It’s no secret that power tools such as leaf blowers and chainsaws are incredibly versatile. However, many people underestimate the amount of maintenance involved to keep these tools working at their best. Here are just a few basic routine maintenance procedures to help optimize the performance of your chainsaw.
- Use A Degreaser:
If your chainsaw starts to slow down or lose power, it may just need a good degreasing. Spray on a liberal amount of degreaser when the engine is cool. Let the degreaser work its magic for 10-15 minutes, then simply wipe it down with a clean rag or cloth. Don’t forget to give your chainsaw a thorough rinsing to make sure all of the degreaser has been removed. Finally, make sure it’s completely dry before firing it up once again. - Examine The Chain:
A chainsaw won’t work properly if there’s an issue with the chain, and the best way to avoid chain issues is to examine it consistently. Chains should frequently be checked for lack of sharpness and other damage such as bent or broken links. Repairclinic.com says, “Chainsaws are designed to smoothly cut wood; if it requires some elbow grease from you to penetrate the wood, the chain needs to be sharpened. Chainsaws can be professionally sharpened or you can buy a kit to do it yourself, but it’s often less expensive and easier to simply replace the chain.” - Check the filters:
Like many tools and appliances, chainsaws have filters that must stay clean to keep it working properly. Experts recommend replacing your chainsaw’s filter after 100 hours of use, or every three months. If you need help finding the right filter for your specific chainsaw model, contact a landscaping or lawn beautification professional, or take to the Internet.
Ultimately, chainsaws are a great tool with many versatile uses. While they do take some basic maintenance, like all power tools, they’re well worth the investment — spending as little as 5% of your home’s value on landscaping may get an ROI of as much as 150%, and chainsaws are a key tool for many landscaping projects. For more information about how to improve your home’s curb appeal, contact Outback Heating Of Virginia, Inc.