When the time comes to put away the chainsaw in storage, you can’t just put it away without taking the proper measures a chainsaw demands. It is not common knowledge that there are a few steps that need to be taken when the chainsaw needs to be packed away.
Luckily for you, we have crafted a very simple, helpful, and informative guide to teach you what to do when the times comes to put the chainsaw back safely and securely in the storage space
No matter what the price of the chainsaw, it should be stored properly. Therefore, it’s a good idea that you learn how to store a chainsaw the correct way. Maybe you have some tips up your sleeves. Well, it’s never too late to revisits those tips along with learning a few others.
Moreover, what needs to be taken into consideration is the fact that accurately storing the chainsaw can be beneficial to improve the tool’s life expectancy.
Table of Contents [hide]
- Why Do You Need to Store a Chainsaw Properly?
- How to Store a Chainsaw the Correct Way?
- Why Storing a Chainsaw is Easy?
Why Do You Need to Store a Chainsaw Properly?
Over the years, what we have noticed is that not a lot of people are aware that a chainsaw needs to be stored properly, and when the necessary measures are not taken chainsaw owners wonder why this power-tool is not operating the way it used. When the correct storage and maintenance process is followed it plays a huge role in extending the overall life expectancy of the chainsaw along with its parts.
When you follow the correct steps to store a chainsaw, you are performing some maintenance steps as well which you will notice once you start to go through the steps we have mentioned below. Furthermore, a chainsaw is made up of different parts and every part needs proper care.
Otherwise, with time the parts start to wear out and need to be replaced. Hence, to have a good functioning chainsaw and to avoid unnecessary part-replacements storing a chainsaw properly is imperative.
How to Store a Chainsaw the Correct Way?
The truth is when it comes to learning how to store a chainsaw the correct way you can go in-depth to a great extent. However, we are also aware that not everyone has a lot of time on their hands and are looking for short-simple-solutions. Keeping that in mind, we have created a simple and short guide to help you understand everything you should know about how to store a chainsaw.
Step 1: Draining the Carburetor
In the first step, you will be draining the carburetor and to do that you will have to be in a well-ventilated area because it will stop the carburetor diaphragms from sticking to each other.
Step 2: Draining the Fuel Tank
Once you have drained the carburetor, the fuel tank needs to be emptied. Either you can use a siphon or just turn the tank down using a funnel to drain out the fuel. You can also pour a fuel stabilizer that prevents forming compounds. If you choose to use a fuel stabilizer, you will have to run the chainsaw for about three to four minutes for it spread throughout the fuel system.
Step 3: Removing the Essentials
After draining the fuel tank, the chain needs to be removed along with the guide bar. The drive gears, guide bar, and chain need to be cleaned from sawdust, dirt, and grime.
Moreover, this is the best time to sharpen the chain if it’s needed because over time the chain needs to be sharpened as it starts to wear down.
Step 4: Assembling the Chainsaw Back
Now, this step completely depends on you, if you want to store the chain and guide bar separately you can do that. However, you will have to use protective oil on both these parts. But, if you prefer to store the chainsaw while it’s completely assembled, you will have to place the chain and guide bar in the correct position. Once you have assembled back the chain and guide bar, you can apply protective oil for extra protection that will stop the erosion of the metal.
If you are wondering why applying oil to the chain is important, we will enlighten you with a very solid explanation.
The oil acts as a protective layer on metals and reduces the amount of damage. As we discussed before, to increase the life expectancy of the overall chainsaw and its parts applying oil to the chain and guide bar is necessary.
Step 5: Cleaning the Air Breather
In this step, you will have to get hold of the chainsaw manual to understand how to correctly clean the air breather. Not every air breather is cleaned the same way, it varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
However, most air breathers can be washed with soap and water. Then you can let it dry, and once it’s completely dry you can place it back.
Step 6: Removing the Spark Plugs
In our opinion, this step is a bit tricky, especially for a beginner. The spark plugs need to be removed and then you have to pour two teaspoons of cycle engine oil into the opening of the spark plug.
However, if you feel the spark plugs need to be replaced by new ones then you can look at the manual again to figure out the correct spark plugs for your chainsaw. To identify a faulty spark plug, you should look for sooty electrodes or rustiness.
Step 7: Cleaning the Air Filter
In this step, the air filter needs to be cleaned or may be replaced. Cleaning the air filter is a breeze. However, finding exactly where the air filter is located in a chainsaw is the difficult bit. We recommend that you invest in a separate air filter because you will not have to wait for it dry. You can just carry on with the process of storing the chainsaw the correct way.
To clean the air filter, you will need a dishwasher liquid and a bucket of water. By referring to the user manual, you can find where the air filter is located, and with the help of a screwdriver you can take it out. Once you have removed the air filter as directed by the manual, you will have to tap the air filter gently to get rid of dirt.
After which the air filter needs to be placed in the soapy water for a good 15 minutes. Just gently swish the air filter in the water for it to be completely clean. Let the air filer dry and when it is completely dry you can install it back on the chainsaw.
Step 8: Tightening the Screws
If you are a chainsaw pro, then you would be quite familiar with all the screws and bolts that need to be tightened. All you will have to do in this step is to ensure that all the bolts and screws are tightened as needed. It may seem like a rather unnecessary step.
However, trust us that regular tightening of the screws and bolts goes a long way when it comes to the maintenance of a chainsaw and especially when you are putting it back in storage.
Step 9: Storing the Chainsaw
We are finally onto the last step of learning how to store a chainsaw. In this step, you will have to make sure that you store the chainsaw in a safe, dark, and dry area. If you can, you can place the chainsaw in a protective case made of cloth or plastic. It is probably the best storage tip that most people are not aware of.
Furthermore, it is also to be taken into account that where ever you are storing the chainsaw it is out of the children’s way.
You also need to keep in mind that you shouldn’t store a chainsaw on a concrete floor because it easily damps up and can cause damage to the chainsaw.
Instead placing it on a shelf or table in a secure manner is what we recommend to all chainsaw owners. Since chainsaws are like a battery you have to store them in a place that is dry and dust free. A moist and dusty environment is not an ideal storage space for a chainsaw.
Why Storing a Chainsaw is Easy?
Truth be told, storing a chainsaw is super easy. At first, it may seem like a daunting task and you may feel overwhelmed with all the steps.
However, once you get a hang of it you will be pleased with yourself and will notice a significant difference in the smooth functionality of the chainsaw when you use it the next time. The storing process is more about maintaining the chainsaw after you have used it.
