvature or bends, the roller tips should be lubricated, and the roller side plate should have any burs removed with a flat file.

Chain Oiling System

Oil is necessary to keep the chain running smoothly. You can use a lot of oil without realising, and, since there is no warning light, the oil level needs to be checked often. Oil also prevents heat from building up, which can damage the bar, chain and sprocket. You should always make sure the oil reservoir is full before commencing operation, but there are a few parts that should be checked for damage too. The oil passages on the guide bar will get dirty but can easily be cleaned with a cloth. The oil outlets should also be cleaned of sawdust and oil regularly. You can test your oiling system by holding the chainsaw over a piece of white paper and revving the saw. If everything is healthy, you will be able to see a light mist. If these steps do not work, it is best to take the chainsaw to get serviced.

The Fuel System & Filter

Firstly, every manufacturer has a slightly different ratio of fuel and oil mixes, so check the owners’ manual to work out which you should be using. Clean fuel should always be used – that is fuel that is free of contaminants. The fuel filter will help to get rid of these contaminants, but it can become clogged, so clean it weekly. You should regularly check for fuel leaks around the filler cap and around the engine casing. Once a month, it is also a good idea to pour out the fuel and check the tank for debris. The chainsaw will need to be serviced if you find any leaks. If the fuel filter needs to be replaced, you should empty the fuel tank first. Remove the old filter by pulling and twisting the filter casing. You should hold the hose, but do not disconnect it from the saw. Fill the tank with new fuel and oil after the new filter is installed.

Screws, Nuts, Bolts & Fasteners

As with the aforementioned bar-retaining nuts, all screws, nuts, bolts and fasteners should be checked regularly during operation. Heavy vibration from the chainsaw can loosen all of these over time. Anything securing safety guards should be given special attention. The same goes for the bar and chain. You should also check screws, nuts, bolts and fasteners for general wear.

Air Filter

Your chainsaw's air filter ensures that your saw uses less fuel and is cooled. It should be replaced roughly once a week if the chainsaw is being used regularly. After each use, it needs to be cleaned. Make sure that the area you clean it in is free of debris and sawdust too, as you don’t want anything to fall into the carburettor. It can be cleaned with an air compressor, and the foam elements can be washed with soapy water. Make sure you rinse them and allow them to dry afterwards before replacing the paper elements. Refer to the owners’ manual for specifics on how best to clean your chainsaw’s air filter.

Sprocket Lubrication

It is always important when performing maintenance on your chainsaw to refer closely to the owners' manual, as each chainsaw is slightly different. At the end of the guide bar is the chainsaw’s sprocket. It needs to be lubricated regularly to stay healthy. This can be performed by injecting grease into the hole at the sprocket’s centre. To do this, you’ll need a tool with a heavy gauge needle, a grease reservoir and a plunger handle. Lubrication has been successfully administered when you can see grease at the edges of the guide bar.

Spark Plug

It is recommended that the spark plug is checked every ten hours of use. There are signs to tell whether it needs to be cleaned or replaced. A spark plug wrench can help you safely remove it from the chainsaw then you can check the electrode tip. If it is rounded, it is worn and needs to be replaced. The plug should also be clean and free of deposits. You will also, with the use of a gapping tool, need to gap the spark plug in accordance with the owners’ manual.

Starter Rope

The starter rope, or pull cord, can be regularly checked visually. There should be no frays or cuts. Any damage means a new starter rope. The toggle should also be inspected to make sure that it is securely attached to the cord.

Sharpening

Keeping your chain as sharp as possible will maximise productivity. There are two ways to tell if your chain is too dull. Either the chain will not be cutting as deep as the depth gauges, located in the front of each tooth, will allow – this means that you’ll have to push the chain into the wood to make it cut – or the chain will be cutting smaller chips that resemble sawdust, as opposed to the large (0.25 inch) chips that a sharp chain cuts. This can be remedied by simply sharpening the chain. To do this, you should ensure that you are in a well-lit area and that the chain is properly tensioned and over a block of wood. File guides can help you – they are designed to hold the chain and keep your sharpening aligned. Your file size should match your chain size. This can be verified in the owners’ manual. Sharpen the working corner of the tooth. You should have a firm grip on the file, and stroke towards the outside. Filing should also be removed any nicks and damage. A clean, thin edge on the cutting blades of the teeth means that the chain is sharp.

Carburettor

The main things to remember when taking care of your carburettor are simply the indicators that something may be up. You should always keep an eye on how the chainsaw is acting as it accelerates and retains its top speed. If there is hesitance, or the engine cuts out, it is a good idea to consult your owners’ manual for further information on settings and maintenance.

Kickback Guard & Chain Brake

Maintaining the kickback guard is relatively simple. If the guard is defective in any kind of way, install a replacement immediately. Do not operate the chainsaw with a faulty guard, as you could experience a violent kickback and cause serious injury. The same goes for the chain brake. Check it is working properly before every use, and if it fails, take it to be serviced before continuing.

Muffler & Arrester Screen

The muffler and exhaust ports should be cleaned roughly once a month. The muffler guard should be cleaned daily and checked for damage regularly. The arrester screen ensures that sparks do not leave the exhaust port, causing potential fire or injury. It can be located inside the muffler. You can clean it using carburettor cleaner, but replace it if it is damaged.

Chainsaw Maintenance

We also have guides on how to specifically maintain petrol and electric chainsaws, as each has its own parts and operations that need to be tended to separately. Chain servicing tools are also covered, as well as, importantly, how to maintain your safety equipment. Looking after everything to do with your chainsaw, and keeping it safe and fully functional, will become second nature after reading through our advice sections.

Disclaimer – it should be emphasised that these articles are for advice only, and we recommend that you read the instruction manual fully before using and maintaining any product.