How to Store a Chainsaw

A chainsaw is a valuable and practical tool that can be quite expensive to replace, plus a good chainsaw becomes like a friend. You know it and it knows you and you work to accommodate each other. So it’s worthwhile to spend the time and energy to properly store your chainsaw when you know that you won’t be using it for a while.

When you know that you’re going to take a break from your sawing activities for about a month or longer and that you will be storing your chainsaw away, you need to prepare it. A chain saw is a sturdy tool, but it can be damaged if not stored correctly. Here are some steps to help you ensure that your chainsaw will have a long life expectancy by taking care of it when you store it:

1. Allow the engine to cool.

This is essential as you do not want to be burned by a blazing hot engine. It can happen, so don’t be in a hurry and take the time to let it cool down. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention.

2. Emptying the Fuel Tank

First, choose a well-ventilated area for this task, then empty the fuel tank and clean it. Keep in mind that you should drain the carburetor first in order to prevent sticky, gum deposits from forming. Get all gas out of the gas lines and line connectors too. If you are worried about your carburetor, you can add some fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel from forming gum deposits. You should run your saw for about 3 minutes after adding the stabilizer in order to make sure it spreads through the entire fuel system.

3. Dismantle the Chainsaw

Remove the chain and guide bar and clean them. Be sure to clean all dirt, wood chips and grime from the drive gears, chain bar and chain. Remove all wood chips, grease, oil, grime and debris from the chain drive gear and bar connection area. Spray with protective oil.

Now is when you should take the time to sharpen the chain or install a new one if you feel it’s needed. Once you have reassembled the chain bar and chain, simply adjust the chain tension to ensure it’s adequate. This is something that is different for every saw depending on how it is made, so you need to pay close attention and make sure that it’s tight enough, yet not overly tight. Too loose or too tight, neither way is good.

4. Oil and Wrap Chain

Put oil over the chain and wrap it thoroughly in cloth or heavy paper. Lightly oil the external metal surface and the guide part so that no rust will form. It is not only the body of your chainsaw that you need to protect but the chain itself. There is nothing worse than unwrapping a chain just when you need to use it and discovering that it is corroded with rust.

5. Remove and Clean Air Breather

Remove the air breather and then follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to proceed to clean it. Usually, you can wash the breather in some soapy water and then blow dry it with your compressed air machine. If you don’t have an air machine, then just let it sit until it dries.

6. Remove Spark Plug and Oil

Remove the spark plug and pour just 1 teaspoon of 2-cycle engine oil into the opening for the spark plug. You don’t want to add any more than that. Then slowly pull the starter rope about 8-10 times in order to distribute the oil. Read the owner’s manual and replace the spark plug with the type that the manufacturer recommends.

Now you need to carefully inspect the old spark plug. If the electrode is sticky and dirty, it is a sign of incomplete combustion of the fuel taking place, which could either be caused by an incorrect fuel/oil mix or spark plug gap set.

7. Clean the air filter.

This is important if you expect the chainsaw to be ready to run the next time you want to use it. You will, in time, have to replace the air filter altogether to ensure that your chainsaw continues to operate properly.

8. Tighten loose screws, nuts and bolts.

This is pretty much self-explanatory, as you don’t want your chainsaw falling apart over the winter. That would not make for a very nice spring surprise.

9. Store the Chainsaw

Your chainsaw should be stored in a clean, dry place. Select an area that is well ventilated and shielded from the weather elements. It is not a good idea to keep your chainsaw outside. If you do so, then it is at your own risk, because anything can happen.

10. Protect From Sun

Your chainsaw should be stored where it will be away from the direct rays of the sun. This is because exposure to the sun’s rays causes a condition called UV embrittlement, which you’ve probably never heard of, but will not like should it happen to your chainsaw.

11. Remain Dust Free

For its protection, your chainsaw should always be kept in a dust-free environment. Some chainsaw manufacturers create a line of special cases and carry bags that you can purchase and use to better protect your saw. This is a worthwhile investment when it comes to prolonging the useful life of your chainsaw.

12. Safe Storage

Make certain that your chainsaw is always stored safely out of reach of children. The best place to keep it is in a room or a cupboard that can remain locked until you need to use it again. If not, just be very careful about where you decide to keep it. Give the matter some serious thought.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chainsaw Storage

1. Can a chainsaw be hung for storage?

A chainsaw can be hung for storage. The one thing you should remember, however, is never to do this with the fluids full or nearly full. The reason is that while the saw is hanging, the tank vents could be blocked off, causing the saw to begin leaking bar oil or fuel as the temperature fluctuates in the room.

2. Is it OK to store a chainsaw on its side?

It’s really up to you, but the chainsaws that aren’t kept in cases are normally stored upright. Still, if you saw should happen to fit better on the shelf while on its side, then it’s ok to lay it down that way. Just be careful because certain saws may allow fuel to leak out through the vents if the chainsaw is stored in that manner.

3. How do you store an electric chainsaw?

An electric chainsaw should always be stored in a dry place for long term safe storage. The machine must not be kept in a damp or wet area because that will cause it to gather rust and mold.

4. How long can gas sit in a chainsaw?

Any longer than 6 months and gas can start going bad. This doesn’t mean that the saw won’t run, but you risk engine damage by using it under these circumstances.

5. How do you dispose of old gas from a chainsaw?

All you need to do is simply pour it into an old milk jug and take it to your closest recycling depot. They’ll handle it from there. Do not dump it in your backyard or somewhere near your house.

6. Is it worth sharpening a chainsaw?

Well, it’s like this. A hot chain that is unlubricated will wear out quickly and severely shorten the life of the chain, resulting in you having to buy a new one. Therefore, it is well worth it to sharpen your chains yourself.

7. Can you use a chainsaw in the winter?

With the arrival of the bitter winter cold, thoughts turn to some of the challenges of operating a chainsaw in winter. But it can be done relatively easily. With a bit of extra care, your chainsaw can provide top notch performance even in the face of extremely cold temperatures.

If this is your first chainsaw and you have never had to winterize one or put it into storage before, it can seem like a daunting task. Perhaps even one that is doomed to nightmare failure.

You probably have visions of not being able to reassemble the saw, breaking the chain somehow, or worse, that sort of thing. All of that is understandable. But take heart. Don’t let this challenge leave you quaking in your boots, because you are up to it. Once you start to do the actual work, it won’t seem so bad at all.

Just follow the above advice as to how to store your chainsaw properly, and take your time while doing it. Remember, this is not a race, and you are learning as you go. Relax because when you are finished, all will be well. And the next time will be much easier. Plus, you will have the immense satisfaction of knowing that the next time you need to use your chainsaw, it will be ready to go, and you will know that you did it all by yourself.