The Tree Professional’s Guide to Chain Saw Repair and Maintenance

Chain saws are an invaluable tool for arborists working in utility line clearance, tree pruning and vegetation management. But like most heavy-duty machinery, proper chain saw repair and maintenance is paramount to ensure consistent performance and prevent accidents. Roughly 36,000 people are treated for chain saw-related injuries each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of whom are experienced tree professionals. As such, it’s essential for businesses in the tree services sector to offer their workers in-depth arborist training that includes chain saw safety, maintenance, and repair. The following guide touches on some of the most important tips and industry guidelines for using, fixing, and servicing chainsaws in tree care settings.

Safety First: The Importance of Proactive Maintenance

The first step to ensuring proper chain saw safety is to understand the manufacturer’s instructions, as each brand will have its own controls, internal design, and service schedule. That said, most chain saws designed for professional use have similar components that must be regularly maintained, including:

The engine: Keeps the chain rotating at the desired pace, either through gas or electricity.
The chain: Spins around the guide bar and is outfitted with teeth to improve cutting performance and reduce kickback.
The chain brake: Automatically prevents the chain from rotating in the event of a kickback, reducing the risk of injury.
The lubrication system: Helps ensure the chain moves around the guide bar without unnecessary friction, heat, or stuttering.
The air filter: Keeps the engine from overheating during heavy workloads or periods of prolonged use.

Prior to using a chain saw, tree professionals should always check these core components for signs of damage, wear, or obstruction, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. This proactive approach to maintenance can not only help identify possible issues before accidents occur, but it can also lengthen the lifespan of the equipment itself. OSHA recommends taking the following precautions before getting started:

Check all controls, bolts, and handles for possible safety issues
Verify the chain tension is adjusted according to the manufacturer’s guidelines
Ensure the fuel and lubrication system is filled to recommended levels
Sharpen the teeth on the chain saw’s chain prior to use
Put on personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, work gloves, hard hats, etc.

When working on the ground or at elevation, arborists should always have a coworker nearby to help minimize the risk of serious, even fatal, injuries. Additionally, chain saws must never be operated above shoulder level and no adjustments should be made to the chain while the engine is running.

Chain saw Repair and Upkeep Best Practices

Tree professionals sometimes encounter chain saw maintenance issues immediately before or during their tree pruning operations, forcing them to make on-the-spot adjustments. While some mechanical problems can be resolved rather easily, many will require replacement parts and a safe environment to perform chain saw repairs. The most common maintenance concern is a dull chain, which can increase the risk of kickbacks and impact the tool’s overall performance. Other common issues include gas leaks, warped guide bars, faulty spark plugs, and clogged air filters. If a chain saw is running rough or having difficulty starting up, an arborist should try to diagnose the root causes before switching out parts or making repairs.

How to sharpen a chain saw

While a dull saw chain can lead to more severe safety and maintenance issues, it’s actually quite easy to keep them sharp and in working order. As noted by Popular Mechanics, there are several different methods of sharpening a chain saw – filing by hand, using a power sharpener, etc. – that tree professionals can make use of. Although bench-top sharpeners may be the most expedient solution, arborists often encounter saw chain problems in the field where such equipment may not be readily available. In these circumstances, using a round file of appropriate diameter is the quickest way to sharpen the chain saw’s cutting edges.

Step 1: Set a sharpening guide on top of the saw chain and rest the file against the cutting edge.
Step 2: Adjust the file to match the cutting tooth’s angle. Keep in mind, these cutting edges are designed with alternating angles.
Step 3: Using a slow and steady stroke, push the file forward along with the cutting tooth. Repeat this motion five additional times while matching the tooth’s angle.
Step 4: Move onto the next cutting tooth and repeat steps 1 – 3, making sure the curved edges are clean and shiny.

Once you’ve mastered how to sharpen your chain saw, it’ll likely be much easier to maintain its other core components. If you’re able to eliminate a dull saw chain from your list, locating damages and mechanical flaws are often more straightforward. When in doubt, be sure to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations to remain safe during your chain saw repairs.