Using a Rope Chainsaw (and Getting it Unstuck)

This video covers how to use a rope chainsaw, also called a manual chainsaw, and how to get it over a high branch by using a throw bag. It also explains how to avoid getting the blade stuck and how to get it loose if the blade gets pinched by a partially cut branch.

[@wlesie6067]

I use a pulley tied to another tree (or a fence) to increase the opening angle of the saw lines. Thanks to this, I can stand far from the branch being cut and saw it myself. Of course, this requires more effort than sawing in two person. Greetings from Poland :)

[@tubecatproductions]

Good tip. Thanks for sharing!

[@tervitused]

Smart!

[@CandC68]

Some tips here are excellent. And remember the 6P rule. A few comments, I made at a different video, based upon having done this many times over the years. Forget throwing the hammer. I used a Wrist Rocket sling shot, a fishing lead weight, and fishing line. The line is coiled loosely in a can so it doesn't tangle. I used the "football" shaped weights to reduce getting caught on tree bark and twigs. You could paint the weight for hi visibility. And neon line for same. The reasons are: It's fin. You can reach higher up a tree. The thin fishing line is used to pull up the heavier cord for sawing. Also the light line could be snapped off if tangled in the tree.. You could tie it to the lead weight with a non locking knot. If the weighted part gets stuck, pull real hard and either the knot unties under load. Or the line snaps. You could use a much lighter strength line just at the weight to allow it to break free if needed. He used the correct cord for sawing. You do not want any stretch when pulling. Some of those chain saws have weighted tabs that can indicate which way the teeth are facing. Some chain saws are too good, and bite into the wood to aggressively. I bent small pieces of copper wire over some teeth so they wouldn't cut at all. This meant less binding, but still effective sawing. Since I over think things like this, I once "topped" a tree by sawing the tree, not the branches, horizontally about 30 feet up. How? I used the sling shot method to tie a couple pulleys to a nearby tree. So the saw lines pulled horizontally, which you can't do otherwise. It took time (I wasn't in a hurry) I made mistakes. It was free. The tree was tall but to thin to climb, and if felled by just cutting the trunk, it would hit the neighbor's property.

[@do7hemath937]

I love it when a plan comes together!! Great video !!

[@Samlol23_drrich]

Nice "A Team" reference!

[@artbyrobot1]

this helped me so much. I was unstoppable once I knew about the wide angle thing

[@davidbuche]

I agree with the pulley idea. I actually use two pulleys, connect the lines together and put some tension on essentially 100' saw. I only wish I could buy a saw longer than 53". I use a water balloon slingshot to heave a 1.5 lb throw weight over branches as high as 60 feet

[@tedsell1455]

I want to add a Sping to pulley to help Tension

[@davidbuche]

@@tedsell1455 You might find the spring is not necessary if you tie the two lines together really tight

[@mixter7x7]

In my next video - How to replace broken window panes DIY

[@williamwarren4606]

It will orient over the branch because the chain has pins and can only curve one of two ways without bending, to get to do otherwise would be difficult ... why such chains have cutters on both sides.

[@govinda102000]

What a team. She was great.

[@fern8580]

he is "the boomer of the year"! best regards from France & Canada!

[@enocreyes7025]

Thanks for your video and your wisdom.

[@EVUK-bd2vn]

What about huge densely leaf-packed conifers, spruces, pine-trees where it's very hard to throw or place the rope over and between branches? Sadly almost ALL tree-cutting videos focus on far less challenging trees with branches largely uncluttered and unobscured by densely-packed leaves and twig-like branches. I now intend trying to use a $20 sixteen-foot telescopic light aluminium pole(courtesy Amazon) and my 19 foot ladder to try and place the rope saw's chain over and in amongst those densely-packed leaves + branches - then saw through it all from the ground aka terra firma. Paul G

[@tubecatproductions]

In that situation, as you already suggested, a pole saw might be the best option. I'd advise you to be very careful, as with a pole saw, you have to be much closer to where the branch will fall than with a rope chainsaw.

[@papapickett7267]

I agree. These things are not meant to be used alone. They say it is, but it isnt. You cant spread your arms far enough apart to cut in a v shape only a U shape and that causes the blade to bind. I wouldntve bought it had I known it was a two man job but I have it now so time to pay a friend with pizza and beer.

[@YouTalkinToMeBro]

🍕 🍻

[@fruitaholics]

It was very helpful sir. Please be careful.

[@anotherhurayra2024]

The chain is designed to bend in the direction it cuts so if you have tension on the chain when pulling and it's got a bend where it meets the branch it will always dig into the branch because that is the angle it is able to bend at.

