How to safely cut blackberrry with a chainsaw

How to safely use a chainsaw to cut back blackberry growth

Unless you're Peter Rabbit, we suggest you actually stay away from using a chainsaw to cut back a wild or over grown blackberry bush.

Maybe call in a professional. 

Maybe you just want to get the job done. 

Maybe you need to remove it so you can get closer to a tree to cut in down.

And if so, here's some guidance on how to do it safely. It's pretty much a common sense guide to using a chainsaw but a refresher on the basics never hurt anyone, especially if it reduces the chance of a kickback into the face eh?

When cutting blackberry or similar undergrowth:

• use the correct grip on your chainsaw. Place your left hand on the front handle and ensure the handle is gripped between thumb and finger, with your thumb under the handle.  Your right hand should grip the rear handle, with your index finger on the throttle trigger. 
• make sure you are wearing proper chainsaw gloves.
• hold your front arm straight in the locked position
• operate the chainsaw with a side-to-side sweeping action.
• make sure your chain brake is operational.
• ensure you are have wearing eye protection such as safety glasses or a face guard helmet. You can even do yourself a real favor and wear safety chaps too. 

The key goal of this process is to avoid a nasty kick back action so don't do anything stupid with your chainsaw. 

By understanding the environment you're working in, you'll have a safer work zone. 

And while we've got you here, remember that good chainsaw maintenance is essential to good safety outcomes. Having a properly oiled bar and a well-sharpened chain will help reduce the chance of accidents. 

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How to choose the best chainsaw for your cutting needs

You need a fallen tree cut & cleared.

 
You need it cut down today because it has fallen over 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, you would, but seeing as you are here looking for the best chainsaw to help you out with that situation, let's help you choose the best chainsaw for your needs.

In this case, we presume you are a homeowner, renter, backyard enthusiast, weekend warrior kind of user. You want a chainsaw to cut down the odd tree on your section, and chop out branches that are poking out awkwardly across the driveway or hindering your view.

We'll focus on the best range of chainsaws that can you might want to have tucked away in your shed for such occasions and safety industrial chainsaws for cutting down forest pine for another day.

Here are some questions that you may want to think about when trying to decide what is the right kind of chainsaw to buy:

1. Am I experienced enough for this particular chainsaw? Basically the bigger the chainsaw, the more experience you need. 
2. How often will I be using the chainsaw? Maintenance is a bitch. Sharpening. Chain stretching and maintenance. If you're doing very simple yard work, a smaller saw is for you, perhaps a battery powered saw?
3. What type of wood will I be sawing most often – hard or soft? If you're cutting down apple trees, you don't need a beast of machine. Chopping out redwoods, well...
4. Does the size of the trees I want to cut matter? Understand this: a 30cm guide bar can cut almost twice its length – that's about half metre diameter log. If you wanting are cutting big trees that have aged many years and you're reading this page, you're an amateur so you might want to get a pro to fell your trees...

Only ever buy a chainsaw with a chain break

The first choice you are going to make is one of safety. A chainsaw is not a toy. It is a killing machine if you screw up and cur your femoral artery in your thigh and you bleed out in the middle of a forest

You must only ever buy a chainsaw that features a chain break.

This is a safety feature that will prevent the chainsaw from cutting your arm or eyeball out if you get what's called a kick back, which is when the chain catches and the force causes the bar to raise up towards you at a speed your brain cannot comprehend.

If you are buying a second-hand chainsaw then you need to really check that it has a chain break.

Most new saws on the market will feature the safety measure as it's the law in several countries, however, older units which have been sitting gathering dust in a shed for a 10 - 15 years will not necessarily have a chain break.

If you think we are being pedantic and overzealous with this safety caution this simply Google something like "chainsaw kickback accident face" and check out the horrific images of facial injuries.

Will you use a petrol engine or an electric chainsaw?

The second choice you might want to actually consider is whether you buy a gas or petrol powered electric (battery-powered or corded)

Each has its merits and drawbacks.

Petrol chainsaws will need more maintenance and fuel and oil but can go all day and are a bit more portable in a sense.

Electric battery powered chainsaws need less maintenance but their batteries will wear down meaning you'll need spares if you have a big cutting job to do. You do still need to use bar oil with an electric chainsaw.

If you think a battery powered chainsaw doesn't have the balls to cut wood, they do. Check out how well the DeWalt 60V FlexVolt chainsaw performs on the length of a fallen tree:



Which means it will do the job if a tree indeed falls over your driveway and you want to clear it after the storm...

