If you’re a DIY aficionado worth their salt, chances are you’ve taken a stab at repairing tools before. Why buy new what you can learn to fix, gaining new skills in the process? It’s something that’s been making headlines in recent years too; more people are wanting to repair stuff, but pesky right-to-repair laws have been getting in the way. Thankfully, the legal implications of fixing a ‘smart toaster’ have little bearing on the good old-fashioned art of fixing tools.
But I digress. You’re here because your chainsaw isn’t cutting, and you want to figure out why before you bin it and get a new one! Thankfully, chainsaws are simple beasts, and easy enough to understand and fix without an engineering degree. But, before we begin, it’s important to note the obvious but essential difference between electric and petrol-powered chainsaws: their method of power.
Cordless electric chainsaws are handy to use and relatively easy to maintain, as the battery-powered motor has fewer moving parts than the two-stroke engine in a conventional petrol chainsaw. They’re easier to grab and go, but if an internal issue arises the cost of repair can be a bit much to stomach – while petrol chainsaw engines are a joy to fix for grease monkeys. That said, a majority of chainsaw issues can be narrowed down to simple issues with simple resolutions.
1. Dull Cutting Chain
It should come as no surprise that the most common point of failure in a chainsaw is the chain. If your saw isn’t cutting the way it should, chances are your chain is dull. Sharpen your chain or swap it out! You should be sharpening your chain between uses anyway – neglecting to do this is the likely culprit for poor cutting.
2. Improperly Adjusted
Like any relatively complex power tool, chainsaws need calibrating to work properly. There are a few areas to address with regard to adjustment, but the main one is the tension of the chain against the guide bar. Too loose, and your chain will be utterly ineffective at achieving much more than a light wind. Make sure your chain is tight enough that you can only lift it about 5mm clear of the guide bar.
3. Low Power
This is the make-or-break issue for electric chainsaws. Make sure your battery is fully charged or properly connected. If it’s plug-in, make sure the cable isn’t severed or frayed. The problem could be as simple as a blown power capacitor – an easy fix with a soldering iron and some electronics knowledge, but not something to be messed with if you don’t know what you’re doing! The material cost of a new saw is much lower than the physical cost of getting shocked fixing a high-voltage power tool, so be careful!
Gaz-guzzling chainsaws are a little more difficult to troubleshoot, but far easier to fix. Check your fuel, then check your fuel filter. Chances are one of these two things are responsible. Check your fuel line is ok. If none of these are the issue, get reading about combustion engines!
Article Submitted By Community Writer
