Chainsaw Service: Sharpen, Lubricate and De-Rust Your Saw

September 7th, 2023

Ever felt frustrated when your trusty chainsaw starts sputtering and struggling to cut through logs? Don’t worry, with some basic maintenance you can get your saw back to peak performance in no time. You may not realise it, but keeping your chainsaw in good working order is actually quite straightforward. All it takes is sharpening the chain, lubricating the moving parts, and removing any built-up rust.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to service your own chainsaw at home. No more suffering through slow cutting, or expensive trips to the repair shop and waiting weeks to get your saw back. You’ll be slicing through timber again before you know it. The best part is, with some practice, you can get the whole service done in under an hour. So grab your tools, find a flat workspace, and let’s get that chainsaw of yours roaring to life once more!

Cleaning and De-Rusting Your Chainsaw

Before we get to sharpening, it’s important to start with a clean saw. To keep your chainsaw in good working order, it’s important to clean and de-rust the components regularly. Built-up sawdust, dirt, and rust can damage parts and reduce performance over time.

Put on your safety goggles or glasses and protective gloves before handling the chainsaw or its components. Use a soft brush to wipe away any loose debris from the exterior casing and handles. For stuck-on sawdust or grime, dampen the brush slightly with water or a mild degreaser. For this part we recommend using INOX MX11 Chain & Brake Cleaner, which readily dissolves oil, grease and grime. Just apply it to the surface and wipe with a clean cloth.

Sharpening Your Chainsaw Chain

To keep your chainsaw running safely and efficiently, sharpening the chain is key. Here are the steps:

Secure the Chainsaw: Use a vice or a clamp to secure the chainsaw in a stable position, ensuring that the chain is easily accessible for sharpening.

Determine the Cutting Angle: Check the manufacturer’s recommendations or the user manual for the correct filing angle for your chainsaw. It is usually around 30 degrees, but it may vary depending on the model.

Start with the Depth Gauge: Use a flat file or a depth gauge tool to check and adjust the depth gauges. These determine how deep the chainsaw cuts. Follow the specific instructions for your chainsaw model to adjust the depth gauges to the correct height.

File the Cutters: Using the chainsaw file or the file provided in the sharpening kit, hold it at the correct angle against the cutter. Start filing from the inside edge of the cutter, moving outward in smooth, even strokes. File each cutter the same number of times to maintain consistency.

Maintain the Original Shape: Make sure to maintain the original shape and angle of the cutters while filing. Avoid over-filing or changing the cutting angle, as it can affect the chainsaw’s performance.

Check for Equal Length: After filing each cutter, ensure that all the cutters are of equal length.

Flip and Repeat: Once you have filed all the cutters on one side of the chain, release the chainsaw from the vice or clamp, flip it over, and secure it again. Repeat the filing process for the cutters on the other side of the chain.

Maintain Proper Tension: Check the tension of the chain after sharpening. Adjust it if necessary, as a properly tensioned chain ensures safe and efficient cutting.
With a sharp chain, your saw will cut faster and safer. Be sure to also regularly lubricate your bar and chain to prevent rust and keep everything in working order. Staying on top of chainsaw maintenance helps ensure many seasons of reliable use.

Properly Lubricating the Guide Bar and Chain

To keep your chainsaw in working order, lubricating the guide bar and chain is essential. Here’s how to properly oil your saw:

First, shut off the engine and allow it to cool completely. Safety first! Once cooled, tilt the saw onto its side to access the guide bar and chain. Locate the oil reservoir – it’s usually a cap or plug on the side of the saw. Unscrew it and check the oil level using the dipstick or fill line. Refill as needed with bar and chain oil.

Next, find the oil holes along the guide bar. They allow oil to seep onto the chain as it spins. Clean any debris from the holes with a pin or wire. Now slide the chain around by hand to spread oil throughout it. Any tight spots mean it’s time for a replacement.

With a clean rag, wipe down the entire guide bar to remove any dirt or rust. Then flip the saw over to access the underside of the bar and chain. Lubricate this area as well by pouring oil directly onto the chain and sliding it around.

