Chain Lubrication

August 10, 2026

Chainsaw Bar and Chain Maintenance: Clean, Inspect, Decide

Chainsaw bar and chain maintenance starts by making the saw unable to start, removing the cutting attachment as its manual directs, and cleaning until the wear surfaces are visible. Then use what the clean parts show to choose one action: reassemble, correct lubrication or tension, sharpen a serviceable chain, replace a worn part, or arrange service. Start with an inspection, not a running test Let the saw cool. Follow its manual to prevent an accidental start: that usually means removing the battery, unplugging the cord, or using the gasoline model’s specified shutdown procedure. Engage the chain brake where the manual calls for it, wear gloves when handling the cutters, and remove the bar and chain only by the model-specific method.

July 18, 2026

Why Does My Chainsaw Chain Dull So Quickly?

A chainsaw chain that dulls quickly is usually touching abrasive material, leaving the sharpener with a weak or incomplete edge, or running with poor lubrication or an incorrect setup. Do not sharpen it again until you identify which one. Repeatedly removing metal may hide the evidence and shorten a chain that was not the original problem. Start with the last few cuts. Soil on the underside of a log, gritty bark, a stone, or hidden metal can round a fresh edge in seconds. If the cutting path was clean, move to the cutter shape, oil delivery, tension, guide bar, and the chain’s remaining condition.