Cleaning a pole saw is a fairly simple process, but it’s also an essential one. If you don’t clean your saw regularly, dirt and debris can build up inside the engine and cause issues with performance. Keeping your blade sharp will also help ensure that you get the best possible results from your work.
Start by removing the bar and chain, if you can.
- Remove the chain, if possible. If you can, remove the chain and clean it with a brush or toothbrush. This is especially important if you plan to use your saw regularly as dirt and debris will build up quickly, causing more friction than necessary and may cause the chain to jump off of its sprocket in an emergency situation.
- Clean around—or rather, above—the bar if you cannot remove it from its holder at this time; just be careful not to damage any moving parts in the process!
Set the blade in a sturdy vise or clamp.
Set the blade in a sturdy vise or clamp.
The blade should be parallel to the ground, and you should have enough room to work on it. The spark plug is located on the side of the chainsaw engine, so make sure that when you set your blade in this position that there is enough space for you to reach it without having to remove any parts of the saw.
Clean the body of the saw.
- Clean the body of the saw. Use a garden hose to spray down the entire pole saw, and then rinse it off with clean water. If you have a brush that’s designed for cleaning your pole saw, use it to remove caked-on dirt and grime from between the teeth of your blade. Otherwise, grab an old toothbrush that you don’t mind getting dirty; this will help scrub away stubborn dirt in hard-to-reach places like between metal parts or around blades. Finally, wipe down any visible grease with a rag soaked in rubbing alcohol (this step is optional).
Clean the spark plug.
Cleaning the spark plug is an important step in ensuring that your saw will start easily and stay running. The spark plug is the engine’s ignition system, so it’s crucial to make sure it’s functioning properly if you want to use your pole saw for more than a few minutes at a time.
To clean the plug:
- Disconnect the spark plug from its engine connection by removing its cap
- Remove any debris from inside the socket using cotton swabs soaked in solvent (such as alcohol or acetone)
Perform lubrication maintenance on the pole saw.
Perform lubrication maintenance on the pole saw.
- Lubricate the chain with a light oil and wipe off any excess. This will aid in preventing rust, which can impede proper function of your tool.
- Grease the bar with a heavy-duty grease designed specifically for this purpose, as well as to prevent rust formation and aid in long-term performance of your product.
- Oil the sprocket with a light machine oil or spray lubricant; check that there is no visible damage or excessive wear at this time as well (see below).
Grease the gear box housing (optional).
If you want to be sure that your saw is properly lubricated and will last for years, apply a good quality grease to the gear box housing on the underside of your pole saw. Grease should be applied in places where gears contact each other, such as between gears, or where a chain touches an axle. Be careful not to get grease on your hands or clothing!
Cleaning your pole saw keeps it working well for a long time
Cleaning your pole saw will help you avoid problems, injuries and expensive repairs. Here’s how to clean a pole saw:
- Unplug the power cord from the outlet and disconnect it from the extension cord if you use an extension cord for long distances.
- Move any objects that might get in the way of cleaning or cause damage when cleaning your saw blade, like leaves or branches around where you plan on working or while using it outside as well as anything that could fall onto your cutting area such as water bottles or other loose objects set inside cabinets near where you’ll be working next to keep them safe!
Conclusion
The pole saw is a powerful tool, but it can’t work without regular maintenance. The best way to get the most out of your investment is by keeping it in good working order.