How To Store A Chainsaw So It Doesn't Leak Oil

Storing A Chainsaw So It Doesn't Leak Oil

To know how to store a chainsaw so it doesn't leak oil, we need to understand why it's leaking in the first place. Hanging the thing up the right way if you've something wrong with the internal parts of the saw.

Why Does Oil Leak From A Chainsaw In Storage?

Oil leaking out of a chainsaw that's in storage comes down to one or two reasons:

1. The chainsaw has an issue or defect
2. Temperature fluctuations
3. You stored in wrong

Chainsaw Defects

There are a number of different maintenance issues that can happen to your chainsaw that will cause it to leak oil. For example, the oil plug can degrade over time, breaking the plug's seal on the tank.

Once the seal is broken, oil will inevitably seep from the oil tank over the long term. In fact, if oil is leaking out of your chainsaw, first thing you wanna check is the oil plug because it's an easy fix.

Another issue that can occur is that the oil line can rupture. This line feeds oil from the oil tank to the oil pump. If you find your chainsaw leaking oil, take the bottom cover off the chainsaw to see if you can see any obvious leaks.

Temperature Changes

When I say temperature changes, I mean the temperature in the air drops from hot to cold overnight, which cause the oil to leak from the chainsaw.

The temperature drops, and then both the air and oil contract, taking up less space in the oil tank. This is because the temperature drops cause variations in air pressure.

Air will then equalize the pressure by being drawn into the tank through a one-way valve breather to fill up the space. When the temperature increases the next day, the air and oil expand, and since the valve is only a one-way valve, oil will be forced out through ports that pump oil.

So if you leave your chainsaw in your garage over the winter with oil in it, you can expect it to leak when the temperature fluctuations are big enough. If the temperature fluctuates every single night, then you can expect leaks every single night.

This is why STIHL recommends that you store your chainsaw empty. Other chainsaws, you can get away from this by not storing the chainsaw at maximum oil capacity. If your oil reservoir is full, you'll have a bigger chance of it leaking with temperature fluctuations.



One way around this is by storing the chainsaw with the oil cap slightly ajar. You need to make sure the chainsaw is stored at an angle where opening the oil tank won't cause it to leak. Opening the cap allows the air to vent through the cap instead of through the one-way breather valve.

Incorrectly stored

This might seem obvious but if you store you chainsaw upside down, then you increase the likelihood of it leaking. Gravity will do that. The same thing goes if you hang the chainsaw by the back handle. Oil can leak and run down out over the guide bar. Yuck.

The last way you want to avoid storing the chainsaw is upside down or on its side. Now, this might not happen in the garage, (we hope), but sometimes chainsaws can bounce around in the back of a truck or something, and the owner just leaves it there upside for whatever reason.

You'll want to avoid that as much as possible.

Chainsaws Just Leak Oil Sometimes

Anyone who has owned a chainsaw has probably had them leak oil at some point. It sucks but that's just part of chainsaw ownership, especially with lower-end models that the homeowner uses. I

n our review of the Dewalt 20V chainsaw, we covered how no matter what, that chainsaw just leaks chain oil.

How To Store A Chainsaw So It Doesn't Leak Oil

Taking that all into consideration, there's really only a few ways how to store a chainsaw so it doesn't leak oil:

• Routine inspection and maintenance
• Storing the chainsaw upright
• Storing it at lower than maximum oil levels
• Drain it during Winter season

Routine Inspection & Maintenance

Routine inspection and maintenance are one of the best ways to prevent chainsaw oil leaks. Chainsaws are rough tools that take a beating throughout the day so regular inspection can nip any issues in the bud. If you don't know too much about chainsaws, just keep an eye on the oil plug and oil line.

Storing The Chainsaw Upright

In my experience, the best way to store a chainsaw is to keep it upright on a horizontal plane, as if it was sitting on a table. Don't hang it vertically from the handle, you are just asking for oil leaks. Of course, chainsaws can still leak even upright but they still can leak less.

Don't Fill The Oil Tank

You might think it's a good idea to fill up the oil reservoir after a long day's work but you shouldn't. Just wait until you go out on the job the next time to avoid any headaches. As I mentioned above, chainsaw oil leaks is susceptible to temperature fluctuations so filling it to the top with oil is just asking for it to leak bar oil.

Drain It For The Winter

If you are storing this in the garage for the Winter, then go ahead and drain the oil. In fact, if you still need to use this in the colder months, you would benefit from draining the oil after each use of the chainsaw.

But I understand if you don't because that is a huge pain. The fact that STIHL recommends that is basically them admitting their chainsaw are going to leak oil no matter what you do.

Final Say On How To Store A Chainsaw So It Doesn't Leak Oil

Oil leaks are an absolute pain in the behind. Why can't oil just stay in the oil tanks that were designed for it?

Nonetheless, chainsaws need bar oil to run properly, so even though oil leaking sucks, it's something we need to deal with if we want to keep cutting through wood. Even the best chainsaws sometimes leak oil

You can expect to get some oil residue on your hands or your garage floor no matter what you try.

Hate to say it, but if you are storing your chainsaw in colder climates, you should really look into getting it some secondary containment because there is a good chance the chainsaw is going to leak no matter how hard you try.

It sucks but it's just a reality.

Storing Chainsaw So They Don't Leak FAQs

Before you go...

We went over a lot of little details in this article. If you don't know about oil plugs or oil lines, you may have gotten lost at a few points along the way. Be sure to read our full guide on the parts of a chainsaw before you do any tinkering with your machine.