• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Privacy / Disclaimer
  • Contact Us
  • Contributing Writers
  • Site Directory

Chainsaw Journal

Expert Advice on the Modern Home, DIY, Power Tools & Outdoor Power Equipment to help you make intelligent buying decisions.

  • Generators
    • Portable Generators
    • Portable Power Stations
    • Inverter Generators / Quiet
    • Educational
  • Chainsaws
    • Cordless / Battery-Powered
    • Corded-Electric
    • Gas-Powered
    • Chainsaw Reviews
    • Education / How-to
  • Power Equipment
    • Log Splitters
    • Snow Blowers
    • Wood Chippers / Shredders
    • Portable Table Saw
    • Leaf Blowers
    • Lawn Mower
    • Miter Saws
    • Outdoor Cooking
  • Workshop Tools
    • Shop Heaters
    • Woodworking tools
    • Table Saws
    • Automotive
    • Air Compressors
  • Pools
    • Robotic Pool Cleaners
    • Pool Pumps
    • Pool Heaters
  • Indoor Home
    • Air Conditioners
    • Vacuum Cleaners
  • Informative
  • Kids
  • Blog
Home » Blog » How to Clean A Chainsaw — And Why It’s Important

How to Clean A Chainsaw — And Why It’s Important

Last Updated: February 8, 2023 / at: 7:53 pm

How to clean a chainsaw.

How to Clean A Chainsaw, the easy way. And why it matters? I know many people who never even think of cleaning their chainsaws but as you’ll learn in this article, it’s a good idea to keep your chainsaw clean. Dirt, dust and oil can build-up and eventually effect the functioning of your chainsaw. Especially if you work in harsh conditions, you should clean your chainsaw on a regular basis.

Table of Contents —
  1. How to Clean A Chainsaw
    1. Tools you will need to clean a chainsaw
    2. Removing the bar and chain
      1. Cleaning the bar
    3. Cleaning the chain
    4. Cleaning the powerhead
    5. Putting it all back together

Before we start talking about the tools needed and the process of cleaning your chainsaw, let us first explain some of the issues that prevent a dirty chainsaw from running properly. A chainsaw is an extremely simple machine on the surface, but there is plenty of stuff going on underneath which cannot be seen until you remove the covers and take the whole thing apart. Whenever a cutting tooth on the saw chain digs into wood, it carves out small chips of material along with tiny powder- like specks of sawdust. The momentum of the moving chain carries these particles into the groove of the bar upon which the chain rides.

Some of the sawdust and wooden chips also get flung into the spaces in-between each chain link, combining with moisture and bar oil to form a semi- solid and highly sticky substance that soaks up new bar oil and prevents it from lubricating the chain. This will cause your chain to run hot, and it will also scrape against the bar rails more often causing the formation of a burr on either edge of the bar. Now, not only is the chain running hot and causing more friction, but it is also bouncing off the uneven edge on the bar which will prevent you from cutting straight and increase vibrations. A chain that isn’t lubricated will fail sooner, and the last thing you want is sharp metal links flying into your face at 60mph.

Sap, sawdust, grease, and other unwanted substances will also accumulate underneath the clutch cover on the side of the chainsaw. This will eventually clog the oiler holes from which bar oil is secreted into the bar of your chainsaw and can harm performance as well as reliability of the parts. If too much gunk collects around the chain brake mechanism, it can cause the inertial brake to slip and you may not be able to stop the saw in case of an emergency. Sawdust and dirt are also sucked in through the other side of the chainsaw, via the grill underneath the starter rope. This grill sucks in air to cool the engine and it also sucks in debris that is ejected when you cut wood.

Sawdust and wooden chips can accumulate in between the cooling fins on the cylinder head, restricting airflow and reducing cooling performance. As a result, the engine will run hotter than usual and this may eventually result in damage to the internals of the motor (piston, cylinder, etc.). The air filter is what allows your chainsaw engine to “breath”, and when it is clogged the carburetor isn’t going to get sufficient air and this will affect engine performance at higher RPMs. If the air filter is extremely dirty, you may not even be able to start the chainsaw.

