How to Store a Chainsaw Between Jobs

On this page (8 sections)

1. How do you store a chainsaw between jobs?
2. Why should you cover the bar and chain?
3. Is a chainsaw case useful between jobs?
4. How should you store a gas chainsaw?
5. How do you store an electric or battery chainsaw?
6. Where should you keep a stored chainsaw?
7. What should you check before using the saw again?
8. What is the simplest way to store a chainsaw?

To store a chainsaw between jobs, clean it, cover the bar and chain, and put it in a dry, secure place. If it runs on gas, follow the owner's manual for fuel preparation, especially when storage will last more than a short break.

A few minutes of care helps keep debris and moisture off the saw and keeps its sharp chain covered. Let the saw cool before cleaning or packing it.

How do you store a chainsaw between jobs?

Switch the saw off, let it cool, clean it, and cover the bar and chain. Store it where it can't fall, get wet, or be reached by children.

1. Turn the saw off and disconnect its power source as directed by the manual.
2. Let the engine, bar, and chain cool.
3. Brush away sawdust and debris, then wipe off dirt and moisture.
4. Check the chain and bar for damage, and make any needed adjustments according to the manual.
5. Fit a bar cover or place the saw in a suitable case.
6. Store it on a stable surface in a dry, secure location.

Don't leave a running or hot saw unattended while you gather supplies. If you use a battery saw, remove the battery before storage, following the saw and battery manuals.

Why should you cover the bar and chain?

A bar cover helps keep the sharp chain covered during storage and handling. It also keeps the bar and chain from sitting exposed to dust or bumping into other tools.

A scabbard is a simple option when you want a cover for the cutting end. The Husqvarna scabbard is made for bars from 13 to 16 inches; check your saw's bar length and manual to confirm it fits.

If you need help identifying your bar size, see what chainsaw bar length you need. Store the saw with its cover fitted, and keep it out of children's reach.

A cover doesn't replace safe handling. Carry the saw by its handles, keep the chain pointed away from you, and use the manual's instructions when fitting or removing the scabbard.

Is a chainsaw case useful between jobs?

A case can contain the saw and related tools during storage or transport. Check that the saw fits and that the case suits your model before choosing one.

The Husqvarna Classic chainsaw carrying case has a double-wall design, a tab for padlock security, and compartments for tools and oil storage. It fits most Husqvarna chainsaw models from the 136 to the 450 with a maximum 20 inch guide bar.

Confirm your saw's model and bar length against the case fit details and your owner's manual. Don't place a wet saw or leaking fuel container in a closed case.

A case can keep the saw together with its tools, but it isn't a substitute for a locked storage area if children or other people can reach it. Keep the case on a stable shelf or in a locked space.

How should you store a gas chainsaw?

Use the fuel-storage steps in your chainsaw manual. The right approach can depend on the engine and how long the saw will sit.

For a short break between jobs, keep the fuel system closed and the saw away from heat or sparks. For longer storage, check the manual for whether to drain the tank, run the carburetor dry, or use fuel stabilizer.

Never pour gasoline into an unapproved container or leave fuel near a furnace, water heater, flame, or other ignition source. Keep fuel containers closed and stored as local fire-safety rules require.

Can fuel stabilizer help during chainsaw storage?

Fuel stabilizer may suit gas-saw owners who plan to store fuel rather than drain it, but use it only if the saw manual allows it. Follow the stabilizer's label for its ratio and handling.

STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer is intended for gasoline, gas and oil mixtures, and ethanol-blended fuels. Its instructions call for one ounce per 2½ gallons of fuel, and STA-BIL says it can keep fuel fresh for up to 24 months, depending on fuel quality and storage conditions.

Measure the amount carefully and mix it into the fuel as directed. Don't guess at the ratio or assume treated fuel can stay in the saw indefinitely; use the manual's storage and restart steps.

When is premixed fuel worth considering?

Premixed fuel can help if your gas saw requires a 50:1 mix and you want to avoid mixing fuel yourself. Check the saw manual first to confirm the required ratio and fuel type.

STIHL MotoMix is a 50:1 premix made with non-ethanol fuel and STIHL HP Ultra oil. STIHL says it remains fresh for up to two years after the seal is broken.

A quart can make sense when you need a small amount for a job and want to avoid preparing a larger batch. Keep the container closed and follow its label and the saw manual for storage.

For measuring and mixing other fuel, read how to mix gas for a chainsaw. Use only the ratio and fuel type your saw's manual specifies.

How do you store an electric or battery chainsaw?

Disconnect the saw from its power source before cleaning and storage. For a battery chainsaw, remove the battery and store it as directed in the battery manual.

For a corded saw, unplug it and coil the cord loosely without sharp bends. Keep the plug and cord dry, and check them for damage before the next use.

Brush off sawdust, wipe the saw dry, and cover the bar and chain. Keep a battery away from heat and moisture, and don't store it attached to the saw unless both manuals say that is acceptable.

If you're choosing between a corded and battery-powered model, our corded vs cordless chainsaw guide explains the differences.

Where should you keep a stored chainsaw?

Choose a dry, stable, locked or otherwise secure place away from children. Keep the saw away from rain, damp floors, heaters, open flames, and anything that could knock it off a shelf.

Don't hang a saw by its chain or bar. Use the handles or an approved storage point, and make sure the saw can't fall when you move other equipment.

Store fuel separately in an approved container and follow local fire-safety rules. Keep oily rags and fuel away from ignition sources.

What should you check before using the saw again?

Read the manual's startup checklist and inspect the saw before restarting it. Check the bar, chain, chain brake, fasteners, and controls for damage or wear.

Make sure the chain is properly tensioned, the bar oil system is ready, and the fuel is suitable for the saw. Don't start a saw if a guard, handle, or control is damaged or missing.

If the chain needs attention, use our guide to finding your chainsaw chain size before replacing it. For protective clothing and equipment, see chainsaw safety gear for home use.

What is the simplest way to store a chainsaw?

For short breaks, clean the saw, cover its bar and chain, and store it somewhere dry and secure. A fitted scabbard works for covering the cutting end; a case can hold the saw and some tools together.

For longer storage, follow the manual's fuel or battery steps. Choose the stabilizer only if treated fuel suits your saw, and use premixed fuel only when its ratio matches the saw's requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Should I drain the gas from my chainsaw before storage?

It depends on the saw and how long it will sit. Follow the owner's manual for fuel preparation, including whether to drain the tank or use stabilized fuel.

Store fuel only in an approved, closed container, away from heat and ignition sources.

Can I store a chainsaw with the chain on?

Yes, if the saw is off, cool, clean, and the chain is properly tensioned as the manual directs. Cover the bar and chain with a scabbard or keep the saw in a suitable case, then store it where children cannot reach it.

How should I store a battery chainsaw?

Switch it off, remove the battery, and clean and cover the bar and chain. Store the saw and battery as their manuals direct, in a dry place away from heat, moisture, and children; don't leave the battery connected during storage.

Is it safe to store a chainsaw in its case?

A case can help keep the saw covered and contained, but store only a clean, dry saw and follow the case and saw manuals. Make sure fuel or bar oil can't leak onto other items, and keep the case locked or out of children's reach.