How To Store Your Pole Saw Properly During The Off-Season

Let me share a little story with you that taught me the importance of properly storing my pole saw during the off-season. Last year, after a long day of trimming branches, I hastily put my pole saw away without giving it a proper cleaning or inspection.

My view at the time was, “What’s the worst that could happen? I’ll just deal with it next season.”

Well, spring rolled around, and I was in for a rude awakening. When I finally took my pole saw out of storage, the saw chain had rusted so badly that it was practically unusable. To make matters worse, the guide bar had a slight bend to it, and I could only guess it was due to the way I had carelessly stored it.

It took a trip to the hardware store and a significant chunk of change to replace the damaged parts. I realized I could have easily avoided this frustrating situation if I had taken the time to store my pole saw correctly. So, I learned my lesson, and now I want to help you avoid the same headache.

Proper storage for your pole saw is essential if you want to keep it in tip-top shape for years to come. By taking a few simple steps, you’ll not only increase your tool’s lifespan but also ensure safety and maintain its performance. Today, I’ll walk you through my exact step-by-step storage process, from cleaning to finding the perfect spot to tuck it away until it’s time to bring it out again. 

Preparing the Pole Saw for Storage

 Clean the pole saw

To avoid any unpleasant surprises like the one I had, it’s crucial to clean your pole saw thoroughly before storing it. Here’s how you do it:

Remove debris from the saw chain and guide bar: Use a brush or an old toothbrush to gently dislodge any wood chips, sawdust, or dirt that might be trapped in the saw chain and guide bar. This will help prevent rust and keep your saw running smoothly.

Clean the pole and motor housing: Take a damp cloth and wipe down the pole and motor housing, removing any dirt or grime that has built up during use. Make sure not to get any water inside the motor housing, as it can cause damage.

Wipe down the entire tool with a soft cloth: After cleaning the specific parts, give the entire pole saw a good wipe down with a soft, dry cloth. This will help remove any remaining dirt and prevent rust from forming on the surface.

Inspect and repair

Once your pole saw is spick and span, it’s time to inspect it for any issues that need to be addressed before storage:

Check the saw chain for wear or damage: Look closely at the saw chain to see if there are any damaged or worn-out teeth. If the chain appears to be in bad shape, consider replacing it or sharpening the teeth to ensure it’s ready for the next season.

Examine the guide bar for bending or warping: Remember my bent guide bar? To avoid that happening to you, carefully check your guide bar for any signs of bending or warping. If you find any issues, consider replacing the guide bar or consulting a professional for repair.

Look for any loose or missing parts: Give your pole saw a once-over, checking for any loose screws, bolts, or other components that may have come undone during use. Tighten any loose parts and replace any missing ones so your pole saw is secure and ready for action next season.

Lubricate and Protect

Now that your pole saw is squeaky clean and in tip-top shape, it’s time to give it some TLC before putting it to bed for the off-season.

Lubricate the saw chain and guide bar

Nobody likes a rusty saw chain, right? To keep your pole saw feeling young and limber, apply a light coat of oil to the saw chain and guide bar. It’s like a spa treatment for your pole saw, and it’ll thank you later by performing its best when you need it again.

Treat fuel system (for gas-powered pole saws)

If you’re rocking a gas-powered pole saw, listen up! Here’s how to keep that engine purring like a kitten:

Drain the fuel tank or use a fuel stabilizer: Old fuel can become a sticky mess over time, and you don’t want that gunk clogging up your engine. Either drain the fuel tank or add a fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel fresh during storage.

Run the engine to circulate stabilizer: If you opted for a fuel stabilizer, fire up your pole saw for a few minutes to let the stabilizer work its magic throughout the engine. Just think of it as your pole saw’s last hurrah before its winter hibernation.

Disconnect the spark plug wire: As a safety precaution, disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent any accidental starts while in storage. Safety first, folks!

Remove and store the battery (for battery-powered pole saws)

For those of you with battery-powered pole saws, here are a couple of steps to keep that battery happy and healthy:

Charge the battery fully before storage: Like a squirrel storing nuts for the winter, make sure your battery is fully charged before putting it away. This helps maintain the battery’s performance and prolong its life.

Store the battery in a cool, dry place: When it comes to battery storage, think of Goldilocks. You don’t want it too hot or too cold, but just right. Store the battery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Your battery will thank you by being ready to go when you need it next season.

Proper Storage Location

Now that your pole saw is clean, inspected, and treated, it’s time to find its perfect winter home. 

Select a suitable location

Choosing the right spot for your pole saw can save you a lot of trouble later on. Keep these factors in mind:

Dry and well-ventilated area: Store your pole saw in a place that’s free from moisture and has good airflow. This will help prevent rust and keep your pole saw in pristine condition.

Protection from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures: Just like you wouldn’t want to sunbathe all winter, your pole saw shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Find a spot that’s sheltered from the elements, and your pole saw will be ready to roll when you need it.

Organize storage space

Now that you’ve found the perfect spot, it’s time to get your pole saw settled in comfortably.

Store the pole saw in a horizontal position: Laying your pole saw down flat is the way to go. This will help prevent any warping or bending, especially in the guide bar (remember my story?).

Use wall-mounted brackets or hooks for easy access: If you’re short on space or just want to keep things neat and tidy, consider using wall-mounted brackets or hooks to store your pole saw. It’ll also be easy to grab when it’s time to put it back to work next season.

Periodic Maintenance Checks During the Off-Season

Even though your pole saw is taking a break, it’s still a good idea to show it some love with occasional check-ups. Here’s what you can do to ensure your pole saw remains in top condition:

Regular inspections

Out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind when it comes to your pole saw. Set a reminder to give it a quick once-over every few weeks or months, depending on your preference.

Check for rust or corrosion: Take a peek at the saw chain, guide bar, and other metal components for any signs of rust or corrosion. If you spot any, address the issue promptly to prevent further damage.

Ensure parts are secure and functioning properly: Just like you did before storage, double-check that all the parts are still secure and functioning as they should. Tighten any loose screws or bolts, and keep an eye out for anything that looks out of place.

Refresh the battery (for battery-powered pole saws)

Battery-powered pole saw owners, don’t forget about your trusty battery during the off-season!

Recharge the battery every few months to maintain performance: Even when not in use, batteries can slowly lose their charge. To keep your battery in peak condition, give it a little pick-me-up every few months with a recharge. This way, it’ll be ready to power through those branches when you need it next season.

Pole Saw Storage Checklist

Giving Your Pole Saw a Proper Send-Off Until Next Season

And there you have it. You’re now well-equipped with all the know-how to ensure your pole saw gets the royal treatment it deserves during its off-season siesta. By following these simple steps, you’ll not only save yourself from potential mishaps (like my rusty, bent guide bar fiasco), but you’ll also be investing in a trusty companion that’ll stick by your side for many seasons to come.

So, go ahead and give your pole saw a well-deserved pat on the back (or handle) for a job well done this past season. With your care and attention, it’ll be raring to go when those branches come calling again. Until then, enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that your pole saw is tucked away safely, dreaming of the limbs it’ll conquer next season. Happy storing, and see you when the trees start growing again.