When you need to cut or prune or trim a branch, and if the branch is hardly reached, you have 3 options to prune the branch. Use a ladder to reach at the branch for comfortable pruning, take help from a pole saw, call an expert.
Let’s review how efficiently you can prune using a pole saw even if the branch is at a lower height. For this reason, you may require to adjust the handle of your pole saw. So, “how to shorten a pole saw” will be the main discussion point in this article.
Keep reading, and you will find out.
Step by Step Procedure: How to Shorten a Pole Saw
Since you will require to prune in different lengths, so adjusting a pole saw handle is necessary. However, the whole handle adjustment process is straightforward. Also, following a simple method, you can easily adjust your pole saw.
Read the below steps intently for your easy understanding.
Step 01:
Take your pole saw and make sure the motor is turned off. This way, the pole saw can’t take a sudden start, and you will remain safe.
Step 02:
You will find a tension adjusting screw in your pole saw. Twist the screw, and thus you will be able to pull out the handle.
Step 03:
Adjust the handle as per your required length. If you need to shorten the handle, keep the length short, twist the screw once you are at your required length.
Please note that using the pole saw at its full length, at full length, bring back in slightly to avoid stress.
Once you finish working with the saw, again twist the tension adjusting screw and pull back the handle. Yes, it is that simple.
Make sure to clean the pole saw after each use. And store it safely.
Well, while working with a pole saw, it would be best if you take some cautions. Let’s look at the cautions from the below section.
Cautions
- According to Pruning expert company in Riverside, Pole saws are made for use on branches up to a few inches thick. Pruning a thicker branch is more dangerous than pruning a thin wood. Also, the whole pruning project will be more tedious and slower if the branch is thick.
- It would help if you did not try to prune the upper branches until you become familiar with the weight loss techniques.
- Cutting or pruning in more than 8’ height is a tiring and challenging task.
- It is extremely prohibited to work with a pole saw near to a power line. Even don’t cut or prune a branch if the power line is there under any branch.
General Instruction while Working with a Pole Saw
- Clear the below area of the branch when you are cutting it. Also, make sure people are not entering the worksite. Also, clear any travel like areas such as fallen branches.
- Keep in mind that removing any single branch usually requires lots of initial and jump cuts to lose weight before proceeding to the final cut. If you like, try to cut branches or vines following a horizontal or nearly horizontal surface.
- While working with a pole saw, make sure to use both your hands. Hold to a pole saw to a vertical position so that you can control the weight.
- Make sure the ground is even. If your pole saw comes with an adjustable feature, adjust it depending on the height of the branch.
- Do the first stroke gently and in a controlled manner. Choose to cut the branch perpendicularly so that the first stroke bites efficiently. If the branch is opaque, the early stroke will likely slide sideways. If you experience this type of problem, don’t continue cutting the branch. Stop the pole saw for a while, gather energy, and reposition the saw before starting again.
- Once you get securely in the groove, you can increase the speed of your stroke. Pole saws cut on tension strokes, taking assistance from the gravity.
- Don’t lose your focus from the branch, especially as it moves closer to the downside. Be prepared to retreat securely if you require to.
- Before starting the next cut, it is recommended to take away the limb from the working area.
Other Necessary Tips While Using a Pole Saw
- While performing a jump cut, the blade will start cutting from the bottom of a branch. Once you work against gravity, it will be much more difficult.
- Common shapes of water sprouts are vertical. It is reasonably challenging to cut from the ground with the help of a pole saw.
- It is important to make sure that you do not want to make any cuts that are hard to reach from the ground. Following these tips is unnecessary even if there is no large tree on the property, you should never do it.
- If you are using a pole saw for the first time, make sure you have read all the cautions carefully. Also, read the instruction manual available with the pole saw.
Maintenance of a Pole Saw
- Before using a pole saw, inspect the oil reservoir. Make sure the reservoir is filled.
- Thoroughly check the nuts, bolts, screws. Give them a well-tight if required.
- Check whether any unusual wear is available in the pole saw or not.
- Intently look at the tension of the chain. If it requires to tighten before using, give it a well-tight. Be sure; the pole saw is tightened well.
- After every use, clean the dust.
Last Words
The whole purpose of using a pole saw while pruning or cutting a branch is to eliminate the use of a ladder. Some pole saws are available with an extra extension so that you can prune out-of-reach branches.
And don’t forget to wear safety gear like an earplug, face protection, hand gloves when working with a pole saw.
