How Dangerous is a Pole Saw?

A pole saw can be a powerful tool for trimming trees and shrubs. However, it can also be dangerous if used improperly.

Safety is the number one priority when using a pole saw. Wearing protective gear, following the manufacturer’s instructions and using proper techniques can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

Safety First

Using a pole saw is dangerous and needs to be done with the correct safety precautions in mind. Always wear the appropriate protective gear such as a hard hat, gloves and boots and eye protection.

The weight of the tool is a factor to consider as well. A heavier pole saw will take more force to operate and this could result in injury.

If you’re cutting a lot of thick wood or a heavy tree, a lighter pole saw may be more comfortable. Also, be sure to lubricate the chain regularly.

When cutting, always stand at an angle to the limb or branch being cut so that it does not fall on you. If you do get caught up in a falling limb or branch, take a safe retreat before moving on to the next limb.

Kickback is a serious and potentially fatal hazard when using an electric-powered pole saw. It occurs when the guide bar of the saw hits something hard or if the chain gets pinched during a cut.

Choosing a Pole Saw

If you have a yard or garden with a large tree or tall shrubs, a pole saw can be a vital tool for trimming branches and removing vines and limbs. But these tools can be dangerous, and you should choose the right one for your needs before putting it to use.

Gas-powered pole saws tend to be more powerful than electric or manual options. They’re also more expensive, but they’re ideal for cutting thick branches and limbs that you would otherwise need a ladder to reach.

While gas-powered pole saws are a good choice for cutting high limbs, they can also be very loud and require regular maintenance. If you have neighbors that are sensitive to noise, electric or cordless options may be a better choice. These are quieter and lighter than gas-powered options, but they can also be less effective.

Operating a Pole Saw

If you’re using a pole saw to cut branches, it’s important to be careful and follow the proper safety tips. A wrong move while cutting can result in serious injury or death.

You should always wear protective equipment, such as a hard hat and gloves. You should also keep your work area clear of people and pets.

Whenever possible, try to use a pole saw that has a harness or adjustable weight control. This allows you to reduce the amount of weight you have to carry and helps you stay balanced.

Make sure to press the chain oil bulb every 10 seconds while you’re cutting, as this will help lubricate your bar and chain, making the cutting process more efficient.

Before you start cutting, be sure to inspect the chain and all other parts of your saw for any defects. Check the air filter, guide bar and sprocket for wear or damage.

Using a Pole Saw

A pole saw can be an excellent tool to use for pruning or cutting limbs off trees. It can eliminate the need for a ladder and is faster than using a traditional chainsaw.

However, it’s important to take extra precaution when operating a pole saw. Here are some basic safety tips:

1. Stand securely and plant your feet shoulder-width apart to maintain balance and prevent injury from falling limbs or debris on your head.

2. Position the saw blade vertically against the branch you plan to cut, making sure that you have control over the weight of the tool.

3. Make your first cuts slowly to create a groove in the wood and then increase the speed of your strokes as you continue cutting.

4. Be aware of spring back during your cuts: This occurs when the limb or branch stretches or expands as you release tension and can snap back in unpredictable ways.

Always operate a pole saw in an enclosed area with people and animals out of the way.

How to Clean a Pole Saw

Cleaning a pole saw is a fairly simple process, but it’s also an essential one. If you don’t clean your saw regularly, dirt and debris can build up inside the engine and cause issues with performance. Keeping your blade sharp will also help ensure that you get the best possible results from your work.

Start by removing the bar and chain, if you can.

  • Remove the chain, if possible. If you can, remove the chain and clean it with a brush or toothbrush. This is especially important if you plan to use your saw regularly as dirt and debris will build up quickly, causing more friction than necessary and may cause the chain to jump off of its sprocket in an emergency situation.
  • Clean around—or rather, above—the bar if you cannot remove it from its holder at this time; just be careful not to damage any moving parts in the process!

Set the blade in a sturdy vise or clamp.

Set the blade in a sturdy vise or clamp.

The blade should be parallel to the ground, and you should have enough room to work on it. The spark plug is located on the side of the chainsaw engine, so make sure that when you set your blade in this position that there is enough space for you to reach it without having to remove any parts of the saw.

Clean the body of the saw.

  • Clean the body of the saw. Use a garden hose to spray down the entire pole saw, and then rinse it off with clean water. If you have a brush that’s designed for cleaning your pole saw, use it to remove caked-on dirt and grime from between the teeth of your blade. Otherwise, grab an old toothbrush that you don’t mind getting dirty; this will help scrub away stubborn dirt in hard-to-reach places like between metal parts or around blades. Finally, wipe down any visible grease with a rag soaked in rubbing alcohol (this step is optional).

Clean the spark plug.

Cleaning the spark plug is an important step in ensuring that your saw will start easily and stay running. The spark plug is the engine’s ignition system, so it’s crucial to make sure it’s functioning properly if you want to use your pole saw for more than a few minutes at a time.

To clean the plug:

  • Disconnect the spark plug from its engine connection by removing its cap
  • Remove any debris from inside the socket using cotton swabs soaked in solvent (such as alcohol or acetone)

Perform lubrication maintenance on the pole saw.

Perform lubrication maintenance on the pole saw.

  • Lubricate the chain with a light oil and wipe off any excess. This will aid in preventing rust, which can impede proper function of your tool.
  • Grease the bar with a heavy-duty grease designed specifically for this purpose, as well as to prevent rust formation and aid in long-term performance of your product.
  • Oil the sprocket with a light machine oil or spray lubricant; check that there is no visible damage or excessive wear at this time as well (see below).

