You most likely received a chainsaw repair manual with the tool when you first purchased it, however it may not be the specific chainsaw repair manual that you need or perhaps you lost it along the way.

If you have a Stihl chainsaw for instance, you are going to want a specific Stihl chainsaw repair manual, and for this you can go on the Internet and use it as a resource.

Finding a Repair Manual

The Motor Bookstore is a great company to check out if you are looking for a comprehensive chainsaw repair manual. They feature one particular repair manual which provides detailed information on how to maintain and repair chainsaws. Coverage includes 29 different brands, including Stihl, and there are hundreds of exploded views and illustrations which will help make the process as easy and convenient for you as possible.

You can also go through Amazon if you are interested in finding a chainsaw repair manual, and they actually have several different repair manuals that you can choose from, giving you more versatility and allowing you to select just the manual that you need.

When You Need Help

If you have searched through the manual but find yourself having troubles still, the next best step would be for you to take the tool into a chainsaw repair company. Here there will be professionals who are specially trained in dealing with chainsaw repair and who will be able to solve the problem quickly and easily.

How it usually works is that they will tell you what parts you are going to need, you buy the parts either yourself or through them, and then pay them for the labor that they perform fixing the tool.

Care and maintenance of your chainsaw is very important if you want it to last you, so make sure that you keep it clean and never leave it outside because if it rains or is left to other elements it will most likely end up rusting and will not be any good anymore.

Typically, manufacturers suggest two-ounces of oil for every gallon of gasoline in the chainsaw oil mix, similar to the mixture used in a majority of outdoor power equipment. If not enough oil is used, damage can occur to the engine’s internal parts and if too much oil is included in the chainsaw oil mix, the engine will run rough and probably give off a lot of smoke from the burning of the excess oil, if the engine runs at all.

The life of chainsaw oil mix is estimated at 30-days, as the properties of the unleaded gasoline tends to break down the lubricating effects of the oil. Chainsaw users should only mix enough chainsaw oil mix to use within 30 days and if any is left over, they should dispose of it according to regulations and mix a new batch.

How Often Saw Is Used Determines How Much To Make

In chainsaws with a four-cycle engine, there is no need for a chainsaw oil mix as the oil and gas are used separately, similar to most of today’s lawn mowers and motor vehicles. In this type of the saw, there is also a chainsaw oil pump to keep the lubricating oil flowing to the moving parts of the engine. Should it get clogged by dirt or simply break, it will need to be replaced or cleaned to keep the engine properly lubricated.

In two-cycle engines, the chainsaw oil mix is only part of the equation of an efficiently performing saw. The chain requires lubrication to protect the life of the bar around which the chain operates as well as helping to provide lubrication while cutting. Without bar oil, the bar can become bent and the chain can break as it becomes overheated due to lack of lubrication.

If the bar oil pump becomes clogged with sawdust or other debris it will require cleaning and insuring it remains free of dust and dirt should be part of regular maintenance, especially if the chainsaw is used frequently.

It is important to remember that chainsaw safety chaps are not designed to stop chainsaws operating at speeds above 2,500 feet per second and not all chaps are created equal. Underwriters Laboratories tests chainsaw safety chaps to meet certain minimum requirements, among them being able to stop a chain moving at that speed before the chain can penetrate the inner lining of the garment.

Essentially, the standards are established to provide a minimum standard of protection to offer the opportunity to compare the different makes of chainsaw safety chaps. While many of the brands may offer similar protection, unless it has been certified by the Underwriters Laboratory, there is no guarantee they will offer the same protection against cuts during an accident.

Chaps Do Not Eliminate Occupational Hazards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, has not accepted chainsaw safety chaps as a means of preventing accidents, although the agency does recognize the minimum standards established for their manufacture. Safety regulations for chain saw users simply state that they must wear leg protection and often refer to the standards previously established without mentioning brand names.

Testing of chainsaw safety chaps done by a third party such as Underwriters Laboratory is readily accepted as having met the industry standard. While all companies will test their own products before submitting them to UL for testing, unless it passes the UL test chainsaw safety chaps are not considered to have met the standard. It should also be noted that the standards are the minimum and even while wearing the chaps, serious injuries can occur if the chain is moving faster than the testing speed or the angle of contact is different from that used during the testing process.

While the use of chainsaw safety chaps, along with chainsaw safety boots will not guarantee the user will never cut their legs in a chainsaw accident, they do offer additional protection and greatly reduce the odds of a serious leg injury.

Typically, when mixing chainsaw oil gas is of the unleaded variety, which contains numerous additives causing the oil to break down in about 30-days, which is why the user should only mix an amount they expect to use within that time. The mixture of chainsaw oil gas should also be stored in separate container to prevent its accidental use in four-cycle engines that can cause fouling of spark plugs and rough operation.

If the mixture of chainsaw oil gas has sat more than the recommended time, it should be properly disposed of and a new mixture formulated. In a two-cycle engine, the oil in the gasoline lubricates the internal parts of the engine and without the proper mixture, or one in which the oil has lost is viscosity, internal damage will result, greatly reducing the life of the engine.