Corded chainsaws will never tire but you're stuck with operating them only when they can be connected to mains power and, like with an electric lawn mower, you need to be careful of the cord when using the machine.

We flesh out the discussion on gas or electric chainsaws here.

If you've decided you want the good old two-stroke gas engine (so you'll need to mix gas with oil), them read on for what are some ideal choices for the beginner or semi-confident user.

Despite what you may have heard:

Size matters when it comes to bar length and engine power

The 'power' or length of the chain bar is often used as a means to 'value' a chainsaw in terms of its performance. In a sense, this is true but the reality is you do not need a 20-inch bar if you are not going to be cutting down 20 inch trees and are probably an actual arborist.

Makes sense right?

If you are just going to be doing home handyman type tasks, a  12-inch bar is an ideal starter length for you. This is because they are fairly easy to manoeuvre into place and they can get into tricky, small spots more easily and safely. If you want to meet midway, you can always have a crack with a 16 inch bar.

The weight of the chainsaw is a real factor too. Unless you have arms of steel like Superman, you will suffer arm fatigue and you will probably find a few muscles in your back that you didn't know existed as well. Standards to reason, a lighter chainsaw is suited to the learner so you can focus on cutting efficiently rather than worrying about holding it up!

The same can be said for engine size. You probably don't need a 70cc engine (which can in effect be stronger than a moped motorcycle!).

You probably actually might want to consider the Husqvarna 14 inch 120 Mark II:

Husqvarna is a tied and true brand of chainsaw, known for quality.

Husqvarna knows their target market and this machine is just perfect for beginners and homeowners who aren't professional lumberjacks. They have also given it a nice price at under $200 bucks.

• It's designed to start up easily, just learn to use the choke properly.
• Has the chain break feature we mentioned above.
• It's quite ideal for everyday backyard tasks such as tree pruning, hobby work or firewood cutting
• The chain tension system allows for quick adjustments on the fly
• Ideal for light duty, light-duty, occasional trimming and pruning tasks
• Husqvarna offers a three-year warranty!

Best battery powered chainsaw under $200 bucks

If you want the same kind equivalent tool as above but battery powered, Dewalt has you covered with their 20 volt Max XR 12 inch. It's a deal at under $200 bucks.

This yellow and black beauty is a smaller and easy-to-use saw which is designed for home use by weekend warriors and odd job specialists who will use the saw a couple of times a month or season. 

Using medium size chainsaws for serious wood cutting

If you're a seasoned 'around the home user' and you want to sneak out to the back blocks and log some felled timber, then it might be time to consider moving up into what we could call a 'medium range' chainsaw. 

We're thinking you've probably used your original saw many times and have a good knack for using it. 

You're experienced enough using it that you can make good clean cuts but now you really want to be able to literally able to sink some metal teeth into some big trees - winter's coming and you want that woodshed full!

We're talking about chainsaws that have blade sizes between 14 to 18 inches, with engine displacements of 40 to 50 cubic centimeters (CC). These kinds of engines are a serious step from lighter use electric saws that's for sure!

And given that, the risks and dangers of using these cutting machines increase and we strongly recommend you start to think seriously about safety wear such as trouser chaps, gloves and full face helmet and visors. The truth is, you won't likely get a kickback to the face with a one-inch sapling branch but if you catch a snag on the middle of a thick trunk, the engine will kick back harder and faster than a stone flicked up by a car into your windscreen.

So, y'all ready for this?

First, to embrace your inner lumberjack, get out your best flannel shirt, put it on and then check out this beauty:

Husqvarna 18-Inch 50.2cc Gas Powered Chain Saw

This monster will do some serious cutting so give it some serious respect as part of your decision making process. Even if you're just a tyre kicker, check out what it offers:

• The 450 delivers 3.2 horsepower, making it well-suited for medium-duty jobs, such as pruning and domestic cutting
• 3.2 HP X-Torq engine reduces harmful exhaust emissions and increase fuel efficiency
• LowVib vibration dampening; minimal effort via Smart Start feature and combined choke/stop control
• Centrifugal air cleaning system; inertia activated chain brake; snap-lock cylinder cover
• Purchase this Husqvarna handheld item along with 3-32 ounce cans of Husqvarna pre-mix fuel, register your product online, and your consumer warranty will be extended from 2 years to 4 years
• The 450 has a lightweight frame that minimizes strain on your body, even after extended use
• Auto return stop switch and visible fuel level makes the saw easier to handle. Equipped with Smart Start and fuel pump to every time ensure easy starts.

