When you’ve finished work, it’s worth spending a little time on maintenance to make sure the chain saw is functioning properly, is safe and ready to go the next time you need it. Maintenance requirements will depend on how much you use the saw.
Sharpening the Chain
Filing the chain is an important part of maintaining the saw. If you follow the manufacturer's instructions and file the chain frequently, it should be an easy task.
- Fix the saw in place.
- Lock the chain by activating the chain brake.
- Start with the cutting teeth.
- Place the file gauge on the chain with the arrows pointing towards the bar nose.
- Place the file at right angles to the rollers.
- File every second tooth with an even, pushing stroke.
- Turn the saw around and file the rest of the cutting teeth.
Filing the Depth Gauges
About every third time you file the cutting teeth, file the depth gauges between them as well.
- Hold the file gauge steady with one hand.
- Select hard or soft, depending on which type of wood you normally saw.
- Hold the flat file in your other hand, and file the depth gauge until the file contacts the file gauge.
Changing the Chain and Bar
After a number of sharpenings, when the longest part of the cutting tooth is less than 4 milimeters, the chain should be replaced.
- Remove the bar and put the new chain in place.
- Adjust the chain tension carefully; a loose chain can jump off. If it’s too tight, it will wear out the bar. You should be able to lift the chain approximately 1/4 of an inch from the track at the middle of the bar. It should be easy to pull the chain around by hand.
Cleaning
Follow these tips for cleaning other parts of a chain saw.
- Remove the clutch cover and clean the chain brake band.
- Clean the bar occasionally.
- Remove the cylinder cover and clean the air filter.
- Clean the cooling fins and the air intake if necessary.
- Check the flywheel fins periodically to see if they're clean to ensure good engine cooling.
Checks
Periodically, check to make sure parts of the chain saw are in good working order.
• Check that the chain brake, throttle control, chain catcher and chain lubrication are working as each should.
• Check the chain drive wheel to see if it's whole and not too worn.
• Check the screws, bolts and nuts, and make sure all are tightened.
Get other maintenance tips in the saw user's manual.
Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures. Please read our terms of use.