Can you hang a chainsaw for storage?

Hanging a chainsaw for storage is absolutely possible and can be a great way to keep your chainsaw secure, accessible, and out of the way when not in use. With the right equipment and setup, hanging a chainsaw can be safe and effective for both home and professional use. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about hanging a chainsaw for storage.

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Safety Considerations for Hanging a Chainsaw

When hanging any power tool, safety should always be the top priority. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when planning to hang a chainsaw:

Use sturdy, load-bearing mounting hardware that can support the full weight of the chainsaw. Ceiling hooks, eye bolts, and heavy-duty hanging brackets are all good options.

Make sure the mounting location is free of electricity, plumbing, etc. Avoid mounting above windows or doors.
Hang the chainsaw high enough so it’s out of the reach of children and pets.
Ensure the hanging location leaves ample room to easily remove the chainsaw without bumping into things.

Always disconnect the spark plug before hanging or removing the chainsaw.
Use chainsaw-specific hanging hooks instead of dangling from the handle, which can damage the chainsaw.
Check the condition of the chain guard and chain brake before hanging.

Following basic precautions like these will help keep your chainsaw secure and minimize the risks when hanging it for storage. Safety glasses and gloves are also recommended when hanging your chainsaw.

Where to Mount a Hanging Chainsaw

You have several good options for where to mount a hanging chainsaw storage system. Here are some of the most popular locations:

Garage or shed ceilings – This is likely the most convenient and accessible place to hang a chainsaw, especially if that’s where you use it. Be sure to hang it high enough to avoid bumping people’s heads.

Basement rafters – Basement ceilings often have exposed rafters or joists perfect for mounting heavy-duty hooks and brackets.
Workshop wall – Hanging a chainsaw horizontally on a sturdy shop wall gets it up and out of the way.
Storage closet – An empty closet with a strong ceiling beam can accommodate hanging a chainsaw and other tools.

Pole barn – For professionals, hanging chainsaws by the door in a pole barn or equipment shed keeps them handy but secure.

Wherever you choose to mount the hanging location, make sure it’s a solid surface that can support the saw’s weight and any downward force from removing it. Avoid drywall ceilings or hollow interior walls.

How to Hang a Chainsaw Using Ceiling Hooks

Hanging a chainsaw from ceiling hooks is one of the quickest and easiest methods. Here’s how to do it:

Select heavy-duty ceiling hooks or eye bolts rated to hold at least 50 lbs.
Determine the mounting location and use a stud finder to mark where ceiling studs are.
Following the hook/bolt instructions, drill pilot holes into the studs.

Secure the hooks or eye bolts into the pilot holes using strong screws.
Disconnect the chainsaw spark plug wire.
Attach chainsaw-specific hanging hooks into the guide bar bolt holes.

Lift the saw and hang the hooks over the ceiling hooks, keeping the chain guard on.
Consider using a small cable lock to secure the saw to the ceiling hook.

This method puts minimal holes in the ceiling while still keeping the saw secured vertically off the ground. Make sure the ceiling hooks are anchored in studs, not just drywall. Test that the hooks can hold the saw’s weight before fully relying on them.

Hanging a Chainsaw on a Wall

You can also store a chainsaw horizontally on a sturdy wall using hanging brackets:

Locate wall studs using a stud finder and mark the spots to install the brackets.
Hold the bracket against the wall to mark properly spaced pilot holes.

Drill pilot holes then secure heavy-duty brackets into the studs with long screws.
Disconnect the chainsaw spark plug wire.
Lift the saw horizontally and place the rear handle into the cradles of the hanging brackets.

Consider using U-bolts to lock the saw in place on the brackets.

This method provides quick access from the side and doesn’t require ceiling access. However, it takes up more wall space and you must be careful not to bump or knock the hanging saw. Mount it high enough to keep it away from children’s reach.

Hanging a Chainsaw on Pegboard

For workshops or garages with pegboard tool storage, you can hang a chainsaw safely using pegboard hooks:

Arrange pegboard sheets securely on the wall with at least 1/4″ clearance behind for hooks.
Choose heavy-duty pegboard hooks rated for at least 50 lbs.
Disconnect the chainsaw spark plug wire before mounting.

Carefully position the saw against the pegboard and mark holes for pegboard hooks.
Install pegboard hooks in marked locations by hammering them in.
Hang the chainsaw by resting the handle in the pegboard hooks.

Use small cable locks or zip ties to secure the saw to hooks if desired.

This method utilizes existing pegboard storage without additional brackets. Space hooks adequately to distribute weight. Pegboard allows repositioning hooks as needed to accommodate more saws.

