The four basic areas of chain maintenance
It is generally accepted that there are four major areas to consider when maintaining your chain.
1.Sharpening
A dull and blunt chainsaw will not cut properly and means you have to work harder, rather than letting the saw do the work. This can lead to fatigue and mistakes.
A dull and blunt chainsaw will not cut properly and means you have to work harder, rather than letting the saw do the work. This can lead to fatigue and mistakes.
2.Blade depth gauge setting
Your depth gauges need to be set properly. Their shape and depth are vital for a safe and efficient performance.
N.B. Filing the depth gauge too low can make the saw uncontrollable and increase the possibility of kickback.
Your depth gauges need to be set properly. Their shape and depth are vital for a safe and efficient performance.
N.B. Filing the depth gauge too low can make the saw uncontrollable and increase the possibility of kickback.
3.Chain tension
Incorrect chain tension is one of the largest causes of bar and chain problems and a loose or snapped chain can be very dangerous!
Too tight and it could snap under pressure, too loose and it could de-rail, rather like a bike chain.
If your chain sags under the bar then it is too loose. If you are unable to pull the chain a little bit away from the guide bar’s top, then it is too tight.
Incorrect chain tension is one of the largest causes of bar and chain problems and a loose or snapped chain can be very dangerous!
Too tight and it could snap under pressure, too loose and it could de-rail, rather like a bike chain.
If your chain sags under the bar then it is too loose. If you are unable to pull the chain a little bit away from the guide bar’s top, then it is too tight.
Engineer’s Tip – if the chain is too tight, it will make an unpleasant ‘whirring’ noise
4.Lubrication
Like any moving part in a machine, the chain needs to be lubricated to work properly.
A regular and steady supply of oil is needed to keep the bar, chain and nose sprocket moving easily and efficiently.
The rapid movement and friction can generate a great deal of heat so chain oil keeps the chain cool.
Lack of lubrication can lead to excessive wear and damage, just like a car or any other engine.
Some chainsaws are self-lubricating, but even these should be checked, and you will still need to make sure the oil tank is at a decent level at all times.