How To Maintain A STIHL Chainsaw

Buying a chainsaw or indeed any other piece of engine driven power tool equipment is an investment, having parted with your hard earned money, your chain saw will need maintenance in order to keep it in tip top condition and more importantly, a well looked after chainsaw is a safer chainsaw. Poor maintenance can affect the safety of your chainsaw.

Clean your chainsaw

Your product must be cleaned after every time you use it.

Before cleaning a petrol powered chainsaw, be sure to check it has properly cooled down first. Use warm soapy water and a soft brush for cleaning.

Note: Never use a high pressure cleaner on your chainsaw, it may damage it.

Tips for cleaning your chainsaw

• Remove the clutch cover
• Clean the brakeband
• Clean the chainsaw bar
• Wash the airfilter
• Clear out the cooling fins and air intake

Cleaning is a good opportunity for a chainsaw 'checkup', you don't need to be a chainsaw engineer to do this, just follow the instruction manual that comes with your chainsaw:

Chain Saw Checkup

For safety purposes check the following each time you use your chain saw:

The on/off switch

The saw chain is correctly tensioned

The chainbrake (It is very important that the chain brake is functioning properly)

• Place your STIHL chainsaw in a secure position on a stable surface
• Release the chain brake and squeeze the throttle
• Then activate the chain brake by pushing your wrist against the kick back protection (do this without releasing the handle) if the chain break is working properly, this should cause the chain to stop rotating immediately

Throttle control

• The throttle cable runs from the throttle trigger to the carburettor. When the trigger is squeezed, it pulls the cable, opening the carburettor and allowing in more fuel. Due to the locking mechanism, the chain only spins when the bottom trigger is squeezed and the top is pressed down. Make sure the throttle cannot be squeezed unless the throttle lock out is pressed.

Chaincatcher (this will help prevent the chain being thrown back towards the user, should the chain break or become derailed)

The oil levels

Chain drive wheel for wear

Tighten up any loose screws, nut or bolts

Starting cord for correct tension

Side plates, front and rear hand guards

Drive bar side sprokets and chain links

Silencer

Anti vibration mounts

You can also follow all the safety and maintenance guides at the official STIHL website for a more in-depth approach.

Oil

Each time you use your chainsaw, you must check the petrol and bar oil reservoirs to ensure your saw will never run out of lubricating oil while it's being used.

Sharpening your chainsaw

Correct sharpening is paramount to safety, blunt blades cut poorly and and can increase the risk of kickback. You will need to regularly sharpen your chainsaw using a file. By securing the chainsaw in a stable position, some people like to use a vice to do this, sharpen the cutting teeth first and then sharpen the depth gauges. Each chainsaw is slightly different so consult your STIHL manual for the correct filing instructions for your chainsaw.

Make sure the chainsaw's chain is replaced regularly, your manual will have a minimum length for the cutting teeth before the chain needs replacing.

Storage

If you are planning on leaving your chainsaw in storage for more than 3 months, we suggest following these additional maintenance instructions:

• Drain and clean the fuel tank
• Remove the bar and chain and protect with a corrosion inhibitor and chain lubricator, this will prevent it from rusting.
• Keep out of direct sunlight
• Store in a safe place, away from children
• Store in a dust free environment, special protective dust bags can be purchased.

Remember a well looked after chainsaw is a safer chainsaw that will ultimately last longer.