Chainsaw storage and care tips
Before you put your chainsaw into storage for winter or a longer break, it needs to be cleaned and safe to store. We guide you through the key steps.
10.12.2024
Step-by-step chainsaw storage preparation
To avoid oil leaking from your STIHL chainsaw while it’s in storage, it’s a good idea to drain the fuel from the tank into a suitable fuel container – make sure you do this in a well-ventilated area. Then clean the tank and run the carburettor at idle until the chainsaw stops by itself, so the carburettor diaphragms don’t stick together while in storage.
Remove the saw chain and guide bar. Clean them and spray them with protective oil. Thoroughly clean the whole chainsaw, especially the cylinder ribs and air filter.
If you use a vegetable-based chain oil, you should fill the chain lubricant tank to the top to prevent the oil from gumming while in storage; semi-synthetic oils such as STIHL SynthPlus chain oil do not gum, and can remain in the tank without having to be topped up.
Your chainsaw should be stored in a dry place that is well-ventilated and protected against the elements. We advise that you do not store your chainsaw outdoors. As long as the fuel tank is empty, you can store your chainsaw vertically, or even hanging up.
Store your tool in such a way that it is not directly exposed to sunlight, otherwise there may be UV degradation of the body.
Pack your chainsaw away so that it cannot accumulate dust: STIHL offers special carry bags and cases to protect your tool while it is in storage.
Always store your chainsaw safely out of reach of people who shouldn’t be using it, including children. It should ideally be in a lockable room or cupboard.
Video instructions on chainsaw storage
Disposing of fuels and lubricants: Appropriate facilities must be used when disposing of chainsaw fuels and lubricants. You will often find these at recycling centres.
Operating instructions for STIHL chainsaws
Download the operating instructions for your STIHL chainsaw here
Summary: chainsaw storage
- To ensure there is no oil leakage while your chainsaw is in storage, empty and clean the fuel tank first. Do this in a well-ventilated area and dispose of the fuel appropriately according to environmental regulations, for example at a recycling centre
- Run the carburettor at idle so the diaphragms in the carburettor do not stick together while in storage
- Remove the saw chain and guide bar, clean them and spray them with protective oil
- Thoroughly clean the chainsaw, particularly the cylinder ribs and air filter
- If you’re using a vegetable-based chain oil such as STIHL BioPlus, fill the lubricant tank to the top to prevent the chain lubricant from gumming in storage
- Store the chainsaw in a dry, secure location, well out of the reach of children. You can hang your chainsaw vertically for storage if the fuel tank is empty
