Chainsaw Storage Ideas: How To Store And Winterize A Chainsaw Correctly

Correct chainsaw storage is important for keeping your machine in tip-top shape.

In this post, we take a look at the different ways people store chainsaws. Most folks store their saws on workshop and garage shelves, but hanging is one great space-saving solution.

The table below lists some products that can help with better chainsaw storage, but we have plenty of other DIY ideas below that don’t involve spending money.

How To Store A Chainsaw

	Heavy Duty Chainsaw Wall Mounts	Black low profile chainsaw wall hanger/mount Can hold up to 100 lbs Made in the USA	View On AmazonView On Home Depot
	Husqvarna Powerbox Chainsaw Case	Strong storage case and scabbard Protects powerhead, bar, and chain Fits Husqvarna chainsaws up to and including the 372xp and 575xp	View On AmazonView On Tractor Supply
	EGO Soft Chainsaw Bag	Soft case for chainsaw storage or transport Made of thickened weather resistant canvas Designed for EGO, but suitable for other brands like Dewalt, Greenworks	View On AmazonView On Northern Tool

Wall mounts or hooks are among the best ways to store a chainsaw.

Many people choose to hang their chainsaws from hangers, but other good options include shelves, cases, bags, boxes, scabbards, and so on.

There’s nothing wrong with keeping your chainsaws on the floor, but consider these options if you want to free up space. They may also prevent chainsaws from being damaged or from leaking oil on the floor.

This happened when I left my Dewalt 20v Battery Saw on the garage floor…

It leaks bar oil like nothing else!

Nowadays, I store this saw without any bar oil in it. I top it up only as much as I need and drain whatever’s left when I’m finished.

Here are chainsaw storage solutions for those who want to free up space, clean up their garage or workshop, and avoid accidental damage.

Chainsaw Storage Ideas

Chainsaws can be stored in most positions.

They don’t have to stand on end with the bar pointing to the ground or lie flat on a shelf.

However, whatever way you store them, it’s best to drain the bar oil first to prevent leakages. Some models are worse than others for leaking, but it’s not uncommon for most chainsaws.

Chainsaws can be stored:

• On an angle (as they are displayed in stores)
• Sitting on the ground
• Upright, which can be a much better use of space

Here are other DIY or pro chainsaw storage ideas.

1. Chainsaw Hangers And Hooks

Can you store a chainsaw vertically?

Yes!

These saws are hung from heavy-duty hooks.

This is a very easy, quick, and cheap option for storing chainsaws.

You’ll want to ensure the hooks can hold the weight over time, as the worst thing would be having a chainsaw drop from a height.

Rissers Milling shared about their post:

Dollar store flower pot hooks will hold a chainsaw

#shedthings #husqvarna #stihl #chainsawstorage

The hooks don’t look ultra-tough, but they do the job.

Install wall hooks into a stud to prevent the chainsaw weight from pulling them out, especially when the walls are lined with plasterboard.

This brave person has chainsaws hanging from nails from the ceiling…

That’s one way to get chainsaws off the garage floor!

Try to store chainsaws without any fuel or chain oil to avoid drips. Or, at least make sure you’re chainsaws are not prone to this before hanging them up.

We also like this DIY chainsaw storage idea…

The hanging hooks used here look very strong, and they are holding some large heavy saws like the 066.

It’s very neat, tidy, and organized. 

2. Chainsaw Shelving

This is a great example of Stihl Chainsaw storage shelves.

It’s reasonably easy to build solid shelving for chainsaws like this. If you have lumber lying around, this will save a ton.

It doesn’t matter what chainsaw brand you are using—Stihl, Husqvarna, ECHO, or anything else—they can all be stored in the same way.

Each manufacturer will have its own chainsaw storage best practices that you should consider. How you store them may factor into warranty concerns, so always have a quick read of your manual.

Stihl recommends:

• Storing the chainsaw out of the sun
• Cleaning the saw and putting it away free from dust
• Making sure it can’t be accessed by children and pets
• Storing it in a dry location with no chance of getting wet

All good advice.

When storing a chainsaw long-term, there are other things you might like to do, like draining the fuel. We’ll cover that down below in how to winterize a chainsaw.

Here is another chainsaw shelving idea from Kain Kustom Garage…

It looks like he needs more shelves—the collection is piling up at the bottom!

These are another good example of homemade shelving strong enough for many chainsaws.

Alternatively, build shelves to display and showcase your chainsaw collection like this example…

The account shared:

Why not start a chainsaw collection?

