Storing Your Chainsaw for Winter

Storing gas power tools for an extended period of time it's important for making sure your tools are ready to go the following season. If you won't be using your chainsaw over the winter, follow these steps to properly winterize your chainsaw.

Empty the Fuel Tank

There are a couple ways you can empty your fuel tank. Most fuel today has a short shelf like because it contains ethanol. Some high quality, high octane fuels or fuels treated with a treatment such as Star Tron Enzyme Treatment can be stored safely for up to 2 years, but generally speaking, you will want to remove the fuel both for safety reasons and because fuel can thicken over time, doing damage to your carburetor.

Remove the fuel from your tank and add a small amount of high grade, ethanol free fuel, or fuel that has been treated with a fuel stabilizer back into your tank. Start the chainsaw 10 feet from where you were removing and adding fuel, and let it run until the engine stops.

Clean the Saw

What's better than firing up a freshly cleaned chainsaw next season? Cleaning your chainsaw and all its components might not be entirely necessary, but it will ensure that your saw is ready to go next season. At the very least you will want to remove the bar and chain and wipe them down to prevent any rusting or corrosion. You will also want to wipe the bar and chain down with WD-40 or another rust preventing oil. Check out our chainsaw cleaning guide for more tips on getting your saw in top shape.

Store Properly

Storing your saw in a dry place is crucial to keeping all of the components corrosion free. In addition to keeping moisture away from your saw, you don't want any dust or debris building up on your chainsaw throughout storage. If your chainsaw came with a case, store it in the case or find a relatively air tight container to put the saw in that will keep dust out.

If you follow these steps, by the time next season rolls around, your chainsaw will be ready to go!

HLSupply.com supplies quality aftermarket chainsaw parts and supplies for a number of makes and models including Stihl, Husqvarna, Partner, and more.

Cutting Wet Wood with a Chainsaw

Winter is rapidly approaching, and with it, wet conditions. Between autumn rain and eventually winter snow, working with a chainsaw in wet weather is inevitable. Here are a few tips for cutting wet wood with a chainsaw:

• Cutting wood in rain or snow is okay for your saw: If you're nervous about your saw getting wet, don't worry. Gas powered chainsaws are perfectly okay to use in wet weather; the same is true for the log itself. Cutting through wet wood is fine for your chain and bar, though there might be some extra build up from wet saw dust. It's nothing you can't clean off with a rag, though.
• Check your air filter: Speaking of wet build up, your engine's air filter could potentially be subject to wet debris getting caught in it. If the engine feels like it's not running correctly or it's struggling, check the air filter for any debris.
• Be wary of slippery conditions: Obviously when surfaces are wet (or icy), things can get slippery. It's important to make sure you have solid footing when you're working in the rain or snow and make sure you have a solid grip on the saw at all times.
• Use weather appropriate clothing & protective equipment: Wet weather boots and gloves with extra grip will go a long way in avoiding any mishaps. Wearing warm and water resistant clothing will also ensure that you're comfortable and can stay focused on the job.
• Use the correct type of chain for frozen wood: Not all chains serve the same purpose, and for frozen logs you will need one with semi-chisel teeth. These rounded teeth cut at a slightly slower pace, but you won't have to stop and sharpen your chain in the middle of a job because your chain is dull. Check out our blog post on chainsaw teeth for more information on chain types.
• Be wary of debris frozen to the bark: Cutting through dirt and rocks won't go well for your chainsaw chain. Make sure the logs you're cutting don't have a lot of debris frozen to them, particularly on the bottom of the log where you wouldn't see it.

Here are some things to consider before sharpening a chainsaw with a round file.

HLSupply.com provides quality aftermarket chainsaw parts from both new and discontinued chainsaws, and also carries a variety of parts for other power equipment including blowers, concrete saws, and rammers.

5 Best Chainsaw Modifications & Hacks

Gas chainsaws are versatile—considering they are powered by small engines, there are dozens of ways you can modify them by removing the engine and using it for some other application. We searched around the web for the coolest chainsaw modifications we could find and came up with 4 cool hacks from creative tinkerers. Check out our list and let us know in the comments if you have seen any other cool mods!

5. Chainsaw Flashlight

This chainsaw hack that we found on Instructables.com is an alternative to a gas powered generator flashlight. While it might not be the most practical flashlight for nighttime due to how loud chainsaw engines are, it's still a cool mod that you can do at home yourself if you’re handy. Obviously a chainsaw drives a bit more power than is needed to power a light bulb, so this hack takes some significant modifications to a chainsaw engine.

4. Chainsaw Scooter

A chainsaw scooter makes a little bit more sense—with a small engine motor, you can get enough power to get a scooter moving pretty quickly. This particular mod was done using a 27cc chainsaw engine and is powerful enough for an adult to ride. We can’t promise this one is street legal in your town, though.

