How to safely cut blackberrry with a chainsaw

⚠How to Safely Use a Chainsaw to Cut Back Blackberry Bushes

Chainsaws are designed for cutting wood, not for clearing tangled, springy undergrowth. Unless you're Peter Rabbit, we strongly advise against using a chainsaw to cut back a wild blackberry bush. The risk of the chain snagging on the flexible canes and causing a violent, unpredictable kickback is extremely high. Our best advice? Call a professional or use a different tool, like a heavy-duty brush cutter.

However, we know there are times when you just need to get the job done. Maybe you need to clear a path to get to a fallen tree. If you are determined to proceed, this guide will provide you with the essential safety protocols. This is basically a common-sense guide to using a chainsaw, but a refresher on the basics never hurt anyone, especially when it could prevent a serious injury.

The Science of the Danger: Why Cutting Brush is So Risky

A chainsaw is designed to cut solid, stable wood. The chain moves in one direction, pulling the saw into the material. Blackberry canes and other brush are the opposite of this. They are thin, flexible, and tangled. When the fast-moving chain hits these canes, several dangerous things can happen:

• Snagging and Pulling: The chain can easily snag a vine and pull it violently towards you, or pull your hands and the saw into the thorny mess.
• Unpredictable Kickback: The flexible nature of the canes means the "kickback zone" at the tip of the bar can easily make contact with a hidden, tougher stalk, causing an immediate and violent kickback.
• Hidden Obstacles: A dense thicket of blackberry can easily hide rocks, old wire fences, or other solid objects that can cause a kickback or damage your chain.

🛡Your Non-Negotiable Safety Checklist for Cutting Brush

The key to this process is to avoid a nasty kickback, so do not do anything stupid with your chainsaw. By understanding the environment you're working in and following these steps, you can minimize the risks.

Essential Techniques and Gear

• Use the Correct Grip on Your Chainsaw: This is fundamental. Place your left hand on the front handle with your thumb wrapped firmly underneath. Your right hand should grip the rear handle, with your index finger ready on the throttle. This provides maximum control.
• Wear Proper Chainsaw Gloves: You need a secure grip and protection from cuts. We recommend specialized chainsaw safety gloves.
• Maintain a Locked Arm Position: Keep your front arm straight and locked. This helps you control the saw and resist the forces of a potential k

How to choose the best chainsaw for your cutting needs

🏠The Homeowner's Guide to Choosing the Best Chainsaw

You have a fallen tree that needs to be cut and cleared. You need it done today because it's blocking your driveway and you need to get the car out. So what do you do? Grab that chainsaw and cut it up for firewood? Ideally, yes! But seeing as you are here looking for the best chainsaw to help you out, let's help you choose the right one for your needs.

This guide is for the homeowner, the renter, the backyard enthusiast, and the weekend warrior. You want a chainsaw to cut down the odd tree on your property, chop out branches that are poking out awkwardly, or process a winter's worth of firewood. We'll focus on the best range of chainsaws that you might want to have tucked away in your shed for such occasions.

Before You Buy: 4 Key Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Am I experienced enough for this chainsaw? The bigger the saw, the more experience you need. A powerful saw can be dangerous in untrained hands.
2. How often will I be using it? If you're a frequent user, a gas-powered saw might be best. For occasional yard work, a low-maintenance battery-powered saw could be perfect.
3. What type of wood will I be cutting? If you're mostly cutting softwoods like pine, you won't need a beast of a machine. For dense hardwoods like oak or maple, you'll need more power.
4. What size trees will I be cutting? A good rule of thumb is that a chainsaw can safely cut a log that is twice the length of its bar. A 16-inch bar can handle a 32-inch log. If you're felling very large, mature trees, it's always best to call a professional arborist.

Safety First: Only Ever Buy a Chainsaw with a Chain Brake

This is non-negotiable. A chainsaw is not a toy. It is a powerful tool that can cause serious injury or death. You must only ever buy a chainsaw that features a chain brake. This is a critical safety feature that stops the chain in a fraction of a second during a kickback event, which is when the saw violently kicks up and back at the operator. If you are buying a second-hand chainsaw, you must verify that it has a working chain brake. Your safety is worth more than any tool.

⚡Gas vs. Electric: Choosing Your Power Source

Your second big choice is whether to go with a gas-powered or an electric chainsaw. Each has its pros and cons.

• Gas-Powered Chainsaws: These offer the most power and can run all day as long as you have fuel. They are completely portable but require more maintenance, including mixing fuel and oil.
• Electric Chainsaws (Battery or Corded): These require significantly less maintenance, are quieter, and produce no fumes. Battery-powered models offer excellent portability, but their runtime is limited by the battery life. Corded models have unlimited runtime but are tethered to a power outlet.

And don't think a battery-powered chainsaw lacks the guts to cut wood. Modern brushless motors and high-voltage batteries are incredibly powerful. Check out how well the DEWALT 60V FlexVolt chainsaw performs on a fallen tree:

⭐Top Chainsaw Recommendations for Homeowners

Best All-Around Gas Saw: Husqvarna 450 Rancher

The Husqvarna 450 Rancher is a robust, all-around saw that's ideal for demanding cutting jobs where more power is required. It's equipped with a powerful X-Torq engine, and its ergonomic design makes it easy to handle. It also features modern conveniences like Smart Start, Air Injection, and LowVib technology.