What!?

My husband did – which is okay with me since he keeps them at the tree farm where he works.

It’s nice to have that antique chainsaw signage in the back, too.

3. Chainsaw Log Stands

This is a unique idea for storing chainsaws—stuck in a log of wood!

However, while it looks great, it may not actually be the best idea.

Unless the wood is completely dry, sap and moisture could damage your bar and chain when left like this.

There are other variations of this idea…

But it would pay just to watch how your chains and bars weather in this type of setup.

4. Chainsaw Wall Racks

How can you store a chainsaw in a garage to make the most of limited space?

This is the FGS Chainsaw Rack (Farm-Garage Solutions Store), made of alloy steel and designed to hold one chainsaw, bar oil, and spare chains.

Putting chainsaws on the wall like this creates a strong, durable stand that they can easily slip in and out of without being damaged.

They even have options for storing brush cutters and weed whackers. These are their “Trimmer Rack Garage Storage Hanger Wacker Rack” products.

5. Chainsaw Cases

Chainsaw cases and bags are also good for organizing, storing, and transporting chainsaws.

As in the example above, you can make your own or buy a chainsaw case suitable for your saw. Some are universal, while others may only fit a specific brand or model of saw.

For storing or carrying your chainsaw on a tractor or other vehicle, check out the SawHaul chainsaw carrier.

Winterize Chainsaw

There are different ways to store your chainsaw over winter.

Depending on who you’re talking to or what you’re reading, they will have a different opinion on what to do.

Steve from Steve’s Small Engine Saloon recommends running your saw once a month through winter to exercise the carburetor. He also recommends using a fuel stabilizer with fresh fuel during this period.

The Toolsman also recommends using Seafoam or Stabil fuel stabilizers.

Stabil (or STA-BIL) is the brand that most frequently appears when asking others how they winterize chainsaws. It’s guaranteed to keep fuel fresh for up to two years in storage.

Using a product like this means you won’t need to drain your fuel tank before storing, and it allows your machine to start quickly again next season. It’s suitable for all gas engines, including small 2-cycle chainsaw engines.

Drain Fuel And Oil For Storage

In this Stihl video, we learn how to drain a chainsaw of fuel and oil.

Regular gas station fuel breaks down quickly, which is why it’s not good to leave it in your tank. The chemical composition changes, and running or keeping old fuel in your chainsaw can damage it.

If you won’t use your saw for longer than two months it’s important to put it into storage mode.

After draining the tank, add a product like Stihl MotoMix. It’s a high-grade, ethanol-free, fuel mix that will remain stable for up to 2 years. The product will need to then be run through the system for storage.

Of course, this won’t be an issue if you have a battery-powered chainsaw or an electric chainsaw.

Long-Term Storage Tips

Don’t store your chainsaw in the living room for long.

Especially if it’s leaking oil like that MS 181 was.

Neither is this a good idea…

Looks like somebody was a Husqvarna fan.

The story behind this picture is that the guy picked all these saws up from an estate sale and then didn’t have anywhere to store them.

They ended up living in the boot of the car for a while!

Here are a few long-term storage tips for chainsaws:

• Top up the bar and chain oil (if it doesn’t leak) so that it doesn’t dry out; if it does leak, definitely remove the oil
• Remove the guide bar and chain so that it’s safer around pets and children
• Make sure all dust and chips are removed from the chainsaw (give it a clean)
• Keep chainsaws off the floor in case of an unexpected water leak

Small air compressors are the ideal tool to have for cleaning chainsaws. Blast away all that sawdust and oil!

And people often ask, “Should you run a chainsaw dry before storing it long-term?”

There is much debate about whether or not this is good for a small engine. Some mechanics think it’s the worst thing possible, though plenty of people do it.

Here’s the advice of one gentleman on Facebook:

If you’ve ever worked on a chainsaw carb you wouldn’t be telling anyone to run it dry and leave it to sit… diaphragm will harden up like woodpecker lips.

I don’t know how hard woodpecker lips are, but I think pretty hard!

Best Way To Store Chainsaws

Some chainsaws, such as Stihl’s biggest chainsaws, take up more room but can be stored all the same.

When hanging saws, make sure to over-engineer your set-up. You want hooks to hold much more than you’re going to put on them. Whether they’re in the garage, shed, or workshop, the last thing you want is a saw dropping to the floor.

Let us know how you store your chainsaws and feel free to offer any further advice in the comments below.