How To Maintain A Chainsaw
Chainsaws are a useful household and gardening essential, but how do you stay safe when operating such a powerful tool? Not only will maintaining your chainsaw ensure that it runs smoothly and safely, but cleaning it after every use will prevent and remove a build-up of unwanted debris which causes it to rust. So, are you ready to discover how to maintain a chainsaw? Check out our handy how-to guide below:
Things you will need
Tool to loosen your chainsaw’s nuts
Degreaser
Lubricant
Wire brush
Paper towel
Clean rag or cloth
Step 1
Prepare your chainsaw for maintenance
Place the chainsaw on a stable workbench in a secure position. The base of the chainsaw should be flat against your table. Make sure that the chain is away from everything. If you’re working with an electric chainsaw, make sure that it is disconnected from its power source. Remember to remove the battery if your chainsaw is cordless. If you have a gas-powered chainsaw, you must drain the fuel first.
Step 2
Remove the chainsaw's chain
You will need to ensure that the anti-kickback chain brake is disengaged prior to removing the bar and chain. Using a wrench, loosen the nuts on the sides of the bar. This will separate the bar and chain from the powerhead.
Step 3
Maintain the chainsaw's bar
To degrease the bar, you should add some degreaser or lubricant such as WD-40® Multi-Use Product, mixed with warm water. Once soaked with the solution, use a rag to remove all the dust and grease. If there is stubborn grime, you can use a wire brush to remove it.
Next, clean the oiler holes using an air compressor to remove all remaining debris.
Step 4
Degrease the chainsaw's chain
To remove grease from the chain links, you will need to soak it in a mix of warm water and degreasing agent. We recommend using WD-40® Specialist® Fast Acting Degreaser and soak it for 10 to 15 minutes. Next, use a wire brush to remove all the grime (repeat several times) and wipe with a paper towel to make sure all the dirt is gone. When all the grime and dirt has been removed, begin rinsing the chain with some clean water and then dry it with a clean rag. Now hang the chain to air dry.
Step 5
Lubricate the chainsaw
When you put the chain back onto your chainsaw, you will have to lubricate it to clean it, using WD-40® Multi-Use Product. Before refitting the chain into the chainsaw, wipe off all the excess residue and then reattach it to the guide bar.
Now you know how to maintain a chainsaw!
So, there you have it, a quick guide on how to maintain a chainsaw using WD-40 to prevent and remove rust from its chain. For the best results, it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance.
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
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