Leave the chain on the chainsaw

Leave the chain installed, back the tension off a hair, and store the saw so the bar isn’t resting on anything.

Removing the chain for storage is a solution looking for a problem. A chain that’s been loosened a quarter turn isn’t going to stretch, damage the sprocket, or distort the drive links. What it will do is keep the bar rails oiled and protected, and it makes the saw ready to grab the next time you need it.

The important step is backing off that tension. A chain left at full fighting tension for weeks puts constant stress on the bar, sprocket, and clutch drum. Loosen it until it’s snug but you can pull it slightly off the bar with two fingers, then give the bar tip a squirt of oil before you shut the garage door.

Take the chain off only if you’re storing the saw for months at a time, shipping it, or the chain is junk anyway. Then coil it, oil it lightly, and stick it in a bag so it doesn’t rust into a wad.

Future you will be grateful when the first branch of the season drops without a servicing session.