Maintaining and using a chainsaw is a necessity for those that are in certain professions or those big outdoor projects. Even if you’re a weekend warrior, performing regular maintenance on your chainsaw will help to extend its life for many years to come. Here are five basic chainsaw maintenance tips to keep your chainsaw in optimal working condition and keep you safe from harm.
- Check Your Saw Chain Tension. Your saw chain should be taut but still be able to move smoothly along the guide bar. Too much tension and the chain can break, and too loose and it won’t be able to do the job properly. If you’re not sure how to adjust the chain tension, check your chainsaw’s manual for specific instructions.
- Inspect Shroud Over the Chain. It’s important to keep your chainsaw’s shroud and chain guard in tack. A damaged shroud can cause your chainsaw to malfunction and dramatically increase the risk of a kickback. Inspect the shroud for any tears or cracks and replace the shroud as soon as possible if you find any damage.
- Sharpen Your Chain. Sharpening your chain regularly will ensure that it slices through the wood with ease. To sharpen your saw chain, you’ll need a round file or a grinding wheel. Start by loosening the nuts that secure the chain on the guide bar and then take the chain off and sharpen it one pitch at a time. If you’re not sure how to sharpen your chain properly, consult your chainsaw’s manual.
- Clean and Lubricate. Regularly cleaning and lubricating your chainsaw will help to keep it working efficiently. Before cleaning your chainsaw, make sure you disconnect it from any power source. After cleaning the exterior of the chainsaw, make sure you also clean the inside of the guide bar and oil it properly to make sure that your chainsaw is working in optimal condition.
- Wear the Right Gear. One of the most important chainsaw maintenance tips is to always wear the right safety gear when operating and maintaining your chain saw. Make sure to use a helmet with a face shield, safety glasses, protective gloves, boots, and adjustable trousers or chaps.
By following these five basic chainsaw maintenance and safety tips, you can be sure that your chainsaw will stay in top shape and you’ll be able to safely handle any job that comes your way. Regular maintenance is essential to the longevity of your chainsaw, and in order to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you, it’s important to make sure you follow all the advice and instructions in the user manual. As fun as that may be, it will help in the way your chainsaw operates and how long it lasts.
Chainsaws are a very useful and popular tool for many forms of woodworking, but they can also be hazardous if proper care and safety measures are not taken. Taking the proper safety precautions can make the chainsaw experience more enjoyable and significantly less dangerous. If you’re using a chainsaw for the first time, be sure to get familiar with the operation and safety procedures.
Looking to get your hands on a chainsaw or looking for the tools you need to follow the maintenance tips above? Visit your tool experts at your favorite employee owned store, Mimbach Fleet Supply. We have a wide range of chainsaw brands like Husquarna, Stihl, and Ego and other outdoor tools to help you conquer any project that’s thrown your way!
