A chainsaw, we all know is used to cut branches from the trees or to saw logs. It eases the laborious job of cutting branches using an ax. That is why more and more Americans are owning a chainsaw, especially those who live in rural, semi-urban areas or those who have large trees in their gardens. In this article, we will throw light on how to store a chainsaw after you have used it and especially when you do not intend to use it for some time. Storing might seem like a trivial thing but there are some dos and don’ts involving it. We will discuss exactly that, also why it is important to store it and some chainsaw tips regarding its upkeep and maintenance. It will be helpful for those persons who already own a chainsaw and those who want to have one in the future. Even if you do not have one, you will find it useful as a little information about anything won’t do you any harm. You can also pass on this information to someone you know who uses a chainsaw. So let’s get the things rolling.
Part 1 Why stores the chainsaw?
Why is it important to store your chainsaw in an orderly manner? Why not just put it away in your store or anywhere for that matter? Well, there are many ways you can answer these questions. To begin with, your chainsaw is an expensive piece of equipment. It demands to be taken good care of. Secondly, if you just idly throw it away in your storeroom it can get damaged. Its parts can get rusty, the rubber can get stone-hard or even develop cracks and break off, the carburetor can mess up, etc. Weather conditions can also adversely affect the chainsaw if you have not taken sufficient care to store it. Dust, moisture, dampness, sunlight, rainwater, etc. are all enemies of your chainsaw. If you don’t protect your equipment from these elements, chances are it will rot away quickly then you might want. A chainsaw is also a dangerous tool. If it gets in the hand of the children, the consequences can be terrible. So, to protect your equipment from wear and tear, for its longevity, for its optimal performance, and for its safety it is imperative that you suitably store your chainsaw.
Chainsaw tip: Even concrete floor can mar the machinery of your chainsaw. So do not put it directly on the concrete floor.
Part 2: How to store your chainsaw?
Now we come to the main part of our topic which is how to store your chainsaw? Chainsaws can be gas-powered or battery-powered. The battery-powered chainsaws are much easier to take care of and store. You can stash them away in a nice and dry box in a storeroom and that’s about it.
A gas-powered chainsaw requires some more effort on your part. It is not that difficult just a few procedures that you need to carry out. You should also keep into account the period of storage. Whether you are going to keep it that way for a few months or some weeks or days? The longer the storage period the more extensive your preparations will be. So let’s guide you on how to properly store a chainsaw.
Part 3: Chainsaw storage tips
We will now share with you some tips on how to properly store the chainsaw. Before you store, it is apt that you check your tool for any possible damages. What’s the point in storing a piece of faulty equipment? Check and cross-check all the parts. Make sure everything is in order and working properly. If possible, conduct a compression test. It will remove any doubts about the performance of the chainsaw. If you notice any malfunction, try addressing it yourself, or if you can’t then take it for repairs and then go for storage.
1. Emptying the fuel tank:
The second step is to empty the fuel tank. It is important because the fuel in the tank, will cause chemical reactions and damage the inner parts if left lying for long period. You can empty the tank in several ways. You can put it upside down and remove the oil or use a sucking pump to take it out. Just remember that you will drain the carburetor oil first, otherwise, the diaphragm in the carburetor will stick together and you do not want that. Once you have drained out the last drop of oil pull the chord and start the chainsaw in low RPMs and with no load.
After some time, it will sputter and stop. This will dry the tank completely. Now you take some mixed oil or fuel stabilizer available in the market and put some drops of it in the cylinder. Pull the chord a few times and if it starts, let it run for 2-3 minutes. This will evenly spread the mix oil and your engine will not jam up the next time you start it. You can also pull the chord of your chainsaw once a month and let it run for a few minutes before switching it off. This exercise will keep the chainsaw in working condition.
Chainsaw tip: Emptying the fuel tank is not recommended for all situations. Do it only when you intend to store it for a medium to long period.
2. Dismantling the chainsaw:
After the fuel tank is empty, it is now time to clean and oil your chainsaw before you store it. For effective cleaning, it is better you remove and disassemble the parts and then start oiling and cleaning them.
Take off the sprocket cover and clear away all the sawdust and wood chips debris.
For cleaning parts like trimmer, edger and hedge trimmer see the users’ manual. It will have instructions on how to remove parts like the cutting-line head of the trimmer etc. and clean them. All these parts do get dirty due to the sawing jobs and need to be cleaned as well as oiled with a manufacturer’s recommended lubricant.
