In the wrong hands, motorized chainsaws can cause more harm than good. A better alternative is the pocket chainsaw, which can make prepping and survival much easier. Unlike the chainsaw, which is heavier and requires fuel and occasional maintenance, the pocket chainsaw is easy to use and is lighter. It looks like the chain on a chainsaw, but it comes with handles attached to each end of the cutting chain.

Do keep in mind that you’re going to act as the “engine” for the pocket chainsaw and using it will require more effort than when you’re cutting wood. While this tool requires some manual labor, it’s handy when you’re in a survival scenario.  The effort you exert when using the pocket chainsaw will keep you warm and give you a good workout. A pocket chainsaw is also the best tool if you need to cut wood to build a shelter, need firewood, or if you need to clear an obstacle in your path.

Extremely portable, a pocket chainsaw only takes up a fraction of the space of other types of hand saws. (h/t to MyFamilySurvivalPlan.com.)

If you’re looking for a pocket chainsaw, consider the brands listed below:

• Croc Survival Pocket Chainsaw — This saw comes with a 24-inch chain sharp enough to cut through most materials. The Croc pocket chainsaw is made in the U.S., which guarantees its good quality. The saw has a simple design “made of a heat-treated chain” with a pair of nylon hand grips.
• Chainmate Survival Pocket Hand Chainsaw — The saw has “high-quality steel teeth,” and is 36 inches long with a 21-inch blade. It comes in a pouch and the pocket saw has “comfortable plastic handles.”
• The SaberCut pocket chainsaw — The SaberCut, released by Ultimate Survival Technologies, is a very efficient tool. The 24-inch blade is bidirectional which means it can cut both ways easily since the saw is flexible and durable. The pocket saw weighs at least 4.5 ounces and is easy to maintain. The saw has self-cleaning teeth, and they are easy to sharpen using a standard 1/8 chainsaw sharpener.
• The Supreme Products Pocket Chainsaw – This pocket chainsaw from Supreme Products also has a bidirectional chain. However, unlike other models, it is modular. The saw can be detached from the handle and it only weighs four ounces. The chain is made of carbon steel that’s coated with an anti-rusting agent. The blade of this pocket chainsaw is 28 inches long, with the teeth placed every 1/4 of an inch. At each end of the saw is a stainless steel hook where you can attach the plastic handles. The saw’s handles are made of fiber, which makes using the saw for long periods more comfortable. As mention, this pocket saw is modular, and you can add an extension if you want to reach high limbs. Simply add as much rope as you want to in-between the hooks and the handle. The Supreme Products pocket saw is “reliable and sturdy, easy to carry, and to assemble” since the blade cuts both ways.

What are the other uses of a pocket chainsaw?

If you’re not sure how to use a pocket chainsaw, take some wood or whatever it is you want to cut, then secure it to the ground with your foot. Stand parallel to the log.

When cutting anything bigger than a small tree, try not to cut pieces directly above your head to avoid accidents. Ease up on the chain so there’s not too much tension in it while you’re cutting.

You can also use pocket chainsaws if you need to make a raft or even cut through bone. You never know what might happen when you’re out in the woods.

You can learn more about the proper gear and supplies that you may need when SHTF at Gear.news.

Sources include:

MyFamilySurvivalPlan.com

ToolNerds.com

SurvivalPlanet.org