We "hoarded" used toothbrushes for years and finally found a good re-purpose for them, cleaning my chainsaw. I usually use the air compressor but that would not work in the field so I tried a used toothbrush. Wow, I easily removed 95% of the dust and deposits that the air compressor removed without stuff flying everywhere. I only needed a quick touch up with the air compressor in the smallest nooks. I used the handle end to scrap out the big deposits and the the brush for the rest including most of the nooks. The used toothbrush worked so well I will use the toothbrush first and then a little air. I did use a small putty knife to clean the bar.
You can file or grind the handle to use as a scraper. If you have a couple you shape one handle tip small enough to fit the grove in the bar.
In hindsight, it seems obvious to use a toothbrush with a "hoard" but the habit was to use the compressor. The toothbrush was a surprisingly good cleaning tool.
And now keep one for cleaning the sawdust from around the caps before opening to fill with oil. Great tool for that.
I tried this method last night. This morning, my scowling wife informed me I have to use my own toothbrush for cleaning the saw. I assume this means the cat pan too. Just guessing.
Air and tooth brush for sure. For picky work and saw salvage projects I found that the burger/sandwich picks at Legal Seafoods are a pretty good tool. I always ask for a few when I get to go there.
Toofbrushes are great for cleaning stuff. I've found zip ties to be just the right size for picking gunk out of my saw too.
A few assorted sizes of hemostats works great with small pieces of cloth. Awesome to wipe out fuel tanks.
I took this pic yesterday of my nephew blowing out the door prize saw that Gary_602z donated at Backwoods Savages GTG extravaganza. Many Thanks Again Gary !! It's become the go-to saw for my son and nephew.
