Cleaning chainsaws

We are looking for a better way to clean our chainsaws after using them for cutting roofs, other than the current method of using brake cleaner, mineral spirits, wd-40 or whatever we have on hand. Looking into a parts washer, but, most of them say do not use flammable or petroleum based solvents. Is anybody having any luck removing the tar and gunk using any of the citrus or other non petroleum based solvents? Trying to keep this as inexpensive as possible too. Some of the degreasers I have seen are pretty expensive especially if they don't work very well on hardened tar.

we use wd40, those green pads, or steel wool. If it's really tough sometimes a putty knife will be used to scrap stubborn chunks off. Never had many problems, but it takes some elbow grease.

If you do it right and are careful you can use witch hazel, it will take about anything off plastic or steel, but you still will have to do some scrubbing...

Quick tip... don't smoke while trying this method...

Get any run of the mill parts washer. Fill it with diesel fuel. Will clean to "like new" condition. My department has switched from self provided diesel to a contracted service which comes every month cleans the washer and changes solvent. Not sure what product they use. I do know it works fine initially but over the course of a month it wont clean crap off our saws by the end. And they only come once a month which is a pain in the butt during busy periods.

Copious amounts of elbow grease....

I've never had to use such solvents to clean a saw. I want it a little greasy, and whatever bar oil coats everything is fine. Helps wipe the pitch, wood, and everything else off. I use a screwdriver to get down in little spots, and a rag to wipe everything down.

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Originally Posted by johnsb

Copious amounts of elbow grease....

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This.

I've taken them apart and just used some cleaner that was have around the station and a medium stiff brush. If there is crap stuck in small places just use cotton swaps or something small to pick it out with. Never had anything really stuck on them that I couldn't get off with a little scrubbing.

Talk to your city mechanic shop they should have a parts washer

Or find a friendly garage that may let you use theirs occasionally

Yes some parts washer does use a combustible liquid

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Originally Posted by fire49

Talk to your city mechanic shop they should have a parts washer

Or find a friendly garage that may let you use theirs occasionally

Yes some parts washer does use a combustible liquid

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With Diesel, if it is allowed to drain and dry for an hour or so, there won't be enough left to be a problem. Bar oil is combustible too....