# How dangerous is a chainsaw to use? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 1, 2019, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850 "2019-04-01T12:44:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![pudytat72](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@pudytat72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pudytat72)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2019, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850/21 "2019-04-01T15:38:37Z")
When I was in medical school, we had a class where we observed autopsies with the county medical examiner. His comments on suicide: “When someone commits suicide by cutting themselves with a knife, you will often see ‘hesitation marks’. They are small cuts on the skin that are made before they make the cut that ends their life. When someone commits suicide by chainsaw, there are no hesitation marks.” Our class decided that another comment he made would make a good American Indian name: Cuts with the grittiness of an unripe pear. (describing scirrhous carcinoma) The things that stick in your mind! ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2019, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850/22 "2019-04-01T15:38:49Z")
One thing that’s appealing about the cordless chainsaws is the ease of use and low maintenance compared to gas powered ones. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2019, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850/23 "2019-04-01T16:15:42Z")
> [@madmonk28](#): > > One thing that’s appealing about the cordless chainsaws is the ease of use and low maintenance compared to gas powered ones. I have used corded, cordless and gas; to me they are all about the same in terms of care/maintenance. What gets you in trouble with some of the corded/cordless is you open the box and go to town without thinking. You don’t have that moment of getting the engine going and warm that tells you “beyond this point there be dragons”. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2019, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850/24 "2019-04-01T16:20:04Z")
> [@Musicat](#): > > \ (Although that alligator gadget looks like a neat idea!) Yes, it does! Except it’s _ **smiling** _ at you! ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2019, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850/25 "2019-04-01T16:26:42Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > [Here is Tara Kul using/comparing a gas vs battery chainsaw.](https://youtu.be/m_80AzvFeIk) I think the DeWalt is actually the saw I own. > > The one downside is how much you can do until the battery needs recharged. I have a back-up battery, but to be honest it takes enough time to run down a battery that I need a breather anyway. > > My smallest battery chainsaw is a Worx saw that is so light it can be put on a remote pole. Small limbs can be safely cut from the ground. Very cool tool! > > (I used to have a 4 gas tank limit. After the 4th tank, I was done for the day. As I aged it went down to 3, then 2. I now am tired before the first tank is empty, or the first battery is drained.) I’m convinced. I don’t think I’ll do anything requiring more than a 16" bar anymore. Anyone want a buy a low mileage Husky Rancher? ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2019, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850/26 "2019-04-01T16:28:16Z")
I have seen some hairy injuries from chain saws I hate them.about as much as tractors. They are injuries waiting to happen. Get training anyway you can. And buy a bunch of bandages. ---
**Author:** ![Isosleepy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/isosleepy/32/479_2.png) [@Isosleepy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isosleepy)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2019, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850/27 "2019-04-01T16:43:06Z")
At some time I ran out of bar/chain oil, and used vegetable oil instead. Have been using it since - apparently without obvious consequences. (Electric chain saw, small jobs). What am I missing? ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2019, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850/28 "2019-04-01T16:49:42Z")
> [@Isosleepy](#): > > At some time I ran out of bar/chain oil, and used vegetable oil instead. Have been using it since - apparently without obvious consequences. (Electric chain saw, small jobs). What am I missing? Your chain won’t last quite as long, will need sharpening a little more often, won’t cut quite as well. None of it very noticeable. ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2019, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850/29 "2019-04-01T17:00:31Z")
I’ll second (third, fourth, fifth) the chaps and a full face mask. I’ve got a lovely 5" scar on my leg where I allowed the chain saw to drop too far before it stopped. Stupid? Yes, but foreseeable. I wear a full face because the little branches and chips can hit your face hard enough to distract you…and distraction (along with complacency) will eventually bite you in the ass. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2019, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850/30 "2019-04-01T17:02:42Z")
You’re gonna need a log splitter next. Just pointin’ that out. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2019, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850/31 "2019-04-01T17:40:49Z")
> [@Isosleepy](#): > > At some time I ran out of bar/chain oil, and used vegetable oil instead. Have been using it since - apparently without obvious consequences. (Electric chain saw, small jobs). What am I missing? Isn’t veg oil more expensive? I keep oil drained out of various crankcases and have used that as lube for our chainsaws in a pinch\*\*\*\*\*. \*\*\*\*\*Speaking of a pinch, although I do not use all the safety stuff I probably should, I always have my wedges handy when I fell/cut up trees. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2019, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850/32 "2019-04-01T17:42:17Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > You’re gonna need a log splitter next. Just pointin’ that out. 😉 Heh. We have a fireplace, but rarely use it. All the wood I cut around the property gets piled up for our annual OMG Bonfire.😃 ---
**Author:** ![Cardigan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardigan/32/187_2.png) [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2019, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850/33 "2019-04-01T17:47:40Z")
Coincidently, I used a chainsaw for the first time in about 25 years this past weekend, and managed to drop a large branch on my foot. ---
