Chain organization

[Jeff "the tree man"]

We do a high volume Municipal tree work and have to carry sometimes a lot of chains or sharpening files or devices. Who has the best organizing system for storage and use of your chainsaw chains separating dull from sharp? Do you store them in a tool box or hanging inside of a bucket truck? Can you please share any advise or pictures of your storage and use ideas

 

[Tom Dunlap]

First thing I did was limit the different chain lengths by only having a couple of midsize bar lengths. It’s easy to keep the trim saws and the long chains separated. Sharp chains were kept in ammo boxes. Big boxes were divided in half. Wrenches and special tools in one box. Files and sharpening in another

There was a hook in the service truck for rocked out chains that needed grinder attention. This kept them from becoming a snag glee mess Most sharpening was done with a Pferd file guide

 

[Jeff "the tree man"]

First thing I did was limit the different chain lengths by only having a couple of midsize bar lengths. It’s easy to keep the trim saws and the long chains separated. Sharp chains were kept in ammo boxes. Big boxes were divided in half. Wrenches and special tools in one box. Files and sharpening in another

There was a hook in the service truck for rocked out chains that needed grinder attention. This kept them from becoming a snag glee mess Most sharpening was done with a Pferd file guide

What lengths did you choose to carry and do you require every time I saw chain gets dull for the cutter to sharpen it or do you collect the dull chains and have them sharpened at your shop or by a professional Grinding Service

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Somewhere in the 20” bar

Most sharpening was done on the saw with the Pferd. I sold my Foley bench grinder to the guy who sharpened my chipper knives and table saw blades. He would grind any chains that got rocked out. We’d get them back from him and use the Pferd to put the fine edge on the chains

 

[ATH]

At one time I had intended to mount them to a nail or hook at one end and short bungie pulling them tight at the other (probably on the underside of the lid of my truck tool box). Still think it sounds like a good idea...I've just never gotten around to it!

Also...I agree with Tom, you gotta limit the number of sizes. Make at least 6-8" jumps between sizes.
*One size for climbing saws (mine are 14").
*One limbing saw size (18"...I might do 20" if I were starting over) - I keep these on all saws most of the time and rarely switch to:
*Felling (I don't do a lot of removals so 24" takes care of most needs).
*Big, because sometimes you need it (rarely is 32" not enough around here...but again, I don't do a lot of removals - I only have two or 3 chains in this size.)

 

[OasisTree]

At one time I had intended to mount them to a nail or hook at one end and short bungie pulling them tight at the other (probably on the underside of the lid of my truck tool box). Still think it sounds like a good idea...I've just never gotten around to it!

Also...I agree with Tom, you gotta limit the number of sizes. Make at least 6-8" jumps between sizes.
*One size for climbing saws (mine are 14").
*One limbing saw size (18"...I might do 20" if I were starting over) - I keep these on all saws most of the time and rarely switch to:
*Felling (I don't do a lot of removals so 24" takes care of most needs).
*Big, because sometimes you need it (rarely is 32" not enough around here...but again, I don't do a lot of removals - I only have two or 3 chains in this size.)

I agree with making large jumps between sizes...we use 18, 24, 32, and of course the 14 in. climbing chains.
I have been using this box - https://www.amazon.com/UWS-DS-18-Drawer-Slide-Box/dp/B000MK5LVQ
The files and screnches go in the top drawer, and then the different lengths each have their own drawer. Once the chains are dull they do not get put back in the box.

The last one I bought we had a compartment welded on the side for the mixed gas and oil jugs. Then the scabbards also get put in there when the saws are in use. The added compartment also keeps it from tipping over when driving.

I have been using this system for more than 5 years, and have not found anything more user friendly. Looking forward to hearing how more of you do it!

 

[Fivepoints]

We purposely use the exact same sizes of chains as above. We also use a similar tool box on the truck to keep them organized.

 

[BrightonTree]

I run 14, 20, 25, 36 inch chains. I bought a couple dozen plastic pencil boxes to separate the individual chains. All boxes are marked by length on the top. When they are dull they get tossed on the floorboard of the trucks until the end of the day.

 

[NashvilleTN]

I run 14, 20, 25, 36 inch chains. I bought a couple dozen plastic pencil boxes to separate the individual chains. All boxes are marked by length on the top. When they are dull they get tossed on the floorboard of the trucks until the end of the day.

What type of pencil boxes do you use?

 

[JeffGu]

I also use the plastic pencil boxes to store my chains, and use a P-touch label maker to keep them organized. I also bought the cases that store the pencil boxes on edge. They're easy to find on Amazon and eBay.

 

[flushcut]

I carry a spare chain for each saw in use that day. I use these little zippered pouches to keep thing separate.
I might be odd but I file my chain when it is slightly less sharp

 

[ATH]

Like the stumpless vise @flushcut !

 

[Reach]

We use compartmented boxes from Harbor Freight; they hold up fairly well, they’re cheap to replace, and the boxes are the right sizes to hold the five sizes of chain we carry on a truck. I’ll take a picture when I drop by the shop later today.

 

[NashvilleTN]

I also use the plastic pencil boxes to store my chains, and use a P-touch label maker to keep them organized. I also bought the cases that store the pencil boxes on edge. They're easy to find on Amazon and eBay.

Oh cool, thanks. I have been trying to find something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Semi-Rigid-A...55?keywords=pencil+box&qid=1579987724&sr=8-55
Not sure how they’ll hold up or even if all the chains will fit. I keep them organized in these sections up top. 16”, 20”, 28”, then misc smaller and large that are less frequently used in the last section. When changing a chain put the dull ones in the bottom and bring them in at the end of the day. As you can see these original boxes they come in don’t hold up at all.

 

[NashvilleTN]

I am even considering color coded ziploc baggies. I feel all these boxes take up unnecessary amounts of space

 

[Woodwork]

I use those tupperware-style plastic boxes they sell lunch meats in to store my chains.

 

[Jonny]

I carry a spare chain for each saw in use that day. I use these little zippered pouches to keep thing separate.
I might be odd but I file my chain when it is slightly less sharp View attachment 64994

I like mounting a cheap 3” or 4” bench vise on a trailer or chipper fender. One place I worked at had a small steel toolbox mounted on a fender, and a vise mounted on the lid of the box, it raised it up to a comfortable height so wasn’t hunched over so far when sharpening. Bit more comfy on the lower back. A little spray oil helps keep rust and corrosion at bay, maybe some heavy coats of spray paint if you’re in the rust belt.

 

[southsoundtree]

I've got a cheap-o garage sale vice mounted to my chipper fender. Its useful for more than sharpening.