Safety Gear

7 Must Have Chainsaw Accessories and Tools

Did you know that there are over 30,000 chainsaw-related injuries in the United States annually?

So, why is this number so staggeringly high? Chainsaws are common tools in the household. But they are dangerous as well.

Sure, you can’t do away with all the risks. But having some chainsaw accessories and tools can help ensure that you are using the chainsaw properly, preventing the risk of injury.

Wondering where to start?

Have a look at some of the chainsaw accessories and tools that you need to ensure that the job gets done properly and safely.

1. Chainsaw Chaps

Some of the best chainsaw chaps from Husqvarna

Don’t know about you, but if I am going to be using a chainsaw, safety is something I’ll always have in mind.

Ever heard of chainsaw kickback? Well, this is when your chainsaw ‘fights’ back. It causes the chainsaw to fly out of your cutting grove and towards you.

Given that you can’t control the chainsaw during a kickback, some safety measures could come in handy.

One of the best ways to ensure that you remain safe is to get chainsaw chaps. These are heavy duty pant covers that are designed to specifically prevent serious injury should the chainsaw kick back.

Chainsaw kickbacks can get messy, so chainsaw chaps are a must-have accessory.

2. Sharpening Kit and Depth Gauge

Ever tried using a blunt knife in the kitchen? Besides it being tedious, you can hardly get anything done.

The same applies when it comes to chainsaws. Just like any other cutting tool, you will have to sharpen the saw’s teeth regularly.

Want to save on time and fuel when sawing? Be sure to use a sharp chainsaw.

The sharpening kit and depth gauge that you use should be specific to your saw’s size. How often you sharpen the chainsaw will depend on a number of factors such as:

  • How often you use the chainsaw
  • How hard The wood you are cutting is

It’s recommendable getting an all-in-one sharpening kit. It includes:

  • A file guide
  • A round file,
  • A flat file and gauge

While it’s cheaper to sharpen the chainsaw yourself, be sure to get a professional sharpening every once in a while, or replace the chain.

3. Chainsaw Helmet System

Two forestry workers wearing the best chainsaw helmet for protection

The system protects your head whenever you are using a chainsaw. This just goes to show how dangerous this machine is.

The chainsaw helmet system consists of a hard hat, face shield, and sound-deadening earmuffs. Besides kickback, protecting yourself from the debris and noise is important.

Unless you want to lose your hearing, the earmuffs are necessary. Most of the chainsaws produce about 110 decibels of noise or above. Without ear protection, you could easily go deaf in a matter of minutes.

The chainsaw helmet system is quite bulky. But you are better off enduring the weight for a while than losing an eye, right?

4. Chainsaw Wedges

Using a chainsaw comes with a number of risks. One major risk is that the tree you are felling could fall in the wrong direction.

There might not be too much damage if you are out in the woods. But if you are in your backyard, you could end up using much of your savings on roof repair.

Chainsaw wedges make it easier for you to fell the subject tree in a safe direction. Simply make a partial cut around the trunk of the tree and place the wedge in the direction that you don’t want the tree to fall.

Wedges also come in handy when you want to prevent larger horizontal logs from collapsing inwards. This could trap your chainsaw blade in place as the cut progresses.

5. Cant Hook

Now that you have all the trees felled and the logs all nicely cut, how do you move them?

Most chainsaw operators can get by without a cant hook. And you probably have. But once you have used a cant hook, you will wonder how you went by without it.

A cant hook is an important chainsaw accessory that is shaped like a giant hook. It’s helpful in turning and positioning the logs.

Rather than use up all your energy trying to turn those logs, why not head out and get one of these hooks?

Alternatively, you may consider getting a log dolly. This chainsaw tool helps to move the logs in sections and saw them up outside the woods. A log dolly doesn’t come cheap, but it helps prevents your chances of needing back surgery.

6. 2-Stroke Oil

Want your chainsaw to last for a couple of years? You will have to take good care of it. The 2-stroke oil is essential if you want to use the chainsaw for a number of years to come.

If you have a gas chainsaw, then chances are that it uses the 2-stroke oil. The downside to this is that every time you use the saw, it burns a little oil with the fuel.

To maintain the condition of your chainsaw, it’s necessary that you maintain a proper oil-to-fuel ratio.

Often, manufacturers will sell their own mixtures. The mixtures are specifically designed for their chainsaws. The amount of money you part with will depend on the brand of saw that you have.

7. Chain Lubricant

Just like the 2-stroke oil, chain lubricant is a necessary accessory if you want your chainsaw to last long.

When the chainsaw is in operation, the lubricant is pumped from the lube tank to the chain and bar. This can be either automatically or manually.

The chain lubricant helps to keep the cutters running cleanly. It prevents excessive friction, which, in turn, prevents quick wear.

Final Thoughts on Chainsaw Accessories and Tools

There are quite a number of chainsaw accessories and tools that you can buy to get the most out of your chainsaw.

Some of the most important accessories that you can’t do away with are your safety gear and sharpening kits. Much as you need to cut down those trees, remember that your safety comes first.

So, go ahead and have a look at these accessories and tools. Pick up one or two on your next visit to the hardware store.

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