To optimize the life and reliability of your chain saw, it's important to service it regularly. Here are a few routines that will help you bring order to your product service.
Below are Daily Routines, Weekly Routines and Monthly Routines:
Daily Chainsaw Maintenance
- Check the throttle trigger for smooth operation. If any binding occurs, or if engine fails to return to idle, the saw should be taken to your dealer before it is used again. Also, be sure that the trigger cannot be pulled until the throttle trigger lockout is depressed.
- Clean the chain brake and check its function according to the instructions. Make sure that the chain catcher is undamaged. Otherwise replace it immediately.
- Clean or replace the air filter as necessary. Check for damage or holes. Click here for Chainsaw Air Filters.
- The bar should be turned daily for more even wear. Check the lubrication hole in the bar, to be sure it is not clogged. Clean the bar groove, if the bar has a sprocket tip, this should be lubricated. Click here for Chainsaw lubricants.
- Check the function of the oiler to be sure the bar and chain receive proper lubrication.
- Sharpen the chain and check its tension and condition. Check the drive sprocket for wear. Replace if necessary. Click here for Chainsaw sharpening tools.
- Check the starter and starter cord for wear or damage. Clean the air intake slots on the starter housing. Click here for Chainsaw Starter Parts.
- Check for any loose nuts and screws and retighten if necessary.
- Test the stop switch to be sure it shuts off the engine.
- Check the cooling system of a saw fitted with a catalytic converter.
Weekly Chainsaw Maintenance
- Check that the AV elements are not soft or torn.
- Lubricate the clutch drum bearing. Click here for Chainsaw lubricants
- File off burrs, if any, on the sides of the bar. Click here for Chainsaw Files
- Clean the spark plug and check the gap. The correct gap is 0.5 mm (0.020 inch). Click here for Chainsaw Spark Plugs.
- Check the starter and the recoil spring. Clean the fins on the flywheel.
- Clean the cooling fins on the cylinder.
- Clean or change the screen in the muffler.
- Clean the carburetor body and air box.
Monthly Chainsaw Maintenance
- Check the brake band on the chain brake for wear.
- Check the clutch center, clutch drum and clutch spring for wear.
- Clean the outside of the carburetor.
- Check the fuel filter. Change if necessary. Click here for Chainsaw fuel filters.
- Clean the inside of the fuel tank.
- Clean the inside of the oil tank.
- Check all cables and connections.
Jack's Safety Tips: Before servicing or repairing any power equipment, disconnect the spark plug and battery cables. Remember to wear appropriate safety glasses and gloves to protect against harmful chemicals and debris. View our Disclaimer.