You will also need to inspect the spark plug for carbon accumulation, because a dysfunctional spark plug will result in incomplete combustion of the fuel/ air mixture and loss of power. A faulty spark plug may also mean that the engine won’t start. Stihl recommends that you replace the old spark plug with a new one every 100 service hours. There are different types of spark plugs, check the owner’s manual to make sure you are replacing the old one with a proper model.

VIDEO | How to Clean your Chainsaw

YouTube video

How to Clean A Chainsaw


Tools you will need to clean a chainsaw

  • Wire brush (here is a nice set)
  • 1” or 2” paint brush (like this Wooster Q3108-1 soft tip brush)
  • Grease gun (simple push-type will suffice)
  • WD40 spray (serves as a lubricant and degreaser)
  • Universal cleaner of some kind (like Simple Green Pro HD )
  • Flat hand file
  • Bar groove cleaning tool (putty knife or a folded business card also works, pretty much anything that is flat and fits in between the bar grooves)
  • Pick to clean oiler hole (you can also use a small flathead screwdriver)
  • Scrench
  • Warm water

Optional:

  • Air compressor
  • Shop vac
  • Pressure washer

Note: You don’t need all the tools that we have mentioned in this list, the optional category is mainly for readers who own multiple chainsaws and need to clean 4 or 5 of them together. Unless you are a professional logger, workshop owner, or DIYer, you won’t need a pressure washer or shop vacuum. But if you happen to own a workshop, you probably have the aforementioned tools which are going to make your chainsaw cleaning experience much more convenient. And you might not need the universal cleaner fluid either, many experienced chainsaw users use simple household ammonia solution or kerosene to clean their grimy chainsaw bars and chains. On the field for quick cleanups between cutting sessions, all you need is a scrench and a brush.


Step 1

Removing the bar and chain

In order to clean the various parts of a chainsaw, we must first take it apart to gain easier access. For this, you need some kind of flat and stable surface. A workbench or table of some kind would be perfect, and make sure to keep all the tools nearby. If you’re cleaning an electric chainsaw make sure it is disconnected from the power source, and if it is a cordless chainsaw take out the battery before you start cleaning. For gas chainsaws, drain all fluids (gas and bar oil) before you start cleaning. Now, located the two nuts on the side cover which keep your bar mounted to the powerhead. Loosen these nuts from the bar studs using the hexagonal wrench part of the scrench, and make sure that the anti- kickback chain brake is disengaged before you remove the clutch cover. On some chainsaw models you cannot remove the cover while the brake is engaged, on others you might be able to remove the cover but putting it back on will be impossible.


Step 2

Cleaning the bar

After the bar and chain have been separated from the powerhead, take out the chain and put it aside. Depending on how dirty the bar is, you might need to use a degreaser or solvent of some sort. If it has been used to cut down a couple trees over the weekend, you should be able to get all the dirt and grime off with some warm soapy water and a cloth rag. Take the wire brush and scrape away all the sawdust and hardened dirt from the bar. Using the bar groove cleaner tool or a putty knife, clear out all the gunk that is stuck within the bar rails.

Once the groove of the bar is clean, take a pick or screwdriver and get rid of all the debris blocking the oiler hole. There are two oiler holes on each bar, one on either side of the bottom end (the end that connects to the powerhead). If you have an air compressor, you can use it to blow away any stubborn debris. Steam at around 300°F also works great, if you happen to have a steam cleaner in the workshop.

Hot soap water works just fine for chainsaws that are used occasionally on weekends to cut some firewood. But what if you’re a professional who uses the chainsaw daily for felling trees in the woods or cutting branches 80 feet above the ground? Compressed air and high pressure steam are the perfect choice to clean the dirtiest of chainsaw guide bars. But since most of you don’t own a steam cleaner or air compressor, there is a neat little trick to getting rid of pitch and dried up resin from your chainsaw bar. We are going to use Simple Green Pro HD Heavy Duty cleaner. This is a non- corrosive, biodegradable, multipurpose cleaner which acts as a solvent and degreaser to remove all the grime and dirt.

Mix the concentrate in a 1:3 ratio with water and fill up a bucket with the solution. Then dip the bar into the bucket, along with the clutch cover. Let it soak for about 10 minutes and use the wire brush to scrape away the dirt. Dry the bar, then give it a light coat of the WD40 spray and leave it to set for about half an hour or so, then wipe it off with a rag.

