Chain cleaning

[Philbert]

Seems like a waste of time taking the chain off and putting it back on, then having to do it again to be the right way.

Lots of ways to sharpen. Since I do batches of chains at a time, I take them off the saw (or receive them that way), and need to do this for my cleaning method, inspection, repair, etc., anyway:
https://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/philbert-meets-the-stihl-rs3.202969/
https://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/philberts-chain-salvage-challenge.245369/

While I normally use a grinder, I have also used spare / scrap bars held in a vise with a Granberg style filing jig, or a filing vise:
https://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/granberg-file-n-joint-revisited.193630/
https://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/philberts-low-tech-filing-vise.245004/
https://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/philberts-low-er-tech-filing-vise.277258/

But the flipping of the saw in the vise does not require removal of the chain from the bar. Just make sure that your powerhead does not leak, and flip the whole thing over. A lot of guys will do this in the woods too, using a stump vise, holding it up to their chest like a sting bass, etc. Eliminates (or reduces) some of the right-hand / left-hand filing problems that some folks have.

Everyone has to find something that works for them!

Philbert

 

[ChasSC]

I know this is an old thread, but I inherited a nasty Carlton chain with a parts saw I bought. It was full of sap, grime and about everything you can think of. I do not intend on using it, but was testing cleaning products I had in the garage. Tried just about everything, then just for giggles I tried this Mequiar's Hot Rims Aluminum Wheel cleaner. You can judge the difference. Before on the right, after on the left. Just used a toothbrush.

 

[blades]

looks real good,

 

[albert]

Make a few cuts in dry hard wood, that will clean most of the muck off.

 

[Huskyuser]

Is chain cleaning necessary? If so, how and with what?

GUNK Original Engine Degreaser.

Place the chain on a cookie sheet then liberally spray with GUNK Original Engine Degreaser. Let sit for 30 minutes or so then scrub with a brass or stainless wire brush. Rinse with an all purpose cleaner, dry, sharpen, then spray with WD-40 or PB Blaster.

 

[martin.95037]

curios to see what acetone would do.

 

[Huskybill]

Your washing the oil from inside the links.?

I hope you soak the chain after washing the oil off in bar oil?

 

[GoBigRed]

I throw in my two cents. Chainsaw that come from a used saw I’ll throw in an ultra sonic cleaner. They are great for everything. You can experiment with your solution but I’ve used hot soapy water to mineral spirits diluted in water. Whatever you she used those cleaners are amazing

 

[Maintenance supervisor]

Soak in Berrymans ( spelling?) Or seafoam. Come out like new.

 

[Philbert]

curios to see what acetone would do.

A lot of solvents will clean off the grease. I prefer to use the non-flammable ones, as well as the ones that do not put out a lot of fumes or vapors.

The water-based cleaner that I use is also less expensive, and I can pour it down a drain when I am done with it.

Philbert