Chainsaw Lanyard

[MasterBlaster]

I just got received my 46" lanyard and it's way too short! I don't get it other then it's supposed to be attached to the same side you are dominant handed, which I don't do. I mean, I'm right handed but I hook my saw on my left side. No way that short bastard will be long enough for me to do my business. WTF? :what:

[Altissimus]

I try to use'm as little as possible .... is it one of those bungee-thingys ?

[MasterBlaster]

Yes.

[Altissimus]

It'd be too complex for me , sorry no help boss .....

[FJR]

When I first started I never had one. Now I have a couple of the bungee type. Works well for me the majority of the time. I am right hand dominant and keep the saw on my right side.

[MasterBlaster]

It appears that's the only way one can make it work. Crap!

[Stumper]

Butch. I also hang the saw on the left and am righthanded.I make my lanyards out of 5/16ths or 3/8ths hollowbraid polypropylene. Fast and easy to make and cheap so I shed no tears if I nick one.

[Paul B]

Do you incorporate a weak point in the system Justin? Like use a cheapo keychain biner or something?

MB, I suppose attached two of them together would work real well? What about using a loopie?

[sotc]

46" is to short? how long are your arms? rare occasion ill unclip it from the back and throw it on a d ring

[sawinredneck]

I use the bungee lanyard and love it! Once in a great while I can reach further than it can, but it's not often, and it clears me if I drop the saw!

[Skwerl]

If it's just a few inches too short, extend it with one of these. I'm sure you already have one or two.

http://wesspur.com/images/straps/0898212_01.gif

[arborworks1]

I find the bungee lanyards a little short myself.
Brian is spot on with the extension.
Or an old vt hitch cord would do.

[Mr. Sir]

I bought one a few weeks ago, but I haven't bothered to try it yet. I've never used a lanyard on a chainsaw (and the last time I dropped one from a tree was around 1980). I too am right handed and clip my chainsaw on the left, hand saw on the right. Maybe I'll try it out now and see how it works, if I can find it. :)

[top hopper]

I don't get it other then it's supposed to be attached to the same side you are dominant handed, which I don't do. I mean, I'm right handed but I hook my saw on my left side.


Thats the problem!

They arent designed for the crossover length.

[MasterBlaster]

That would mean mean shifting everything from one side to the other. Dunno about THAT! :what:

[FJR]

Looks like I am in the minority?

[brendonv]

I have one that's about 48", no bungee that Nick made. I hook it in the middle and have clips on both side for my saw. Mostly it lives on the right, but I flip flop depending.

[Wagnaw]

Yeah, I know some people that attach the end to the middle back of their saddle, and the big ring to their left side. Then they just bring it around to their right while using it.

... I rock it on the right myself, but I agree that you can sometimes outreach those lanyards, which is a pain. Not enough of a pain for me to quit using them though. I love em.

[MasterBlaster]

Now THAT sounds like it might work.

[top hopper]

When I first started I never had one. Now I have a couple of the bungee type. Works well for me the majority of the time. I am right hand dominant and keep the saw on my right side.

Me too.


Handsaw and chainsaw on right side. Lanyard on the left.


I know its a personal preference, but I never understood why one would carry on their left if they are right handed. To have to make the crossover everytime seems asinine. I can retrieve my saw one handed without looking, reach over with my left and pull it started. Then shut it down, and hang it up with the same hand. Only needing my left for starting, and cutting. If I one hand it, I only need my left for starting.


Aside from that I like to keep my "sharps" separated from the "softs". Hence the reason my lanyard doesnt mingle with my chainsaw or handsaw. Ive seen guys who mingle the 2 and there lanyard is always nicked and picked to death.

[CurSedVoyce]

The ones I get from Baileys are long enough, but I don't get the bungee type.. has a clip, loop and shortening ring.. I can Left or right no matter what side I clip it on. I think its like 50 inch or something.. But I just a lil sucka... LOL

[OLD PUP]

Do you have a Samson Supply or Farm Suppy in your area? I bought a 1" x 60" Nylon strap & use as a lanyard . Both ends have a 4" loop sewn into for easy use. I just let the saw hang. If that dosen't work for you, buy a 2" solid steel ring at same store . Tie it into the strap at the middle , using a clove-hitch for whatever length suits your needs . Then put the ring on your left side snap. This will shorten the hanging length, when moving around in the tree ! Too Simple ! The x-tra length you wished for !:D:D:D

[MasterBlaster]

Pics!

[top hopper]

I use the multi saw lanyard. It can be swapped out between saws with the push of a button.

[OLD PUP]

Old fashioned service w/ instructions in chinese !

[top hopper]

Hahahahaha.

I dont think thats the kind of pic he had in mind.

[CurSedVoyce]

Here ya go boss... Like I described... Loop, Ring and clip... 49 inch
http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=21342&catID=

[MasterBlaster]

I saw those, but they weren't breakaway. The kernmantle lanyards Sherril offer look interesting. They break away at the snap connection.

[CurSedVoyce]

Yeah I don't use the break away.. Just me I guess:roll:

[cory]

So MB, good poll and interesting topic. Why have you decided to check out a lanyard after all these years (?) without one?