**Author:** ![DinoR](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dinor/32/2821_2.png) [@DinoR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DinoR)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2019, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850/34 "2019-04-01T18:32:32Z")
I don’t have chainsaw experience. I’ll leave the advice about training, maintenance, and protective equipment without comments from my ignorance. I do have a lot of experience with risk management. The thread so far has focused on reducing the risk of injury and reducing the severity of injuries if you do screw up through PPE. You can’t ever reduce that risk to zero. Plan for what happens when you do screw up. Having someone there to watch and help if things go very badly is probably a good idea given your inexperience. Checking cell phone charge and that you have good signal near where you are cutting is probably a good idea before the first cut. Having first aid gear nearby to deal with severe bleeding is pretty important. You can potentially bleed out from a serious injury very quickly. Even an immediate call to 911 might not get an ambulance there in time to save your life if there’s no effort to stem the bleeding in the interim. Avoiding serious injury is Plan A. Making sure you don’t die from a serious injury that happens despite your best efforts is Plan B. Don’t ignore Plan B. ---
**Author:** ![Ashtura](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ashtura/32/2963_2.png) [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2019, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850/35 "2019-04-01T18:56:20Z")
> [@madmonk28](#): > > I have a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains with a wood stove. There are a number of dead trees on my property that I would like to cut up for firewood, but I’ve never used a chainsaw. Talk me into, or out of getting one as you see fit. > > If I get one, how steep is the learning curve and how likely am I to cut my head off the first time I use it? I was thinking of getting a smaller, cordless chainsaw to start with; there are lots of smaller branches and trees that could keep me busy for months on the property. I knew a guy doing tree cutting for a living. One day he was using a large saw and it kicked back and hit him in the face. Left a nasty permanent vertical gash on his face. I’d wear protective gear. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Duality](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.duality/32/4098_2.png) [@Mr.Duality](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Duality)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2019, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850/36 "2019-04-01T21:58:04Z")
Knew a logger who got a relatively minor cut from the chain on his hand, and he kept working. Three hours later he was headed to the hospital with one of the nastiest infections ever. Don’t take even the slightest chainsaw-related wound lightly. ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2019, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850/37 "2019-04-01T22:07:00Z")
The biggest thing I found is don’t over do it in a session. It’s natural to be safe and careful when you start out. But the vibrations combined with the weight of the thing held at safe arms length, sap your hand and arm strength incredibly fast when you aren’t used to doing it. And within even 5 -10 minutes, fatigue can make you lazy and careless. ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2019, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850/38 "2019-04-02T03:23:51Z")
I heat with wood and have thus spent a lot of time with chainsaws, over many years. No injuries - or even close calls - thus far, and I try to deepen my respect for these tools every time I use one. Some of my rules: Use a top-quality saw (which for me means a Stihl) and keep the chain in top condition Only the operator should be closer than 10’ to a running saw Two hands firmly on the saw During every cut, all body parts must be well clear of the extended path of the saw As with all subjects, there are plenty of useful YouTube videos. > [@Sparky812](#): > > Ear protection is often overlooked, especially if you’re sawing for a long time. It is indeed often overlooked - a sure sign of a chainsaw duffer. But it should be considered mandatory for even the shortest job - a gas chainsaw used without hearing protection will definitely cause hearing damage. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2019, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850/39 "2019-04-02T03:52:35Z")
As for the actual goal of cutting the downed wood for firewood, I’m not sure that would be very useful. Rotted wood typically doesn’t make for good firewood. The rotting process means it loses a lot of the material which would have burned, so you won’t get a lot of heat from it. But also bugs start to live in the rotted wood, which you might end up bringing into the house. So if you cut downed wood, only use the wood which is still in pretty good shape for firewood from the freshly fallen trees. And a lot of kinds of wood isn’t good for firewood. Pine trees, for example, have a lot of goop in them which creates soot that coats the chimney. So also make sure that you’re selecting wood of an appropriate species to be used for firewood. How comfortable are you with tools and power tools in general? Do you feel at home with a drill or something in your hand? Or are you more of a newbie when it comes to tools and stuff? If you are confident at using power tools in general, a chainsaw won’t be all that challenging. Having a lot of tool experience will mean you’ll be more comfortable with how the chainsaw feels and what manipulations you have to do for the cut. Regardless, you should get comfortable with a chainsaw because a cabin in the woods means you’ll have to be cutting trees continually. Some other options you might want to look into are a bow saw and a chainsaw pole saw. A bow saw is a hand saw that’s useful for cutting branches and smaller diameter trees. A chainsaw pole saw is a small chainsaw mounted on a pole that’s useful for cutting small branches high up while you stand on the ground. It’s a handy and safe way to control branches that are growing too close to your cabin without having to get up on a ladder to get to the branches. ---
**Author:** ![TreacherousCretin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treacherouscretin/32/476_2.png) [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2019, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850/40 "2019-04-02T05:47:08Z")
Another vote for training first. I’ve used a very small electric chainsaw to lop off and then shorten smallish branches (4" diameter). Never had any classes or training, but I’ve only used it for two or three hours over the past ten years, wore some inadequate protective gloves and goggles, worked VERY slowly and VERY carefully, didn’t have any problems. BUT- I’m normally quite risk adverse, and I was VERY nervous (scared, actually) whenever that saw was running. I could feel that I was pushing my luck. I decided that next time I will get professional guidance first- I’m too old to be so foolish. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-is-a-chainsaw-to-use/831850.md?page=3)