Inarguably, the chainsaw is among the most versatile power tools – it is associated with the most advanced technicalities and complexities as well. There are many minor factors that directly or indirectly affect the performance of chainsaws, and storage of chainsaws is one of these factors. Usually, imprudent or wrong storage of the chainsaw after its usage causes leakage of oil from the bar or chain – the situation might get more aggravated as the efficiency of the chainsaw is more prone to be reduced.
Generally, leakage is the most common problem that appears as a result of improper storage of chainsaw – however, there may occur many other problems such as scaling of carbon in the carburetor, clogged pipelines, etc.
To cope with all these problems, it is recommended to mend your storage approach. This is how, you will not only save your chainsaw to serve for more years; instead, the tool will be able to deliver maximum efficiency.
Earlier, I added a detailed guide on the storage of chainsaws to avoid leakage – now, let me tell you a complete guide on the storage of chainsaws to avoid all problems associated with the storage of chainsaw;
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How to Store a Chainsaw? Useful Storage Tips
If you want your chainsaw to serve for the expected number of years with the best of its efficiency, you need to take your chainsaw more seriously.
Proper storing of a chainsaw is an inevitable part of chainsaw’s maintenance, and the followings are the steps that might help you to store your chainsaw in an effective way;
1. Drain the Carburetor
When it comes to storing the chainsaw after use, the first thing is to drain the carburetor. If the carburetor isn’t drained completely, it may cause the sticking of the carburetor’s diaphragm. Before draining fuel from the carburetor, be sure that you are doing this in a well-ventilated area – this is how you can avoid the fumes of fuel.
Meanwhile, if you do not want to drain the carburetor of your chainsaw, do add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank. This fuel stabilizer prevents fuel particles scaled on the walls of the carburetor. If you choose to add a fuel stabilizer, run the chainsaw for a few minutes before you store it.
2. Remove Dirt and Debris from Chainsaw
If you want your chainsaw to serve for an extended period of time, it is necessary to remove all kinds of dirt and debris from your chainsaw. For this purpose, get the guide bar out of the chainsaw, and put the chain off the guide bar. Thoroughly clean grooves, drive gears, and other parts of the chain and bar.
Also, check if your chainsaw chain is sharpened well or not – if it isn’t sharpened well, this is the time to sharpen it complying with the instructions given on sharpening chainsaw with dremel.
3. Join the Parts of Chainsaw Back
You can also store your chainsaw with separated parts, but it can be handy to reassemble it again after a long time. So, it is recommended to store the chainsaw after it is assembled. Put the guide bar back into the chainsaw, and adjust the chain on the guide bar in such a way that it snaps back perfectly into its place.
Once you have assembled all parts of the chainsaw, do not forget to apply some protective oil on the chainsaw chain and bar. This protective oil takes care of parts of the chainsaw against corrosion and helps you use it straightaway again when you need it.
4. Clean Air Filter (Air Breather)
The air filter is one of the essential parts of the chainsaw’s mechanical apparatus. It is responsible for filtering air before sending it to the carburetor. If the air filter is clogged with dirt, it will not be able to transfer the required amount of clean air which may cause the shutting down of the engine due to the non-availability of the required amount of fuel mixed with clean air.
To clean air breathers, it is better to consult the user’s manual of your chainsaw – some of the models have air filters that can be washed with water, while some air breathers can be cleaned using compressed air.
5. Detaching of Spark Plug
Getting the spark plug out of the chainsaw is one of the most crucial steps for beginners – yet not impossible. Take a wrench to untighten the spark plug from the chainsaw and get it out. Once you have separated the spark plug from the chainsaw, add one teaspoon of 2-cycle engine oil in the opening of the spark plug.
Here you get the opportunity of checking the spark plug of your chainsaw; if it has sooty electrodes, it refers to incomplete combustion of fuel which indicates the inappropriate mixture of fuel with air. In the meantime, also check if the spark plug is in perfect working condition or not; if there is any problem with this, it is better to replace it with a new one.
6. Tighten the Nuts and Bolts
After you have followed all the above instructions, this is the time to retighten all nuts and bolts. Check the tension in the chain of the chainsaw before you store it, and adjust it from tensioning pin. Make sure that no screw or nut is untightened before you store it.
7. Don’t Store on Either Side
On the left side of the chainsaw, there is an opening of the oil and fuel tank, while on the other side, there is a hole that allows lubrication oil to drip into the bar and chain. If the chainsaw is stored on either side, it will be more prone to leaking bar oil.
Therefore, it is suggested not to store your chainsaw on either side; instead, store it vertically or simply on the ground.
8. Storing of Chainsaw
This is the final step following which you will finally be able to store your chainsaw. Store your chainsaw in a dry place; however, it should not be exposed to the sun. The best approach to protect your chainsaw from every kind of damage is to store it in a protective case away from the reach of children.
Therefore, these were fundamental tips that can help you store your chainsaw safety. By following all these instructions, you will surely find your chainsaw more efficient and steadier.
Final Words
Storing a chainsaw might be crucial for homeowners who just started using this powerful tool. However, it is quite simple to store your chainsaw following the aforementioned tips. Do not forget to drain fuel from the carburetor of the chainsaw – this could be the most anguishing thing that you might need to face in case of negligence.
Meanwhile, if the chainsaw is bigger in size, store it on the ground, and if you have a chainsaw of small size, it is better to hang it on the wall. It is also a good approach to put a towel under the chainsaw to avoid contact with the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Should a chainsaw be stored on its side?
No, a chainsaw should never be stored on its side. On the left side of the chainsaw, there is an opening cap of the fuel tank – while, on the other side there is a hole that allows oil to seep into the chain and bar. So, if a chainsaw is stored on either side, it will cause leakage.
Q2. How do you store a chainsaw when not in use?
Follow the given steps to store a chainsaw when not in use;
- Drain the fuel from carburetor
- Remove dirt and debris
- Rejoin the parts
- Clean air filters
- Detach spark plug
- Retighten nuts and bolts
- Do not store on either side
This is how, you can store your chainsaw when not in use.