Introduction: Pocket Chainsaw
The chainsaw...awesome for cutting down trees, taking out brush super duper quick, and fighting off zombies. The only thing is a chainsaw is big...and rather heavy. Definitely not pocket sized. So I recently stumbled upon some replacement chainsaw blades, and I hacked em to make me my own pocket zombie defense system... well don't know how well it'd stand up to zombies, but I do know it's handy for cutting up firewood, or clearing small trees, and after your all done just carry it in your pocket. Hope you enjoy!
Attachments
Step 1: What You'll Need
1. a chainsaw replacement blade
2. a metal saw
3. an old garden hose
4. gorilla glue
5. duct tape of your preferred color
6. metal saw
7. chop saw
pretty simple...how i like it
Step 2: Cut Through the Chainsaw Blade
First thing you'll have to do is cut through the blade with the metal cutter. This can be kind of tricky since each joint of the blade pivots. You'll definitely want to wear safety glasses for this part. Once your through the blade move on to the next step.
Step 3: Cut Two Garden Hose Handles
Now cut your garden hose to a whatever length you want for a handle. What ever is comfortable for you is the best length. I used my chop saw to cut the hose.
Step 4: Glue the Handles On
Dip the hose handles in a bowl of water, and shake off the excess water. Gorilla glue sets on damp surfaces which is why you dampen the hose. Put some Gorilla Glue on the chain and some in the hose, then slip the hose over the chain. Use duct tape to hold the hose to the chain and cover the handles to get nicer looking handles. I went with camo duct tape...gives it a nice manly flavor. After the glue dries go try it out, then stuff it in your pocket for the next camping trip. Enjoy!
Finalist in the
Pocket-Sized Contest
123 Comments
8 years ago on Introduction
UPDATE: The "open D rings" I used were actually "hog rings" as someone called them (open link, trapezoid shaped) and I put them to the test with some heavy cutting and sure enough, they held! Pic later!
9 years ago on Introduction
UPDATE: Don't use keychain rings. They can't handle the pulling stress that I put on the chain. Instead, I found these open D-rings and pinched them shut with the curve on the chain part. The pinched side I retied the cord using a slipknot so it would tighten the more I use it and not slip out. Will post pics as soon as I get it perfected!
9 years ago on Introduction
Yeah, when I read the original article on how to make it, I didn't like the glue on handles (no disrespect to the original author, just a preference), so I went with the more ergonomic wooden grip handles instead and it works for me like a dream! My chain is a little on the bulky side (16" chainbar length, but I can stand and work with it without hunching over and potentially hurt my back in the process. But being able to quietly cut a log without having to prep my chainsaw just for a couple seconds of cutting is pretty nice!
9 years ago on Introduction
Hello! This is my first post here on Instructables.com and I would like to say that I made my own version of this pocket chainsaw as well (pictures to later follow!).
However, my design was slightly different with instead of using the garden hose pieces on the ends glued to the chain, I took two keychain rings and put them through the holes as similar to below, but took 2 pieces of broomstick handle and 4" long and drilled two holes in them near center and threaded some cord through that I got at Harbor Freight (on a freebie coupon!) and then back through the rings on the chainsaw chain using a "lark's head" knot. So with the handles set perpendicular to the chain, you get a better grip and more pull to your cutting stroke.
Hope someone else gives it a go and tell me how they like it!
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
thanks for your post. the hand chainsaw is great idea but when i saw the glue i hung my head. this is a great mod to the original idea
10 years ago
Fotos
10 years ago
Here's what I was talking about. Took me about 10 minutes to get the pins out and attach the rings. Make sure to get thicker gauged rings so you have a nice strong connection. The holes in the links where the pins go are actually larger than I was expecting. They're bigger even than regular bike chain pins. The rings I used were 1-1/2" and fit two fingers nicely. Once I get where I'm going (the campsite) it should be no problem finding two sticks to make more comfortable handles if I choose to go that route. The only downside of this method that I see is that the rings sit perpendicular to the chain (which you want when in use) but if you we're to put something heavy on the top of the ring it could torque the chain and break or bend it. Smaller rings might be more useful if that turns out to be a problem. Or you could take the rings off when you're not using the chainsaw.
10 years ago on Introduction
I just got a chainsaw chain to try this and I'm going to attempt this awesome ible with a few modifications. The "official" pocket chainsaw actually just has little metal loops on the ends. If you're in a rush, you can loop them around your fingers... Orrrr if you have a minute, you can just find two stick, chop them down to about 6" and stick them in the loops. Seems like it would make the system a little lighter, and if you find strong enough metal wire, you don't even need glue. You can just loop the wire through the holes left from the missing chain pins (I think). You could also make a few loops out of paracord and attach them to the metal rings. So you have a comfortable option if you don't have sticks the right size for handles.
I got an Oregon chainsaw blade, and then realized that (duh) it's made to cut traveling one direction. Does this seem to effect anything? Are there any chainsaw blades out there that would be better than others for this?
10 years ago on Step 4
I live on a Greek island, Skopelos. Late Autumn, I start my annual chore of cutting/chopping logs for our wood-burners. This seems a great idea for fiddly bits rather than using my large, heavy chain-saw. Will give it a try this year.
10 years ago on Introduction
Hi.. Good information about the pocket chainsaw. It can be easily carried inside your pocket as it is very much light-weight and portable. There is also a USB powered chainsaw (iSaw) available in the global market which can be used for official purposes.
- Indian chainsaw products
10 years ago on Introduction
Isn't something like this sold on camping stores? i believe i;ve seen something like this.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Ya, its similar to these, smaller teeth though, and more pocket-ble
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
as long as it keeps the zombies away
10 years ago on Step 3
More POWER!
11 years ago on Step 2
Hey, if you make the handles out of wood and longer, you can make these into saw chucks!
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
If your name were Terry, they would be Terry's saw chucks
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
lol
11 years ago on Introduction
Go to the bike store and get a chain break tool.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
better yet, go to a local Stihl store and get a break tool made for chain saw chain
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
should be easily accomplish able with any sort of grinder, pin punch and vice. If someone came to our Stihl store, we would likely just break it for them.