I don't use one; I tried one awhile back and it just seemed crazy in the way, but probably would be fine if I had used one since day one.

[MasterBlaster]

I'm doing it for safety reasons, so yea I want a breakaway option.

Just me I guess. ;)

[MasterBlaster]

So MB, good poll and interesting topic. Why have you decided to check out a lanyard after all these years (?) without one?

1) I dropped my saw for the first time in maybe 5 years a few weeks back. It fell 60 feet or so. I was glad it was a Sthil.

2) I have idiot groundies underneath me. No need to kill them.

[CurSedVoyce]

I have been considerin one boss as my tree work is picking up this year. :)

Bungee break away type instead of static type..
Always been using a lanyard..

[MasterBlaster]

I remember a long time ago thinking I thought up the idea of having my saw attached to a lanyard, so I could (like you see a lot of climbers do now) cut and just drop.
The first time my saw got hung up and nearly kilt me I stopped doing that, lol.

[sotc]

nice to be able "drop" it some times. i usually just slide it real fast through my hand so it doesnt jerk me or shock load my saddle where it attaches. specially my new delicate looking sequoia

[MasterBlaster]

Hell yea.

I can dig it. :drink:

[Stumper]

I seldom drop my saw onto the lanyard...but every now and then it is nice to be able to let that lanyard run through my hand and leave the saw dangling below my feet. Once last winter I had a saw snatcher-I let the saw go and the lanyard caught it while the chunk went on its way-no damage was nice.

[MasterBlaster]

That's the plan, brother.

[JIML]

Mines just a piece of 3/8 tenex i spliced a little dog snap on one end and a loop in the other. Just about got it cut in two now. Probably time for another.

[MasterBlaster]

I was kinda going for/liking the bungee aspect.

[sotc]

one of my guys had one once but i used to splice my own from 3 strand. now i buy the ones like cursed

[CurSedVoyce]

I seldom drop my saw onto the lanyard...but every now and then it is nice to be able to let that lanyard run through my hand and leave the saw dangling below my feet. Once last winter I had a saw snatcher-I let the saw go and the lanyard caught it while the chunk went on its way-no damage was nice.


I Use the drop a lot.. When I am done with the cuts... brake on, power off and let the lanyard run through my hand... Also had a couple saw snatchers over the last year, and it was nice to let the saw run free away from me and just not hit the ground. Now granted, the branch did not take the saw hard enough from me to hit hard on the lanyard either...

[MasterBlaster]

So has anyone ever had one "breakaway?"

[sotc]

nope, the few "snatches" ive managed to shake off, never had a real hang up

[CurSedVoyce]

That's what I was wondering, cause usual culprit of a saw grabber here are the bull pines.

[Hobby Climber]

I use the Tear Away Bungee lanyard. (Not the 46"er)

** Mine measures 50" fully extended & relaxes to 32". **

Bought this longer one from "BAILEY's'" a while back for many of the reasons mentioned in this post. ;)

Never had a need for a longer one, so no complaints so far!

Just my .02


HC

[stehansen]

The worst saw grab I experienced was while I was using the bucket. My 200T went down 30' or so and it broke the chain brake handle. Jerked my arm like a son of a gun.

[Burnham]

I use the same bungee/breakaway lanyard you ordered, Butch. I usually mount it on my right, my dominant side. I keep the fabric items on the left, generally.

Not too short for me on the left either...but I'm not near so long-drink-a-water built as you.

[Al Smith]

Well now I've heard term "short arm " but it wasn't meant to be taken in the literal sense without further elaboration .

Speaking lanyard wise ,I don't climb much ,no need to but when I do I use one it's most likely about 6 foot long ,never measured it . It fastens via a small line which I would hope should break away in the event it needed to . I had heard of using a "tie wrap " for such things .

[MasterBlaster]

I'm gonna attach it to the back of my saddle after I've lengthened it a bit.

I'm thinking of ordering another for use as a break-away climbing lanyard for those sketchy trees. Hmmmm...

[OTGBOSTON]

I've always liked the bungee lanyards. Actually don't have one right now 'cuz one of the rocket scientists that works for me managed to cut it:|:

Anywhooo, I prefer the one with the snap on the end (as opposed to the ring)

[Höllenreich]

No way that short bastard will be long enough for me to do my business. WTF? :what:


I always add a quick link with a dog snap onto the small ring and click that back to the large ring. Connect the loop strap with a girth hitch to a work benier and then connect to saddle. Dog snap allowes you to release and put saw back, one handed if ya buy the right knid of snap, look for the one that has a 45 degree angle at the gate.

:givebeer:

[Drella]

Never used one.

I simply snap the saw onto my saddle, total length; 2"

I'm a left clipping, right hander also....

[DMc]

Well, I guess I am really in the minority. I have always used a lanyard (nonbreakaway). The current lanyard I am using is just a worn end of a retired climbing line. Two locking carabiners attached with scaffold knots. I tried one of the nylon-strap lanyards with a ring on it. Really didn't like it. The ring got in my way more than it helped.

