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Chainsaws are very useful for tasks around the home. They can make tedious chores like chopping wood a breeze to complete. Chainsaws, just like other tools, require proper maintenance to work at their optimum level of performance. Before you pick up your saw again, consider performing the necessary routine care on the chainsaw chain. The following tips may come in handy for individuals who have no experience in looking after a chainsaw chain.

During maintenance of the chainsaw chain, the first thing you should do it check its sharpness. A sharp saw is vital to every sort of work from quick cutting to carving straight lines. Many people make the mistake of switching out their chainsaw chain once they become dull. This is a serious waste of money. Sharpening a chainsaw chain is very simple to do. To sharpen a chain that has become dull through use, you will need a round file with a handle. The handle is essential to applying the proper amount of pressure on the blade to cut the tooth.

To sharpen the blade, first place the saw on either a flat surface or in a bench vise. You also need to double check you are using the right size file; you can either looking in the owner's manual for the recommended size or ask a local hardware store associate. Sharpening a chainsaw chain's tooth is as simple as pushing the file against the tooth in a repetitive forward and backward motion. Be sure to keep the same angle and amount of pressure. If the teeth are cut at various angles, the line the chainsaw makes will not be straight. Once the first tooth has a straight edge, continue to the next one and the next one, until all the teeth are sharp.

Cleaning your chainsaw chain is also very important. If your machine is electric powered, be sure to disconnect it from the power supply before starting or you will run the risk of accidently turning it on. The first step to cleaning the chainsaw chain is loosening it enough that you can slip it the guide bar with ease. The second step is soaking the chain in a solution of one cup ammonia and one gallon of water. This will loosen the dirt and grime between the links. Next take a soft bristle brush and scrub every link of the chainsaw chain carefully until completely free of gunk. Once you are finished with the scrubbing, rinse and dry the chainsaw chain immediately.

Keeping the machine in good order also ensures it is safe to use. Check your chainsaw chain for dull blades and broken links before each use. The most instances of chainsaw kickback, the top injury related to this machine, could have been avoided by taking the time to properly care for the chain. If you keep a regular maintenance schedule, your chainsaw chain could last for years.