Introduction
A chainsaw chain is one of the most crucial parts of your chainsaw. The chain is what enables you to trim tree branches, cut back overgrowth, remove unwanted saplings, cut wood for your fireplace, and so much more. However, the chain requires a certain degree of maintenance to keep it at its peak performance.
Failure to properly take care of your chainsaw chain could result in permanent failure. Maintaining the chain is an entirely easy task. With the maintenance tools readily accessible and affordable, the maintenance process becomes even simpler.
Follow these tips on how you should take care of your chainsaw chain for an excellent performance, safety, and durability:
Sharpen Your Chain Regularly
First, you need to keep your chain sharp at all times. A dull sharp is no fun. It can lead to fatal accidents. Besides, it can wear you out as it will require you to use more energy when running it.
When your chain is sharp, you can easily tell because the saw will do the cutting for you without exerting much pressure. But if you feel that you’re doing half the job, and the chain is only splitting sawdust, you would want to sharpen it ASAP!
You can learn to sharpen the chain on your own or a get a pro to do the job for you.
Replace the Chain Once Every Year
Your chain wears with time and replacing with a new one is a good idea. When you notice that your chain dulls even after proper sharpening or cuts wood poorly at all times, it’s time to replace it. When done at least once every year, you’ll enjoy the best performance from your chainsaw.
While still at it, a replacement chain in your toolkit it also handy when you’re doing the job and need to replace the current chain. Assuming that you keep your replacement chain sharp and ready for the job, you’d only need to replace which is faster than sharpening.
Lubricating Your Chain is Important
There’s no better way to keep your chainsaw happy and moving than lubricating it before you start any job. Every chainsaw comes with a reservoir for the chain oil that will help keep the chain lubricated as it moves around the bar. Check the chain oil level before you start using the saw. If you’re using the chainsaw for long duration’s, it’s also important to pause midway and check the level of oil.
Check the Tension of Your Chain
Keeping your chainsaw chain tight is also among the top agendas of keeping the chain at a peak performance. Before you attempt to make a single cut with your chainsaw, check the tension level of your chain. Loose chains are known for jumping off the chain bar when the saw is in use (and causing fatal injuries). As if that’s not enough, such chains will also damage your chainsaw bar or sprocket. Your owner’s manual spells out the directions for tightening your chain. If you’re working on massive projects, you should also pause in between to check whether the chain tension level is ok .
Also, consider the extra tips outlined below
- When your chainsaw is idling, ensure that the chain isn’t moving. If it is, kindly turn down the idle speed. Thank you. This is for your safety and those around you.
- At any one time you note that your chain isn’t functioning properly, and you’re not sure what the issue is, don’t hesitate to look for help. Trying to operate a malfunctioning chain is quite dangerous.
- Make sure you thoroughly clean your chain at the end of the day. Confirm that no chips or sawdust are building up in your chain.
- If you intend to store your chainsaw for a long time (probably over a month), it’s important to drain all the chain oil from your machine, remove the chain properly and keep it in a container filled with the chain oil and tightly covered.
- Before every use, ensure that the chain fits snuggle against the bar (but it should be loose enough to be moved with your gloved hands).
- When storing your chainsaw, make you sure you do it in an entirely dry environment. Remember that your chain is made of metal that can rust; rust weakens metals and shortens their lifespan.
- Always keep you saw chain covered. Sharp chain teeth are capable of causing serious injured even when it’s not moving. Make it a point to cover your chain with plastic scabbard during transport or storage will not only prevent possible injuries but will also protect the blade from accidental damages.
Final Verdict
Learning how to maintain your chainsaw chain is essential. It will save you a lot of cash that you might spend on replacement parts and even save you from accidents associated with poorly maintained chainsaw chains.
Keep in mind that chain is one of the vital components of a chainsaw and that a chain is considered as the most potentially hazardous tool in the world.
Pay attention to the above chainsaw chain maintenance advice if you’re serious about saving your life, preventing disabling accidents, keeping your machine at a peak performance, and extending its lifespan.