Now you would want to remove metallic parts like the chain, drive gear, and the bar. There will be built-up dust on these parts that you need to remove. Check for the sharpness and tightness of the chain too. See if it works alright or needs replacement. After cleaning them, you should put them back in their place and add a layer of some oil for saving them from corrosion. The chain should be firmly tightened so that it works smoothly the next time you turn it on.
Chainsaw tip: You can also store the chainsaw without the chain and the bar. If you choose to do that do not forget to apply oil over them.
Metallic parts are not the only parts that need to be cleaned before the proper storage of chainsaw. The air filter also needs to be thoroughly cleaned. To find the exact location of the air filter, consult the user’s guide. It will guide you where it is. Once you have found and removed it, soak it in a bucket of mildly warm water for 15-20 minutes. After that, wash it with the regular liquid dishwasher and then put it back after patting it dry. You can also soak it in water after adding few drops of a dishwasher liquid in it.
A spark plug is another little part that plays an important role in the overall working of your chainsaw. When you take it out, check its condition. It will have a buildup of carbon over its tip. This black soot can be scrubbed away using fine sandpaper. If it cannot be cleaned, then consider replacing it. If the spark plug is drenched in oil, then it points to leakage inside the chainsaw. See if the diaphragms are intact? Check the seals too, they could be faulty. After rubbing off the carbon from the spark plug remove the sand particles of the sandpaper. Adjust the electrode gap as per the standard and re-install the spark plug carefully. Do not tighten it too hard or let it loose otherwise it will not work properly. After installing, reconnect the ignition lead with it.
Chainsaw tip: Once you take out the spark plug, add 2 teaspoons of cycle engine oil into the opening of the spark plug.
3. Store in a dry place:
Always keep your chainsaw in a nice and dry place. Do not place it where it could be exposed to water, rainfall or moisture. It can get it rusty. Do not put the chainsaw directly on the concrete floor. The concrete floor absorbs moisture and the dampness will get transferred to your chainsaw. So, take caution. If you live near the sea, you should know how badly the ocean air corrodes metal. Protect your tool from such conditions.
4. Protect from the sun:
Store your chainsaw in a well-ventilated area but it should not be kept under direct sunlight. Like water, direct sunlight can also affect the performance of the chainsaw. In fact, not just sunlight, you should protect your chainsaw from extreme weather conditions be it fog, frost, sun or water.
5. Staying dust free:
Dust is another enemy of your chainsaw. Do not let it rot in dust. Store it in a box that should protect it from dust, etc. And even then keep it clean by occasionally taking it out and brushing off any dust. Once the dust gets accumulated, the process of decay sets in. You do not want that to happen to your chainsaw so keep it neat and clean even when you are not using it.
6. Safe storage:
A chainsaw is a dangerous tool. It can cause serious harm if it is mishandled or used by amateurs. So always store it in a case or box, and keep it away from the reach of children.
Part 3: Can you hang a chainsaw?
Yes, you can store a chainsaw in a hanging position and there is nothing wrong with it. Keep the base of the chainsaw flat against the wall or table, etc. The only precaution is the fuel tanks should either be empty or close to empty. Otherwise, the fuel vents could get blocked or worse start leaking depending on the adversities of the weather. There are chainsaw storage racks available in the market. You might consider investing in one.
Final tips:
- Put the spark arrestor screen back on if you have removed it earlier for increasing the power quotient. It will prevent worms and bugs from getting inside and causing damage.
- A machine is meant to be used. It is not correct to store your chainsaw or any other machine for that matter for long periods. If you do not want to use them regularly, then there is no point in buying them in the first place.
- Oiling is very critical for machines, especially metallic machines. Oil helps slow down the process of degradation. It protects the machine from rusting and against oxidation from air and sunlight. You can apply oils available in the market or recommended by your chainsaw’s manufacturer. You can also apply olive oil available in your home on the chainsaw. Additionally, you can make a concoction of cod and olive oil and use it as well. There are nozzles available for this purpose or you can do it with your hands.
Conclusion
This about wraps up our guide on how to effectively store your chainsaw. We have covered all the important aspects related to its cleaning, general maintenance, and storage. We hope you will find it informative and helpful.