Most people are good at cutting, but only a few know how to maintain their cutting machines. Chainsaw tools are necessary to increase efficiency and preserve the machine’s high performance. But what are these chainsaw tools?
Chainsaw Tools:
Generally, there are three types of chainsaw tools. Tools that are part of your personal protective gear, like head, eye, and leg protection. Tools that help with chainsaw maintenance, like a chainsaw sharpener kit. Or tools that make your job more convenient, like a bar and chain protection, a logger belt, lifting hooks, or chainsaw calipers.
In this article, I will look at the available chainsaw tools, their respective uses, and how they improve your protection or the machine’s performance.
What Tools Do I Need for a Chainsaw?
There are many things to consider when felling trees or other chainsaw jobs, especially for your safety and the chainsaw’s well-being. Preparing for different circumstances is a way to get the job done safely and effectively.
There are different tools that you can use when working with a chainsaw, and they include the following:
● Chain Sharpeners, Round Bars, and Combination Wrenches
Various chainsaw parts require regular maintenance, and the chain is no exception. The sharpness and tension of the chain are the most important things to check to ensure that it’s functioning correctly.
There are different tools to maintain the sharpness and tension of the chain. You’ll need a combination wrench for the chain tension, as it will allow you to retighten and loosen chain screws. With this, you can correctly tension the chain.
You’ll need a chainsaw sharpener to keep the chain sharp and in shape. The manual version is also known as a chainsaw file, and it’s designed to sharpen the cutting edge of your chain. Chainsaw files are available in different diameters, depending on the type of chain you want to sharpen.
In addition to the file, several chainsaw sharpener tools help fill at the correct angle. You can also find chainsaw sharpening kits with the necessary tools for various chainsaw chain types. They often include flat and several round files, a depth gauge, and a filing guide.
Another option is to use an electrical chainsaw chain sharpener to sharpen the chain quickly. You won’t need any extra accessories; you only need to place the device on the guide bar of your chainsaw and run it for a few seconds per drive.
Many people ignore filling equipment or even vice, but they are handy, chainsaw-sharpening tools.
● Chainsaw Chain and Bar Covers
Chain and bar covers are accessories designed to protect the chainsaw user from accidents and safeguard the bar and chain during transport. They are convenient, especially when using and moving the chainsaw a lot.
The protection is extremely useful when you are moving and will need to ensure that you don’t bump into the chain. The bar cover will protect the chain and prevent any accidents from occurring.
One thing to note is that there are different types of covers depending on your job and the size of your guide bar. People who plan to work several hours will find a harness useful, as it minimizes energy and reduces the load on your shoulder.
● Starting Rope
Chainsaws come with starting rope preinstalled, but it’s good to have a spare in your toolbox. You’ll need to replace the starting rope periodically for pull-start chainsaws, as it is a component that easily wears. You wouldn’t want to get caught up in a situation where it breaks without warning, as it can be extreme. There are different types of starting ropes with different dimensions.
● Fuel/oil cans, Funnels, and Oil Hoses/2-stroke Mixture
Fuel/oil cans, funnels, and oil hoses are all tools you’ll need to easily and quickly refuel the chainsaw. I recommend using cans with filling protection to avoid oil spillages.
● Other Tools and Accessories
Some other tools and accessories that can help make your chainsaw work safer and more effective are:
– Logger Belt
Every professional logger needs a logger belt because of the type of flexibility it provides. You can use the belt to hold other tools like a first aid kit, files, measuring tape, an ax, wedges, tongs, and lifting hooks.
– Lifting Tongs and Lifting Hook
With the lifting tongs, you can easily lift and move small logs, pulpwood, and firewood, while the lifting hooks make it easy for loggers to turn bigger logs. You always need to ensure that the hook and tong are sharp to have a firm grip on logs.
– Chainsaw Calipers
Depending on your cutting job, you may need to take measurements. For this, you’ll need a handy tool. Chainsaw calipers make it easy to measure the diameter of the log you are cutting.
Chainsaw Safety Tools
Chainsaws are dangerous tools, so there’s a need for safety tools when working with them. There is no need to explain that the chainsaw chain is sharp and moves fast, and accidental contact can cause severe injuries. Another potential hazard from using a chainsaw is falling branches or debris, which the user may trip or fall.
Whichever the case may be, it’s crucial to ensure that you use suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) with the proper safety equipment when operating a chainsaw. But what are these chainsaw safety tools?
Here are some of the safety tools you need to have when operating a chainsaw:
● Head Protection
Always wear a protective helmet when working where an object can fall. Sustaining a head injury is not something you’ll want to experience. Today, there are different types of helmets available.
Generally, I always recommend wearing a safety helmet. If you choose not to wear one, always access the work to determine if there is a potential danger.
Always examine your headwear for penetrations, dents, discoloration, chalky appearance, or plastic chip flakes. Check its liner to ensure that it’s not broken or worn; if that’s the case, you should replace the headwear immediately. Replace your headwear after three to five years of use, even if it still appears good and intact.
● Eye Protection
The eyes and face are potential targets for flying debris. With a faceguard, you can protect your face from flying debris. However, the mesh screen may not offer sufficient protection for your eyes. With that in mind, you may need to wear some protective glasses.
Flying objects can damage the lenses of regular eyeglasses, so you’ll need to ensure it’s made from durable glass or plastic material.
Another thing to ensure when selecting eye protection is that it offers sufficient UV protection. Eye protection with an ANSI rating of Z87.1 is an ideal choice. You can also opt for prescription safety eyeglasses. In general, eyewear will help improve your vision while protecting your eyes from flying debris.
● Hearing Protection
When operating a chainsaw, you’ll also need hearing protection. Most chainsaws produce noise of about 110 dB, which is rather loud, and you’ll need hearing protection for any noise above 85 dB. When getting hearing protection, you’ll need to ensure that it has a noise reduction rating of 25 dB.
The hearing protection you need should not be excessive, as you’ll need to be able to hear trees cracking, warning signals, or other people. I also do not recommend working with music or something else that blocks you from outside signals.
● Leg Protection
The Centers for Disease Control reports show that about 36,000 people are treated yearly for chainsaw-related injuries. As a chainsaw user, you’ll need chainsaw pants or chaps made from strong fibers for the best protection. The pants or chaps are so strong that they will stop a running chainsaw so quickly that the chain does not have time to injure you.
When using pants or chaps, ensure that the buckles are properly fastened to keep them properly fitted. Chainsaw pants are usually preferable because they stay firm on the body, unlike chaps. After you get a chainsaw chap or pants, take time to read and understand the care and use instructions from the manufacturer. You’ll need to wash them regularly to avoid the buildup of dirty materials.
● Footwear
In addition to leg protection, you’ll also need footwear when working with a chainsaw. You’ll need boots with a nonslip sole and steel toe.
● Hand Protection
Hand protection is not always required, but using as much protection as possible when working with a chainsaw is advisable. The main importance of gloves is that they will help to reduce vibration from the chainsaw and reduce the risk of minor cuts.
Good gloves can also be a great help when having to pull away things to make a clear area for your job. I always recommend using them when working with your chainsaw.
● High-Visibility Safety Vest
A high visibility safety vest is an important chainsaw safety tool, especially for people working in areas with moving traffic. It’s also nice to have them working in the woods, especially during hunting seasons. The vests are reflective and will alert your presence to people from a distance.