3. Chainsaw Twin Engine Go Kart

Add another engine, and you have a serious go kart. Again, chainsaw engines are loud, but this modified chainsaw engine go kart looks like it drives and handles almost as well as any other go kart.

2. Chainsaw Bayonett

This is the only modification on the list that actually uses the saw bar and chain. You may have seen this modification in movies and videogames, but firearms accessories company Double Star created a functioning chainsaw bayonet. The modification is intended in case of a zombie apocalypse, of course.

1. Chainsaw Motorcycle

One or two chainsaw engines seems like a reasonable amount to make a modded chainsaw engine vehicle, but how many more can you actually add? Dolmette managed to make a chainsaw motorcycle using 24 of their engines. This makes for an extra-long motorcycle with 170 horsepower and a tedious visit to the gas station.

HLSupply.com provides aftermarket chainsaw parts for leading brands including Stihl, Husqvarna, Partner & more. Visit their store for the complete selection of power tool parts, supplies & accessories.

Fall Yard Maintenance Tips

Even though summer just ended, it's the perfect time to start getting your lawn in shape so it looks better than the last year. Fall brings with it beautiful leaves and cooler temperatures that are perfect for getting some yard work done and repairing blemishes won't look as noticeable against the browning grass and leaves. Here are a few tips for maintaining your lawn in the fall.

Rake the Leaves: This should go without saying, but raking the leaves will ensure that you grass continues to get sunlight throughout the fall. It's especially important to rake them before it rains because fungus could form and kill your grass. Dry leaves are also easy to clean up with a leaf blower.

Mow Your Lawn: Keeping up with mowing your lawn is important during the autumn months because it will continue to grow until it gets very cold. You'll also want to lower the height of your mower so that the grass doesn’t have to supply nutrients to long blades. This will also help prevent any rodents from forming homes underneath the snow in the winter.

Aerate the Soil: Fall is a great time to aerate your lawn since you won't be using it as much over the next few months. It will give your soil more oxygen and help bring new layers of soil up to the surface.

Fertilize: Fertilizing your lawn in the fall will ensure that your grass has proper nutrients throughout the cold winter months when those nutrients are scarce.

Fix Bald Spots: Similar to fertilizing, getting a head start on fixing any blemishes or bald spots in the early fall will get those spots growing now and looking perfect in the spring.

Get Rid of Weeds: Weeds will be sucking up all the nutrients they can to prepare for winter, so giving them a few sprays of weed killer will be most effective in the fall. Pair that with a few months of cold temperatures, and you won't be seeing those weeds the following year.

Winterize Trees & Shrubs: Don't forget your landscaping! Trees and shrubs need some care to prepare for winter as well. Doing a bit of pruning will help your trees look ready in the spring. Limiting their water intake is also a good idea to encourage the leaves to fall off and your plants to get ready for winter.

HLSupply.com carries a wide selection of parts and supplies for power lawn care tools including chainsaws, blowers, and lawn mowers. Visit our store for our complete selection of aftermarket parts.

How to Choose a Gas Chainsaw

If you're serious about your power tools, you have already decided that an electric chainsaw won't provide enough power for the jobs you have in mind. Using a chainsaw regularly, whether it's on trees, shrubs, or any number of woodworking jobs, requires the power a gas engine provides, and also gives you the added benefit of being able to move around without the restrictions of power cords.

Gas powered chainsaws also tend to be a bit more expensive than their electric cousins, so choosing the correct saw for your application is important. While the best brand of chainsaw is open for debate, there are number of technical specifications that should be considered no matter the brand you eventually decide on purchasing.

Engine Size

The first thing you have to determine is the engine size, also known as engine displacement, you need in a chainsaw. Obviously, larger engines provide more power and are generally required for bigger jobs. Most homeowners will require a saw under 60cc, and the most common homeowner saws will be between 30cc and 45cc (such as Stihl's line of homeowner saws). Lower engine displacements are generally used for trimming and pruning, and higher engine displacements can be used for small to medium trees and cutting firewood.

Bar Length

Bar length is another measurement that is typically determined by the type of work you're doing. Homeowner chainsaws are usually available with bars that range between 14 and 18 inches. If you won't be cutting trees or logs, you should make sure to go with a smaller bar. A 14" bar will not only minimize chances of injury, but it will also be easier to handle which will allow you to get the job done more quickly.

Chain Type

There are two different kinds of chains that you need to be aware of when purchasing a saw: full-chisel teeth and semi-chisel teeth. Full-chisel teeth are great for quickly chipping away large amounts of wood, but this causes them to become dull rather quickly so it's best to use a full-chisel chain on woods such as pine and cedar. The opposite is true for semi-chisel teeth. They won't dull as quickly and therefore can cut through hardwoods such as maple and oak for longer periods of time (though each individual cut may take a bit longer).