Grease the gear box housing (optional).

If you want to be sure that your saw is properly lubricated and will last for years, apply a good quality grease to the gear box housing on the underside of your pole saw. Grease should be applied in places where gears contact each other, such as between gears, or where a chain touches an axle. Be careful not to get grease on your hands or clothing!

Cleaning your pole saw keeps it working well for a long time

Cleaning your pole saw will help you avoid problems, injuries and expensive repairs. Here’s how to clean a pole saw:

  • Unplug the power cord from the outlet and disconnect it from the extension cord if you use an extension cord for long distances.
  • Move any objects that might get in the way of cleaning or cause damage when cleaning your saw blade, like leaves or branches around where you plan on working or while using it outside as well as anything that could fall onto your cutting area such as water bottles or other loose objects set inside cabinets near where you’ll be working next to keep them safe!

Conclusion

The pole saw is a powerful tool, but it can’t work without regular maintenance. The best way to get the most out of your investment is by keeping it in good working order.

The Best Ways to Care for Your Pole Saw

Pole saws are powerful tools that can help you cut down trees and other materials. They’re also heavy, however, which makes it critical to take good care of them. Here’s how:

Read the manual.

Before you use a pole saw, make sure to read the manual. It will tell you how to operate it and maintenance tips for keeping it in good condition. You should also know how to store it so that it doesn’t rust or get damaged by moisture. Finally, if you need help transporting large pieces of lumber or wood off-site after cutting them down with your pole saw, check out this article from Reader’s Digest on how they went about doing so!

Change your oil.

The best way to keep your pole saw running smoothly is by changing your oil regularly. You should change the oil every three months or so, depending on how often you use the tool and whether it’s stored in a damp environment.

You should use a synthetic blend of 10W-30 engine oil if you plan to operate your pole saw for long periods of time (such as hunting season). Synthetic blends are compatible with all kinds of engines, including gasoline ones; they’re also less likely than conventional oils to cause corrosion or gum up injectors. If you’re unsure which kind will work best for your specific application, ask an experienced mechanic at a local auto shop before purchasing any type of product!

Change your air filter.

Your pole saw’s air filter is the key to reducing wear and tear on your machine. If you don’t change it regularly, you’re bound to run into problems sooner or later.

The best time to change your filter is right after you finish using the machine for an extended period of time (like when you’ve been working all day). This way, any debris that’s been picked up by the blade will be trapped in there while its new life cycle begins!

To change this thingy, just take off its access panel and remove the old one from underneath—it should only take about 15 minutes with minimal effort required (and no tools required). Then replace it with a new one: You can get these anywhere from $10-50 depending on which brand of filters they sell; if possible try going through Amazon because they usually have great deals like this one here at just $6 per pack!

Sharpen your blade regularly.

In most cases, the answer is “as frequently as possible.” A dull blade is more likely to break and cause injury, so it’s best to keep it sharp. If you don’t want to invest in a sharpener or spare blades of your own, there are plenty of options available online and at hardware stores that will do the trick for about $5-$10 each.

  • How do I know when my pole saw needs sharpening?

The best way to tell if your pole saw needs a tune-up is by inspecting its teeth—the serrated-like teeth on either side of its blade will show signs of wear after a few uses (see image below). They should also be uniform in length from end-to-end; if one side looks longer than another then it’s time for some serious sandpaper action!

Clean your saw.

You should never use water to clean your pole saw. The blades and other parts of the tool can be damaged in this way, so it’s important to use a brush or cloth instead. Oil and WD40 are also not recommended for cleaning purposes because they can cause corrosion on metal parts of your pole saw.

Store your pole saw correctly.

The first thing you should do is store your pole saw in a dry place. This will help prevent rust and corrosion, which can make it harder for the blade to cut through wood. It’s also important to keep your pole saw away from moisture; if there’s moisture on the ground near where you’re storing it, try to keep it away from that area as well.

You may want to consider storing it vertically (this is especially helpful if only one side of the bar faces down). If possible, store your pole saw on its side so that there isn’t any weight on either side of the bar when carried by hand—this will help reduce strain on both hands while using it every day!

You should avoid storing any tools whose handles face upward (like screwdrivers) since this puts tension on all sides of those tools’ handles when being used repeatedly over time.”

Proper maintenance will help your pole saw last longer and work better.

Proper maintenance is the key to caring for your pole saw. It will help you get more use out of your saw, keep it working safely and save money in the long run.

When you take good care of your pole saw, it will last longer and work better:

Conclusion

As you can see, proper maintenance of your pole saw is very important. You should always check the manual for specific details about how to do it, but here are some general guidelines: Read the manual; change the oil and air filter regularly; sharpen the blade regularly; clean the saw on a regular basis with soap and water or a wire brush; store away from direct sunlight and heat sources like doors or windows.

Different Types of Pole Saws

A pole saw is, in essence, a chain saw mounted to a pole. These saws are designed to cut branches that sit higher than a regular saw can reach. They come in many different types, such as manual, electric, battery-powered, gas-powered, and even two-in-one detachable units.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common types of pole saws, what makes them unique, and how to identify them.

