To remove a chainsaw stuck in a tree, the key is to relieve pressure on the saw blade. You can do this by supporting and lifting the tree trunk near the cut, then using tools to open the cut slightly, allowing the saw to be pulled free.
When a tree "pinches" a chainsaw, it's often due to the weight of the tree or tension in the wood closing in on the bar. The method described in the reference focuses on counteracting this force.
Relieving Pressure and Freeing the Saw
The primary technique involves changing the forces acting on the tree trunk around the saw. This is achieved by supporting the tree's weight and slightly opening the cut.
Here’s a breakdown of the process based on the provided information:
- Assess the Situation: Understand how the saw is pinched and the direction of pressure.
- Provide Support: Fit smaller logs or wedges underneath the tree near where the chainsaw is stuck. These supports help bear the weight of the tree, preventing it from further pinching the saw.
- Lift the Trunk: Lift the tree up close to where you made the cut. The closer the lifting point is to the saw, the more effectively it will help open the cut. This action works in conjunction with the supports to relieve pressure.
- Open the Cut: Use tools to create space around the saw bar. Wedges, crowbars, and other similar tools can help you force the tree open right at the cut. Carefully insert and use these tools to widen the kerf (the slot made by the saw blade).
- Remove the Saw: Once sufficient pressure is relieved and the cut is slightly opened, the chainsaw should be easier to pull out.
- Tip: The reference emphasizes that the closer the spot is to the chainsaw where you lift or apply force, the easier it will be to pull it out.
Essential Tools for Removal
Based on the method described, several tools are useful for this task:
- Smaller logs or wood wedges: Used for supporting the tree trunk from underneath.
- Felling wedges: Plastic or metal wedges that can be gently tapped into the cut above or beside the chainsaw bar to force the wood open.
- Crowbar or pry bar: Can be used for leverage to lift the tree slightly or to help pry the cut open.
- Other similar tools: Any tool that can safely be used to create leverage or space in the cut.
Why This Technique Works
The core principle is counteracting the compressive forces trapping the saw. By supporting the tree's weight and lifting the section near the cut, you effectively reduce the downward pressure on the saw bar. Introducing wedges or a crowbar into the cut then provides the necessary force to physically separate the wood fibers just enough to release the trapped chain and bar.
| Action | Purpose | Tools Used |
|---|---|---|
| Support tree | Reduce downward pressure/weight on saw | Smaller logs, Wood wedges |
| Lift tree near cut | Help open the cut by changing leverage | Leverage (via crowbar or lifting device) |
| Force cut open | Directly widen the slot trapping the saw | Wedges (felling wedges), Crowbars/Pry bars |
Following these steps, focusing on relieving the pressure on the saw bar by supporting and lifting the tree near the cut, and using tools like wedges or crowbars to open the cut, is the described method for freeing a stuck chainsaw.
