October 2006
Weathering disaster: Chain saws
Tornadoes in the East, power outages in the West, and a raft of tropical storms have probably put preparedness on your radar
screen. Along with an emergency plan (see our Storm and Emergency Guide) and a three-day supply of food and water, you might want to consider buying a chain saw.
We tested 26 saws to help you prepare for fallen branches and other debris that may result from a storm. Many are better and safer than before, but some saws do less than others to protect you from mishaps and misuse.
CHAIN SAWS: MOST ARE SAFER
Some of the 36,000 chain-saw injuries and 20 deaths each year involve kickback, where the tip snaps up and back toward the user. All tested gasoline saws and many tested electrics now have a brake that quickly stops the chain if kickback occurs.
All tested models have a chain that digs in less aggressively, and most have a narrow-nosed chain bar that reduces the area where kickback occurs. While all are certified by their manufacturers to pass the voluntary industry kickback standard, two otherwise-fine performers--the gas John Deere CS46 and Stihl MS250 C-BE--were judged to kick back more noticeably than others we tested, though not enough for us to lose control. The Deere did so only after we removed its bar-tip guard, which prevents cutting at the tip. But because the tip guard shortens the bar's usable length, owners might be tempted to remove it. Indeed, Deere's instructions note that some saw cuts require removing the guard and simply warn inexperienced users not to attempt such cuts.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Gas chain saws cut more quickly than electrics and eliminate the power cord. Their faster chain speeds can also ease use by requiring less pressure. But they are heavier and noisier, require pull-starting and tune-ups, and emit exhaust fumes.
Besides a chain brake and other safety features, look for an antivibration system for gas-powered saws. Some models ease starting with a compression-relief valve or, with the Stihl MS180 C-BE, a spring-assist system. The Stihl also lets you adjust the tension of its chain without tools.
We tested 26 saws to help you prepare for fallen branches and other debris that may result from a storm. Many are better and safer than before, but some saws do less than others to protect you from mishaps and misuse.
CHAIN SAWS: MOST ARE SAFER
Some of the 36,000 chain-saw injuries and 20 deaths each year involve kickback, where the tip snaps up and back toward the user. All tested gasoline saws and many tested electrics now have a brake that quickly stops the chain if kickback occurs.
All tested models have a chain that digs in less aggressively, and most have a narrow-nosed chain bar that reduces the area where kickback occurs. While all are certified by their manufacturers to pass the voluntary industry kickback standard, two otherwise-fine performers--the gas John Deere CS46 and Stihl MS250 C-BE--were judged to kick back more noticeably than others we tested, though not enough for us to lose control. The Deere did so only after we removed its bar-tip guard, which prevents cutting at the tip. But because the tip guard shortens the bar's usable length, owners might be tempted to remove it. Indeed, Deere's instructions note that some saw cuts require removing the guard and simply warn inexperienced users not to attempt such cuts.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Gas chain saws cut more quickly than electrics and eliminate the power cord. Their faster chain speeds can also ease use by requiring less pressure. But they are heavier and noisier, require pull-starting and tune-ups, and emit exhaust fumes.
Besides a chain brake and other safety features, look for an antivibration system for gas-powered saws. Some models ease starting with a compression-relief valve or, with the Stihl MS180 C-BE, a spring-assist system. The Stihl also lets you adjust the tension of its chain without tools.
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