Update on Mac chainsaw

RedMF40

Well-known Member
I'd posted about having only half-throttle on my Mac, something stuck.

Finally got down to my shop, took the handle assembly off but the two screws holding the two plastic halves together aren't going anywhere. They are stuck fast. Getting lug nuts off a forty-year weed tractor would be easier because there'd be something to grab onto. These two little screws are dainty things, far recessed in the handle and maybe even brass. Once the heads are mangled, it's game over. Putting everything I have into it, I can only back them off a little fraction of a bit and I've already slipped once and maybe I get two more accidents like that before the head is destroyed.

They're soaking in some PB Blaster now, might have to set this aside for awhile. A shame because it's a good-running saw with lots of power but I'm starting to understand the comments about how much of a pain these are to work on.

That's where things stand now. I have other saws, probably time to get re-acquainted.

Gerrit
 
get all the screws out you can, then go in and surgically drill the heads off the screws.

Go only deep enough to remove the head. Then when it is apart the remains of the screws can be removed with vise grips.
 
(quoted from post at 20:22:43 02/21/21) get all the screws out you can, then go in and surgically drill the heads off the screws.

Go only deep enough to remove the head. Then when it is apart the remains of the screws can be removed with vise grips.

Thanks,

Good suggestion. I'll let it soak awhile, see if I can get the screws to move any more. If I drill I may be able to get it on my drill press, blocking it with some wood underneath like I'm doing now. Just regular slotted head screws, difficult to get a good bite on them.

Gerrit
 
(quoted from post at 05:24:55 02/22/21) Try a little heat. Propane torch at most and just till it smokes a little.

Can't use heat, these screws are recessed in the plastic handle. I'll give them some time to soak, see if that frees em up.

Gerrit
 
Was able to get one of the screws out, I'll see if the other one wants to cooperate but so far it's pretty tight. Thanks for the suggestions,

Gerrit
 

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