If you did not know one of the most important maintenance steps of a chainsaw is cleaning it.
Unfortunately, a lot of people never consider cleaning a chainsaw because they think it is not as important as other maintenance requirements like checking the chain oil and more.
However, let us tell you how an unclean chainsaw can affect the functionality and reduce the overall lifespan of this power tool.
While a chainsaw may seem like a simple machine, it is not the case. Underneath, there are a lot of complex parts under the covers that need cleaning and once you un-assemble the chainsaw you will know what we are talking about, and how imperative is to learn how to clean a chainsaw.
For instance, when you use a chainsaw the blade digs into the wood that carves small chips and specks of sawdust which is carried into the grooves of the bar.
Some sawdust finds its way in between the chain link that combines with moisture and bar oil which forms a sticky substance. The solid-sticky substance keeps soaking up the bar oil and prevents the lubrication of the chain.
A lubricated chain is very important, otherwise, it runs hot and results in more friction that will increase vibrations. In short, the whole experience of using a chainsaw and the task you want to use it for will be compromised and could also lead to injury if the cleanliness of a chainsaw is not maintained over time.
Sawdust often accumulates in between the cooling fins that restrict airflow which will affect the cooling-performance and leading to an overheated engine.
Therefore, in this guide, we will teach you when you need to clean, and how you need to clean a chainsaw.
It does not matter how dirty the chainsaw is, this step-to-step guide will walk you through how to efficiently clean a chainsaw for overall maintenance purposes.
Let’s get into it, shall we?
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Step-to-Step Guide on How to Clean a Chainsaw
Preparation Requirements of Cleaning a Chainsaw
This step-to-step guide will walk you through how to clean every part of a chainsaw necessary. It is an easy-to-follow guide and once you learn how to clean a chainsaw you will not think twice before cleaning it because you will get the hang of it on the first try. Before we dive into the step-to-step guide there are some pre-preparation that you need to do. First of all, you will have to make sure that the chainsaw is switched-off to avoid any unfortunate incidents.
Furthermore, before you perform the cleaning steps you will have to ensure that for a gas-powered chainsaw the fuel tank is drained and the electric-plug is detached from the spark switch. For a corded-electric chainsaw, you will have to detach the power cord and for a battery-powered chainsaw, you will have to remove the battery. Once you have followed the preparation steps, you can start with the cleaning steps.
Step 1: Deep Cleaning the Bar
The first step revolves around cleaning the bar. The bar is a very vital part of a chainsaw that needs to be cleaned over time.
To clean the bar, you will have to look for two bolts that are located at the side cover of a chainsaw, these bolts mount the guide bar to the powerhead. Before you loosen the bolts, you will have to disengage the chain brake.
In this step you will need:
- Rag
- Soap bar
- Water
- Degreaser liquid
- Putty knife
- Groove cleaning tool
- Screwdriver
In some chainsaw models, you cannot remove the cover before you disengage the chain brake, while in some chainsaw you can remove the cover without disengaging the chain brake.
However, it is difficult to place it back which is why before you remove the cover disengage the chain brake at all costs.
Once the chain brake is disengaged, you can loosen the bolts and remove the cover easily. The bar and chain need to be separated from the powerhead.
Depending on how dirty the guide bar is, you will have to clean it accordingly. If it is moderately dirty then you can make use of little soap and water to clean it with a rag.
However, if you feel the guide bar is heavily dirty then you will have to use a degreaser liquid to loosen the buildup.
Make sure you do not miss the grove of the guide bar, to clean the groove you can use a putty knife or a special cleaning tool designed to clean the groove. Gently run the tool around it to ensure it is free from gunk.
The bar of a chainsaw has a chain oiler hole that is at the base of the bar, to clean it you can either use a pick or a thin screwdriver to remove gunk blocking the holes.
You can also make use of compressed air to clean the chain oiler holes. The bar also has a hole at the tip of the blade that oils the sprocket, make sure you clean that too.
Step 2: Cleaning and Soaking the Chain
Next up, we will be cleaning the chain. For this step, you will have to be in a well-ventilated area. You will also need:
- A huge bucket
- One cup ammonia
- One gallon of water
- Bristled toothbrush
- Shallow tray
- Chain oil
Fill the bucket with one gallon of water and add one cup of ammonia to the water. Then place the chain in the solution and after 15 minutes you can remove the chain.
Make sure you are wearing rubber gloves when you take out the chain because ammonia can damage the skin of your hands. Using a bristled toothbrush, scrub the chain thoroughly and ensure it’s free from any debris. After you are done cleaning the chain, rinse it with water, and immediately let it dry.
Once the chain is dry of moisture, you will have to place it in chain oil. Fill a shallow tray with chain oil. Place the chain in the oil and let it stay there for at least 3 hours. Then turn the chain over and let it stay there for another 3 hours. Once the chain is lubricated enough, remove the chain from the chain oil, and by using paper towels soak up the dripping chain oil.
Step 3: Getting Rid of Gunk on the Powerhead
In the third step you will need:
- Dry cloth
- Medium-sized paintbrush
- Screwdriver or pick
In this step on how to clean a chainsaw, using a dry cloth, clean the exterior of the powerhead body. With the help of a medium-sized paint brush clean off any dirt that is sitting around the clutch drum, bar studs, and crankcase. To get rid of stubborn gunk use a screwdriver or a pick to scrape it out efficiently to ensure the powerhead is thoroughly cleaned and gunk-free.
Step 4: Deep Cleaning the Air Filter
In the fourth-step you will need:
- Rag
- Medium-sized paintbrush
This step is only for gas-powered chainsaws. If you do not have a gas-powered chainsaw then you can skip stepping six directly.
To clean the air filter, you will have to remove the top cover of the chainsaw. After you take out the air filter. Once you remove the air filter, place the rag where there is an outlet for the air intake to ensure that dirt or debris does not enter that area. Using the medium-sized paintbrush remove any dirt that is collected in the air filter.
If you think the air filter is very dirty and removing the dust using the paintbrush is not working. Then you can place the air filter under running water to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and all particles are removed.
You will have to let the air filter completely dry before you reattach it. Never reattach an air filter that is not completely dry as it can affect the functioning of the chainsaw.
Step 5: Cleaning and Checking the Spark Plug
This step is also only for gas-powered chainsaws as they have more parts that need to be cleaned. In this step you will need:
- T-Wrench
Since you removed the cover before you easily access the spark plug. With the help of a T-Wrench, you will have to unscrew the spark plug and remove it. The color and the condition of the spark plug will indicate what your next step will be.
If the electrodes are dark brown then you can place back the spark plug. However, if the color of the electrodes is black then you will have to replace them.
Step 6: Chainsaw Assembling
Once you have followed all the steps above, you have successfully cleaned the chainsaw and in this step, you will have to reassemble it in reverse order.
Conclusion
We hope this step-to-step guide on how to clean a chainsaw was helpful and easy to follow. Once you have followed all the steps given above you will notice a huge improvement in the performance of the chainsaw. We would recommend that you clean the chainsaw often for its utmost maintenance and better performance at all times.