The bar is almost ready for installation in the chainsaw, just check the edges to make sure there is no mushrooming going on around the rails. Run your fingernails over the edge of the bar rail and if your nails click on a sharp metal burr extruding out of the rail, it is time to take the hand file and make a few passes on the bar. This will ensure that the bar edges are smooth and flat, so the chain can ride without issues. A great tool for removing burrs and uneven edges from the guide bar is this redresser tool, it will reset the rails to a 90° angle and remove all burrs at the same time.

VIDEO | Basic Chainsaw Maintenance

YouTube video

Step 3

Cleaning the chain

To clean the chain, soak it in some turpentine or a solution of household ammonia and water (for 10 to 20 mins). This should get all the grease and resins out from within the links of the chain, and dissolve most of the caked up sawdust. Now take the wire brush and scrape it clean. When working with an ammonia solution, it is crucial that you stay in a well- ventilated area and prevent contact with skin or eyes. Use gloves and eye protection. If the chain isn’t too dirty, you can simply scrape off the dirt with a brush and wipe it clean with a rag. Now there is another method of cleaning the chain if it is absolutely engulfed in pith and caked up sawdust, but we only recommend this if you are experienced with tools or if you are a professional logger (no other way your chainsaw would get that dirty).

Take some household lye, used to open up drains. Pour out some pellets onto the cap of the container and mix it with about half a bucket of water. Wear thick gloves and eye protection, do not let these pellets come in contact with your skin. Put the chain in the solution and let it soak for about 20 minutes or longer depending on how dirty it is. Don’t let it sit in there overnight though, since the chain will start to rust. After it is soaked, pull out the chain with a hooked tool of some kind, DO NOT use your hands to remove the chain from the solution even if you are wearing gloves. Throw it on the ground outside, let all the excess solution run off and hose it down thoroughly with water. Once it is dry, take the chain back inside and wipe it clean with multiple paper towels until all the dirt is gone.

Important: make sure to dip your freshly cleaned chain in some bar oil and wipe off the excess oil before you put it in storage. This way, it won’t rust. Also coat it with bar oil before reassembly with the guide bar.


Step 4

Cleaning the powerhead

To clean the powerhead, use a 1” soft tip paint brush and remove all the dirt that has settled down around the crankcase area. Use the pick or scrench to access tight spots, and gradually scrape away every bit of sawdust around the clutch drum and bar studs. Make sure that the oiler port is free of debris. You can also use compressed air to clean the powerhead, but we don’t recommend a pressure washer as it can damage the air filter and electronic systems if you aren’t very careful.

Remove the top cover and you should be able to access both the air filter as well as spark plug. Inspect the air filter, if it is covered with light to moderate amount of dust take a soft tip paintbrush and gently clean the filter medium. It is extremely important that you stuff the air intake of the carburetor with a clean rag to prevent foreign objects from falling inside. Or, you can set the choke to “closed” position to seal the carburetor from the inside.

You can also use compressed air, but make sure the compressor is set for low pressure, so you don’t blow a hole in the air filter. Stihl recommends a non-inflammable, non oil based cleaner if you want to rinse the air filter under running water. If the air filter is really dirty, take some warm soap water and clean it from the inside out (water flows from clean side of filter to dirty side). After using the soap solution, rinse the filter with some clean water and let it dry completely before you reattach it.

Inspect the spaces between the cooling fins on the cylinder head and use a screwdriver or the bar cleaner tool (preferably something made from a soft metal) to clean out all the gunk from between the cooling fins. This will improve engine cooling and increase its lifespan. Also remember to take out the grill cover for the starter rope and brush away all the sawdust that is accumulated around the crankcase.

Finally, remove the spark plug and inspect it for signs of degradation. If the electrodes are a coffee brown color everything should be fine. Check the gap between the electrodes to see if it is too large or small, incorrect gap size will prevent the spark plug from working properly. If the tip appears dark black or is covered with baked-on dirt, it might be time for a replacement. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct replacement part no., and make sure to check the gap between electrodes since some spark plugs may not be gapped from the factory. Stihl recommends a gap of 0.02 inches or 0.5mm for its NGK CMR6H and Bosch USR4AC spark plugs.