Finally, run the chainsaw at idle for a few minutes. This helps work the oil into all parts of the chain and ensures it’s fully coated before using the saw. Perform this routine lubrication every 3-5 hours of use to keep your chainsaw in tip top shape. With proper oiling and care, your chainsaw will run safely and efficiently for years to come.

Air Filter Maintenance

A dirty air filter reduces engine performance and can damage internal parts. Remove the air filter cover and take out the filter, tapping it gently to remove loose debris. For heavy soiling, replace the air filter. At a minimum, replace your air filter once per season or every 25 hours of use.

Fuel Filter Replacement

Over time, the fuel filter can become clogged, reducing the flow of fuel to the engine. For best performance, replace your chainsaw’s fuel filter once per season or every 50 hours of use. The fuel filter is usually an inline filter located along the fuel line between the fuel tank and the carburettor.

By performing regular maintenance like cleaning, de-rusting, and filter replacements, your chainsaw will run safely and efficiently for years to come. Don’t neglect these important tasks if you want your chainsaw to have a long, productive lifespan.

Replacing Spark Plug

The spark plug ignites the fuel and air in the engine, which powers the chainsaw. After 30-50 hours of use, the spark plug will start to foul and misfire, reducing performance. To access the spark plug, unscrew the spark plug boot. Clean around the spark plug hole with a rag. Use a spark plug socket to unscrew the plug. Replace it with a new plug that matches your chainsaw’s specifications. Hand-tighten the new plug, then tighten it with the socket another 1/2 turn. Put the spark plug boot back on.

Storing Your Chainsaw Correctly When Not in Use

Storing your chainsaw properly after use is key to keeping it in good working order for years to come. When you’re done cutting for the day, taking a few minutes to service and store your saw correctly will save you headaches down the road.

First, clean your chainsaw thoroughly. Wipe down the exterior casing and chain bar to remove any built-up sap, debris, or dirt. Clean the air filter so your engine can breathe freely. Lubricate the chain with bar and chain oil to prevent rusting.

Next, refuel the tank and run the engine for a few minutes so the fresh fuel cycles through. This helps prevent the buildup of gum and varnish in the carburettor and fuel lines. Turn off the engine and allow it to cool completely.

Now you’re ready to store your chainsaw. Keep it in a dry, ventilated area like a garden shed or garage. Avoid excess heat, humidity, and temperature changes that can cause damage. Store the saw upright or hanging to keep oil from leaking out of the engine.

Every few months, do a quick inspection of your stored chainsaw. Check that the chain is lubricated and shows no signs of rust. Ensure the air filter is clean and the engine starts and runs properly. Add fuel stabiliser to the gas tank to maintain freshness, especially if storing long-term.

Following these best practices for cleaning, servicing and storing your chainsaw will keep it running strong season after season. Be sure to fully service the saw again before first use when you’re ready to start cutting again. Keeping your chainsaw well-maintained is the key to safe, effective and enjoyable operation.

Use INOX to lubricate and prevent chainsaw rust

To prevent rust and keep your chainsaw running smoothly, lubricating the chain and bar with a water-displacing oil is essential. INOX MX3 is Australia’s leading brand of lubricant designed to work on chainsaws and other outdoor power equipment.

INOX, or a similar water-displacing lubricating oil, helps prevent rust in several ways:

• It leaves behind a protective coating. Even after the excess oil has been flung off while running the saw, a thin film remains on all surfaces to shield against moisture and oxygen exposure.
• It penetrates tight spaces. The oil is able to get into small grooves, cracks and crevices where rust starts to form, coating these areas with a protective sealant.
• It withstands high heat. INOX and similar chainsaw oils won’t burn off or break down as the chain, bar and engine heat up during use. The oil maintains its protective abilities even in high temperature conditions.

By properly lubricating your chain and bar after every few hours of use and during long-term storage, INOX MX3can help keep your chainsaw in working order for years to come. Be sure to also wipe down the exterior of the chainsaw after use to remove any excess oil and sawdust before storing. With regular maintenance and care, you’ll get maximum life out of your chainsaw.