How to store a chainsaw between seasons

When it's time to take a break from sawing logs and put away the chainsaw for a month or more, take a few minutes to prepare it.  Your owner's manual covers specifics for your chainsaw model; here are typical steps for storing a chainsaw. 

If you find any damaged or worn parts while winterizing the chainsaw, see our chainsaw DIY repair section for guidance.

1. Let the engine cool.

2. If there's still gas in the tank, drain the fuel from the gas tank, gas lines, carburetor and line connectors.  You can instead add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to prevent the fuel from forming gum deposits; run the saw for 3 minutes after adding, to spread the stabilizer through the fuel system.

3. Remove the chain and bar from the engine drive assembly. Clean all dirt, wood chips and grime from the drive gears, chain bar and chain. Clean wood chips, oil, grease, grime and debris from the chain drive gear and bar connection area. Now is a good time to sharpen the chain or install a new one. After reassembling the chain bar and chain, adjust the chain tension so the chain snaps into place after you pull it slightly away from the bar.

4. Oil the chain and wrap it in heavy paper or cloth. Lightly oil external metal surfaced and the guide part to prevent rust.

5. Remove the air breather and clean it according to the instructions in your owner’s manual. Most breathers can be washed in soapy water and then blown dry with compressed air.

6. Remove the spark plug and pour 1 teaspoon of  2-cycle engine oil into the spark plug opening. Slowly pull the starter rope 8 to 10 times to distribute the oil. Replace the spark plug with the type recommended in the owner's manual, gapped as recommended.

   Inspect the old spark plug; a sticky or sooty electrode indicates incomplete combustion of the fuel, which could be caused by and incorrect fuel/oil mixture or spark plug gap setting.

7. Clean the air filter. 

8. Tighten any loose screws, nuts and bolts.

9. Store the chainsaw in a clean storage case in a dry, dust-free place that's out of the reach of children.