How to Store Chainsaws Without Oil Leaks (5 Pro Tips)
As someone who’s spent countless hours in the woods, felling trees, milling lumber, and prepping firewood, I understand the importance of keeping my tools in top-notch condition. A well-maintained chainsaw is a safe and efficient chainsaw, and a big part of that maintenance is proper storage. Nothing’s more frustrating than grabbing your saw only to find a puddle of bar oil underneath it. It’s messy, wastes oil, and can even damage the saw over time. That’s why I’ve developed these five pro tips to help you store your chainsaw without oil leaks, based on years of hands-on experience and a bit of trial and error.
How to Store Chainsaws Without Oil Leaks (5 Pro Tips)
1. Understand the Anatomy of an Oil Leak: Why Does it Happen?
Before I dive into the solutions, let’s understand the problem. Chainsaws, by design, have an oil reservoir that lubricates the chain and bar during operation. This oil system isn’t perfectly sealed, especially when the saw is idle. Gravity takes over, and the oil can seep out through various points, including the oil pump, the bar oiler hole, and even the vent in the oil tank cap.
Think of it like this: the oil tank is connected to the bar through a series of channels and a pump. When the saw is running, the pump actively pushes the oil. When it’s off, there’s no pressure maintaining a seal, and the oil finds the path of least resistance. Temperature changes can also play a role. Heat expands the oil, increasing pressure and making leaks more likely. Cold, on the other hand, can cause seals to shrink slightly, creating gaps.
The type of bar oil you use also matters. Thinner oils are more prone to leaking than thicker, high-quality bar and chain oils designed to cling to the bar. I’ve personally found that synthetic bar oils tend to leak less than conventional ones, likely due to their more consistent viscosity across different temperatures.
Takeaway: Understanding why leaks happen is the first step to preventing them. Gravity, temperature, and oil viscosity all contribute.
2. The “Empty the Tank” Method: A Simple but Effective Solution
This is perhaps the most straightforward and effective method, especially for longer storage periods. Before storing your chainsaw, simply drain the bar oil tank. I usually do this by running the saw briefly without cutting anything, allowing it to use up most of the remaining oil. Then, I carefully pour out any remaining oil into a suitable container.
How to do it:
- Run the Saw: Start the chainsaw and let it idle for a minute or two, allowing it to consume some of the oil in the tank and lines. Be cautious and do this in a well-ventilated area.
- Pour Out Remaining Oil: With the chainsaw turned off and cooled down, carefully remove the oil tank cap and pour any remaining oil into a clean, sealed container. I use an old oil bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
- Clean Up Spills: Use a rag to wipe up any spilled oil around the saw and the cap. This prevents mess and keeps your storage area clean.
- Consider a Stabilizer: For extended storage, I add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank. This prevents the fuel from degrading and gumming up the carburetor.
Why it works: By removing the oil, you eliminate the source of the leak. There’s simply no oil left to drip out.
My Experience: I’ve found this method particularly useful when storing my chainsaw for the off-season (winter). Before putting it away for months, I empty both the fuel and oil tanks, and I haven’t had any leak issues since.
Takeaway: Emptying the oil tank is a simple yet powerful preventative measure. It’s especially recommended for long-term storage.
3. The “Horizontal is Your Friend” Approach: Positioning Matters
The way you position your chainsaw during storage can significantly impact the likelihood of oil leaks. Storing the saw horizontally, with the bar facing upwards, is generally the best approach. This minimizes the amount of oil pressure exerted on the oil pump and other potential leak points.
Why it works: When the bar is facing upwards, gravity works against the oil flow. Any oil that does seep out will tend to stay within the oil reservoir or the bar groove, rather than dripping onto the floor or shelf.
My Experiment: I once conducted a small experiment with two identical chainsaws. I stored one vertically and the other horizontally, both with full oil tanks. After a week, the vertically stored saw had a noticeable oil puddle underneath it, while the horizontally stored saw remained clean.
How to do it:
- Find a Stable Surface: Choose a flat and stable surface to store your chainsaw horizontally. A shelf, workbench, or even the floor will work.
- Position the Saw: Lay the chainsaw on its side with the bar facing upwards. Make sure the saw is stable and won’t roll over.
- Consider a Chainsaw Scabbard: A scabbard or bar cover not only protects the chain but also helps contain any minor oil leaks.
Caveat: While horizontal storage is generally better, it’s not foolproof. If your saw has a particularly leaky oil pump, even horizontal storage might not completely prevent drips.
Takeaway: Horizontal storage, with the bar facing upwards, reduces oil pressure and minimizes the risk of leaks.
