How To Store A Chainsaw (The Correct Way)

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Whether you spend $100 or $1000, you will want to make sure your chainsaw is stored properly. So it’s a good idea to find how to store a chainsaw correctly first. Even if you know what you’re doing, it’s always good to brush up on these tips.

Storing your chainsaw properly can be the difference between a chainsaw lasting 20 years, or 20 minutes. With how much some of these chainsaws cost, you will want them to last 20 years!

A Short Guide To Storing A Chainsaw Properly

When it comes to storing a chainsaw, you can go really in depth. Which is worth doing, if you want to take your chainsaws more seriously. But putting together a short basic guide is also important in my opinion. Since not everyone has the time, to sit and read thousands of words.

Step 1

The very fist thing you will want to do is be in a extremely well ventilated area. Since the first thing you will be doing is drain the carburetor first. This is a must since it can cause the carburetor diaphragms from sticking together.

Then after this you will drain the fuel of the chainsaw, which is why you need to be in a well ventilated area. Then you will want to clean it.

*While I don’t personally do it, some people do add a fuel stabilizer instead. This is meant to prevent the fuel forming some nasty things. If you do choose this option, just remember to run the chainsaw for 3 minutes. After adding the stabilizer, to help spread it through the fuel system.

Step 2

After you’ve drained your chainsaw of fuel, you will want to start taking the chain, then the guide bar off. Once you’ve done that, you will want to start cleaning the drive gears, chain, and bar. You will want to remove all the dirt, grime, and wood chips.

If you’re thinking of changing the chain or sharpening it, this is a good time to do it.

Step 3

*Some people like to store their chainsaws without the bar and chain on. You can do this if you want, but you will want to put some protective oil.

Now you will want to put it all back together including the chain. You should adjust the chain so it snaps back into place after you pull it away slightly. Once you’ve put them back on, you should apply some protective oil to the bar and chain.

Step 4

The next step is to get your owners manual, this is so you can find the correct way to clean your air breather. Since then can be different depending on the company, so I’d refer to your manual here. Most can be just washed with soapy water, then they’re able to be blown dry. Using compressed air.

Step 5

This can be the most difficult and overwhelming step for a beginner. Which is removing the spark plugs, or maybe even replacing them if needed. Once you do remove them, you should add about one teaspoon of 2 cycle engine oil. Into the opening of the spark plug.

If you need to replace it, you should go back to your trusty users manual. Then find out what the appropriate spark plugs for your chainsaw.

*This is a good time to inspect your spark plugs. Since there can be a number of signs that can help prevent future issues. You should look for sooty electrodes, since then can mean the combustion isn’t completing. This could mean your fuel mixture is wrong.

Step 6

Next you will want to clean your air filter, or possibly replace if you need to. Cleaning an air filter seems to be something that is difficult for a lot of people. I will go over it below to make life a bit easier for those who need it.

Step 7

This is a very simple step that often gets overlooked. Which is as simple as going around the chainsaw, and tightening the screws, and bolts on your chainsaw. A simple but crucial step.

Step 8

The final step is storing your chainsaw. Storing a chainsaw should be in a dry area that’s not in the sun. I would recommend putting your chainsaw in a protective case. This is the best way to protect your chainsaw. I would also recommend storing it an area that children can’t get near it.

Not As Hard As It Looks

I remember being a beginner and feeling overwhelmed when it came to storing and maintenance of a chainsaw. There was no real place I could look for such information back then. So being able to do this now I hope this can help someone who was like myself.

It may seem like a difficult task, but it’s not as difficult as it all looks. Once you’ve done it once or twice, it will start to become like second nature.

How To Clean The Air Filter On A Chainsaw

This is a question that a lot of people seem to struggle with getting a proper answer. It’s not as difficult as some people make it seem to be. The most difficult part is finding where the air filter is on your chainsaw. But your users guide will show you where it is.

I would recommend everyone to always have a spare filter for when you need to clean one. This will save you time, so you don’t have to wait in between cleaning.

What You Need To Clean Your Air Filter

You don’t need a lot to be able to clean your air filter. You will need a bucket of Warm soapy water, regular dish washing liquid is enough. You will also need a screw driver that will help you access your air filter.

*Compressed air is an option, but not recommended in my opinion, and most manufactures. Since you have a chance of ruining your air filter with using to much pressure. If you must use compressed air I wouldn’t go over 35 psi.

I know I’m going to get some people saying that they use it all the time, which is fine. It’s just something I don’t recommend.

What To Do

Once you find where your air filter is, and have removed it according to manufactures guide lines. I would give the air filter a light tape, on the plastic part of it. This is to get rid of any real loose bits of dirt.

Then you should proceed to put the filter in the warm soapy water, and let it soak for roughly 15 minutes. Once it has been soaking for 15 minutes, you should swish the filter in the water around. Do this several times.

Now that it has been swished around in the water. It’s time to let the air filter dry, which is a must before putting it back in your chainsaw. Depending where you let it dry it could take up to 24 hours.

It Really Is That Simple

It is as easy as it sounds, with the difficult part just removing, and putting the filter back in. I hope this was of some help and makes life easier for some of you.

How To Clean A Stihl Chainsaw Air Filter

The reason this question gets asked so often is that Stihl have changed the type of filters they use. They use to have an older filter that used oil, and is now obsolete. The new air filter is more modern, and can be cleaned in warm soapy water. Then you wash it from the inside out with normal water. It’s the same as other chainsaws now days.

Video Guide For A Stihl

 

How To Clean A Air Filter On A Husqvarna Chainsaw

The way to clean a Husqvarna air filter is the same as the others. There really isn’t anything new to go over with this, it’s the same as the others. Which is a good thing, it makes life easier for everyone.

Video Guide For Husqvarna

 

Thoughts On Storing A Chainsaw

This is something that I see a lot of chainsaw owners seem to ignore, then wonder why there chainsaw doesn’t work in a few months. Correct maintenance and storage will help protect your expensive tools. I believe everyone who owns a chainsaw needs to learn how to do.

I hope I was able to help someone who was nervous about storing there chainsaw, or cleaning there air filter. Or if you’re experienced campaigner that you may of learnt a new trick or two, and was of some help.