How to Clean, Change the Bar and Chain, and Adjust Chain Tension on a Makita 36V Chainsaw
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Keeping your Makita 36V LXT chainsaw clean and properly adjusted is one of the easiest ways to keep it cutting well and prevent unnecessary wear. Here's a quick guide covering the basic maintenance you'll need to do regularly.
Remove the Batteries First
Before doing any work on the chainsaw, remove both 18V batteries. Never clean, adjust, or replace the chain with the batteries installed.
How to Clean the Chainsaw
Remove the side cover that holds the guide bar and chain in place. With the cover removed, pull off the bar and chain.
Clear out the packed sawdust, wood chips, and oily debris around the drive sprocket, chain-oil outlet, and inside of the side cover. A brush or compressed air works well for this.
Clean the groove around the guide bar and make sure the oil passages aren't clogged. This is also a good opportunity to inspect the bar for excessive wear or damage.
How to Change the Bar and Chain
Place the new or cleaned chain around the guide bar, making sure the cutting teeth face forward along the top of the bar.
Fit the chain around the drive sprocket and position the guide bar back onto the saw. Make sure the chain sits completely inside the bar groove and engages correctly with the sprocket.
Reinstall the side cover, but don't fully tighten it yet—you'll need some movement in the bar to set the chain tension.
How to Adjust Chain Tension
Hold the nose of the guide bar slightly upward while adjusting the tensioner.
Tighten the chain until it sits snugly against the bottom of the guide bar without noticeably sagging. You should still be able to pull the chain around the bar by hand while wearing gloves.
Once the tension feels right, keep the bar nose raised and fully secure the side cover.
Check the chain again afterward. It should move freely without hanging loosely beneath the bar.
Check Your Chain Oil
Before reinstalling the batteries, check the bar-and-chain oil reservoir and top it off if necessary. Proper lubrication is extremely important for the chain, guide bar, and drive system.
After installing a new chain, check the tension frequently during the first few cuts. New chains tend to stretch as they break in and may need to be tightened again.