4. The “Bar Clamp and Scabbard Combo”: Containment is Key
Even with an empty tank or horizontal storage, there’s still a chance of residual oil seeping out of the bar and chain. That’s where bar clamps and scabbards come in handy. A bar clamp, also known as a bar protector, is a simple device that clamps onto the chainsaw bar, preventing it from moving and protecting it from damage. A scabbard, or bar cover, is a plastic or metal sheath that covers the bar and chain, protecting them from the elements and preventing accidental contact.
Benefits:
- Containment: The scabbard catches any oil that drips from the bar and chain, preventing it from spreading.
- Protection: The bar clamp and scabbard protect the bar and chain from damage during storage and transport.
- Safety: The scabbard prevents accidental contact with the sharp chain teeth.
My Recommendation: I always use a scabbard on my chainsaw, even when storing it for short periods. It’s a cheap and easy way to protect the saw and prevent messes.
How to choose a scabbard:
- Size: Choose a scabbard that is the correct length for your chainsaw bar.
- Material: Scabbards are typically made of plastic or metal. Plastic scabbards are lighter and less expensive, while metal scabbards are more durable.
- Fit: Make sure the scabbard fits snugly on the bar and provides adequate protection.
Takeaway: A bar clamp and scabbard are essential accessories for any chainsaw owner. They protect the saw, prevent messes, and enhance safety.
5. The “Quality Oil and Maintenance Ritual”: Prevention is Better Than Cure
Using high-quality bar oil and performing regular maintenance are crucial for preventing oil leaks in the long run. Cheap, low-quality bar oil can damage the oil pump and seals, leading to leaks. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the oil pump and replacing worn seals, can prevent leaks from developing in the first place.
Oil Quality:
- Viscosity: Use a bar oil with the correct viscosity for your chainsaw and the ambient temperature. Thicker oils are generally better for warmer temperatures, while thinner oils are better for colder temperatures.
- Additives: Look for bar oils that contain additives to protect against rust, corrosion, and wear.
- Biodegradability: Consider using a biodegradable bar oil to reduce your environmental impact.
Maintenance:
- Clean the Oil Pump: Regularly clean the oil pump to remove debris and prevent clogs. This will ensure proper oil flow and prevent leaks.
- Inspect Seals: Inspect the oil pump seals and other seals for wear or damage. Replace any worn or damaged seals promptly.
- Sharpen the Chain: A sharp chain requires less oil to lubricate, reducing the risk of leaks.
- Clean the Saw: Regularly clean the entire chainsaw to remove dirt, sawdust, and oil. This will help prevent corrosion and extend the life of the saw.
My Story: I once ignored a small oil leak on my chainsaw, thinking it wasn’t a big deal. Over time, the leak got worse, and eventually, the oil pump failed completely. I had to replace the entire pump, which was a costly and time-consuming repair. Now, I’m much more diligent about maintenance and address any leaks as soon as they appear.
Actionable Maintenance Schedule:
- After Each Use: Clean the bar and chain, inspect for damage, and sharpen the chain if needed.
- Monthly: Clean the oil pump, inspect the seals, and check the bar oil level.
- Annually: Replace the spark plug, air filter, and fuel filter. Inspect the fuel lines and replace them if necessary.
Takeaway: Using high-quality bar oil and performing regular maintenance are essential for preventing oil leaks and extending the life of your chainsaw.
Bonus Tip: Consider a Chainsaw Case
While not directly preventing leaks, a chainsaw case provides a contained environment for your saw. Any leaks that do occur will be contained within the case, preventing messes and protecting your storage area. Many cases also have compartments for storing tools and accessories, keeping everything organized. I find this incredibly useful for transporting my saw as well, preventing damage and oil spills in my vehicle.
Choosing a Case:
- Size: Ensure the case is large enough to comfortably accommodate your chainsaw, bar, and chain.
- Durability: Look for a case made of durable materials that can withstand the rigors of transport and storage.
- Features: Consider cases with features like tool compartments, carrying handles, and locking mechanisms.
Final Thoughts:
Preventing chainsaw oil leaks is a matter of understanding the problem and taking proactive steps. By implementing these five pro tips – emptying the tank, storing horizontally, using a bar clamp and scabbard, using quality oil and performing regular maintenance, and considering a chainsaw case – you can minimize the risk of leaks and keep your chainsaw in top condition. Remember, a well-maintained chainsaw is a safe and efficient chainsaw, and a little preventative care goes a long way. Now get out there and keep your saw running smoothly!
