My next door neighbour recently purchased her first chainsaw and wanted to learn all about the proper way to store it. We’ve all seen the classic chainsaw storage position – laid horizontally on its side – but what about storing it vertically?
As a chainsaw newbie, she wanted to know if this was something that was safe and acceptable. So I thought to explain the pros and cons of storing a chainsaw vertically vs horizontally, to help people make an informed decision.
So, is it okay to store a chainsaw vertically? Let’s explore the pros and cons of this storage option.
The Pros of Vertical Storage
Storing a chainsaw vertically can have some benefits. For one, this storage option allows you to fit it into tight spaces in your garage or shed where horizontal storage would be impossible or impractical.
Also, when stored vertically, a chainsaw is less likely to collect dust or debris on its chain and bar since they are not resting on the floor. This means that maintenance time is reduced since there will be less debris to clean off before using the saw again.
Storing your chainsaw vertically can also make it easier for you to grab the chainsaw by its handle when you need to quickly pick it up.
Since most chainsaws have a fuel shut-off switch located on their side or top handlebars, having them stored upright means that they are already in position for quick starting.
Lastly, for safety reasons, this can be a good option if you have small children or pets in your home if you store your chainsaw indoors.
The Cons of Vertical Storage
While there are certainly benefits to vertical storage for chainsaws, there are also some drawbacks that should be considered.
One potential issue with vertical storage is that oils from the saw may drip down onto other items stored nearby, such as tools or other pieces of equipment. It’s important to make sure that items in storage are properly protected from any leaking lubricants from your saw so as not to cause any damage over time.
If stored with fuel still inside the tank for an extended period of time without running (which often happens when stored for long periods), condensation may occur which could also lead to corrosion issues.
Another disadvantage of vertical storage is that certain parts – like spark plugs and air filters – may become loose if too much weight is applied due to gravity when stored upright.
If you plan on storing your chainsaw vertically, you will need to inspect these parts regularly just in case they become loose over time when stored in an upright position.
How To Properly Store Your Chainsaw Vertically
When storing your chainsaw vertically, it’s important to make sure that you do so properly in order to prevent any damage or malfunctions.
- First, be sure that the saw is completely off and cool before attempting to store it horizontally or vertically.
- If possible, remove the bar cover plate and oil filter before storing for extended periods of time so that air can circulate more freely around the motor and engine parts.
- It’s also important to make sure that your saw is securely attached to a wall or other vertical surface with mounting brackets designed for this purpose; otherwise, it could potentially fall over during storage or when being accessed for use.
- Finally, always be sure that the area where you store your saw is dry and free from dust or other debris which can cause damage over time if left unchecked.
The bottom line is that while it can be more convenient to store a chainsaw vertically, there are a few drawbacks that should be considered.
Conclusion
Vertical storage for chainsaws can be done safely with some extra care taken during maintenance checks and inspections of your saw’s vital components like spark plugs, air filters, and oil caps.
If you don’t have enough room in your shop for horizontal storage then vertical might be an option worth considering. Just make sure you take steps like protecting nearby items from lubricant leakage and checking for loose parts after extended periods of upright storage.
Finally, if you decide vertical storage isn’t right for you then stick with storing your chainsaws using traditional horizontal storage methods – just take care to store it on a flat, stable surface and clean it regularly for optimal safety and performance.
