Are Mini Chainsaws Safe?
The question about how safe mini chainsaws are depends largely on the person using the mini chainsaw.
Any tool with a chain designed to cut and that whirls around at great speed has the potential to wreak havoc with human flesh.
However, most manufacturers of mini chainsaws do make a serious effort to make their saws safe. After all, its hardly good PR for your brand if it becomes associated with causing injury while being operated.
On the other hand, the nature of any chainsaw is that the blade has to be exposed to do the job its designed to do.
And of course, mini chainsaws are small. That makes it that much more difficult to incorporate a lot of safety features into a very small tool.
Common Safety Features
So here are a few safety features to look for when you are looking to buy a mini chainsaw.
Safety Lock Button
This comes in various guises but essentially it ensures that you can’t accidentally activate the saw.
Mostly this feature uses a button that you have to press at the same time as you pull the trigger.
Ideally, this button should be positioned so that it requires a finger from the hand NOT holding the saw to depress it. That way it requires a conscious effort on the part of the person holding the saw to get the cutting party underway
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Protective Baffle
This is also known as a splash guard. It is a shield installed above the top aspect of the chain that helps prevent wood chips and saw dust from flying up into your face.
Most of these are also able to rotate up to about 90 degrees to allow for the bar and chain cutting through wood deeper than the bar is wide.
Two aspects to keep in mind here though.
Firstly, the splash guard must attach to the mini chainsaw. As we have noted, mini chainsaws are by design, mini. This means that the attachment point is small and can be quite weak. So, treat that baffle gently and don’t abuse it when cutting.
Secondly, the baffle itself is usually narrow. It will cover the width of the chain, but not much more! So don’t expect it to perform miracles all by itself. It’s a good idea to wear goggles but more about that later.
Ergonomic Non Slip Handles
Mini chainsaws generally are designed with non slip handles that maximize the hand’s control of the tool.
The other advantage of an ergonomic design is that the hand does not fatigue as quickly as it would holding something unwieldy.
It’s a small thing but, in safety, every little bit helps.
Protection against Overheating
Electric motors rely on air to keep them cool. So they all have air vents designed around the motor to keep it cool while running.
In terms of safety there are 2 aspects to consider. The safety of the operator and the safety of your investment! 😊
Obviously, from the operator’s point of view, keep hands away from the vents or stand the chance of being burnt by hot air.
And from the electrical motor’s point of view. Keep the vents free so the air can flow and the motor doesn’t overheat and burn out!
One way to ensure the motor doesn’t overheat is to work in short bursts and then let the chainsaw rest (cool down) for a couple of minutes before you go again.
Cordless Power Supply
Most mini chainsaws are cordless. In other words they work off battery power and are not connected to any other electrical power supply while working.
Although this is not a “safety Feature” per say, generally battery-operated tools are safer than corded tools because you haven’t got an electrical supply feeding into the tool and with a potential dodgy connection only a few inches away from you.
The latter point unfortunately applies to most corded tools. They come with VERY short cords (usually only 18 inches…or less) which means you have to plug them into an extension cord and that connection is very close to you as you work!
As we have already noted, there is a limit to what safety features are included on a physically small and lightweight tool that is designed to be used with only one hand.
So we go back to the question. Are Mini Chainsaws Safe?
And we add to that. What can we do to make mini chainsaws safer?
Quite a lot as it turns out.
Things you can do to improve mini chainsaw safety
Chain direction
If you need to install the chain when you first buy your mini chainsaw or if you replace the chain , make sure the chain is fitted so that it runs in the correct direction.
Putting it on incorrectly will result in poor cutting and probably overloading of the motor. Neither is beneficial for you or the mini chainsaw.
Chain tension
Pay attention to chainsaw chain tension
This is of course applicable to ALL sizes of chainsaws but might be overlooked just because you are dealing with a mini chainsaw.
Chain tension is important because if the chain gets too loose, it can be thrown off the bar and then its anyone’s guess to which side it might deviate.
So always check the chain tension before you start using your mini chainsaw. It’s the safe thing to do.
Safety Glasses or Goggles
Flying wood chips and sawdust represent a danger to the mini chainsaw operator. The eyes particularly are vulnerable to these small bits of wood and wood dust.
The manufacturers of many mini chainsaws try to counter this potential threat by installing a protective baffle or splash guard. The goal is to put a barrier between the working tool and the operator.
But as already noted, these splash guards have their limitations.
So a pair of goggles/safety glasses are recommended.
Gloves
A decent pair of cut resistant gloves is also recommended. Despite all the inbuilt safety features and added safety precautions, accidents still do happen.
Protecting your hands and fingers with some cut resistant gloves just makes sense.
You will need to be careful here though. You don’t want to buy gloves that are so thick and unbending that you can’t actually operate the mini chainsaw!
So perhaps aim for something that will also help you in other aspects like the butchers glove pictured above (click pic for more info)
To Wrap Up
Are mini chainsaws safe?
If you are sensible about how you use them, and take all reasonable precautions, then mini chainsaws are certainly safe to use.
Just don’t take chances……or get lazy!
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