by Do you know how to clean a chainsaw? Did you know you were supposed to? If the answer is no to either of those questions. NO worries! You have not committed some cardinal sin of saw ownership. However, if you do own one, there are a handful of things that you can do that will be good for your saw. Next to picking out the right chainsaw to buy in the first place, learning how to maintain it is the next outdoor skill to know. That being said, once you know, you can’t unknow. When you are done with your saw for the day, do these things, and your saw will thank you.
Steps on How To Clean a Chainsaw
Cleaning a chainsaw is not hard. However, there is a bit of a process. Here is the step-by-step guide to keeping your chainsaw investment running and in top shape.
Step One – Get the Gunk Out
- Take the chip cover off, remove the bar and the chain.
- Use the flathead of your scrence, a dedicated brush, or an air compressor and get rid of all the gunk under the hood.
This first step will give you the ability to see if your bar and chain have any damage or need to be replaced. It will also have that quick sense of satisfaction that you’re making quick progress on your chore.
Step Two – Clean the Gunk Out of the Bar
- Take a thin flat something and put it into the groves and get all the gunk out.
Step Three – Remove the Clutch Drum and Lube the Needle Bearing
- Take the Clutch drum off and get a hold of the needle bearing and lube it up
- If there is any rust or water present, wipe dry. (a bit of WD-40 doesn’t hurt)
- Put the chainsaw back together and sharpen the chain (there is another page detailing this). YES, this should be done as part of the cleaning process.
Step Four – Check and Clean Chainsaw Air Filter
- If you haven’t ever inspected the air filter do so now. It’s not always necessary, but if it is gunked up it’s worth giving it a once over.
- Fully engage the choke (to prevent things from getting into the carb) and pull the air filter off.
- Use an air compressor to blow air from the inside to the outside.
- Feel free to give all the covers and visible pieces a once over.
Admire Your Clean Chainsaw
Put away in its spot and admire. There’s a lot more detail than I could go into on maintaining your chainsaw, but If you do these basic things when you are done with your saw, it will run better and be more enjoyable to use. There are also other tips and tricks on owning a chainsaw at the manufactures site such as the Stihl FAQ site.
Related Articles About How to Clean A Chainsaw and Woodcraft
- How to Quickly Sharpen Your Chainsaw Chain – Cleaning a chainsaw is not hard. However, there is a bit of a process. Here is the step by step guide to keeping your chainsaw investment running and in top shape.
- How to Pick the Perfect Ax – Select the right ax for your home or camp. Choose a tool that will fit your job or situation. From lightweight short axes for camping to heavy mauls for splitting.