Here's some reviews from users who have brought the unit via Amazon:

"This beauty (back to the chainsaw) has fired up first time, every time for a year. I just follow the cold start instructions that are clearly marked on the saw. I do live in FL but have used it in OR when the temp was around 38. I do not know about sub freezing start ups. Husqvarna is a Swedish company, so I think it will do well in the very cold"

"I truly love this chainsaw. Oh yeah, I used it to take down a deck. It was just 2x12 and 4x4 PT wood, but it made the job quick and easy. I did NOT cut through any nails or screws. Just wood. I would recommend this product to everyone."

" I wasn't disappointed. No problem with start-up. The first job I had was to clean up some storm damage. Had a large red oak uproot. At the stump it was about 29" diameter. This saw cut through that like a knife through butter. I cut up that tree in no time. "

"It's a hell of a saw and definitely glad I made this buy. It's been put to work and has yet to leave me down."

If those reviews are enough for you, check out the pricing on Amazon.

And there you have it, three great options for buying a chainsaw for the home owner.

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Guide: Choosing the best cordless nail gun

Have you ever seen the Netflix show 'Nailed It'?

It's a cooking show where 'young gun' contestants try their hand at making their best versions of professionally made cakes and candies.

They usually completely suck it's usually a case of 'failed it' than nailed it.

I hate it but my kids love it.

And when you're putting up power frames, making fences and nailing wood into place, a quality nail gun will ensure you don't end up looking like a wannabe chef with egg on their face on some Netflix show.

It doesn't matter if you are a seasoned builder making a fence or a weekend 'DIY' warrior doing woodworking or a pallet project, a good nail gun will serve you well.

But what kind of nail gun to use?

There's plenty of brands out there and they all have ranges of quality but the when choosing a cordless nail gun, it comes done to the job you need it to do and how you are going to go about it.

But if you are in a hurry, here are our three recommendations:

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

Dewalt DCN692B 20V Max XR Brushless Dual Speed Nailer

The Dewalt Brushless 2 Speed Nailer uses the power of a brushless motor to drive in nails anywhere from 2 inches to 3-1/2 inches long. 

With two operating modes, you can use your tool in sequential mode, for precision in placement, or bump mode, which provides speed for finishing quickly, which can be pretty handy when you have a day's work to get through. 

The dual speed option on this cordless nailer also allows for the use of different nail lengths which is handy when different projects have different needs. 

For user safety, there is a trigger lock to disable the trigger when the tool is not in use. 

The top cap of this Dewalt nailer is impact resistant, for your peace of mind, and removable, for easy machine troubleshooting. The nose cap is similarly easy to access to remove jammed nails safely and simply. 

This unit weighs 7.7 pounds so is a heavy duty tool that will be fine to use on tough job sites. 

• Brushless Motor and engine design provides the power to drive 3-1/2" nails
• Sequential or bump operating modes
• Dual Speed optimizes the motor for different nail lengths
• Accepts 30-34 degree paper tape nails, clipped and offset round head
• Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. Nominal voltage is 18.

Here are some honest reviews from actual users of the Dewalt nail gun, where they have used it out in the wild.

"All in all, this is a very solid unit, and more than capable of DIY use, and I suspect it would be good for construction also. I’ve got the 6 AH battery loaded and haven’t recharged it yet, and am about 2 weeks into using it. It is MUCH more convenient than having to lug the compressor upstairs and deal with the hose, and waiting for the compressor to recharge. It is a tad heavy when working over your head though.

All in all, I find this to be a very solid unit, that is more than capable of delivering on its promises. At the risk of sounding like a DeWalt fanboy...I HIGHLY recommend this nail gun."

"This nail gun is extremely picky about what nails you use. Paslode, and Bostitch work the best, I sink every nail perfectly with thosenail, grip right nails, on the other hand, don't shot worth a darn.

This nail gun has a learning curve like most tools, take some time to learn what your gun likes and dislikes. However you have to remember this is a cordless framing nailer not pneumatic, it shoots quick for what it is.

It has served me very well when I don't feel like dragging out the airlines and fire up the ole air compressor. For the most part, come to think of it I haven't used my pneumatic nail gun since I got this nail gun."