Step 5

Putting it all back together

Reattach the engine cover, starter cord cover and remount the dried up chain to the bar. Make sure the chain is mounted in the CORRECT direction. Now mount the bar back on the studs, connect the clutch cover and hand tighten the nuts. Hold up the bar by the tip of its nose and adjust the tensioning screw such that the segment of chain on the bottom side of the bar isn’t sagging (you should not over tighten it, just enough for it to move freely). Once the chain is properly mounted, take the scrench and tighten the bar nuts. Now your chainsaw is ready to cut wood, just refill it with gas and bar oil.

Last Updated: February 8, 2023 at 7:53 PM / by Chainsaw Journal

Primary Sidebar

☄️ Home Emergency Backup

2023 Reviews : Best 9500 Watt Generators / New Models with CO Sensors

2023 Reviews : Best 9500 Watt Generators / New Models with CO Sensors

Last Update ► January 5, 2023

Look no further, above you will see the Westinghouse WGen9500c generator --- one of the best 9500 watt generators you can buy. Period!

🐶 Keep A Tidy Yard…

Reviews : Best Resin Shed in 2023? Backyard Storage, Big & Small

Reviews : Best Resin Shed in 2023? Backyard Storage, Big & Small

Last Update ► February 26, 2023

Resin backyard storage sheds are a great addition to any home or garden. Made from durable, weather-resistant materials, these sheds offer a convenient and secure way to store tools, equipment, and other outdoor essentials.

🐷 Editors’ Picks

🐱 The Future is Cordless

Best Cordless Chainsaw 2023 Buying Guide – Chainsaw Journal

Best Cordless Chainsaw 2023 Buying Guide – Chainsaw Journal

Last Update ► March 7, 2023

What's the best cordless chainsaw for 2023? If you're smart you'll take our advice and choose from our list of fantastic battery-powered chainsaws.

👂🏼 Quiet RV Power

2023 Picks : Best RV Generator | Quiet Inverter & Power Stations

2023 Picks : Best RV Generator | Quiet Inverter & Power Stations

Last Updated March 12, 2023

What's the best RV generator for you in 2023? Lucky for you, big brands offer some exceptional inverter generators in a wide range of power output and price points. So, don't worry, there's something here for everyone. I'm focusing on inverter generators because it's essential to have a quiet generator for your RV

🐭 Quiet Backup Power

2023 Reviews – Best Dual-Fuel Inverter Generator / Top Rated Models

2023 Reviews – Best Dual-Fuel Inverter Generator / Top Rated Models

Last Update ► March 23, 2023

Choosing the best dual-fuel inverter generator is a little more difficult today than it was only a year ago as many new, high-quality models have entered the market, & they're fantastic...

🌲 Firewood Facts…

2023 : How Much is a Cord of Wood? — & More Firewood Facts.

2023 : How Much is a Cord of Wood? — & More Firewood Facts.

Last Updated February 24, 2023

This article focuses on the always popular topic of firewood. It’s an essential thing for many people. Wood, we need it.

⚡️ Powerful Generators…

2023 Reviews : Best 12000 Watt Generators | New Top Rated Models

2023 Reviews : Best 12000 Watt Generators | New Top Rated Models

Last Updated January 23, 2023

What do you need it for and what's your budget? We take a deep dive and review many great 12000W generators.

🪑 The Craft of Wood Turning

Reviews – Best Wood Lathes from WEN, JET, Powermatic & More

Reviews – Best Wood Lathes from WEN, JET, Powermatic & More

Last Update ► March 21, 2023

There are some tools that separate the best from the rest. I consider a wood lathe to be one of these. A machine that shows you’re a true craftsman. If you’re interested in buying the best wood lathe, you have my greatest respect. Using these machines, you’re able to turn perfectly molded ornate pieces, cut precision holes for screwless joins, and a lot more.