Manual Pole Saws

Manual pole saws, just like manual hand saws, rely on you to supply the necessary back-and-forth motion to cut down branches. The difficulty involved in using these saws depends on your strength, the saw’s weight and integrity as well as the material you’re cutting. Palm tree fronds, for example, are easy to cut and remove from trees, while hardwood branches can be much more difficult.

Manual pole saws are better suited to people who prefer to manicure or shape their trees, as they don’t do well with thick branches. Manual pole saws usually have a clipper attachment on the saw’s neck that makes snipping small branches quick and easy. However, anything larger than about an inch will require work from the main part of the saw.

Automatic Pole Saws

Automatic pole saws use an engine, a chain, and a fuel source to cut down branches and small trees. Essentially, a mechanical pole saw is a small chainsaw mounted on the end of a stick. The three fuel types you’ll most often see in automatic pole saws are:

  • Electric
  • Battery-powered
  • Gasoline

While you’ll occasionally see a diesel-powered chainsaw, it’s rare to find a pole saw that runs on diesel. Similarly, hydraulic pole saws exist as well, but they’re almost exclusively used by professionals.

Electric Pole Saws

Electric pole saws need to be plugged into an electrical socket to work correctly. Usually, this is done with an extension cord, as the cable that comes attached to the pole saw itself is shortened to reduce its weight. Electric pole saws are the lightest of the automatic pole saws, and they tend to cause the fewest headaches, too.

The only limitation of electric pole saws, of course, is the extension cord. If you have a tree to trim on the other side of your property, it might be impossible for you to run an extension cord all the way out there. However, they’re great for small yards with just a few trees to trim.

Battery-Powered Pole Saws

Battery-powered pole saws tend to be the weakest of the bunch, but they’re some of the most convenient. Battery-powered pole saws are less finicky than gas-powered models, and when they run out of power, all you need to do is charge or replace the battery – no gasoline needed.

Battery-powered pole saws tend to be lighter than gas-powered models, but they’re noticeably heavier than electric pole saws. Because they’re limited by a battery, they can’t exert the same power as an electric or gas pole saw, either. They’re best for small yards, small trees, and people who don’t like dealing with extension cords.

Gas Pole Saws

Gas pole saws are the most powerful pole saws you can acquire. Not only are they untethered – you can take them anywhere, thanks to not needing a charger or an extension cable – they’re refillable anywhere, too. They’re great for people with large properties and large trees to trim.

However, gas-powered pole saws can be some of the most unwieldy pole saws, and they can be incredibly heavy, too. They get the job done better than any other pole saw, but they’re also prone to mechanical failure, starting issues, and other problems.

2-In-1 Pole Saws

2-in-1 pole saws are the most versatile of all the pole saws. The chain saw portions of these pole saws detach from the poles themselves when you need them to. This way, you can use the pole saw as either a handheld chainsaw or a longer pole saw.

Many consumers find 2-in-1 pole saws to provide the most convenience because of this detaching factor. You can cut branches off trees in one minute. Then, when you’re done, you can detach the chain saw and cut the felled branches down to manageable sizes.

Deciding Which Pole Saw is Right for You

Aside from the different types of pole saws, you should consider a few other things before purchasing one. One of the most important things is the size of the bar on your pole saw. The bar determines what sizes of branches you can successfully cut, as generally, the maximum size you can cut will be about an inch or two less than the length of the bar.

That being said, pole saws don’t come with enormous bar sizes since a larger bar means a heavier, less stable unit. This, in turn, increases the hazards associated with using the saw. The most common bar sizes you’ll find for pole saws are ten inches and eight inches.

However, if you’re looking at manual pole saws, you may be able to find a broader range of sizes. This is because manual pole saws aren’t reliant on heavy engines and dangerous moving parts.

The extendable length of your pole saw is the final thing you should consider. While most pole saws, in combination with your own height, can reach a distance of about 15 feet, the telescoping portions of pole saws can be vastly different lengths.

For example, the shortest automatic pole saws top out at about six feet in length, while the longest manual pole saws can have up to fifteen feet of telescoping length (and that’s not even counting your own height).

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there is a pole saw out there for virtually every need and situation. Which kind is right for you depends on your strength, the height of your tree, and the types of branches you need to cut. As long as you do your research, you’ll be able to find the saw that works best for you.

How to Maintain Your Pole Saw

maintain your pole saw

Just like every kind of saw, pole saws can get dull over time, and they require regular maintenance. The more you use the pole saw, and the tougher the wood being cut, the faster the blade will dull and the more often it will need maintenance. Let’s talk about what exactly a pole saw is and how you can keep it in prime condition for as long as possible.

Pole Saws

What you need to know is that there are varieties of pole saws out there. The most basic pole saws are manual in nature; they feature a long pole with a sharp blade at the front, which you use to manually move back and forth to saw wood.

This is not what we are here to discuss today. We are here to talk about maintaining your power pole saw — a pole with a power saw at the front.

To be specific, most powered pole saws come in the form of a long pole with a chainsaw located at the front. These can be electric, battery- or gas-powered. Today we want to talk about how to maintain this specific type of pole sole, the chainsaw variety.

Pole Saw Maintenance Tips

Let’s go over the most important pole saw maintenance tips to ensure maximum performance and efficiency, while also ensuring your safety.

Before Using the Pole Saw

There are a few things that you want to do before you turn your pole saw on for use. These pre-flight checks, so to speak, are very important, especially for your safety.

