How to dismantle 18V/36V RYOBI Chainsaw for cleaning

Last update: 28/06/2023, 12:54

Applicable Models

R36CHS12, RCS36HP, RCS1830BLX4, RCS36X4, RCS36B1, OCS1830BL

If you’ve ever had an issue with oil pooling under your 18V or 36V RYOBI Chainsaw, it's usually due to a dirty chainsaw which is drawing oil out of the machine. To fix this, you need to clean it.

The first thing to do when maintaining a chainsaw is to dismantle the side cover bar and chain.

How to dismantle side cover bar & chain:

Step	Action
If tool free chainsaw	To remove the side-cover, unlock the cover then release the chain tension (this will help you remove the bar and chain).
If tool chainsaw	First, release the chain-brake by pulling the handle back until it locks into place. Then use a spanner and start releasing the nuts. At this point, back the tension slightly off the chain and then continue to remove the nuts on the chainsaw. Once you’ve removed the side cover, release the tension on the chain by pulling the bar backwards. This will allow you to remove the chain from the bar and simply slide it out.

Step

Action

If tool free
chainsaw

To remove the side-cover, unlock the cover then release the chain tension (this will help you remove the bar and chain).

If tool
chainsaw

First, release the chain-brake by pulling the handle back until it locks into place.
Then use a spanner and start releasing the nuts.
At this point, back the tension slightly off the chain and then continue to remove the nuts on the chainsaw.
Once you’ve removed the side cover, release the tension on the chain by pulling the bar backwards.
This will allow you to remove the chain from the bar and simply slide it out.

How to clean Chainsaw:

Step	Action
1	Now that everything is removed, you can clearly see everything you need to clean. Use a stiff brush, a rag and some form of lubricant.
2	Place a rag under the chainsaw to keep your workbench nice and clean.
3	You will see the build-up and gunk, so get your brush and remove as much as you can – the brush will get into places you can’t with a rag.
4	You can also do this on the bar, and the cover itself.
5	Next, use a dry lubricating spray to clean the inside and the side cover - spray the hard-to-reach areas and overall surface.
6	Next, clean the bar – the bar gets build-up of sawdust and chippings in the groove, so you’ll need some kind of raker or a flat bladed screwdriver.
7	Draw that through from the sprocket all the way down to the end of the bar.
8	Next, give the body of the chainsaw a wipe down with a clean dry rag to get any dust debris and sawdust away from the machine.