Chainsaw Case / Carry-all

by Schorte

13K5525

Intro: Chainsaw Case / Carry-all

This isn't like the fully enclosed contraptions available nowadays. It's more of a chainsaw basket that offers some degree of protection while keeping all the accessories in one place.

It's the convenience of keeping it all together that I like. When I go into the bush I don't have to juggle my chainsaw and all the extras... file, oil, wedge, fuel, tools, gloves, etc. I just throw them in the crate and use the built-in handle on one side.

STEP 1: The Container

The design is probably self-evident after looking at a few photos. The key element is one of those plastic milk crates that are everywhere. They are available to purchase if you don't have one lying around.

It's helpful to have a permanent marker, a ruler or square, and a cutting device (other than your chainsaw!).

STEP 2: The Back Opening

This step will depend on the size and shape of your particular chainsaw. A milk crate should work for just about everything, regardless of bar length. If your crate has "handles" I found it most convenient to keep them on the sides.

I simply put the chainsaw on top and determined how much of the back needed to be removed - so that the chainsaw would easily slide through the new opening. I suggest leaving a bit of the corners for overall strength.

STEP 3: Hack Away

Before you make your cuts determine how far down the they need to go and mark it clearly. I left about 1 inch on the bottom for a lip... to keep everything from sliding out. It could be 1 or 2 inches higher if you like.

Once you've figured out the dimensions use whatever you have to cut out your opening. I used a big ol' table saw but a jig-saw or reciprocating saw (sawz-all) would have done the job just as well. Even a hand-saw would do.

STEP 4: The Front Opening

This part can be a bit fussy. You'll need to place your chainsaw as far into the milk crate as possible and see where the bar touches the front. This is where you need to cut a hole for the bar to poke through.

I made my hole about 3/4" wide and 1" taller than the bar itself. I wanted it to slide through quickly & easily without getting caught on the chain links. After making guidelines with a marker I used a jig-saw for this cut.

STEP 5: The Back Cutaway

This is the final cut, and it depends on the shape of your chainsaw. In order to have the saw sitting on the bottom of the crate you'll need to remove a piece of the crate lip. I made a quick visual estimate and then cut it out.

Your chainsaw should now fit comfortably inside the milk crate. My cutaway also keeps the chainsaw from sliding back out the opening.

STEP 6: The Finished Product

And there you have it. Room for a chainsaw and all the accessories. I find the loaded crate naturally leans forward when I pick it up so there's no need to worry about things slipping out the back. You could add a bungee cord for extra security. (Thanks "Jobar007".)

Thanks for looking at my Instructable and I hope it works for you. Good luck!

STEP 7: Update - the Bar Guard

I just added a bar guard (scabbard) from Walmart Canada to complete the package (20" plastic guard for $6.98). If your crate's front hole is big enough you can slip the chainsaw bar through it with the guard attached... works like a charm.

STEP 8: Update - the Crate Base

This isn't much of an update - but it's a nice touch. I find my chainsaw is a little leaky - usually because of dripping bar oil. So I put down a layer of cardboard on the bottom of the crate and VOILA... the leak is mopped up. It's easy to change out when the cardboard gets saturated.

STEP 9: Update - Tool Holder

This one is thanks to a comment from "QuentinB1". He suggested using a piece of PVC pipe in the corner to hold loose tools like the file and such. Great idea! I cut a piece of 1-1/4" pipe ten inches long and then zip-tied it into the corner. Does the job nicely. (You may have to choose an alternate location if the chainsaw is wide and doesn't slip by the pipe easily.)

13 Comments

EvanP2 6 years ago

I made two (one for my buddy). I didn't cut the back all the way open, I wanted it to fit fairly snug. My buddy straps his onto his 4 wheeler...He takes it through the trails in the north woods where he has to frequently cut his path open. He was very grateful.

zizzy658 8 years ago

This would be a great way to cinch strap to an ATV to haul into the woods.

ryguy425425 8 years ago

That's exactly what came to my mind before I even opened the instructable! I'm going to attempt one this week!

Schorte 8 years ago

That's a great idea. I also throw it in the back of my truck - straps down quick and easy.

Mikeisme 8 years ago

Great idea! A Chainsaw is one of those tools that requires other tools to go along with it. Greeat solution!

Schorte 8 years ago

Thanks for the kind words. Send a picture if you get a chance to make one!

Speedfreakz17 8 years ago

Just a reminder that taking a milk crate from a dairy carries fines and or jail time in some areas. It may sound silly but its true. Home depot does carry a crate similar to this one to purchase. Brilliant build!

Jobar007 8 years ago

Does the chainsaw feel like it could slip out of the back of the crate? If so, a small bungee would help there.

I like this idea a lot. You did miss out on the opportunity to make this with the chainsaw though.. ;)

Schorte 8 years ago

Good point... I was playing around with that yesterday. You could certainly attach a bungee cord to the back end! Right now, when I grab the crate handle, the weight tends to make it lean forward and there's no concern about it falling out.

seamster 8 years ago

This is a fantastic idea. I just picked up a little used chainsaw a couple weeks ago, and have been considering how to make a case for it. I think this is it!

Thanks a ton for sharing this idea.

Schorte 8 years ago

Glad to share it... good luck making yours!