What are Pocket Chainsaws?
The name pocket chainsaws might be a bit of a misnomer. Especially if you get something like the package pictured on the left. You would probably not fit that all into anyone’s pocket!
But the name gives you an indication of what pocket chainsaws, aka rope hand saws, hand rope chain saw etc are all about.
A pocket chainsaw gives you the ability to saw through e.g. a branch without having to have a gas driven or electrical chainsaw on hand.
This makes this device particularly useful for those who go hiking, camping or otherwise spend time roaming the outdoors where a branch of any size might cause a problem!
It is definitely not your first choice of chainsaw for routine chainsaw work. Too many moving parts, too much effort required, and too slow getting the job done!
What do you get?
So the picture on the left gives you a good idea of the basics of a pocket chainsaw.
It consists of a chainsaw type chain with a handle attached on each end. The idea is you hold the handles, one in each hand, and then pull each handle alternatively. This will move the chain back and forth across whatever you are wanting to cut.
The chain, as with a conventional chainsaw chain, does the actual cutting.
Slow(ish) and labor intensive it may be, but it will get the job done for you.
The video below will give you a good idea how these work.
Takes Effort
As you can see , this is not for the faint hearted or those unable to under take strenuous physical activity. You need to be physically capable of hauling away at those handles for however long it takes to get the job done.
So these pocket chainsaws are probably best reserved for emergencies and/or very occasional usage. Unless of course you are a fitness guru who relishes the physical challenge!
Where Does the “Rope” Come In?
Things start getting slightly more technical here but the idea is simple enough.
If the branch you want to cut off is out of your reach, then you can attach ropes either to the handles or directly to the chain. You then saw away pulling on the two ends of the rope.
In other words, the ropes act as extensions to your arms.
The tricky part here is setting this up in that:
– You have to be able to get the chain over the branch where you want to cut it off. This might well involve a ladder and some acrobatics not to mention determination and grit.
– Having placed the chain, you will need to make sure it stays in that position while you return to ground level.
Of course this will be much easier all round if there are 2 of you to get the job done.
Check the Chain Length
As is the case with mini chainsaws and conventional chainsaws, the actual length of the chain can vary. This obviously impacts the size of the branch you can deal with.
Remember too that, unlike a conventional chainsaw, the chain has to go around most of the branch in order for the sawing action to take place.
So make sure you know what length of pocket chainsaw chain you are buying and that it suits your expected requirements.
Do Pocket Chainsaws Work?
Pocket chainsaws, or rope hand saws or hand rope chainsaws or whatever you would prefer to call them can be a neat and useful addition to your emergency kit when you head out into the wild yonder.
Do they work? Yes they do! Absolutely! But with a few caveats as explained above.
Even if you are a bit hesitant, a pocket chainsaw might still be worth considering if you have a once off need for a small chainsaw job that one of these gadgets (and you) would cope with.
If the above does not apply then it might well be worth considering purchasing either a mini chainsaw or even a conventional chainsaw
Or look further on ChainsawChoices.com