How to Clean a Chainsaw

The more you use your chainsaw, the dirtier it gets with loads of mixtures form dirt and chain lubricant, resin or sap from the wood as well as sawdust. You can always use a tough heavy-duty brush for regular cleanups.

However, occasionally you will have to remove the chain and other components for a proper clean up to lengthen its durability and enable it to make fine precise cuts. This is true even if you have the best chainsaw for cutting firewood that includes an automatic oiler. Besides, cleaning a chainsaw is one of the essential requirements for maintaining it.

Nevertheless, you should learn how to clean it before even thinking about it. You can use the stihl chainsaw manual, since it is universal for all kinds of chainsaws or settle for this quickstep review on how to clean your chainsaw

Step 1: Cleaning the Chain

• Unplug or turn it off– First, if you are using an electric chainsaw, you will have to unplug it from any power source and turn it off. After which you can start disassembling the chain from the saw.
• Remove the chain– You can easily remove it with minimal accidents, by adjusting the knob that often tightens or loosens its grip on the saw. Then slide it very gently off its guide bar until you have it all.
• Soak the chain– You can then proceed to soak it in a cleaner and water mixture, for about 20 minutes. You can always use household ammonia, a cup for a gallon of water is just right for the cleanup process.
• Scrub, rinse and wipe– After 20-minutes of soaking, you can remove the chain and scrub it gently with a very soft bristle brush until it becomes clean. Rinse it with clean water and wipe it immediately, leave no moisture in order to prevent any rust or corrosion.
• Oil it– After you are done, you can oil the chain to reduce any friction between it and its guide bar, allowing for easier spins and cuts. Lubrication also reduces the level of heat energy producedduring the cuts.

After you are done with the cleaning and lubrication of the chain, you can now empty its oil tank.

Step 2: Cleaning the Chainsaw Carburetor

A carburetor is a very tiny, air-fuel mixer, which supplies small amounts of vaporized fuel and air to the engine, in order for it to run properly.

• Drain the carburetor– You should always drain it before cleaning and check if all its bolts, screws and nuts are tight and in place. Besides, if left unclean it can clog up and prevent the engine from working as well as damage some essential components of the chainsaw.
• Check the level of dirt in it– Always look for gummy brown or goldish residues. If you find any, which you will just use aspray cleaner or compressed air to get the debris on its outer part.
• Expose its body– After cleaning the outside. You can remove its needle valves, diaphragm, and then cover plates, in this order. Place them all in a bowl with a mixture of your cleaner.
• Spray the cleaner all over– After exposing all its parts and soaking them. You can go back and spray some cleaner with compressed air into the carburetors holes under the needle valves and diaphragm. Do not forget its throttle. Clean it until there is no visible dirt on any of its parts and body.
• Clean and brush– You can use a brush to clean the parts in the bowl, that is the needle valves, diaphragm and cover plates.

Step 3: Reassemble the Whole Unit

• Assemble everything back– After you are done, you can assemble the carburetor back to the way it was as well as the whole unit, slowly and sure.
• Test it– When you are certain that every part of it is in place, you can rotate your chainsaw to make sure it is running in all possible and expected positions.
• Storage– You can then store it in a dry, ventilated place, away from dust. You can use a lockable cabinet to protect it from bad weather and environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these basic steps to cleaning an electric chainsaw can help keep its engine in tip-top shape and functional as well as enhance its durability. Besides, proper maintenance always guarantees safety when it comes to handling any powered machine, even a chainsaw.