Chainsaw lanyard

[Lazarus2]

In my experience and those that mentored me, the saw pulls apart (often the AV mounts) before anything more serious.

This or lanyard breakaways are best not to be relied on - more like the last line of defence. I think the Cresto break away lanyards are the best - computer stitched to fail at 200Kg. That gives good durable safety. I think the saw will have ben pulled apart by then though.

I always teach to unclip the saw (and/or clip it to the tree) if cutting a big bough/section with a chance of taking the saw. Not to mention alternative cutting techniques that places the kerf in the section that remains, rather than the other way around (or cut smaller sections of course).

Any kind of breakaway may be subject to weakening too much over time - its not uncommon to see them fail in normal use, which can get expensive! Because of this, the gear points on TFX are very strong - don't look to them for break away safety.

I always ensure I'm tied in to a strong point if there is a risk, plus all the other precautions above.

 

[tockmal]

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I always ensure I'm tied in to a strong point if there is a risk,

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Laz2,

good point

 

[stevebullman]

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I always teach to unclip the saw

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laz, this is something i do when taking exceptionally large limbs out, specially of certain species. ive never had the saw caught at this point, but ive often wondered if i were to have my saw grab at what point would I decide my saw was DEFINETLY going with it and let go or if it would just be a reactionary thing. and if i didnt let go what damage would i do to myself if my instincts told me to hang on?
i think we've all witnessed if not dont ourselves a groundsman being yanked in the air trying to lower a pice of wood he couldnt handle...for some reason sometimes you just dont let go!

 

[rentachimp]

An 880 is around 30k, I assume, therefore a breakaway lanyard, rated at 200k, will always be of use, safety wise, when cutting aloft with ANY saw that is attached to your harness.

Arguments?

As Laz pointed out; that nice little TIP may not be so happy with half-a-ton of wood, shock loaded on to it.

 

[Gord]

An 880 is only 10kg dry weight w/o bar...

I've never felt a need for a breakaway lanyard. If I am making a cut that I feel is risky (re: saw snatching) I'll clip the saw to the tree. It only takes a second and is the safest option in my opinion.

I also like a non-breakaway lanyard for the rare time that something happens unexpected I can toss my saw and not worry that it's going to plummet to the ground and hit someone/something or smash to pieces.

(I know it's not exactly something I would teach to junior climbers....but sometimes these things do happen.)