🌟 Clean, Portable Power

2023 Reviews : Best Camping Generator & RV / Quiet Inverter & Battery Power

2023 Reviews : Best Camping Generator & RV / Quiet Inverter & Battery Power

Last Updated March 7, 2023

Generators come in a variety to types, which you may or may not be aware of. Everyone has different needs when it comes to choosing the best camping generator their needs. The question is how much power do you need? What's your budget? Are you looking for an inverter generator or a portable power station?

🔥 Intelligent Pool Heaters

Review Guide − Best 400,000 BTU Pool Heater / NG + Propane

Review Guide − Best 400,000 BTU Pool Heater / NG + Propane

Last Update ► February 15, 2023

Back in 2020 I'm sure a lot of us wondered if we'd ever make it to 2023, and here we are. We made it! The world is slowly going back to normal and now we're looking to find a fast-heating and energy efficient, 400,000 BTU pool heater. Why?

🌍 Clean Energy Chainsaws

Guide to the Best Electric Chainsaws for 2023 — Expert Reviews

Guide to the Best Electric Chainsaws for 2023 — Expert Reviews

Last Updated February 6, 2023

You'll find a lot of differing opinions on what the best electric chainsaw is. The reason is because there is no right answer. I know, this might...

💨 Prepare for the Worst

2023 REVIEWS : Best Portable Power Station for CPAP / Top Picks

2023 REVIEWS : Best Portable Power Station for CPAP / Top Picks

Last Update ► February 14, 2023

What's the Best Portable Power Station for a CPAP? If you're using a CPAP machine at night the last thing you want to worry about is having the power go in the middle of the night ---

🪑 For Work or Play

Reviews – What’s the Best Table Saw Under $1000?

Reviews – What’s the Best Table Saw Under $1000?

Last Updated February 10, 2023

A good portable table saw can easily be had for under $1000, but you won't be able to find a quality cabinet saw for that amount. This guide will save you a lot of time.

🌿 Powerful String Trimmers

2023 Reviews – Best Commercial Weed Eater / PRO String Trimmers

2023 Reviews – Best Commercial Weed Eater / PRO String Trimmers

Last Update ► March 25, 2023

If you're interested in a true professional-grade cordless string trimmer then you need to seriously consider the Makita 40V model.

☄️Never Let the Power Die

Reviews— Best Dual Fuel Portable Generator / Gas & Inverters

Reviews— Best Dual Fuel Portable Generator / Gas & Inverters

Last Update ► February 12, 2023

What's the best dual-fuel portable generator in 2023? Well, like the answer to most questions in life, my answer is, "It depends."

🔥 Affordable Log Splitters

Reviews of the Best Log Splitters under $1000 for Winter 2023/23

Reviews of the Best Log Splitters under $1000 for Winter 2023/23

Last Updated March 21, 2023

A log splitter is the evolution of the axe in the same way that cars are the evolution of horse drawn carriages. If you use a lot of firewood in the winter then investing in a high quality log splitter is probably a wise choice.

🌒 Whisper-Quiet Clean Power

2023 Update : Westinghouse iGen4500 Review / iGen4500c CO Sensor

2023 Update : Westinghouse iGen4500 Review / iGen4500c CO Sensor

Last Update ► March 6, 2023

Well, the Westinghouse Electric Company built their first commercial electric power station in 1886 to supply Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Since then...

💎 The Most for your Money

2023 Reviews : Best Chainsaws for the Money  / Top Value Models

2023 Reviews : Best Chainsaws for the Money / Top Value Models

Last Update ► March 10, 2023

We have a chainsaw for a wide range of applications and budgets. I know the needs of consumers vary and there's no such thing as the "best" chainsaw for everybody. Whether you have a budget of under $100 or over $300 to buy a PRO-grade chainsaw, I have options for you to consider.

🔋 Compare New Explorer PRO

REVIEW — Jackery Explorer 1000 + PRO E1000 / Best Solar Power Station

REVIEW — Jackery Explorer 1000 + PRO E1000 / Best Solar Power Station

Last Update ► March 11, 2023

Welcome to my review of the the Jackery Explorer 1000. Jackery stands out as one of the best manufacturers of portable battery power stations and solar generators.

