Alright so today on Repairs101 I’m going to talk about the basic things you need to
know about your chainsaw.
If you’re going to keep it inside, you are going to want to keep it in a container with
a tight fitting lid to contain the smell.
Assembly is a snap if you have held onto all the parts.
The main thing I see people doing wrong is putting the chain on backwards.
So once you have that figured out slip the chain over the sprocket as you hang the bar.
I am often asked how snug to torque the bar-mounting hardware.
Because there is no torque value given in the owner’s manual all I can say is tight.
Beware not to over-tighten.
Remember to grease the roller tip periodically.
You will need one of these grease guns to do that.
To add tension to the chain the bar is pushed out by this dowel anchored in one of these
holes in the bar.
Turn the adjusting screw and tighten the chain until you can only pull out about three to
five chain links.
Tipping the saw forward when torquing the mounting nuts ensures that the bar will be
pointed up.
Of course the best thing is a brand new chain straight out of the box but otherwise, you
can put your saw in your vice so that the chain will run freely and then have a go at
putting an edge on it with the rat tail file.
Of course, there’s always power tools but all you really need is a flat file and a rat
tail file.
Use the markings on your file guide to ensure you are getting the right angle.
If you don’t have a file handle you can make one up in a jiffy, just so you don’t
jab yourself with your file.
Measure a raker’s clearance using a straightedge from the tip of one tooth to the tip of the
next tooth on the same side.
The rakers provide a height or clearance for the chain’s teeth as well as pushing debris
from the saw’s kerf.
Mix fuel for your saw according to the manufacture’s specifications.
If you run too lean a mixture or straight gas, you will wear down the exhaust port side
of the piston and the combustion chamber.
The motor will run but it won’t make enough compression to do any work so when you go
to cut something it will just stall.
Remember to fill up with chain oil every time you gas up your saw.
Wear any and all the protective equipment you can get your hands on - especially protective
eyewear.
Only carry a saw in your right hand with the bar behind you.
Of course this is how you should start your chainsaw but if you are going to yo-yo start
it, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it.
Bucking is when the tip of the saw contacts something firm and the saw jumps back.
If you are holding on with two hands, then the chain break will engage and you will be
fine.
I see a lot of people trying to use their saw like this in a back and forth sawing motion.
The grabs are there to dig into the wood and pivot the saw across and through the cut.
You know I take safety very seriously so inside my hard hat you’ll find I have duct taped
a compression bandage for immediate access.