Chainsaws are amazing machines that make you feel like you have got endless power, possible of chopping trees down, cutting off the largest limbs, and clearing out an entire field in no time at all.
But, like any other machine, chainsaws need oil to keep the chain lubricated, and they leak when not stored properly.
Proper storage of a chainsaw will require some preventative maintenance and configuration. When I say configuration I mean that you want to store the chainsaw in a dry area with a cover or sheath over it, not touching anything hot, and with the chainsaw standing up on a shelf or on a clean, concrete or wood floor.
Of course, that is not the end of it. Or at least not the end of the steps you should do to ensure that your chainsaw never leaks oil on you.
Most people in today’s day and age don’t take the time to complete all the steps in storage and preventative maintenance process, but it is wise to keep your chainsaw in good condition while minimizing oil leaks.
Preventative Steps to Take for Storing Your Chainsaw
Surely not everyone will be able to do all these preventative measures, but you should at least do it if you know you are going to keep the chainsaw stored away for a long time:
- Remove the chain from the chainsaw entirely
- Clean the chain of all dirt and debris
- Wrap your chain up in clean cloth, newspaper, or heavy-duty napkins
- Store the wrapped chain in a plastic bag
- Drain the oil from the chainsaw
- Clean the chainsaw thoroughly and store it in a clean, dry, cool place
- Make sure you place the chainsaw in a vertical position
- Periodically check the chainsaw to ensure that it isn’t leaking
- Replace the oil in the chainsaw
Here is how to store a chainsaw for the long haul – like in summer, or when you have cut your wood, and have stacked wood to season for a year.
When you take off the chain, this covers the ability to clean it thoroughly, so if you are going to store your chainsaw for an extended time, you should take the opportunity to make sure your chain is taken care of.
Preventative maintenance is very important, far more important than standard maintenance because preventative maintenance assures that you will not have a mechanical malfunction on your end.
When you coat the chain with oil, it remains lubricated while it stores and allows the oil to prevent oxidation is what causes rust along the length of your chain.
You want to take a napkin, newspaper, cloth, or blanket to wrap it up in just to absorb the remaining oil.
You want to store the chainsaw upright with the saw end facing up to stop oil from leaking outside the chainsaw case.
The reason that works is that the oil travels down the chain when the chainsaw is in operation, so there is an exit point exactly where the chain exits the chainsaw body.
Short-Term Chainsaw Storage
If you only plan to store your chainsaw briefly, or just overnight, you can skip the above nonsense.
In the end, your best bet is to consistently store your chainsaw in a cool, dry location.
A cooler, dryer climate will thicken the oil and it will not flow as freely if there is a leak. The oil is hot and much more fluid in a hotter environment, and easier for it to leak if it does.
Your steps are still going to be the same but little less involved for short term storage:
- Store your chainsaw in a cool, dry climate
- Keep your chainsaw in a plastic bag if you just can’t keep it from leaking
- Silicone spray is a good leak preventative you can use, though it’s entirely optional
- Keep your chain well oiled
- Add a cover or a sheath is another good option
- Clean the chainsaw thoroughly before storing it
- Be sure to use it often
If your chainsaw is an older model, there may be no practical storing method that would completely eliminate the possibility of it leaking, though you can at least place it inside a large plastic bag. You will be able to catch the oil and then either reuse the oil or dump it, depending on preference.
To aid in both prevention and slowing down a leak use a spray silicone.
This spray will go directly on to the chainsaw blade, however, it’s best to spray the chain at the point it comes out from the body of the chainsaw.
While keeping your chain well oiled is a completely obvious, still this step of preventive maintenance will not stop a leak, but could prevent a leak from happening down the road.
Again, covers or sheaths, while they won’t stop a leak, could help stop a chainsaw from developing a leak.
Also, it is a good idea to thoroughly clean your chainsaw after each use – regardless if it leaks or not.
Keep in mind – as this is only short-term storage, you should only use these short-term storage steps when you are planning to use the chainsaw periodically.
There is no sense in taking short-term storage steps if you plan to leave your chainsaw shop for two months.
What Causes a Chainsaw to Leak Oil?
Chainsaws are robust machines so it may not take much to develop a good and steady leak, even if you just drop the thing.
Given what a chainsaw is used for, it’s frankly a wonder that it doesn’t spring a leak from the get go.
What usually happens is that the valve that is designed to release oil along the chain, is no longer able to maintain negative pressure on the oil reservoir and the oil just seeps out when it is not supposed to.
You may also have a crack in the oil tank that usually comes from some impact damage. Impact damage is very common with chainsaws, considering what they are used for.
Don’t Forget – Sawdust is yet another common problem. When you are cutting through a tree trunk or a log, that dust is flying back, and sometimes it will find its way to the chainsaw bar oil filter.
When too much of it gets in there, it can clog it up and cause oil to leak from the bar.
Clearly you can see that these are all symptoms that could be avoided by simply taking care when using the chainsaw and preventative servicing.
The steps laid out above for short or long term storage would neatly avoid some of these problems too.
Thus it’s very important to give your chainsaw a good cleaning each and every time that you pack it away, whether it be for a day or a year.
By taking the time to clean the chainsaw guide bar after removing the chain, you also help to ensure that you do not get any dust in and around the chainsaw bar oil filter.
In any scenario, the best way to avoid oil slipping down the chain and bar when your chainsaw is in storage is to simple lay it down vertically, along with ensuring that it won’t tip over.
All Things Considered
When it comes to storing your chainsaw, whether it be for short-term or long-term, it requires a little more than just putting it in the corner and wishing for the best.
Storing your saw upright or vertical along with some good cleaning and preventative maintenance, will prevent leaking or prevent it from leaking entirely.