Chainsaw Repair

Another update:

I'm sending the S25DA to a saw mechanic for a thorough going over. I live in an apartment and can't mess with liquids like gasoline.

I've shipped dozens of saws through the post office.  The few times they've asked, I've told them I'm shipping old saw parts (rather than a complete saw).  If they ask..........tell them it has no oil or gas whatsoever in it.

That said, I don't use USPS for shipping complete saws anymore.  For the most part, I only use them for shipping parts that'll fit in the various flat rate priority mail boxes. 

For saws and bars, I use FedEx now that I have an account with them.  Having an account drops the price of FedEx ground quite a bit.  For some stupid reason, their online 'create a shipment' utility doesn't have FedEx ground as an option (or I'm too dumb to figure out how to get it to work right).  I can only get it to select one of the more expensive (and faster) shipping options online. 

When I walk into the FedEx shipping store, I'm able to send by FedEx ground however.  Recently sent an 18 pound box (with a Jonsered 630 powerhead inside) from Ca to VT for less than $31.  It arrived in a week (and they had stated 5 business days......so that fits).  If I'd shipped USPS standard post, it'd have cost $36.83 (plus tax I think) with 8 days for estimated delivery time...

I also shipped a 36" bar from Ca to Ohio for something like $21 via FedEx ground and it got there in a week.  That was before I had an account with them, so my price now would be less.  I shipped a much lighter 30" bar (in lighter/less bulky packaging) about the same distance a year or two ago through USPS (parcel post) and it cost close to $30 and took over two weeks to get there..........

A lady from the Post Office returned the saw to me this morning. Here's the number if anyone would like to call to confirm, 260-347-1152.

Yep.  I drain the tanks, swab out the fuel tank with a shop rag (and blot dry the fuel filter felt), blow the fuel tank out, and then let it sit for a day or more with the cap off to air out before packing up the saw.

I also 'double bag' the saws in two garbage bags (one inside the other, and taped shut after forcing all the air out) to contain any smells.  I make sure that the seams on the box are taped to lessen the chance of any smells getting out and spooking the shipping people too.  I'd bet that the reason they returned your saw (and told you it's "illegal" to ship a saw) was their concerns about oil and gas.......

Oh screw it. If you guys can work on chainsaws then I can too