Do Not Confuse Engine Oil With Bar Oil

There are two types of oil required for proper operation of a chainsaw with a two cycle engine. First is the oil used to make a mixture of chainsaw oil gas, typically two-ounces of oil with one gallon of gasoline. The other is bar oil that lubricates the bar on which the chain runs, preventing wear of the bar and the chain. The two are not interchangeable and using bar oil in the fuel will have devastating consequences on the engine’s life.

Conversely, using oil that is designed for the chainsaw oil gas mixture in the reservoir for bar oil will quickly cause the bar to over heat, which lead to warping of the bar and rapid wear to render it useless.

Regardless of the make and model of chainsaw being used, the mixture of chainsaw oil gas will be nearly be the same and the user should also following the manufacturer’s directions in mixing the fuel. The container with the chainsaw oil gas should also be slightly agitated before use, especially if it has sat for a few days, to insure the oil remains equally distributed with the gasoline.

Finding The Right Chainsaw Sharpener

If you want to find the right chainsaw sharpener, you need to take into account the speed, brand, and size of the chainsaw that you own. A cheaper chainsaw sharpener might not be the right match to do the best job on an expensive chainsaw model. A chainsaw sharpener is a great investment for those who use chainsaws often. Most first time chainsaw users believe that once your chain gets dull, you just need to replace it with a new one. That is not the case. In fact, you will end up spending a lot more time and money on the maintenance of your chainsaw if you use that method. The best method to keep your chainsaw running like new is to buy and use a chainsaw sharpener.

There are varying models of chainsaw sharpeners. Most of them mount either to the wall or to the workbench for maximum stability while using it. Also, most models will be able to handle any size of chain. When you want to look for a chainsaw sharpener that you would like to purchase, you will want to consider price, performance, and brand. If you have a particular brand that you like to use as well as a brand that you trust, most of the time it is best to go with your gut and get that brand.

Although brand loyalty is a good thing, you will want to check out consumer reviews. Consumer reviews can help you determine the real life experiences of using that particular chainsaw sharpener. You will be able to find out how it really works, what the downsides are of that particular model, and what the best aspects are about it. Even a great brand can produce a less than quality product sometimes. A really bad review of a product can open your eyes just as much as an excellent product review. Make sure to check everything out thoroughly before you make your decision when buy your new chainsaw sharpener.

The cost of a chainsaw will vary dramatically, depending on the name brand you decide to go with and the particular features that you are interested in having on the chainsaw.

Chainsaw Review

If you are looking for a basic chainsaw you will want to read a chainsaw review, if you are looking for an electric chainsaw you will obviously want to read an electric chainsaw review. These reviews are given by consumers who have already purchased and used a particular chainsaw, and who are then trying to help out others by giving their personal information on the tool.

This will be incredibly helpful, especially if you have never purchased or used a chainsaw before, because it will help you to understand the differences between chainsaws and also which is going to be best for your particular needs. A chainsaw review will help you find the right chainsaw, whether you are planning to use it for chopping down trees or for chainsaw carving.

If you are interested in reading a chainsaw review there are some fantastic places to go. The Internet for one will be a terrific resource, and in a matter of minutes you can peruse through hundreds of different reviews given by consumers from all over the world.

Keep in mind that if you are interested in getting a specific brand of chainsaw, you will want to look for reviews that are given specifically on this brand. Stihl for instance, which is one of the most popular types of chainsaws, and if you are interested in getting a Stihl chainsaw you are only going to want to read a Stihl chainsaw review.

Taking the time to read through these reviews is going to make the process as easy and convenient for you as possible which is what you want, and will also ensure that you do not end up with a chainsaw that is not going to work how you need it to.

Finding Parts

Obviously one of the key steps is going to be finding the right chainsaw parts. There are some fantastic companies out there that you can visit for parts, you just have to figure out what specific parts you need first.

Glasgow Manufacturing is one great option here. They feature a Laser Chainsaw Parts & Accessories program which makes it a quick and easy process for you to find the chainsaw parts that you need. You just start with your make and model, find the chain loop for that unit, locate reference match system letter found on the front of the packaging, look for the guide bar with the corresponding letter, and there you have it, you have found the parts that you need.

They are a company that you can trust and one of the best things about this company is that they service all around the world, supplying customers from Canada, the United States, Australia, France, Hawaii, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Poland, Puerto Rico, South Africa, and New Zealand, so no matter where you are in the world you can feel assured knowing that you can go through them for all your chainsaw repair needs.

Jack’s Small Engines is another great company offering parts for your chainsaw repair needs, including everything from accessories, bars, chains, files and accessories, oils and lubricants, screnches, sprockets, and even tools for chainsaws.

It is important that you take care of your chainsaw and provide proper maintenance, so that it will last you for years to come. Be sensible with it, and never leave it outside especially in the rain because this will cause the metal to rust and it will no longer be useful to you. Although the chainsaw is not a particularly expensive tool, it is still not something that you want to have to buy time and time again so take care of the one you have now.

