A pole chain saw can be a great alternative to a handheld chainsaw when you need to cut branches or trees that are too high off the ground to reach. They’re also great for making precision cuts. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to use a pole chain saw safely and effectively. Stay safe and have fun while woodworking!
How to use a pole chain saw?
The pole should be a minimum of 5 feet long. Any longer and you’ll have trouble keeping it from wrapping around the branch or tree that’s being cut. Shorter poles will make cutting difficult to impossible. If your pole is too short, consider using a shorter blade, which can cut branches with diameters as large as 1.5 inches (3,8 cm).
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First, determine what side of the tree or branch you need to cut on, then tie the pole saw’s cable into that position. You can do this with any type of knot, but we recommend using a bowline knot because it’s the most stable and easiest to untie.
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Once you’ve tied the cable, make sure it has a few inches of slack on either end, and then remove your pole saw from its holster on the opposite side of where you’re going to cut. If there isn’t enough slack in the cable, it will cause friction as you try to cut through the branch or tree, increasing your chances of getting injured. If there’s too much slack in the cable, it could tangle as you cut. Ideally, you want less than an inch (2.5 cm) of play at either end of the cable when you’re done tying it off.
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Once that’s done, carefully place your pole saw on the ground below where you need to cut and then slide it up towards the section of tree or branch that needs to be removed. Make sure not to wrap the cable around any branches as you do this because it will result in friction and increase your chance of injury.
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Start cutting by applying light pressure with both hands on your grip handle while pulling down gently on either side of the branch or tree. You’ll want to keep applying pressure while you cut until the branch is completely severed from the trunk of the tree.
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If your pole saw gets stuck and won’t budge after pulling on it a few times, don’t yank it out of there and risk injury. Take a step back and try cutting diagonally near the knot that’s keeping the cable attached to the tree. This will often break free stubborn knots and get your pole saw back in working order. If it doesn’t, you may need to start over with trying another knot because what you did before didn’t work.
Keep these tips in mind when using a pole chain saw, and make sure to wear all necessary safety gear whenever you’re operating one.
Methods of using a pole chain saw
There are multiple methods of using a pole chain saw, but they all involve either cutting an object that’s suspended in air (like the branch of a tree) or cutting something that’s too high for you to reach comfortably with your arms (such as an overhead power line). Here are some simple steps for both.
Cutting a branch that is suspended in mid-air
- Place the blade of your pole chain saw against the tree with one hand and use your other hand to hold the bottom of the pole just below where it meets the blade. Then, pull down and push inward on both sides of the tree while applying pressure until you hear a cracking sound.
- After the branch has been mostly separated from the trunk of the tree, you can either let gravity do its job and bring it down to your level or push downward on the pole until it descends to where you’re standing.
- Once the branch has fallen to where you’re at, tie a piece of twine around it and then tug on that string to make sure the branch is secure and doesn’t pose any dangers before moving on to cutting another section of tree or branches.
Cutting an overhead power line (or anything else too high for you to reach)
- Use a ladder or tall objects like a bucket or garbage can lid as support while climbing up towards what needs cutting (make sure you’re always holding onto something stable while scaling any type of ladder or raising yourself up to a higher elevation).
- Carefully cut the power line down, making sure it falls in your desired location.
- Use a long piece of twine to tie off the severed section of wire so that no one comes into contact with it while it’s flapping around or laying on the ground. This way, nobody can get hurt by touching an electrified wire and/or falling against it accidentally.
Benefits of using a pole chain saw
There are a number of benefits to using a pole chain saw, but for the most part, they’ll make certain jobs much easier. For example, if you need to cut a branch off a tree that is too high up for an electric or gas-powered pole saw to reach effectively yet can be done with a manual pole one, then this is a great tool to use. In addition, you can adjust the length of this type of saw by attaching it to a longer or shorter pole in order to increase or decrease your range of motion while working.
Tips for choosing the right pole chain saw for your needs:
- Make sure that whatever pole chain saw you go with is built to last and won’t break after one use.
- If you need the cutting aid for maintenance around your home, look for a small manual model that is easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
- For large projects like clearing briars, pick up an extension cord so you can have a greater range of motion.
- Electric pole chain saws are the quietest option, so if you want to maintain a peaceful atmosphere while making quick work of cutting tasks, this is a good choice.
- Gas-powered pole chain saws pack more power behind each cut and will be able to tackle several heavy-duty projects with ease.
- The ergonomics of a pole chain saw is extremely important as well as make sure the grip is comfortable for you and that your hand doesn’t get fatigued fast from holding it.
FAQ,s
How to use a pole chain saw safely?
Whether you’re tasked with trimming overgrown branches from a tree, cutting down the occasional fallen branch, or using a pole chain saw to do something more intensive like clear out brambles and briars in an abandoned lot, it’s vital that you know how to use one properly so as to avoid injury. If left unsupervised, children should absolutely not be allowed to use any electrical appliances. Here are some simple safety precautions everyone should follow when operating this type of equipment:
Always wear the proper gear – If your pole chain saw weighs more than 10 pounds (4.5 kg), you need to wear protective gloves made out of leather or another sturdy material. These will keep your hands safe while handling it for extended periods of time. Make sure to also wear safety goggles to protect your eyes, steel-toe boots, and thick clothing so nothing gets snagged by the blade while you’re sawing away at branches or objects.
Warning
Never operate a pole chain saw without wearing proper safety gear including gloves, sturdy shoes, eye protection, and a hard hat if necessary!
Final Thoughts
The pole chain saw is a powerful tool that can help you get through some of the toughest trees and log removal jobs. For example, if your property has large trees on it or near it that need to be removed for safety reasons, then this may be just what you’ve been looking for. To use one safely and effectively, follow these tips from an experienced professional in the field. You should always make sure there are no high-pressure gas lines around before using any type of power equipment like a chainsaw because they could explode at any time with disastrous consequences.