How not to cut one-handed?

[Mick Dempsey]

Another thing to do is cut behind the branch collar from the top down, it’ll peel off and hold nice.

 

Species is important, a cedar will let go in an instant with a top cut and a spruce will hold and hold and hold.

[PC Treescapes]

Lots of good methods here, side to side step, slings and my favourite - silky, I also on larger/ heavier branches will do the undercut (gob or straight cut) with the top handle then clip the saw on and use the silky for the top cut, leaving my other hand free to hold the branch as it snaps or hinges down

[carlos]

id tend to silky the ends with foliage on, once you get in a rhythm with it it can be pretty quick, then step cut the larger wood where the step cuts will be a lot more dependable.

id say you just need more time to get the cuts right as it varies with different species and from tree to tree.

carl

[MattyF]

Silkys are more dangerous than one handing ! I try not to use the things any more as I seem to get complacent and inevitably get idiot rash .
I still don’t see why step cuts can not be done predictably unless there is extreme weather. I would not cut a branch I could not cut n Chuck with a step cut any thing bigger needs rigging or you end up like this ..
Had to go back up and finish it for him , a proper mess ! Seen it happen so many times , cut and hold done badly isn’t worth the risk.

[MattyF]

Last time I used a silky fully on a reduction...I stick with the ms 150 to tempting to cut and hold with the silky

[Mick Dempsey]

Bloody things are lethal.

[Khriss]

MS150s are Silkys !! god that blokes arm !! That pic should get posted up in every arb truck - along with the No Smoking signs ........... ( Like they get noticed ) K

[arbogrunt]

If it could break something...rig it. We use a hand held/tensioned zip line quite a lot. The more one-handing or cut and hold you do, the more likely you will get cut...you have to make the call.

[Mark Wileman]

Thanks for all the replies, I need to get into the habit of carrying slings in the tree, in pines I try to carry as little as possible because of the amount of snagging on brushwood.

 

Appreciate the help, cheers guys 

[htb]

When not using them, double them then tie an overhand knot. they then clip up small and snag less. Should not store them over your head, but hands up who has not done it