Picking Out the Right Tools

If you want to pick out the right tools for your chainsaw maintenance, you will want to make sure that all of the tools you are using with your chainsaw are compatible. If you really want to make sure they all work together, try using the same brand of chainsaw sharpener grinder that is the brand of your chainsaw. This way, you know that the products will most likely be compatible.

A chainsaw sharpener grinder is a great addition to any set of chainsaw maintenance tools because it can save you a lot of money on replacing chainsaw chains. You can easily sharpen a chainsaw chains more than a few times with a chainsaw sharpener grinder. This tool is an easy solution to having to stock up or continuously run to the store in order to by more chains for your next job with your chainsaw.

You will also want to have other tools on hand besides a chainsaw sharpener grinder. You will want to stock up on chainsaw oil, degreasing agents for cleaning, and extra chains for the times when the blade is just too worn out to use again. Having all these tools around will give you the freedom to do maintenance on your chainsaw whenever you need to. This way, you don’t have to keep running to your local hardware store in order to get every little thing.

It is important to take the time to learn how all of these tools work before you try to use them. Make sure that you read all of the manuals and are familiar with all of the different ways the tools can be used. Then, take the right safety precautions when using these tools. It is important that the tools are used property at all times. Using them for jobs that they are not made for will increase the risk of injury to yourself, others, and the destruction of the machine.

Make your investment wisely and get a chainsaw sharpener grinder for your chainsaw. It will be a step in the right direction for spending time and money on tool maintenance.

Considering the amount of saw dust that accumulates near the chain and the amount of dirt in the adjacent area, it is common for the ports of the chainsaw oil pump to become clogged and not work properly. There are two ways to determine if the chainsaw oil pump is working properly. The first one is simply the reservoir for the bar oil should run dry about the same time the chainsaw runs out of oil. The second method, known as the newspaper method is to run the chain saw over a clean newspaper. There should be a spray of oil on the newspaper if it is working properly.

Since the oil is mixed with the gasoline in all two-cycle engines, the oil is pumped into the engine at the same time as the gas. If the chainsaw is running rough or appears not to be getting an even fuel flow, it could be that the filter at the bottom of the fuel tube is clogged. This will have the same affect as a clogged chainsaw oil pump.

Care Needed To Clean Or Replace Filter

Changing the filter can be simple, if the proper steps are taken. First, run the chainsaw until it is out of gas and oil mix and then remove the fuel cap. Looking inside, there will be a small hose through which the gas and oil are pumped into the engine. Carefully, pull this hose out of the tank’s opening until the filter is free. The chainsaw oil pump filter is removed by carefully twisting and pulling it from the hose.

Replace the filter with a new one in the same manner and then carefully feed the hose back into the tank. Be sure to use the right chainsaw oil ratio when refilling the tank to insure proper operation of the engine. When removing the hose from the tank, if it is pulled from the engine inside the tank, the chainsaw will need to be disassembled to put it back in place.

Stihl has long been at the top of the chainsaw tree although many would argue that Husqvarna is right there with it. It’s an interesting rivalry with both brands having their loyal band of followers.

2006 has been a productive year for Stihl who have confirmed their status in the world of chainsaws with recognition in the October edition of Consumers Digest. No less than four of it’s chainsaws received “Best Buy” commendations which is no mean feat considering the magazine doesn’t hand out these type of accolades lightly.

Stihl’s Innovation

One of the major reason’s that Stihl has remained top of the tree is it’s ability to continually usurp technology and come up with outstanding innovations. One of these is what they call the Easy2Start feature which makes starting the world’s most dangerous power tool an effortless exercise. In fact, it’s suggested that just about anyone can start a chainsaw with this feature although for good safety practice, it might be a good idea to let the kids keep playing with the toy models.

Husqvarna: Looking To The Future

Meanwhile, Husqvarna isn’t laying idle in it’s endeavours to stay stride-for-stride with Stihl in the chainsaws race. It also has smart start technology which from a chainsaw users point-of-view is “just what the doctor ordered.” Why? Well, when dealing with such a volatile and dangerous power tool as a chainsaw, the less effort one has to expend in operating it the safer it is.

Husqvarna recently announced one of it’s new breed of chainsaws designed for the homeowner market simply called the 240. One of the features of this machine, due for release next year, is it’s excellent anti-vibration system which again, gets into the area of user comfort. Fatigue is a dangerous hazard in the use of any large power tool but more so with chainsaws. In the past, large vibrating chainsaws meant the operator was continually expending vital energy in maintaining his machine at a smooth a level as possible but in doing so, fatigue and tiredness would creep in which would ultimately lead to carelessness and accidents in many instances.

Producing Better Chainsaws

It’s interesting to see the larger companies now producing machines aimed at the homeowners. Chainsaws were once the domain of the professional lumberjack but with technology evolving at a rapid rate, particularly during the last decade, smaller, yet powerful chainsaws are being produced. This has seen a virtually untapped market emerge in the shape of the non-professional user and manufacturers have been quick to seize the initiative and cater to them.

The big players like Stihl and Husqvarna will continue to go neck-and-neck in their endeavours to remain in front which means only one thing; consumers will reap the benefits through increased and better technology.