The Tool Yard: 2019

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.

cutting blackberry growth with a chainsaw

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

best chainsaw for homework

Sunday, June 16, 2019

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

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.
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.
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.
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.