I have a pear-shaped paddle biner on the left and right side of my saddle so I can hang the saw on either side.

Just curious on you guys that have had serious problems with saw snatch, was it early in your career? And if not, for those who have had it happen recently, did it truly surprise you, like "I had no idea" or was it one of those "yeah, maybe it will but what the heck, I'm tired" kind of things.

I have been around climbers who used no lanyards and I have seen saws come out of trees. In my eyes, this is just not acceptable.

Dave

[Monkeywithasaw]

what i use is a simple 60'' dog leash and cut the snap off bend the leash back on its self and put zip ties thru the hole where u just cut the snap off put a carabiner or snap in the new loop you just created by putting the zip ties on. that way u have a break away and the leash is long enuff for either hand

[JIML]

I had a hunk of pine stay attached to my saw a month? ago. I didn't let go of the saw and it ended up breaking the chain. Which is no surprise considering they buy the cheapest chains around.

edit: I have fixed a 200t that a guy did the same thing I did, but it pretty much ripped the handle clean off the saw..

[Burnham]

Maybe time for y'all to start letting go, Jim :).

[C. Kirk]

I use 1 small dog leash wrap around my saddle to hold the saw up close & 60" dog leash on the saw when cutting. All my saw's need to be on the right away from my ropes.

[thattreeguy]

Here ya go boss... Like I described... Loop, Ring and clip... 49 inch
http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=21342&catID=

when i have to use one, its what i use, i clip the lower ring on the saw lanyard to an accesory biner on the ring on the right hip, keeps my saw right at my finger tips,
im too big for the bungee type, limits my reach
i only use them for big saws

[CurSedVoyce]

All else fails (if a rocket scientist nicks my lanyard (dont ask) ) I always have bull tape from PG&E in the truck (2200#) that makes a fine lanyard with a biner and a loop... Lanyard on the fly ... LOL

[treesandsurf]

So has anyone ever had one "breakaway?"

Yup, worked flawlessly. Mismatched my cuts ever so slightly on a fairly large horizontal round I was piecing out of a Silk Oak. Grabbed the chain, pulled the saw out of my hands and ripped the lanyard right at the stitching. 338 went about forty feet to the ground, no damage. Had to buy another lanyard though, :cry:.

jp:D

[JohnB]

3/8" rope, One end tied to a snap run other end through back ring on saw then tie a tauntline hitch. A good strong adjustable lanyard.

[MasterBlaster]

I tried it out today, in the bucket. It worked great attaching it to my dominant hand side dee, as it's evidently designed for.

[Koa Man]

I hate using lanyards. They get in the way and slow me down. I only dropped a saw once in the past 3 years and the saw kept on running. The ground man had to turn it off to send it back up. Nothing got damaged on the saw either.

[gf beranek]

In 42 years I've dropped two saws from the saw lanyard snap un-clipping at some point while I was cutting. Then lowering the saw to hang by the lanyard, but it just kept on going. Big surprise each time. So I use a locking snap now.

Saw snatchers? Mostly operator error there,, from my experience anyway. I see it happen most in cutting wood sections and the sawyer bypass's the undercut. The section parts from the stem like a snap cut, and the chain gets caught in the curf of the work.... oops. Equals big jerk every time.

Although wood pull is big culprit to snatching a saw too, and there's often not much one can do to prevent that.

I make my own saw lanyards from twisted half inch nylon, cheap soft-lay stuff you get from the hardware store. Three tucks, non critical and-easy to splice. Length to suit my arms reach. Cost just a few dollars. I recall once having melted through a poly lanyard and have never used poly since.

[Stumper]

Tsk, tsk, Jer, You know you are supposed to use 5 tucks with nylon.:P

[MasterBlaster]

My good buddy Tommy D brought up a good point about the importance of using a lanyard, check it out. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7736996.stm) I wonder how much that blunder cost?

[Al Smith]

.



I recall once having melted through a poly lanyard and have never used poly since. On that praticular type of line/rope in my opinion it's only good use is in line work because of its' electrical insulting properties .Other than that it doesn't even make a good clothes line .

[NickfromWI]

I have one that's about 48", no bungee that Nick made. I hook it in the middle and have clips on both side for my saw. Mostly it lives on the right, but I flip flop depending.

Let's see that bad boy in use!!!

I use the stock bungee lanyard. I've made a few for folks. 3/8 yalex with bungee inside. It works well, but the bungee makes the rope loosey-goosey when the bungee is contracted. It probably increases the chance of the strands getting pulled out by twigs and stuff.

love
nick

[Bermy]

I've got the bungee lanyard clipped to the centre loop on the back of my harness, I have a bent gate crab in the webbing on either hip, so I can clip the saw high either left or right and when it hangs the weight is centred on the back of my harness, not pulling me lopsided.
With the main end clipped in the centre I get the same reach left and right.

Some guys I know clip their saw lanyard into the ring on the sliding bridge in front...keeps the weight completely off you and the harness when its hanging...

[MasterBlaster]

So far, I've had no problem adjusting to the lanyard. I attached a 12" tiedown to the back center of my saddle, and I hook the lanyard to that.