How to clean a chainsaw

If you wish to extend the useful life of your chainsaw, you need to make sure that it is operating at its best condition. To do so, you will have to know how to clean a chainsaw and be willing to carry out some general care and maintenance.

Always be careful when handling sharp objects and wear the necessary protective clothing. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself then don’t.  Your safety is paramount. 

Things you will need

  • Protective gloves – so you don’t injure yourself!

  • A file – one that’s suitable for sharpening the chain

  • Small pieces of wood or metal – to clean in between the chains

  • An old rag

  • WD-40® Multi-Use-Product

  • The relevant oil for your chainsaw

Step 1

Sharpen the Chain of Your Chainsaw

Before you begin to clean a chainsaw, first you need to sharpen the cutting teeth.  Place the chainsaw in a secure position. Next, engage the chain brake and then you can begin to sharpen the cutting teeth of the chain. While doing so, make sure that the file depth gauge has its arrows pointing towards the bar nose of the chainsaw.
Always file the chainsaw at a right angle to the chainsaw rollers. Go ahead and file all of the cutting teeth in a pushing and smooth stroke. When you’re done, you can turn the chainsaw around and begin on the other side.

Step 2

Clean your Chainsaw

When you start to clean a chainsaw, first locate the clutch cover and remove it.  Next, clean the chain brake band. You may also clean the chainsaw bar with the help of a slim piece of metal or wood in order to scoop out all the debris stuck inside the chain track.

Now you should locate the cylinder cover and remove that. Once removed, you can wash the air filter and clear the cooling fins by removing any debris you can spot visually. Lastly, you can check the flywheel fins to locate any contaminants. These can cause blockages in the air that cools the chainsaw engine and should be cleared away.

Step 3

Lubricating the Chainsaw’s Chain Using WD-40

Naturally, the chain of your chainsaw will need to be oiled well to function perfectly. To make sure that it functions well, grab some WD-40 Multi-Use-Product. WD-40 works great for both rust prevention and lubrication.

Finishing the Job Off

If you follow this guide on how to clean a chainsaw, then it should now be well oiled and sharpened ready for your next project. Now all you have to do is make sure that you clean and maintain your chainsaw on a regular basis.  Here are some useful tips:

  1. Check the chain and bar’s oil level before every use
  2. Keep the chain sharp for more efficient results and to prevent kickbacks
  3. Clean the debris off the chainsaw after every use