"The build quality is outstanding... I see myself using this saw for years (probably decades) to come."

Check Price for the Husqvarna Rancher on Amazon

Best Beginner Gas Saw: Husqvarna 120 Mark II (14-Inch)

This saw is perfect for beginners and homeowners. It's designed to start easily and is ideal for everyday tasks like tree pruning and firewood cutting. Its 14-inch bar is easy to maneuver, and at under $200, it's an incredible value. For more details, check out the Husqvarna 120 Mark II.

Best Battery-Powered Saw: DEWALT 20V Max XR (12-Inch)

If you want the convenience of electric, DEWALT has you covered with their 20V Max XR 12-inch chainsaw. It's a lightweight and easy-to-use saw perfect for home use, and it's also a great deal at under $200.

Guide: Choosing the best cordless nail gun

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Cordless Nail Gun

Have you ever seen the Netflix show 'Nailed It'? It's a cooking show where amateur bakers try to replicate professional cakes, and they usually fail spectacularly. 

I hate it, but my kids love it. When you're putting up frames, building fences, or nailing wood into place, a quality nail gun is what ensures you "nail it" instead of ending up with egg on your face.

It doesn't matter if you are a seasoned builder or a weekend DIY warrior working on a pallet project; a good nail gun will serve you well. But with so many brands and types out there, how do you choose? 

This guide will walk you through the best options and what to look for.

The Science of Nail Guns: Brushless vs. Gas Combustion

The biggest choice in cordless nailers comes down to how they generate power:

• Brushless Motor (Battery Only): These nailers use a powerful brushless motor to compress a spring or flywheel. When you pull the trigger, that stored energy is released, driving the nail. Brushless motors are highly efficient, have no parts to wear out, and offer consistent performance without the need for fuel cells.
• Gas Combustion (Battery + Fuel Cell): These nailers use a small, disposable fuel cell. When you pull the trigger, a battery creates a spark that ignites a tiny amount of gas, driving the piston and the nail. These guns are often lighter and can fire faster, but they require you to buy both batteries and fuel cells.

Our Top Three Cordless Nail Gun Recommendations

If you're in a hurry, here are our top three picks, all of which are best-sellers on Amazon:

• DEWALT DCN692B 20V Max XR Brushless Dual Speed Nailer
• Paslode 905600 Cordless XP Framing Nailer
• Makita TP03Z 12V Max CXT Cordless Pin Nailer

⭐Spotlight: DEWALT DCN692B 20V Max XR Brushless Nailer

The DEWALT Brushless 2-Speed Nailer uses the power of its brushless motor to drive nails from 2 inches to 3-1/2 inches long. It offers two operating modes: sequential mode for precision placement and bump mode for speed. Its dual-speed option allows you to optimize the motor for different nail lengths, and its top cap is impact-resistant and removable for easy troubleshooting. Weighing in at 7.7 pounds, it's a heavy-duty tool ready for any job site.

"All in all, this is a very solid unit, and more than capable of DIY use... It is MUCH more convenient than having to lug the compressor upstairs and deal with the hose... I HIGHLY recommend this nail gun."

Check Price for the DEWALT Nailer on Amazon

⭐Spotlight: Paslode 905600 Cordless XP Framing Nailer

The Paslode cordless framing nailer system is designed to deliver 15% more power, allowing it to drive nails flush even in tough materials like Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). Its "all-season" formula lets you keep working in temperatures down to 14°F (-10°C), when compressor hoses would be freezing up. At just 7.2 lbs, it's a lightweight powerhouse designed for comfort and control.

"Love this thing! Wow, if you, like me, are concerned about this thing having enough power to drive 16's, don't be! This thing drives the living sh_t out of nails... Fits ergonomically in my hands with no cramping during usage. The balance on this gun/driver is awesome."

⭐Spotlight: Makita TP03Z 12V Max CXT Cordless Pin Nailer

For fine finish and trim work, the Makita 12V max CXT Cordless Pin Nailer is an ideal, hose-free solution. It's compact and powerful, driving six different lengths of 23-gauge pins with a magazine capacity of up to 120. It features an anti-dry fire mechanism to prevent damaging your work surface and tool-less depth adjustment for a precise finish.

Nail Gun User Safety Tips

Like a chainsaw, a nail gun can be a dangerous tool if misused. Always follow these safety tips:

• Use a Full Sequential Trigger: This is the safest trigger mechanism, as it will only fire a nail when the controls are activated in a specific order.
• Never Disable Safety Features: They are there for a reason.
• Get Training: At a minimum, read the manufacturer's instructions. Better yet, watch a safety lesson video on YouTube.
• Wear Safety Gear: Always wear safety goggles and gloves.
• Handle with Care: Never carry the nail gun against your body, and never point it at anyone.