  • Always ensure that all nuts, bolts, and screws are very tight. You don’t want anything coming loose during use. Loose components can be safety hazards
  • Always check the chain on your pole saw before use. If it appears to have any broken links or other forms of damage, you will first need to make repairs to the chain or replace the whole chain
  • Ensure that both the trigger and the trigger lock move normally and function. You don’t want to start the saw only to find out that the trigger gets stuck in the on position
  • If you are using a gas-powered pole saw, make sure that the air filter is clean. If need be, replace the air filter with a new one. The air filter is an important component of any gas powered pole saw, and it needs to be kept in immaculate condition
  • Always make sure that there are no fuel leaks from the gas tank and the engine, as well as ensuring that there are no oil leaks

After Using the Pole Saw

There are some maintenance tips that you should adhere to after each use.

  • Use a damp rag to clean the exterior of the pole saw from top to bottom. Remove any dirt and particles you can find. Make sure to clean the protective cover that surrounds the blade
  • Return the pole saw to its proper storage location. Below, we have a small section on how to properly store your pole saw

Weekly Maintenance

When it comes to pole saws, here are some maintenance tips that you should adhere to after every few jobs, so about once per week.

  • Always check to see if the pole saw has enough oil. Check the oil level and refill the oil as needed
  • Make sure that all cables and connections are solid. This means that the wires should be in top condition. Here, you will also want to check the starter cord for wear
  • You may also want to look for damage on the elements which dampen vibrations. If these become damaged, your pole saw will vibrate a lot more
  • Remove the spark plug and clean it. Then, adjust the gap according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific pole saw

Monthly Maintenance

Finally, here are some monthly checks and procedures to follow to help keep your pole saw in the best shape.

  • Make sure that the fuel filter does not have any clogs. If the fuel filter has clogs, it will need to be replaced
  • If you use the pole saw on a daily basis, such as for a landscaping or arborist job, you will want to replace the spark plugs on a monthly basis
  • You should aim to sharpen your pole saw at least once per month, just to keep the blade in peak condition so it can make quick work out of any branches in its path

Storing Your Pole Saw: Tips

Just like maintenance, if you want the best results time after time, you will also need to store the pole saw properly. Improper storage can lead to degradation and damage that can end up costing you more money. Here are some pole saw storage tips for you to follow.

  • Always store your pole saw in a relatively cool and dry place. Extreme temperatures can affect the longevity and maintenance schedule of the saw, so keep it in a location that has a moderate temperature. Excessive moisture can also create issues, so keep it in a dry location
  • Make sure to store the pole saw securely. Don’t just leave it laying around on a table where it can be knocked down, and don’t let it hang somewhere it might easily fall. Pole saws can be sensitive to impacts, so be sure to take the proper storage precautions
  • Try to store the pole saw away from things that should be kept immaculately clean. The chain oil may seep off the chain a little bit, in which case anything under the chain will get messy. Put an old rag under the saw to keep your floor clean.

Conclusion

As you can see, pole saw maintenance is quite basic and easy. You want to follow all possible maintenance procedures, and if you ignore any of the above tips for too long, you’ll end up with an unusable pole saw sooner rather than later.

Must Have Tools For Proper Tree Care

Owning the proper tree care tools helps you in caring for your garden trees. You need to prune or trim your trees now and then to encourage vigorous growth.

If we talk about pruning tools, they are crucial for better tree growth and fruit production. Proper pruning encourages plant health, and it also helps to remove limbs and unnecessary branches. It also helps to enhance natural tree shape, which gives gorgeous appeal to the tree. Tree pruning in the right way and the right time is essential because your negligence can kill a beautiful and healthy tree.

Along with tree pruning, regular tree trimming is also imperative for proper safety. If your tree is diseased or dead, it can be risky. You need an appropriate tool of trimming to take care of your tree. The tree limbs can fall easily because of storms or heavy winds and damage your property or home. Trimming is also necessary for tree health and appearance.

Why Do You Need Tree Care Tools?

You should use some tools for proper tree care, and these tools are significant because they:

  • Can save a storm-damaged tree
  • Provide clearance
  • Help to reduce shade and wind resistance
  • Helps in better tree growth and appearance
  • Manages fruit production
  • Improves tree aesthetics
  • Provide better tree structure

Best Tools for Proper Tree Care

Knowing that it’s time to buy some tools for tree care, it leads to a few more questions? Like what kind of tools you need to buy? Where to buy those tools? Etc.

Here is the list of must-have tools for proper tree care. You will learn about the tools you should have for minor touch-up or adequate tree care.

Felco Tree Pruning Shears

Felco Pruning Shears (F 7) - High Performance Swiss Made One-Hand Garden Pruners
  • The Felco 7 Orcharding and Garden secateurs is best used for cutting tasks in your garden. It is best suited for twigs and plants with a diameter not larger than 2.5 cm.
  • The box contains the garden and orcharding secateur that is equipped with a wire cutting notch and a sap groove.
  • The shear provides a clean and precise cut for twigs and other plant parts up to a diameter of 25 mm.
  • The one-hand pruning shear has an ergonomic design through a hand and wrist protection and an optimisation of the force by a revolving handle. Furthermore it is equipped with a non-slip coating.
  • The sturdy handles are made of forged aluminium whereas the blade and the screw-mounted anvil blade are fabricated out of high-quality hardened steel-

The felco tree shears are best for pruning as they are made of aluminum handles and steel blades. This dependent tool will replace all your tree pruner components. Felco pruner has the revolving handle that provides extra comfort to the gardener. These tools are best for every type of tree pruning because of its ergonomic hand fitting design.