[@GreatFutureBand]

These work very well with 2 people. Its just hard finding someone to help...

[@ronhat-nx6yq]

The reason the chain always aligns with a cutting edge against the wood is due to the curvature of the wood and the hinging of the chain.

[@Kelp_Farming]

very helpful. Thank you, sir

[@Wilburflynn]

Good video, thank you...

[@pyotrberia9741]

Using a wider angle did not prevent jamming for me. I just cut until it jams and then use another rope to break off the branch. Looking carefully, I noticed that the outside, non cutting teeth are the ones that cause the jamming. A one sided chain might work better.

[@DB-xp9px]

the thing that worries me on these "double-sided" blades is maintaining it. only takes a moment for the blade to become dull if it runs into the wrong thing and doesn't seem it'd fit into my Oregon sharpener as a traditional blade would. how are u putting a new edge on this when needed?

[@tubecatproductions]

Honestly, I can't say. I've only been using the saw occasionally, and I haven't needed to sharpen the blade yet.

[@countrylifemusings1385]

Satisfying sound sound when it hits right? :-) I upped a video of wife and I bringing down a big limb with or rope saw. Rock on! (Thought about hooking the ropes to an old washing machine gearbox and strong spring)

[@gangleweed]

I used a bow and arrow to get a rope over a branch before cutting it with a pole saw.

[@Pedo_phile_Muhammad]

use 25' telescopic tool for cleaning windows instead.

[@jsand8301]

Now how about a video on fixing holes in roofs.

[@billywayne902]

I use a fishing pole and tie a rock on the line to get it over the branch then pull the other line over my arm don’t work like that anymore.

[@ifixeditmyself1926]

Very helpful!

[@al-imranadore1182]

Seems safer than climbing with a chainsaw.

[@Old52Guy]

Perfect! I've got a dead branch 50' up. Thanks!

[@kevinfox609]

I'm fixing to do the same thing because I don't want to pay a million dollars to have a tree guy come cut two branches for me. They are really high I hope it works, I'm gonna be doing it by myself

[@tedsell1455]

Throw with bag in one hand and coil of rope in other hand. Ask how i Know 😎

[@232iburn]

I bought a chainsaw blade yesterday so i could do this. After this video i decided not to even bother.... imma just how a guy

[@timvala7577]

For Pete’s sake!!!! Use a slingshot!!! AAAAH!!!😂😂😂

[@tubecatproductions]

I think someone else suggested that too. It sounds like a good idea, but I haven't had a chance to try it.

[@timvala7577]

@@tubecatproductions I just bought one of these saws. I’m going to use some long sticks of pvc pipe and put a weight on one end then drop it over the branch. I think it will work.

[@tubecatproductions]

@@timvala7577 Sounds like a good plan!

[@timvala7577]

@@tubecatproductions I tried it yesterday. It works! I still think I need an extra person though. The saw would pinch after awhile before it was about down. Also it was windy which doesn’t help. I made a short wood dowel to slip in the end then I drilled a half inch hole and put a 8 inch metal rod in it making an L shape weight. Once over the branch it tumbles over and falls to the ground.

[@tubecatproductions]

@@timvala7577 Sounds like a creative solution. Good to know it worked!

[@mafirearmsafety]

I use a heavier monkeys fist to toss it.

[@ss_whole]

Sounded like several hundred dollars damage done to the roof and gutter

[@tubecatproductions]

We actually had some boards spread across the roof to distribute the blow if the branch did come down on the roof.

[@EctoMorpheus]

Sounded like it wrecked the entire house, someone's car and the neighbourhood dog 😂 But looking at the video everything seems fine

[@philsbs2007]

Tying the branch off and lowering it gently once it's cut helps.

[@alexvagias5295]

​@@philsbs2007That's the way to do it. Also, putting a rope near the end and pulling the branch in a safe direction before it falls. If you do both of those things you should minimize the possibility of complications.

[@rr7firefly]

It's a good marriage (or loving relationship) when you can involve the Mrs.

[@josephbohme7917]

You cannot find help - you put the rope end through a ring 20 feet away and that give you the spreaded pull by Yourself. GOT TO BE REALISTIC BY YOURSELF, cant always find a wife etc. etc.

[@alexvagias5295]

That's a great idea. I may try that.

[@1947froggy]

That's a good woman. :)

[@tubecatproductions]

She's a good sport.

[@BobChanter]

It's not a blade, it's a chain.

[@jeffreygray9157]

Or..... How NOT to use a rope saw!!

[@Nitroxdude]

How dangerous..