Hand-powered chainsaw -- for emergency use

[profdant139]

When we boondock, we sometimes come upon fallen logs blocking the forest roads (especially in the wake of the bark beetle epidemic), and I usually use a bow saw to cut them (if we can't just move them out of the way by hand). This only comes up once a year or so -- if it were every time, I would bring a chainsaw!

But a chainsaw is bulky and messy -- I do not have unlimited room in the cargo bed of my truck.

So I am going to give this project a try -- I have several old saw chains sitting around, ones that do not fit my current chainsaw. This video shows how to attach handles to a chain and then use it manually to cut wood.

Not sure it is much better than a bow saw, but it is certainly easier to store and carry! Plus it gives me something to do while I am busy practicing my "anti-social distancing." 😉

Video

[profdant139]

mapguy, I went to that link at Home Depot -- very helpful!! But I was surprised by the text of the product description:

"With its carbon steel teeth and extreme portability, this survival saw is an essential tool for snowmobilers, campers, hikers, mountain bikers and all other outdoorsmen."

Just for the record, when there is wood to be cut, DW always takes her turn with the saw. So we may have to ask them to change "outdoorsmen" to "persons of outdoor-ness." 😉

[BarneyS]

Moved to General RVing Issues forum from DIY.

[Naio]

"anti-social distancing"

:B

[ppine]

naturist is right.
I have owned a logging company and also pruned thousands of trees. A pruning saw has a much smaller kerf and requires much less effort. I like the Japanese saws that cut on the pull stroke. Bring an axe just in case for the big stuff.

Electric chain saws are ****, under powered and poorly made. Maybe the new ones are better.

[mapguy]

Hand powered chain saw blade cutting devices have been around for forever. Very popular with the snowmobile and off road motorcycle enthusiasts due to light weight and cutting capacity. If sharp -they cut well but suck up energy during use.

Manual Chain Saw at home Depot

[Gjac]

profdant139 wrote:
Here is a link to the product mentioned by Fisherman, above:

Pocket chain saw

I have one similar to this one, I used it for backpacking when I was younger. It works good and rolls up and fits in a round container about 4 ins in dia. It is thinner and lighter weight than a chainsaw blade. It definitely works, not quite as fast as a bow saw but takes up a lot less space in a backpack. I now camp in a class A and have more storage and have an electric chainsaw.

[profdant139]

Here is a link to the product mentioned by Fisherman, above:

Pocket chain saw

[crosscheck]

Dan,

Like you, we sometimes encounter downed trees when driving on back roads. Most of the time, unless they are huge pines etc,they can be pulled out of the way with a long chain and a good 4x4 truck with out any cutting.

Because much of our camping/ back packing over the years has been in cool/cold northern mountainous areas, having a daily fire was more than just ambiance. I always carried a Coghlans folding alumium saw that could cut up 6" snags quickly for fire wood. Most of the wood for fires is from softwoods but the saw also cuts through dense desert hard woods but it is slower work. This is a light, back pack saw that is extremely sharp if you replace blades every year depending on usage but it cannot cut large diameter rounds as well as a full sized bow saw.

I know you said that you already have a bow saw for emergencies but like another poster mentioned, the wider the kerf, the tougher the work. A chainsaw blade is wide compared to the blade for my foldable saw and I think it will prove to be a lot of work unless it is used just for the odd times in an emergency. If you have the time, go for it.

Dave

[RoyB]

My neighbor just got a DEWALT battery powered chain saw... I gotta get one of theses...



I see AMAZON has it available $128
ADDED NOTE... I just saw this is sold without the 20V Battery haha... With Battery it is $209...

Roy Ken

[Fisherman]

I've got one of these and have cut some high branches up to 6-7 hard maple. You can extend the length simply by adding rope to the handles. https://www.amazon.com/Unbelievable-Pocket-Chain-Portable-Camping/dp/B0002YPMSY

[mgirardo]

Lwiddis wrote:
Newer trucks and SUVs have 110 volts plugs for low powered stuff including electric chain saws. My 2015 Tahoe was limited to 300 watts, the 2020 Silverado has 400 available.

That would have to be a pretty tiny saw. My 16" electric chainsaw draws 12 amps, way more than any 400 watt inverter I've ever seen can handle. Electric chainsaws can still be messy too. If my saw tips over, it will leak bar oil.

-Michael

[profdant139]

To those who question whether this project is worthwhile: so do I! But what have I got to lose? I have the chain, I have the time, and I have a workshop. It's worth a try. Better than standing in line for toilet paper, right?

And it's better than marching down my honeydew list. "Honey, could you please do ---?" 😉

[Dutch_12078]

I have a similar chain saw based saw I carry in my day trip fanny pack. Very compact and easy to use. My regular backpack has a folding saw though that's a bit easier to use.

[Boomerweps]

jkwilson wrote:
If only they made folding bow saws...

They do. The frame looks like a flattened H with the blade on the bottom with a threaded rod on top. Usually the parts slide into the frame pieces. You can make one out of wood after buying replacement blades and use twisted rope with a toggle for the tensioner.

The Pocket Chainsaw is sold by most sporting goods catalog/internet stores. $10-20.

I just carry a mid size axe and a folding "pocket" saw with a 10" blade.

[Bumpyroad]

Lynnmor wrote:
I have one with long ropes for cutting limbs that even a pole pruner won’t reach. It works OK once you toss the bean bag tied to one rope in the desired location. I sure wouldn’t want to cut a load of firewood with it.

I have one of those myself. just toss one end over the branch, and alternately pull one of the ends/ropes.
bumpy