Preventative maintenance is key to keeping your tools fresh, sharp, and easy to use. Chainsaws are essential for things like tree trimming and firewood harvesting. Of course, if you breeze through your tools without taking care of them properly, you’ll have to replace them every few months instead of every several years. That can be very expensive and tiring. In that case, here are a few essential tips for keeping your chainsaw well-maintained:
- Get Tune-UPS When Needed
If you aren’t very experienced in using chainsaws or the likes of them, you can always take it to get tuned up professionally. This can be a great option for those looking to save time and patience, as it isn’t always easy to sharpen or clean them on your own. If you’re going for this option, see if you can get a view of the chainsaw while it is being worked on by a professional. This will give you the chance to observe and learn what you actually need to do so you can try it for yourself the next time.
- Give It a Good Wash
With constant use, a chainsaw can get pretty dirty and clogged up with residue. Depending on what type of material you cut with it, it can be difficult to clean it all out if it starts to build up. This is why it is best to clean it as often as you can.
If you find that the chain isn’t clean, you can remove it and soak it in a cleaning mixture for at least 30 minutes. Use water and ammonia for this mixture. Once it is done soaking, you can give it a nice scrub to ensure that everything is removed. Rinse and dry after that step is complete.
The carburetor needs to be sprayed with compressed air or some type of fuel additive to be cleaned. This piece is important because if it is dirty it can make it difficult for the chainsaw to start. After that, clean the air filter and any other important parts of the chainsaw to remove debris, grime, and residue.
- Get the Chainsaw Sharpened or Sharpen It Yourself
If you’re a beginner, it would probably make more sense to go to a professional to get your chainsaw sharpened, at least for the first time around so you can get an idea of how it is done. If you’d like to try it yourself anyway, get a hold of a file so you can sharpen your blades frequently. Both the chain and the blades need to be filed often to keep the chainsaw in good condition. The depth gauges need to be filed too, but only every third time you file the cutting teeth.
- Understand Daily vs. Weekly vs. Monthly Maintenance
Different tips need to be followed at different times. The right consistency can keep your chainsaw going for years. For daily maintenance, you should check the trigger, inspect the safety features, check the filter to make sure it is clean, rotate the chainsaw bar, and tighten the chain. The chain should also be sharpened on a daily basis. The sprocket, starter cord, and attached parts should be checked to ensure they are not worn or broken. Tighten any loose parts.
Weekly maintenance includes lubricating the clutch, checking the plugs, cleaning the carburetor, wiping the fins, checking the starter, and inspecting the anti-vibration features to ensure they are not worn or torn.
Monthly maintenance includes checking the wiring, tanks, fuel, clutch, and chain brake band. The fuel filter should be replaced and cleaned monthly. The fuel tank needs to be cleaned on a monthly basis as well to prevent a buildup of gasoline residue. The longer you wait to clean gas residue, the harder it will be to remove later on.
Always remember to consult a professional for assistance if you’re unsure of your maintenance methods. This will ensure that you are staying safe and saving time while caring for your tools.
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