Felco pruner has a cushion-shock absorber that softens all the cutting that aids in risk-free pruning without any injury. Its hard steel blade ensures reliable, clean, and accurate cutting. Moreover, its anvil blade provides easy access to the twiggy tree branches to make a close cut to the trunk.

This tree pruner may also help to touch-up the small branches. For live branches, you can try by-pass pruning shears either. It resembles a pair of scissors, and it is suitable for cutting at awkward angles.

Fiskars Power Gear Bypass Lopper

Fiskars 25-Inch Ultra Blade Power Gear Bypass Lopper (9136)
  • Sharp, precision-ground blade edge
  • Fully hardened blade holds sharp edge longer
  • Corrosion resistant, non-stick blade coating reduces friction to make cutting easier
  • Durable and lightweight aluminum handles that fit comfortably in your hands
  • Bypass blade for clean cuts of green, living growth with cutting capacity: 1-1/2"

You will love this Fiskars Power gear Bypass Lopper from the first time you will use it. Its gear is amazing, and its patent-pending technology multiplies its leverage to offer 3x more power with every cut. It means you can go through thick branches that are hard to cut with the traditional old loppers.

The new Fiskars design includes better and more modified gears. Its innovative cam mechanism is best to optimize the cutting power where the branch is too thick, and you will need it in the middle of the cut. Every cut is a lot easier with this new lopper design.

Moreover, this tool will provide your comfort and control. Its longer handle provides versatile use with the oval shape grips for comfortable use. The soft grip to touchpoints will aid in preventing blisters.

Remington RM1425 Limb and Trim Chainsaw

Chainsaws are also best as a tree trimming equipment. This tool is best to cut limbs and saplings. This is an electric chainsaw, you just need to plug-in and go, and that’s what you need to start it.

Remington Limb N Trim electric chainsaw provides you with user-friendly features. It has a 14-inch kickback bar and chain that comes with the push-button oiler. Its internal adjustment system is reliable for the chain tensioning for the smoother cut.

Unlike the gas chainsaws, it doesn’t require any gasoline to start. This machine can be your other hand, and it will adapt any job you want to do. The electric motor roars to life whenever you press the trigger. Moreover, this tool has a warranty of 2 years, and you can buy it on amazon.

Electric Wood Chipper

Sun Joe CJ602E-GRY 15 Amp Electric Wood Chipper/Shredder, Grey
  • [IDEAL]: For turning branches and twigs into nutrient-rich garden mulch
  • [POWERFUL]: 15 amp motor effectively chips and shreds branches up to 1.5-Inches thick
  • [COMPACT]: Design with 6-inch wheels for easy portability
  • [SAFETY]: Hopper with locking knob prevents the motor from operating when opened
  • [ETL APPROVED]: Full 2-year warranty

Do your job to reduce, reuse, and recycle with this fantastic electric wood chipper. It generates the speed up to 4300 per min to work out of the brush, branches, and leaves that are crowding your lawn or garden. It will effectively shred and chip the wooden sticks and limbs that are 1.5 inches thick. This is the perfect tool to use around your flower beds or trees.

This tool is best for light-duty jobs, and it will clear your yard waste up to 1/16 of its original size. Along with that, it is quite easy to assemble and maintain. It is ready to go whenever you want to use it. Just plug in the switch and start chipping immediately.

iGarden 3 Piece Lopper, Hedge and Pruner Shear

Sale
iGarden 3 Piece Combo Garden Tool Set with Lopper, Hedge Shears and Pruner Shears, Tree & Shrub Care Kit
  • 3 Piece Combo Garden Tool Set includes Lopper and Hedge Shear and Soft grip Bypass Pruner.
  • This 3 piece set is made with high carbon steel blades and comfort grip rubber handles.
  • For smooth, easy cuts on tree branches, comfortable use and lasting value.
  • A fully hardened, precision-ground steel blade stays sharp, and a rust-resistant, low-friction coating makes every cut even easier.

This tool is the combination of 3 best pieces of lopper, hedger shear, and by-pass pruner shear for the proper tree. You can buy this 3 in 1 tool for proper tree and shrub care. These tree care tool blades are made of high carbon steel. Its rubber handle determines the comfortable grip over the tools. You can use these tools to cut tree branches, and they provide lasting value if you use them properly. It’s hard, and precision-ground steel blades stay sharp and rust-free. Moreover, its low friction coating makes this tool the best choice for cutting tree branches.

How to Care for Your Tree Care Tools

Having the right tools is only good when you keep them in proper working order. Keeping them clean after every use is important so they last longer. Proper cleaning is also vital because tree diseases can also spread from tree to tree in no time.

Always carry a piece of cloth or a rag with you while taking care of the tree so you can clean/wipe the blades between different uses. Always make sure to wipe the blades with alcohol if you are pruning diseased branches before moving to the next tree. Also, sharpen the blades of your tools every now and then.

Pocket Chainsaw vs. Folding Saw

So, you need to cut some wood, but don’t know what to use. You are considering a folding saw or a pocket saw as your main means of attack. However, when it comes to pocket saw vs. folding saw, what are the differences? Is one of them better? Let’s find out.

Pocket Chainsaw vs. Folding Saw

Ease of Use

The first thing to consider between these two tools is which one is easier to use. First off, a folding saw only requires you to use a single hand with an easy back and forth motion. Moreover, the stroke, a simple back and forth motion, is also very easy.