🍀 Shred Yard Debris

Reviews : Best Chipper/Shredder in 2023 — Gas & Electric

Reviews : Best Chipper/Shredder in 2023 — Gas & Electric

Last Updated February 22, 2023

What's the best chipper/shredder for 2023? Keeping your lawn neat, tidy and clean requires a lot of work and tools. A chipper/shredder is one of better ways to spend your money for your home, alongside of a generator, lawn mower and chainsaw.

🔥 Time to Split Firewood

Reviews – Best 22 to 30-Ton Log Splitters / New Top Rated Models

Reviews – Best 22 to 30-Ton Log Splitters / New Top Rated Models

Last Update ► March 11, 2023

Welcome! 2023 is a great year to buy a log splitter. New machines are here for us to discuss. The Swisher LS22E is one of the best 22-ton electric log splitters available today. You can see it above. It's a standout among the crowd of "me too" models. It's a 120V electric 22-ton splitter and works with any standard home outlet.

👩🏻‍🦰 Watch Out Trees!

2023 Review — Husqvarna 460 Rancher / Top Rated Gas Chainsaws

2023 Review — Husqvarna 460 Rancher / Top Rated Gas Chainsaws

Last Update ► March 16, 2023

The 460 Rancher is designed for homeowners, farmers and ranchers who have a need to fell large trees in a single cut (or two), to cut firewood or to harvest large timber.

🍂 Ergonomic Leaf Blower

2023 Reviews : Best Backpack Leaf Blower / Top Rated Models

2023 Reviews : Best Backpack Leaf Blower / Top Rated Models

Last Update ► March 4, 2023

I think you'll be surprised to learn that in 2023, reputable brands are making cordless backpack leaf blowers that are equal to, or more powerful than many gas backpack leaf blowers --- and they're cheaper.

🍰 Generator Sweet Spot

Reviews — Best 7500 Watt Generators for the Money / New Models

Reviews — Best 7500 Watt Generators for the Money / New Models

Last Update ► January 24, 2023

As far as value, you won't find a better overall generator than this WGen7500 series from Westinghouse. For starters, Westinghouse has been in business since 1886 so they know how to make generators, among other things. For 2023, this is the best 7500 watt generator for homeowners looking for emergency backup power.

💡 The Power of 3 Fuels

Reviews : Champion 100416 vs DuroMax HXT — Best Tri-Fuel Generator

Reviews : Champion 100416 vs DuroMax HXT — Best Tri-Fuel Generator

Last Update ► February 20, 2023

A tri-fuel generator is quite a novel concept. I’m sure not too many folks are aware they even exist. Hybrid generators have become common. Most of us know a bit about dual-fuel generators. These can run on propane or gasoline, making them very convenient. An obvious question, I’m sure many of you are asking has to be: What is a tri-fuel generator?

👷🏼 For DIY & Construction

Reviews : What’s the Best Jackhammer in 2023? Electric & Pneumatic

Reviews : What’s the Best Jackhammer in 2023? Electric & Pneumatic

Last Updated February 21, 2023

What's the Best Jackhammer for you? How much breaking force do you need? For work or for home? We cover a wide range of jackhammer's so you can choose the one that matches your needs (and budget)

🥾 Heavy-Duty Generators

Reviews : Best Jobsite Generators  — Buying Guide : OSHA / GFCI

Reviews : Best Jobsite Generators — Buying Guide : OSHA / GFCI

Last Updated March 1, 2023

2023 has been an incredible year for the portable generator market. The biggest brands have been releasing innovative new models at very competitive prices. The Champion PRO 100430 is a new commercial generator, packed with practical features you'll need if you're a contractor.

✨ Versatile Generator

2023 Reviews : Best 240 Volt Inverter Generators / New Models

2023 Reviews : Best 240 Volt Inverter Generators / New Models

Last Updated March 19, 2023

If you’re looking for a 240V inverter generator, it can be challenging. There simply aren’t too many on the market. This buying guide and review is the best place to begin your search for a 240V inverter generator.

Footer

DMCA.com Protection Status
  • Return to HOME
Do Not Sell My Personal Information

1199 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver, Canada
T: 604/437/8033

© 2014–2023 • Chainsaw Journal • Affiliate Disclaimer • —Stay Strong

  • This site contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase with our product links we may receive a small commission at NO COST TO YOU.(Learn More)