As the days of winter come to a close, it is now time to plan ahead for what spring has to offer. While you are busy making those arrangements and plans of what to do with your garden or yard, take a moment first to consider how to get your chainsaw up and ready for all the tasks ahead.
Your chainsaw has most likely spent the winter in full hibernation. Before bringing it back to work, it is a good practice to check its condition after slumber. Below are steps on how to get your chainsaw ready for spring.
• Clean it Up!
At the end of last year’s working season, you should have cleaned your chainsaw properly. This is to protect the tool throughout the entire winter season. If you feel that you need to buy a new chainsaw, you can read our reviews of the best cordless chainsaw here.
However, if you failed to do so, it is not yet too late to clean your chainsaw before getting started for spring’s work. Remove dirt away, including particles which may have been left over. Use a stiff-bristled brush for cleaning, rinsing them clean with water, and afterward, wiping away using a dry cloth.
• Check for Any Presence of Rust
Check your chainsaw carefully to see any signs of rust. If you see light rust, remove it right away using sandpaper or wire brush. A good way to loosen the rust first is by soaking the rusted area with white vinegar for 20 to 30 minutes and afterward using a soft brush to get rid of rust.
However, if it is not coming off, you can purchase chemical products for rust removal, and use on a spray-on rust guard to prevent rusting in the future. Make sure, however, that you follow the instructions of the rust removal solution manufacturer because these chemicals may be harsh to you.
• Sharpen Up
If you failed to sharpen the blades of your chainsaw last working season, it is now the best time to sharpen them. Keep in mind that failing to do so may compromise the integrity and capacity of your chainsaw, and may even expose you to messy chainsaw related accidents.
If you are not sure whether your chain needs sharpening, you can perform a little task. Try sawing wood, and look at the waste material. If the saw cuts are mostly dust, it means that it is now time for you to sharpen. On the other hand, if you see chips, then the chain is sharp and fine.
• Check and Replace Parts
Check your chainsaw carefully in order to see if there are any parts that need replacement. This may include bolts, nuts and loose screws. Spark plugs are also advised to be removed at this point for checking even before they fail to perform in the middle of a task.
If you are in doubt of the quality of your spark plug, it is recommended to simply replace it with a new one. While it is out, it is also advised to spray oil on the cylinder port in order to keep it lubricated throughout the winter months.
Spark plugs that are mildly dirty may be cleaned with the use of fine sand paper. However, make sure to blow off or clean using a compressor to remove sand particles which may remain on the electrode before reinstallation.
You can also test the stiffness of hinges, as well as other moving parts. If necessary, spray with lubricant. Once a year, the small air filter needs to be replaced as well.
Not at all times is replacement necessary. Still, it is important to check everything. The oil and tension on the chain should be adjusted, as they are important in preventing kickback. Doing so will also reduce wear on the chain, as well as the bar on which it is riding on.
Remember that a loose chain may slip off the bar, potentially causing an accident. The manual of the chainsaw manufacturer will explain how to do so. If possible, prepare a second chain, ensuring to top it off with chain oil.
• Fuel Your Chainsaw Up
While it is not advisable to leave your chainsaw with empty fuel towards the end of last fall, it is also not recommended to have it fueled up completely. However, if you missed this part, you may have to do a complete flushing before spring comes.
Other Things to Consider
It is definitely easier to start the spring with your chainsaw ready for the task. Make sure that all parts are in good condition, ready to take on any job that you want it to perform. Avoid missing out even the smallest parts as doing so may compromise the performance of your chainsaw later on.We have also reviewed the best homeowner chainsaw here.
If you notice that there is something wrong with your chainsaw, and if it cannot be fixed, it is advisable not to use it. A chainsaw that is improperly adjusted, damaged, or not securely assembled is very dangerous to use. Make sure that the chains stop moving as the control trigger is released. If you are in doubt of the integrity of any part, make sure to replace them right away. If necessary, you may have to replace your chainsaw overall.
If you do require a new chainsaw, you should check our reviews on our site, you can find the best electric chainsaw here, and we have our Husqvarna 445 review here, as well as the Husqvarna 460 rancher review here, also the Husqvarna 455 Rancher reviews here, not to mention the popular Poulan Pro pp5020av review here.
If you are looking to cut your own lumber from trees that you have felled, then you could well be looking for a small chainsaw mill, so check out our review of the Granberg G777 Alaskan Chainsaw Mill here. Be sure to read our safety tips to ensure that you stay safe while using your chainsaw.
A chainsaw is a very important tool in your arsenal. They may be used for different purposes. We have done a comparison article with 2 very popular chainsaws, it is the Echo CS 590 vs Husqvarna 460 Rancher. While you are still waiting for spring to finally come, make sure that you take the time now to prepare your chainsaw.
You will definitely see the benefits that proper preparation has to offer when spring comes as you see your chainsaw up and ready to do all the work you are planning to do.