Purpose-Built Chainsaw Hangers

For the most secure and specialized storage, consider purpose-built chainsaw hanger systems:

Pole hanger – Ceiling-mounted pole with hooks on the end made to hang multiple saws by their rear handles.
Rack hanger – Wall-mounted metal rack with slots to vertically store saws and accessories.
Cradle hanger – Steel cradle bolted to ceiling rafters to hang saw horizontally by the handle.

These specialized hangers keep saws immobile and off the floor. However, they have a more permanent installation and are generally more expensive than basic hooks and brackets. Cradle hangers specifically made for chainsaws provide the most secure storage.

Best Practices for Hanging a Chainsaw

Here are some top tips to follow when hanging a chainsaw for storage:

Disconnect the spark plug – This prevents accidental starting during mounting.

Use dedicated saw hooks – Made specifically for the guide bar bolt holes rather than handle.
Keep chain guard on – Don’t remove the chain guard when hanging saw vertically.
Hang high enough – At least 5 feet off the ground and away from walkways.

Test weight capacity – Ensure hooks/brackets are rated for a chainsaw’s weight.
Avoid handle damage – Never hang saws long-term by the handle or trigger.

Proper mounting hardware paired with safe practices will allow you to hang a chainsaw securely. Always inspect equipment before reusing a hanging saw. Maintain control when lifting saws during mounting or removal.

Advantages of Hanging a Chainsaw for Storage

Here are some key benefits of storing a chainsaw by hanging it off the ground:

Maximizes space – Hanging gets the saw up and out of the way unlike floor storage.
Safer from damage – Less risk of saw falling or chain/bar getting bumped when mounted.

Cleaner storage – Keeps oil drips, fuel leaks, and debris off the saw.
Deters theft – Harder for someone to quickly grab and steal a hanging saw.
Keeps blades sharp – The chain/bar doesn’t risk getting dulled if hung properly.

Accessible storage – Saw can be close at hand but still secured when needed.

Placing a chainsaw out of harm’s way by hanging it ultimately protects your investment in the equipment. Just be sure to use robust, chainsaw-specific mounting hardware rated for the saw’s weight.

Disadvantages of Hanging a Chainsaw

Hanging a chainsaw does have some potential drawbacks to consider as well:

Can be difficult to mount safely overhead
Adds cost for mounting hardware
Requires sufficient structural support

Small risk of vibrations loosening mountings
Slight chance saw could fall if improperly installed
May bump into hanging saws if placed too low

These risks are easily mitigated by following the proper safety precautions. Evaluate the location thoroughly and use heavy-duty, chainsaw-rated mounting hardware to avoid any issues.

Chainsaw Hanging Safety Tips

Whenever hanging a chainsaw, keep these additional safety recommendations in mind:

Wear protective gloves and safety glasses when handling saws.

Carefully inspect hanging location for stability and load capacity.
Make sure mounting area is free of any electrical wires or pipes.
Always use brackets/hooks rated for at least 50 pounds.

Visually inspect hooks and brackets for damage before rehanging saw.
Test saw weight in chosen location before long-term mounting.
Consider using secondary ties, cables or U-bolts for added security.

Exercising smart caution goes a long way towards preventing accidents. Remember to disconnect the spark plug before hanging or removing the saw as well.

FAQs About Hanging a Chainsaw

Is it bad to hang a chainsaw by the handle?

Yes, hanging a chainsaw long-term by the plastic handle or trigger can slowly damage these parts not meant to bear weight. Use chainsaw-specific hooks through the guide bar mounting holes instead.

How do you hang a chainsaw on a wall?

Attach sturdy metal brackets to wall studs, spaced to cradle the saw’s rear handle. Or, use heavy-duty pegboard hooks hammered into the wall to hold the saw horizontally.

Should you remove the chain when storing a chainsaw?

No, it’s best to leave the chain on but install the chain guard when hanging or storing a chainsaw. Just be sure the chain brake is engaged and the blade is immobilized before storage.

Can you hang a chainsaw from the ceiling?

Yes, you can securely hang a chainsaw from the ceiling using specifically designed hooks. Install heavy-duty ceiling hooks into studs and use chainsaw hooks through the guide bar mounting holes.

How much weight can a garage ceiling hold?

A standard garage ceiling with 12″ OC wood rafters can safely hold 50-70 lbs per ceiling hook or eye bolt, provided they are installed into the studs. This is ample for most chainsaw models under 20 lbs.

Conclusion

Hanging a chainsaw for storage is a great way to save space while also keeping the power tool secure, protected, and accessible. By using robust, chainsaw-rated mounting hardware installed properly into studs, rafters, or walls, you can safely elevate your saw off the ground. Purpose-built hangers and brackets provide the most secure options. But heavy-duty hooks, eye bolts, pegboard, and cradles can also work well for hanging a chainsaw, as long as weight limits and safety precautions are observed.