Cleaning the chainsaw

[thompson1600]

I know a chainsaw is meant to work and doesn't need to be cleaned up, however, let's say you want to clean up the orange Stihl plastic and white metal. What is the best cleaner you have found that doesn't damage or discolor the plastic or white?

thanks

Tom

 

[Jim046]

Hi
What works for me when they get pretty funky(dirty) I clean up the plastic parts orange and white with some automotive rubbing compound then use some plastic dressing after i wipe off the compound I don't do this very often maybe 1 time per year Keeps the saws looking good for me. I leave some of my saw outside a lot and that orange plastic sure fades fast.
Good Luck
Jim

 

[thompson1600]

I hate to assume, so I'll ask the stupid question. You mean, 10 parts water and 1 part simple green, correct?

Tom

 

[lostone]

Originally posted by RockyJSquirrel
Simple Green, mixed about 10-1 with water.

Then use the little steam cleaner to blast it off. Works great on the white, didn't do alot on the orange.

 

[Dadatwins]

I use product called Greased Lightning $5.99 gallon at sam's/costco. Mix with 3 to 1 water and spray on and wash off.
Cuts all the grease off, just make sure to re-grease sprocket, bar tip and pull cord after clean up.

 

[MasterBlaster]

I just use mixed gas and a couple paper towels. Sometimes, a carwash.

 

[Dadatwins]

Originally posted by MasterBlaster
I just use mixed gas and a couple paper towels. Sometimes, a carwash.

Mixed gas and a carwash, You really are an outlaw

 

[MasterBlaster]

I never lie.


Whut's the use?

 

[Toneman]

I use Simple Green straight from the bottle and a good scrub brush.
If it is really dirty, I use Castrol Super Clean. Be careful with this as it hard on your hands so wear gloves. Also, don't let the product dry on the saw as it will discolour the aluminum parts.

 

[Jim046]

Here's one that I cleaned up last Saturday I used some car engine degreaser hosed it off with a garden hose Hit the orange and white plastic with some automotive rubbing compound to get some of the black funk in the scrapes and gouges looking a little better then used some plastic dressing on the plastic parts, good for awhile but it won't stay this way too long it would be nice if i could just keep it this way I used the saw today and it sure don't look like it does in the pic.
Cheers
Jim

 

[Andyshine77]

Simple green will clean the saw up good, but it's not very good for the plastic or metal, over time it will remove the plasticizers from the plastic making it become brittle, it's also a very corrosive product. Use something like Dawn dish soap to clean the plastic and metal. When I buy a new saw, or after I clean my saws I always use an automotive paint sealant with a high content of Polydimethylsiloxane, this will protect the plastic, metal, and rubber, it also makes the next cleaning very easy.

 

[Lawn Masters]

I strictly use compressed air and a toothbrush to clean the saw up.

Most of the dirt and sawdust that accumulates on my saws typically just wipes off and no further cleaning is needed.

 

[Dadatwins]

Does the old oil and sawdust on the tooth brush mixed with the colgate add to the cavity fighting properties of the toothpaste?

 

[Lawn Masters]

I guess I should have metnioned that its an older toothbrush used for cleaning tools now not oral care.

Does the old oil and sawdust on the tooth brush mixed with the colgate add to the cavity fighting properties of the toothpaste?

Good one.

 

[tony marks]

well ill put in a wd for listerine.
they done proved it works as good as flogging--i mean flossing.. as to a saw not needing cleaning..not.. the cutting head gonna get cleaned everyday of hard use..plus the air filter .. also the chain will get touched up ,,anytime it needs it..i call that cleaning..just dont
forget the listerine,,or u local dds saw dealer will raise cain when u take it in for a checkup..plaq is a horrible thing for u chain.
ps all who try listerine on uchain an have good results let us know..gonna surprise a lotto old time saw men here.

 

[Van]

So thats what the black stuff is between your teeth, its sawdust and oil, I always wondered

Van

 

[spencerhenry]

when cutting in green alpine fir (very pitchy) i used mixed gas to clean my safety glasses, but at home i use carburetor cleaner on the metal parts. first i use air and a tooth brush and then to get the really stuck on pitch i use carb or brake cleaner. it will eat the black paint off of the side cover and bar, but rub it down and then hit it with the air and it is CLEAN. i dont use anything but air and a brush on the plastic. sometimes use diesel to scrub things down, and use it to rinse my chains after sharpening on the grinder.

 

[bwalker]

Simple green will clean the saw up good, but it's not very good for the plastic or metal,

I have used straight simple green for years to clean, motorcycle, saws, ope, cars, snowmobiles and a ton of other stuff. I have never seen the issues you mentioned and my bike has lots of bare alluminum that would corrode easy. the only stuff I had issues with was castrol superclean.

 

[BigSawMan]

Mopar Brake Parts Cleaner, or more commonly know as brake clean. It is super flammable, so you smokers dont be smokin when this is around. It cleans gunk off good, its aerosol, semi- safe health wise, just dont breathe it in. Takes that nasty burnt oily sawdust off of the saw quickly. I used a can of the stuff on my 026 and I stihl need to spray it on some more. Didnt get all the $hit away from the muffler and bar and around there. Works good.

 

[Andyshine77]

Simple Green has been a hot topic, not only with people who use it but also the EPA. SG is a very Alkaline substance with a very high PH something like 9 or 10 on the ph scale, it's also a very caustic substance. Some people love the stuff and have no problems with it, and some people have big problems with. If it works for you, than by all means use it. I however know what's in it and will not.