How to Use a Pocket Chainsaw? [3 Easy Steps for Beginners]

Patrick McMann

Knowledge Based

Whether you’re a camper, hiker, or landscape enthusiast, a pocket chainsaw can help you cut wood with ease. But you must know how to use and take advantage of the tool properly.

Otherwise, you’re in danger of nicking yourself, causing damage to the tool, or increasing the chances of buckling. In this article, I’ll cover how to prepare a pocket chainsaw before use and the proper steps for its usage.

I’ll also share the proper techniques for using a pocket saw tool, including how to hold and position it and avoid binding and buckling.

using a pocket chainsaw to cut wood

How to Use a Pocket Chainsaw in 3 Simple Steps

To use a pocket hand chainsaw, start by preparing the tool. Choose the right location, clear the area, and inspect the tool. To use it, grip the handles firmly and use a back-and-forth motion to cut the wood while applying moderate pressure. 

A pocket or survival chainsaw is a manual tool designed to take on outdoor activities such as camping or hiking. It is operated by hand and requires no fuel or battery to work.

Compared to a cutting tool that uses electricity or fuel to operate, a pocket chainsaw is a lightweight, portable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly option for camping trips. You can easily use it for small cutting jobs such as trimming branches or cutting twigs and firewood.

However, a survival chainsaw is not suited for heavy-duty tasks such as cutting trees or large logs due to its small size and less power. But first things first, here’s how you can prepare the pocket saw tool before using it.

Using the Pocket Chainsaw

Once you’ve inspected your survival chainsaw, it’s time to start the tool and begin cutting. Follow the steps below for using a pocket saw:

Step 1: Attach the Handles

To use the hand chainsaw, first, unfold it from its case and attach the handles to its chain. Then make sure the handles are tightened and secure.

Step 2: Take the Right Position

Next, wrap your manual chainsaw around the wood and grab it with both handles with a hand on each handle. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart for stability. Use your entire body weight to apply pressure rather than just using your arms. This is to avoid fatigue, making your cutting task easier.

Step 3: Begin Cutting

To use the hand pocket chainsaw to cut the wood, move its handles back and forth in a sawing motion while applying moderate pressure. Glide the blade smoothly across the wood and don’t jerk or stop.

Always use the pocket chainsaw at a consistent speed and apply equal pressure on both sides to ensure an even cut. This is to prevent the blade from binding or buckling.

Related: Do Pocket Chainsaws Really Work?

Preparation For Using a Pocket Chainsaw

Preparing a pocket chainsaw requires choosing the right location, clearing the area, and checking the cutting tool for any damages. Here’s what you need to do:

Wear Protective Gear

Remember to wear safety goggles or a face shield, gloves, and ear muffs before using a manual chainsaw. This is to protect yourself against noise and flying debris.

Choose the Right Location

When choosing the right location to use your pocket chainsaw, be mindful of any hazards in the area, such as overhead power lines and local regulations.

Additionally, ensure the area is flat, dry, and free of obstacles. It is also essential to consider the type and size of the wood you’re cutting. If you’re cutting larger logs, you need more space and a sturdy surface to work.

Clear the Area

Clearing the area is also a must before using your pocket saw. Start by removing any leaves or twigs from the ground, as the debris can interfere with your work. In addition to clearing the ground, keep other people, kids, and pets away from the area where you’re cutting to avoid any accidents.

  • Inspect the Pocket Saw

Inspect the pocket saw for any damages to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure your manual chainsaw is in good working condition. Start by looking at broken or missing teeth and whether the chain is loose or damaged. Follow up with inspecting the handles and attachment points for any cracks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pocket chainsaws any good?

Yes, pocket chainsaws are very effective tools for cutting through small to medium-sized logs, branches, and shrubs. Moreover, these chainsaws are lightweight and portable, making them easier to carry on camping, backpacking, or hiking.

Also, manual chainsaws don’t require fuel or electricity to operate, which makes them environmentally friendly.

When do you need to replace a pocket chainsaw?

It depends on several variables, such as your frequency of use and how well you maintain the pocket chainsaw. Also, you need to consider what types of cutting tasks you use the tool for.

With proper care, a high-quality pocket saw can last for many years. But it’s important to inspect the chain of the manual chainsaw before every use. If you see any signs of damage or wear and tear on the chain, replace it immediately.

Can a pocket chainsaw cut through larger trees or logs?

No, a pocket chainsaw has no powerful engine and is operated manually, so it can’t cut through larger trees or logs.

Basically, it is designed for camping and hiking, and you can operate it manually to cut smaller twigs and firewood and trim branches. However, if you need to cut larger trees and logs, a traditional gas or battery-powered chainsaw is ideal.

How often should I sharpen my manual chainsaw blade?

How often you should sharpen your pocket chainsaw blade depends on the frequency of its use and the type of cutting tasks you’re using the tool for. As a general rule of thumb, it’s ideal for sharpening the blade after every few uses or when you observe the blade becoming dull.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to use a pocket chainsaw properly can be a valuable skill if you’re an outdoor enthusiast and in need of a portable saw. To use a pocket chainsaw properly, take some necessary safety precautions. In addition, using the appropriate cutting method will help you avoid any injury or damage to the tool.

Patrick McMann
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