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How To Store A Chainsaw
When you first bought that chainsaw, you probably didn’t think much about how you wanted to store it. In fact, most people don’t.
You are more likely to think about what you are using it for, rather than how you are going to keep it safe.
Whether the chainsaw cost you a few dollars secondhand, or you spent some of your savings to afford it, you will want to make sure that you store it well to prolong its life.
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If you haven’t bought it yet, then you best read this article first!
And if you already store your chainsaw pretty darn well, then there is nothing wrong with brushing up on your knowledge and perhaps learning something new about it.
Making sure it is stored properly means that it will last longer.
In fact, you could see it working even in 20 years time, compared to a couple of years if you don’t store it very well.
Because they are expensive, it is not surprising that you will want to keep it in good condition.
With all this in mind, let’s take a look at how to store a chainsaw properly.
How To Store Your Chainsaw
If you take looking after your chainsaw seriously, then you will want to know how to store it properly.
Below we shall be looking at a step-by-step guide on how to do so, because it is also about the prep beforehand.
Do keep in mind that this is how to store a chainsaw that uses fuel. Now that’s out of the way, let’s take a look at how to do it!
Step 1 – Make Sure There Is Ventilation And Drain Well
Before you begin, you will want to make sure that where you are is in a highly ventilated area.
Because you are about to drain the carburetor, it is a must!
Draining it stops the carburetor diaphragms sticking together, so if you want to make sure this doesn’t happen, drain it!
Now that has been taken care of, you will need to drain away all the fuel. This is the biggest reason you will need ventilation.
Step 2 – Remove The Guide Bar And Chain
Once the fuel has been successfully drained, it is time to remove the guide bar and chain.
Firstly, remove the chain, and follow this by removing the guide bar.
Once that job is done, clean the chain, bar and drive gears. Make sure to remove any bit of grime and wood chips that you can see.
A brush and some hot soapy water will do the trick. Just make sure to handle it carefully to avoid any damage to the chainsaw or yourself.
Step 3 – Putting The Chain And Bar Guide Back
You can keep the chain and bar guide off if you would like, just make sure to coat them with some form of oil to protect them.
However, if you don’t want to store them separately, then it is time to put the guide bar and chain back to where it was.
Make sure to adjust how the chain sits so it can snap back into its rightful place once you pull at it.
Once this job is done, add some oil to protect both the chain and the bar during the time it will not be used.
Step 4 – Check The Chainsaw’s Manual
You will want to find the best way to clean the air breather, and the way to do this is to look at the owner’s manual for your type of chainsaw.
If you don’t have it anymore (which you should) then consider looking online to see if you can find it.
Cleaning the air breather can vary depending on the make of chainsaw you own, however, the majority can be cleaned using hot and soapy water, followed by a blow-dry.
You can also let it air dry, but this might take quite a bit of time to do. So whatever suits your time constraints is the option to go for.
Step 5 – Removing The Spark Plugs
This is an optional step, and one that may be far too advanced for a beginner, and that’s removing or changing the spark plugs.
You might even just need to replace them.
When you remove them, add one to 2 teaspoons of oil cycle engine oil into the spark plug’s opening.
It is also a really good time to inspect it. If there is damage, then you could think about getting them fixed or changed completely.
Step 6 – Clean The Air Filter
Once you take a look at the air filter, decide whether it needs replacing or just a cleaning.
If it needs replacing, then look at it getting replaced. If it needs cleaning, then read on.
To put it simply, you will need a screwdriver to get to the air filter, and warm and soapy water to clean it.
If unsure, take a look at the owner’s manual to find out more.
Step 7 – Tighten Screws
Now that you have finished all of the above, take your time to tighten the bolts and screws of the chainsaw.
If they all seem good, then move to the next and final step.
Step 8 – Storing The Chainsaw
Now that it is ready to be stored, you can think about putting it away in a protective case away from sunlight and children, and in an area that is completely dry.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to storing a chainsaw, you need to think about the prep that leads up to it.
Whilst you might want to put a chainsaw away as is, you’ve got to remember that it has been used.
Because of this it will be full of grime and wood chips. This is bad news for a stored chainsaw.
The added dirt and debris can actually shorten the light of your chainsaw. To store it well and properly, consider cleaning it first.
If you have enjoyed this article, then take a look at the rest of our website for information on chainsaws.
Check out our guide on How to sharpen a chainsaw
About the Author David Vieria
David has been a woodworker for most of his life — in his dad’s cabinet shop. After using the tools himself, he decided to share it his woodworking and power tools knowledge with DIYers. Read more about him