Paslode 905600 Cordless XP Framing Nailer

The  Paslode cordless framing nailer system is designed to deliver 15% more power to increase productivity.

Less standing nails and better drive performance into harder woods means you can put your hammer away and let this cordless nailer do it all.  Designed with an 'all season formula' that lets you keep working in temperatures down to 14⁰ Fahrenheit when compressor hoses are probably freezing.

Paslode Framing Nailer specifications:

• Drives nails flush, even in Laminated veneer lumber and hard woods.
• Ready to work when you are. Works in All-Seasons down to 14° fareinheit.
• It's a lightweight unit at 7.2lbs which allows for comfort and control while working overhead or in tight spaces.
• Shoots 2-3 nails per second at a consistent rate
• Limited downtime. Paslode provides non-stop nailing with fuel that will last a full day.

Here are reviews from users who have brought this unit from Amazon and put it through its paces.

"I wanted a nail gun for years but waited because of the price. I'm glad I did. This was not only the best price ANYWHERE I could find on the entire internet but this gun does what it is supposed to do, drive nails without problems and that is what it does.

Fits ergonomically in my hands with no cramping during usage. The balance on this gun/drive is awesome. Its new design with the depth setter without tools is great. Battery keeps a long charge but is a little difficult to pull out of the gun. I can live with that.

There are so many pluses with this nail gun. I did months of research and tens of hours on the internet before I purchased this gun and before I purchased it here. Do your self a favor and just buy it here!"

"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. You need to back it off a bit actually! Ex-contractor here so I get it. This thing is nice. Been through about 5,000 nails into mostly douglas fir and some hardwood (with a mix of 8's and 16,s) and NO jams but plenty of misfires.

Not sure what that's about but it does misfire once in a while. Runs on fuel and battery. Battery for spark and cooling fan I guess. Claims are 1,000 nails per fuel cell. I'm not getting anywhere near that (maybe 500-600) but I'm OK with it because this thing is so dang convenient! I charge the battery every day or two since most of the power comes from the fuel. I saw somewhere that you can get 9,000 nails per battery charge which, if true, would require around 15 fuel canisters."

Makita TP03Z 12V Max CXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Pin Nailer

The Makita 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Pin Nailer is a hose-free solution for finish and trim work.

The TP03Z is compact and powerful and drives up to 1,250 pins on a single charge of a 12V CXT 2.0Ah battery (which is sold separately).

It will drive six different lengths of 23 gauge pins (5/8", 11/16”, ¾”, 1", 1-3/16", 1-3/8") with a magazine capacity of up to 120 pins.

The nailer sports an anti-dry fire mechanism engineered to prevent driving blanks, tool-less depth adjustment for precise flush and countersink finish and a contact trigger for improved accuracy and precision.

With Makita 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion slide-style batteries users get improved balance and ergonomics over pod-style batteries. 

For added convenience, the batteries include an on-board L.E.D. charge level indicator.

• Refined firing mechanism reduces recoil; reduces force required on the work surface when driving pins
• Drives 6 different lengths of 23 gauge pins (5/8", 11/16", 3/4", 1", 1-3/16" and 1-3/8"); Magazine capacity up to 120 pins
• Anti-dry Fire mechanism engineered to prevent driving blanks and damage to work surface
• "Tool-less" depth adjustment for precise flush and Countersink finish
• Cordless for increased convenience; eliminates the need for a compressor and air hose

Nail Gun user Safety tips:

Always remember, that like a chainsaw, nail guns and be pretty lethal objects if misused, even with the best of intentions.

Here are some user tips that will help you prevent getting a nail through a metacarpal or worse:

1. The full sequential trigger model is the safest trigger mechanism for all jobs because it will only fire a nail when the controls are activated in a certain order.
2.  Never ever, ever, attempt to bypass or disable your nail gun's safety features. They are there for a damn reason eh?
3. Get some training before first using the tool. At the least properly read the manufacturer's user instructions. If you don't like to read, watch a  safety lesson video on Youtube.
4. Check your target lumber for knots, nails, straps, hangers and the like that could cause recoil or ricochet before nailing
5. Wear safety gear such as eye googles and gloves.
6. If using a pneumatic, always disconnect the gun before performing maintenance and move to a safe work area.
7. Do not carry the nail gun hugged close to your body in case of misfire. To that end, we feel we need to state the obvious, don't point your tool at anybody!
8. Watch out for co-workers or other parties in your workspace.
9. Using a solar charger to power an Iphone.

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