Now, on the other hand, pocket chainsaws are also very easy to use. However, they do have a small downfall, which is that you need both hands and arms to operate them, which means that if you have an injury to one hand or arm, it’s going to make it harder. Also, with a pocket chainsaw, the stroke is a bit more difficult, as you have to move in opposite directions with both hands. In other words, you need a high level of hand-eye coordination to use them.

Durability

Pocket chainsaws are ideal for-long term use, at least if you get a high-quality option. Most modern pocket chainsaws have self-sharpening and self-cleaning blades, which means that they can be used for a long time without requiring maintenance. The same cannot be said for a folding saw, which does not have self-sharpening or cleaning blades, and therefore has a shorter lifespan in this sense, at least if you do not maintain it.

With all of that being said, short-term durability is a bit different. When it comes to folding saws, they tend to be quite durable in the sense that they have fairly thick blades with tough teeth. Breaking a tooth or the whole blade is almost impossible with a folding saw. However, on the other hand, a pocket chainsaw has a chain, and that chain can break along any of the links, and the teeth can chip off too. So in terms of short-term durability, a folding saw is probably the go-to option.

Weight and Size

When it comes to weight and size, a pocket chainsaw is probably going to be the winner in most cases. Folding saws and pocket chainsaws can come in various sizes, and the larger they are, the heavier they will be. Yet, if we take the average size of both, a pocket chainsaw will usually be a bit lighter in weight than a folding saw.

Therefore, because a pocket chainsaw is lighter, it takes less energy and effort to use and to transport than a folding saw. In terms of transportation and weight, it’s the folding chainsaw that is most likely going to be the better option for you. Pocket chainsaws can also be compacted into small packages, and they usually always come with a small pouch ideal for transportation.

Size of Log That Can Be Cut

In terms of the size of a log or piece of wood that can be cut, if you are looking to complete large jobs, one of these tools is much better than the other. A folding saw has a certain blade length, sometimes 1 foot long, sometimes 2 feet, but remember that when you have to stroke back and forth, a few inches are needed just for the motion itself. You cannot cut a log of 1 foot in diameter with a blade that is 1-foot long. Simply put, with a folding saw, you can really only perform smaller jobs. Even a 2-foot long blade can only handle so much wood.

On the other hand, a pocket chainsaw can come with a chain that is up to 4-feet long, and therefore you can perform much larger jobs with it. A pocket chainsaw, a large one, can be used to cut full size logs with ease, whereas a folding saw is really only ideal for smaller branches and tasks of that nature. If you need something to cut large logs, it’s a pocket chainsaw you need to go with.

Variety of Jobs That Can Be Performed

A pocket chainsaw can handle larger jobs than a folding saw, but how does it stack up in terms of variety? Simply put, a pocket chainsaw is really only good for a single thing, and that is sawing large logs, and maybe for cutting down some small to medium-size trees.

However, although a folding saw cannot handle as big of logs or trees, they can handle smaller ones, plus many other tasks. Really anything that a normal saw can do, a folding saw can do. The fact of the matter is that a folding saw can be used for a much wider variety of tasks than a pocket chainsaw.

Speed

The final point of comparison has to do with speed. A folding saw is a bit slower and more cumbersome than a pocket chainsaw. With a folding saw, you are only attacking one side of the wood with a back and forth stroke. A pocket chainsaw attacks the wood from both sides, and you can get some good speed and technique going too. If you want to saw logs with speed, a pocket chainsaw is the way to go.

Pocket Chainsaw vs. Folding Saw — Final Verdict

As can be seen, both pocket chainsaws and folding saws have their merits. A folding saw might be a bit more user-friendly, and it can handle a wider variety of tasks, not to mention increase short-term durability; however, over the long run, the pocket chainsaw has better durability, plus it’s much faster at cutting larger pieces.

Chainsaw vs. Circular Saw

So, you want to get into woodworking, and you want to do so from scratch, which means cutting down your own trees, preparing the lumber, cutting boards to size, and then building whatever it is that you want to build. Any good woodworker and lumberjack needs to have the right tools at hand.

There are plenty of different types of saws out there, but what type of saw do you need? Two common types of saws are chainsaws and circular saws, but what are they, what are they used for, and what are the differences between the two? Let’s get to it and do a chainsaw vs. circular saw side-by-side comparison.

Chainsaw vs. Circular Saw – What are They?

Before we get into a comparison of both of these tools, let’s quickly talk about what they actually are.

Chainsaw

A chainsaw is a type of saw that comes with a long arm, that features a chain that moves in a single direction on that arm; the chain has sharp teeth intended to quickly rip and cut wood. A chainsaw is quite simple to use — just turn it on, the get chain moving at top speed, and move it through wood.

The main use of a chainsaw is usually to cut down trees and to cut logs apart into smaller sections, although with the right attachments, you can also mill lumber using a chainsaw. In other words, a chainsaw is usually used for rougher and larger cuts. Chainsaws tend to be very loud, heavy, and powerful. Sure, there are smaller options out there, but if you want to cut down a large tree, you need a large chainsaw.

Circular Saw

A circular saw is a much smaller type of saw. Instead of having a long arm with a sharp chain that moves along the arm, a circular saw features a circular metal blade with teeth; instead of moving in an oval pattern along an arm, the circular saw’s blade simply spins in a circle.

