Chainsaws are really useful tools for the gardener and handyman. They can make light work of tough cutting jobs, but to keep them in good condition and running smoothly and safely, it’s essential to keep up with chainsaw maintenance.
Safety is key when working with this species gardening tool – they have a lot of power under the hood and can be dangerous if not handled properly. One of the main issues is that many of us only use our chainsaws intermittently. So if you’ve just pulled yours out of the shed or garage after a few months, it’s even more important to follow this chainsaw maintenance checklist to make sure everything is working as it should before you get started.
Chainsaws with inefficient fuel, clogged filters and other maintenance issues can run erratically and be unsafe. So always follow this checklist to be safe. Some chainsaw maintenance tasks should be done daily, while others should be performed weekly and monthly. Here’s what to check before you fire up your chainsaw.
Chainsaw Maintenance Checklist
Having a checklist of maintenance of gardening tools jobs will help keep your chainsaw in good condition. Peter Drow at NC cutting tools recommends the following daily checklist to keep your chainsaw running smoothly, safely and efficiently:
- Check the throttle: Make sure the throttle trigger operates smoothly. Before using the saw again, take it to your dealer if binding occurs or if the motor does not restart. Make sure the throttle trigger lock can be depressed before he can pull the trigger.
- Clean the chain brake: According to the instructions, clean the chain brake and evaluate its performance.
- Check out the chainsaw: Make sure the chain guard is in good condition. If not, replace it immediately.
- Clean the air filter: If necessary, clean or replace the air filter. Look for any holes or damage in the existing filter.
- Inspect the bar: For more even wear, the bar should be rotated every day. Make sure the rod lube hole is not blocked by inspecting it. If the rod does have a gear nose, it should be lubricated after cleaning the rod groove.
It also suggests that the following checks be done regularly:
- Verify the operation of the oiler to ensure that the bar and chain are properly lubricated.
- Check chain tension and condition after sharpening. Look for wear on the drive gear. Replace as required.
- Look for damage or wear on the starter and starter cable.
- In the starter housing, clean all the air intake slots.
- Retighten the screws and nuts as needed after checking for any looseness.
- Make sure the stop switch shuts off the engine by testing it.
- Examine the saw’s cooling system if it has a catalytic converter.
Along with following Peter’s checklist, checking the fuel and associated components is also essential:
- Clean the outside of the chainsaw carburettor and check that there are no fuel leaks.
- Make sure the fuel hose is not damaged or cracked. If it is, replace it.
- If dust has accumulated around the fuel tank, empty the gas tank and clean inside.
- If the oil tank has debris or dust in it, clean it before refilling.
- Drain the fuel tank and clean the interior if dust accumulates, especially around the filler area. Clean the filling filter.
- Drain the oil tank and, if you feel dust or debris inside, clean the interior by flushing it with mineral spirits, which you can get on Amazon.
Finally, Lindsay Hyland, gardening expert and creator or Urban Organic Performancesays, “Be sure to clean the chainsaw after each use to prevent sap or residue build-up.”
Chainsaw Maintenance Tools
As with all gardening and DIY jobs, having the right tools for chainsaw maintenance is essential.
Jeremy Yamaguchi, its CEO Lawn lovesays, “Good maintenance of the sharpening is done with a sharpening file. It is tedious to sharpen every tooth, but it is very necessary. Lubrication is done with oil. To check if your blade is sufficiently oiled, hold it close to concrete or put a piece of wood in front of it and light it. A few drops of oil should splash to the surface.
Lindsey Hyland, at Urban Organic Yield, adds the following to her tool list, “A screwdriver and wrench. A screwdriver is used to tighten or loosen the screws on the chainsaw. A wrench is used to tighten or loosen the bolts on the chainsaw.”
Sharp Pebble Electric Chainsaw Kit
This handy chainsaw sharpening kit comes with everything you need to ensure your blades are ready to make clean cuts.
STP Premium Bar and Chain Oil
Keep your chainsaw running smoothly with this bar and chain oil from STP.
RatchetScrench Chainsaw Maintenance Tool
This smart ratchet is made specifically for chainsaws and will work with a variety of brands.