Safety Features

Finally, you'll want to consider the safety options that your saw offers. If you're a novice chainsaw user, you should make sure your saw has features that will protect you from injury. Look for a chain break lever, which can be combined with the front handguard so that if for any reason the chainsaw kicks back, the guard will hit your hand and stop the chain. Other safety features to look for include a safety throttle, chain catcher, and stop switch. Wikipedia offers a good overview of many of the safety features available on a chainsaw.

We hope this gave a good overview of the features you need to look for when purchasing a gas powered chainsaw and will help you along the way when you’re talking to salespeople. Finally, remember to purchase the proper safety gear before you start working and you'll be on your way to a beautifully kept yard!

HLSupply.com sells aftermarket chainsaw parts for a chainsaws from Stihl, Husqvarna, Partner and many more. Visit our store for the best deals on power tool parts and equipment.

How to Clean a Chainsaw

You take pride in your work and you should also take pride in your tools. Regularly cleaning your chainsaw is important for keeping the chainsaw running smoothly, not mention keeping it from stalling in the middle of a job. Here's what you'll need to get your saw as clean as the day you bought it:

• Air compressor
• A set of chainsaw tools
• General cleaner
• Air filter cleaner
• A towel or rag

1. Remove the drivetrain cover and remove the chainsaw chain & bar: There's not a whole lot of room for sawdust to escape in the drivetrain, so it's likely this will be an area you will have to clean more often. Use an air compressor to blow out all the dirt, dust, and grime in both the sprocket and clutch area and on the drivetrain cover. It doesn't hurt to give the chainsaw bar a quick cleaning as well.

2. Remove the oil port plate: Some compressed air should clean this area out quickly.

3. Remove the clutch cover and clean the components: Carefully unscrew and pry off the plastic clutch cover and blow out the area. Remove the sprocket and clean it off. Disassemble the clutch being careful to keep track of all the pieces, and add some bearing lubrication to the clutch bearing axle. Carefully reassemble these parts when you're done cleaning.

4. Remove the muffler: Unscrew the muffler and clean out the screen. Reassemble when you're done.

5. Clean or replace the air filter: Remove the intake cover and blow off the air filter. Remove the air filter cover and check to make sure the filter isn't damaged. If it is, you'll have to replace it. If it isn't, blow out the air filter from the inside with compressed air, and use air filter cleaner to make sure you remove any stubborn pieces. Air filter lube will also ensure that air will flow freely through the filter and keep debris from sticking to it. Reassemble the intake when you're done.

6. Reassemble the bar and the chain: Finally, put the chainsaw bar and chain back on the saw. It's important to set up your saw with proper chain tension to avoid any mishaps while running your saw.

Now your saw should be ready for any job. If along the way you find any parts that are damaged or have excessive wear, HL Supply has a variety of chainsaw parts for just about any saw you might need.

Product Review: Stihl Chainsaw Parts

Stihl is one of the most trusted brands of chainsaws and is used around the world and is an official sponsor of the summer Timbersports, a compilation of competitions that use chainsaws and handsaws. While this is one of the most prestigious saw companies, there can still be occasional breakdowns and parts will need to be replaced. Those high quality parts should always be replaced with parts of the same caliber. That’s why HL Supply offers a vast variety of Stihl chainsaw parts. Some of those include chainsaw spark plugs, chainsaw fuel filters, and chainsaw starter rope with handle which we will talk about in this review.

Chainsaw Spark Plug

One of the most commonly replaced items on a machine—the spark plug—is the combustion starter for your engine. By creating an electric bolt a chainsaw spark plug is able to ignite the fuel and the engine can start. You don’t want to have an engine that doesn’t start. Find the right size spark plug for your Stihl chainsaw fast and easy today at HL Supply.

Stihl Chainsaw Fuel Filter

Chainsaw Fuel filters are absolutely essential to having a strong chainsaw. All the fuel pulled into the engine is filtered through the fuel filter. If the filter is clogged from dirt and grime, the fuel has a harder time passing through and engine power is decreased. When cutting with a saw, power is precision. Make sure that your engine is at full power with a custom aftermarket Stihl chainsaw fuel filter.

Starter Rope with Handle

If your starter rope is about to break don’t wait for that day to come. Our aftermarket starter rope with handle is both strong and inexpensive. These easy to replace ropes will fit all of your Stihl saws. Have a durable starter cord that you don’t have to worry about breaking.

When you need to repair your Sithl chainsaw or cut-off saw, you have to make sure that you buy the right parts. That is why searching for your parts at HL Supply is essential. Find everything you need, including products like spark plugs, fuel filters, starter ropes, and many more. If you have any questions about our Stihl products, please contact us and we will get back to you right away!