Circular saws tend to be much smaller and lighter than chainsaws, and they are generally used for much smaller jobs. Where a chainsaw is used to cut large logs or pieces of wood, a circular saw is usually used for cutting small boards, like making simple crosscuts for carpentry. Essentially, they are two very different tools with different purposes.

Chainsaw vs Circular Saw – Main Differences, Uses, and More

Now that we have gone over what these tools are, let’s go a little more in depth in terms of their uses, features, and benefits which they bring to the table.

Power Source

One of the big differences is that these machines usually use different power sources. On the one hand, circular saws are usually going to be electric, and usually they are plugged into a power outlet. You might find circular saws that are battery operated, but most require an AC connection to provide them with enough power. You usually won’t find gas-powered circular saws because they are meant to be fairly small and used indoors, so a gas engine doesn’t really work for that.

On the other hand, chainsaws, the powerful and heavy duty ones, are going to use a gas-powered engine. Now, of course, you can find electric chainsaws, and they can be battery powered or corded, but these are not great as they usually have limited power and operational distance. When it comes down to it, a good chainsaw is gas powered, and a circular saw is corded.

Use

The biggest difference between a chainsaw and a circular saw is what they are used for. Chainsaws have very long arms with a long cutting area. So, for instance, you can get a chainsaw with a 2-foot arm, and therefore, you can cut down some really wide trees with them, and then use that same chainsaw to cut apart those logs into smaller sections. Now, you can get chainsaw milling attachments to use this tool to mill logs into smaller boards, but as far as uses go, that’s about it.

A circular saw on the other hand, has a small circular blade, so you definitely won’t be using it to cut down trees, to saw logs apart, or to mill logs either. Circular saws can only cut to a depth of a few inches, so this means that you can only work with much smaller materials. Generally speaking, circular saws are used for making cuts on boards, whether length- or widthwise. For instance, a circular saw would be used to cut a 2 x 4 or a plank of plywood into smaller pieces.

Other Differences

So besides the main uses of these saws and what the best power source is for them, there are a couple of other differences to keep in mind as well.

Conclusion

If you are planning on cutting down trees and milling them, a chainsaw is what you want to have. However, if you plant on cutting apart boards of any kind, it’s the circular saw that you want. Before you make a choice in terms of which machine you want to buy, just consider what you need your machine for.

What are the Biggest Pros of Pocket Chainsaws?

If you have ever wondered about using a pocket chainsaw, and whether they are good or not, wonder no longer because that’s what we’re going to discuss. Pocket chainsaws come with a lot of pros and benefits that you might have never thought about.

They’re Super Portable

The first biggest pro that you get with a pocket chainsaw is that they are super lightweight and portable. They aren’t called pocket chainsaws for nothing. You can easily put one away into its corresponding pouch, which you can then fit right in your backpack or pocket, although it would have to be a fairly large pocket.

Either way, a pocket chainsaw is more portable than a normal chainsaw, or any other option for that matter. Moreover, they’re lightweight, so they aren’t too bad to carry around with you, especially if you plan on traveling great distances. Simply put, pocket chainsaws are lightweight, compact, portable, and convenient.

Increase Muscle Strength and Cardiovascular Health

This is something you may never have thought about, but because pocket chainsaws are hand operated, it means that you will feel the burn after a little while. Now, they are designed to be very easy to use, and that means that they should require minimal effort for you to saw through something with a pocket chainsaw. However, they are still hand operated, and this means that you do have to use those muscles of yours.

Muscles in your forearms, your biceps and triceps, your shoulders, and your back will all be exercised by using a pocket chainsaw. Moreover, to get through a substantial sized log, you need to saw for a couple of minutes, and that constant motion counts as cardio exercise. Therefore, a big pro of pocket chainsaws is that they help keep you in shape by training your muscles and your cardiovascular system.

Self-Sharpening and Maintenance Free

Ok, so this pro is not one that can be applied across the board, but close enough. Most pocket chainsaws have self-cleaning and self-sharpening chains. This is indeed a big deal, because most normal chainsaws will require you to clean the blade fairly often. At the same time, most of them also require you to remove the blade on occasion for sharpening and maintenance.

However, with most pocket chainsaws, this is not the case, as most will sharpen and clean themselves just through use and nothing more. It’s very convenient if you have what amounts to a chainsaw that really does not require much maintenance at all. Sometimes minimal maintenance may be required with pocket chainsaws too, but nothing like with real chainsaws.

No Mechanical Parts

Something else to keep in mind is that pocket chainsaws are not mechanical or electrical. Whether you have a gas-powered or electric chainsaw, there are still a lot of engine parts, moving parts, and electrical components. These are all things which a normal chainsaw needs, but at the same time, mechanical and electrical components are prone to breaking down and failure. When you have so many moving parts on a single device, something is bound to break down, and yes, it happens way more often than most would like to admit.

The point is that on a pocket chainsaw, there are no electrical or mechanical components, and therefore there’s a lot less that can break or go wrong. It’s much more reliable and long lasting in this sense.

No Need for Fuel or Oil

Yet another pro that you can equate with pocket chainsaws is that they do not require any fuel or oil. Gas chainsaws constantly require new fuel and oil to function. It can be a real pain if you run out of gas and have to go out to get more, not to mention that if you run out of oil, you can wreck the motor.

