Cleaning Saws With Compressed Air - Objections?

[Philbert]

I use an air compressor for cleaning a chainsaw, guide bar, etc., whenever one is available. I have been cautioned about using high pressure air when cleaning air filters and fuel filters, because these could be damaged, allowing contaminants to pass through.

Recently, I met someone with considerable chainsaw experience who admonished me to never use compressed air for cleaning any part of the saw, but would not give me a reason. So am I looking for any input on why this might be discouraged.

Please, no name calling or sarcasm, as I would like to share any input and information with some mutual acquaintances (not here on OPE).

Thanks!

Philbert

 

[cease232]

I always use compressed air to clean my saws. Never the fuel or air filter though. Only problem I've ever had is taking some paint off but it was likely to fall off over time anyways.


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[Redfin]

I normally give my parts a bath in the parts washer and let them dry. If there is some leftover crud a quick hit with some compressed air normally does the trick.

 

[T.Roller]

I always cleaned my bars with an air compressor and I don't see why it would be a problem. Hell I'd use it on just about any part other than carbs, oil pumps, or things of that nature. But there are many people on this site with far more experience than me so don't take my word for it.

 

[Deets066]

No objections here, I blow em off with air all the time. Saws with crud packed all over and in em makes em not be able to cool properly

 

[Simondo]

Thats a new one on me ...a very much used tool in my shop is the compressor . I would tend to be very careful with some parts of carbs and tend to take filters off for cleaning but a general blow over first without directly pushing crud into the filter is fine i think. A muffler mod is so much better having some air to get the lose swarf out from every nook and corner plus blasting out the case around the flywheel gets stuff out from behind obstructions. Dont have a problem ,other than getting plastered with crap on a crusty saw clean down .

 

[mnmdad]

I always use an air gun to clean saws,never a problem in 25+ years

 

[idiotwithasaw]

I always use air to clean off the majority of the gunk, especially before I give them a deeper clean. I try and avoid blowing directly on the carb for fear of busting a diaphram. But a air filter is fine as long as you blow it from the back side and are careful not to blow through it.

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

I use an air hose for lots of cleaning and that's about the only time I end up needing to go clean a bunch of crud out of my eyes. It makes a complete mess of your shop and storage area with all the crap flying everywhere. It blows paint off. If the piston is in the right position it can blow damaging debris in through the intake or exhaust.
All sniveling aside they work great if you mind what you're doing.

 

[Warped5]

I even take a small air tank with me when cutting to blow the saw off when refueling.

I use it to clean air filters, but use a very low 'attack angle' so I don't damage them.

..... and NEVER use compressed air to blow OUT a carb. Can damage internals check valves that some have.

 

[Duane(Pa)]

Steer clear of the AF....

 

[junkman]

I blow the oily dust goop out of the sprocket area all the time ,only time saws see degreaser and a hose is if getting rebuilt or ported ,need to be delicate on filters ,can tear the fibers if get too aggressive .I clean my hd2 all the time with air ,gas makes them fall apart at the glue .

 

[beaglebriar]

My saws get an air bath pretty regular. I wash my filters in the sink with Dawn when they get nasty. Both flocked and mesh get a good washing. They come out squeaky clean and I haven't had one fall apart yet.

 

[redoakneck]

The usefulness of a tool is dependent on the operator.

I use air all the time. Agree with everything that had been stated.

I would like to know why " no part of the saw "?? I really doubt you could hurt a bar with air.

Plus it makes a zing, zinngg, zinngg ,. Up up up an away cartoon sound if you do the nose sprocket, really only reason I cut wood is to hear that noise!!

 

[Roadfxr]

Have used air for years to clean my saws off after use. Air filters too. As stated before can get carried away with cleaning air filters but have never had a problem with it.


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[Guido Salvage]

So I guess having your saw in the back of the truck doing 75 mph down the interstate is bad for it as well?

 

[Duce]

Use compressed air to clean my saws, never caused a problem. Local Husky dealer uses compressed air to clean off saws. Many of the saws he sees look as if they have never been cleaned period.

 

[CR888]

I think its good practice for saw maintenance. Removing sawdust/bar oil crud from places you would not reach with a brush is great. Its fast too, so you will do it. Air really cleans out bar rails & nose sprockets too. Obviously don't get too close to air filter material. I've been doing it near daily for years without an issue. Doing it outside is better than inside and wear safety glasses.

 

[CoreyB]

I use air as well.

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

It's probably someone who specifically works on brand new saws.