On the other hand, there are also electric chainsaws, but these require you to constantly be connected to a power source. With a pocket chainsaw, the only power source you ever need are those big biceps of yours, so as long as you eat a good breakfast, you’ll be good to go. You save money because you don’t require fuel, and you don’t have to worry about running out either.

No Pollution Created

Whether you have a gas-powered or electric chainsaw, in one way or another, they all produce some form of pollution. Yes, gas chainsaws are obviously the worst, as they require gas and oil, and they produce some pretty heavy pollution in the form of carbon emissions. No, they are not good for the environment.

At the same time, electric chainsaws still draw power from the power grid, and even if that power is created through green means, there is always pollution associated with power generation. With a pocket chainsaw, because it uses no fuel at all, you don’t ever have to worry about any pollution being created by them. They are totally eco-friendly.

Easily Get Into Tight Spaces

The other benefit that comes with pocket chainsaws is that they are quite convenient to use in tight spaces. Full-size chainsaws are, well, full size, and it might be difficult to cut from certain angles or get into small areas. Of course, because a pocket chainsaw is so small and compact, this is not really a problem at all.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that pocket chainsaws might not be ideal for big jobs like a real gas chainsaw is, but as you can see, they still come with a lot of pros and benefits that you should be able to appreciate.

What is the Best Length for a Pocket Chainsaw?

If you’ve never heard of pocket chainsaws before, you really have no idea what you are missing out on. Sure, gas-powered chainsaws are fine, and if you have a massive job to get done, it’s probably your go-to option, but that’s where the fun ends. Pocket chainsaws are small hand-operated chainsaws, more or less a sharpened chain with a handle.

While they may sound hard to use, they really aren’t at all; it’s quite the opposite, in fact. These things are small and portable, they are lightweight, easy to use, require minimal maintenance, they don’t require any fuel source besides yourself, and they actually provide for some pretty decent exercise.

Now, with that being said, if you want to get the job done right and with minimal troubles, you need to choose your pocket chainsaw carefully. One of the main things you need to pay attention to when shopping is the length of the pocket chainsaw, but what is the best length for a pocket chainsaw? It’s not a very difficult question to answer, and it’s what we are going to talk about.

Best Length for a Pocket Chainsaw

So, you’re wondering what is the best length for a pocket chainsaw, but before we answer, let’s talk about the average length of your normal pocket chainsaw which has an average blade length of 24 inches; this tends to be the standard. The reason why 24 inches is the standard is because it seems to be the most convenient option for the majority of users.

On one hand, a 24-inch chain is long enough so you can wrap it around and saw apart some pretty decent-sized logs and pieces of wood, although not huge ones. And at the same time, 24 inches is not so long that it will give your problems in terms of how much room you require to operate. Remember, the longer the chain is, the more room you will require to operate your pocket chainsaw; this also means that you can cut much larger logs and pieces of wood.

Moreover, remember that a pocket chainsaw with a longer chain has a larger cutting surface, and therefore you can build up more speed, make longer strokes, and end up sawing a lot faster. To switch sides again though, the longer that chain is, the heavier and harder the whole thing will be to transport.

Longer and Shorter Options

Now, 24 inches is the standard chain length, but of course, it’s not the only length out there, and there are both longer and shorter options available, although not much shorter. About the shortest length you will find with a pocket chainsaw is 21 or even 20 inches, which makes for a lightweight and very portable option that is easy to operate in tight spaces; however, it’s not fast going with such a short chain, and you can’t deal with large objects either.

There are much longer pocket chainsaws out there that come anywhere up to 39 inches, sometimes even as long as four feet. Just remember that the longer it is, the faster you can cut wood, and the larger a piece you can handle, but of course, it also comes with more required space for you to operate in, and it does add to the weight.

Other Things to Consider When Purchasing a Pocket Chainsaw

Besides the length of the chain itself, there are some other considerations to keep in mind before you go out and buy a pocket chainsaw, so let’s quickly go over the most important ones.

Blade Material

You will want to look for a pocket chainsaw that features a hardened steel chain, and if you can find one that is carbide tipped, even better. You want to look for a blade that is very hard, durable, and long-lasting. The harder the material, the longer it will last before it gets dull, and the lower the chances of something breaking.

Self-Sharpening and Cleaning

Some chainsaw blades allow you to sharpen them with traditional chainsaw sharpening kits, and others do not. The fact of the matter is that many newer pocket chainsaws feature self-sharpening chains, and many also have self-cleaning chains. This means that through the use of the pocket chainsaw, the chain will actually clean and sharpen itself, something which helps make life a lot easier. This is a big thing to look for when purchasing a pocket chainsaw.

The Handles

The next aspect to pay attention to when purchasing a pocket chainsaw is what the handles are like. Most pocket chainsaws will come with loop handles, which are fine because they provide a great grip. As long as the handles are easy to hold, comfortable, and durable, you should be fine. Some models come with wooden handles or other materials, but not soft loops. These can be fine, and are usually more comfortable to hold, but they can be harder to grip onto.

Carrying Pouch

The other thing to look for is that your pocket chainsaw comes with a good pouch. Something you can clip or tie onto your pants is always good, and of course, you want that pouch to be fairly durable and long-lasting.

Conclusion

There you have everything you need to know about the length of your pocket chainsaw and how to choose the best size for your needs. Although this may be one of the most important purchasing factors, keep the other points we have discussed in mind as well. Put everything together, and you have got yourself a high-quality pocket chainsaw.