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Two Parts:Taking Safety PrecautionsOperating the Pole Saw

So you're finally getting around to using that pole saw you bought from that garage sale? Here is how to use it safely.


Part 1 of 2: Taking Safety Precautions

  1. 1
    Watch what you're doing. Use common sense. Do not operate saw when tired, and do not allow children to operate it.
  2. 2
    Use chainsaw for cutting wood only. Do not use chainsaw for purpose not intended. Do not use for cutting non-wood items.
  3. 3
    Beware of the electrical requirements. Use only electrical voltage noted on model plate of chainsaw. Use only extension cords marked for outdoor use.
  4. 4
    Ensure safe conditions. Do not operate the pole saw or chainsaw while under the influence of alcohol, medication, or drugs, in rain or wet or damp areas, or where highly flammable liquids or gases are present. Don't operate the saw while in a hurry, while on a tree or on a ladder, or while on aerial booms, buckets or platforms
  5. 5
    Use the saw only if it's working right. If the pole or saw is damaged, adjusted wrong, or not fully and securely assembled, don't use it. If trigger does not turn pole saw on and off, don't use it. The chain must stop moving when you release the trigger. If it doesn't, have the switch replaced by an authorized service center.
  6. 6
    Dress for safety. Wear snug fitting clothes when operating pole saw or chainsaw. Wear heavy-duty gloves (rubber gloves when operating outdoors), steel toe safety footwear with non-skid soles, eye protection such as safety glasses, goggles, or face screen, a safety hard hat, ear muffs or earplugs, a hair covering to contain long hair, and a face or dust mask (if working in dusty areas).
    • Do not wear loose fitting clothing or jewelry. They can get caught in moving chain.
  7. 7
    Prepare the cutting area. Make sure you have a clear work area, a planned retreat path for falling limbs, and secure footing to operate from. Inspect tree before trimming. Make allowance for branches to fall freely to the ground.
    • Do not use your pole saw to fall saplings. Use the chainsaw without pole attachment.
  8. 8
    Plug the saw in the right way. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this saw has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). This plug will fit in a polarized plug only one way. If the plug doe not fit full in the outlet of your extension cord, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, a polarized extension cord is necessary. Do not change the plug in any way.   

Part 2 of 2: Operating the Pole Saw

  1. 1
    Stay alert. Use common sense while operating the unit. Keep all body parts away from chain when saw is running.
  2. 2
    Keep all hazards out of the area. Be aware of extension cord while operating chain saw. Be careful not to trip over cord. Keep cord away from chain and operator at all times. Do not use near power lines. Keep at least 10 feet (3.0 m) away from electrical lines.
  3. 3
    Make sure nobody is in the way. Keep children, animals, and bystanders away from pole saw and extension cord. Only the pole saw user should be in work area.
  4. 4
    Use the pole saw on branches only. Do not use pole saw to cut down trees. Use the chainsaw without the pole attachment and only if you're trained or have expert help. Do not cut brush or small saplings with pole saw. Use chain saw only, with extreme care. Slender matter may catch in the chain and be whipped toward you. This could also pull you off balance.
  5. 5
    Grip the pole saw securely. Keep one hand on the pole and the other on the handle.
  6. 6
    Keep finger off the trigger until ready to make cut. Before starting pole saw, make sure chain is not touching anything.
  7. 7
    Guard against electrical shock. Avoid body contact with grounded objects such as pipes, fences, and metal posts.
  8. 8
    Apply light pressure as you cut. Do not force the chain. It will do the job better and safest at the rate at which it was intended.
  9. 9
    Use extreme caution when cutting limb or tree trunk that is under tension. Be alert for wood springing back. When wood tension is released, limb could spring back and strike operator causing serious injury or death.
  10. 10
    Carry the pole saw from one place to another safely. Unplug it, return the telescoping pole to the shortest position, and hold the unit at its balance point (close to the saw end). Hold it with the guide bar and chain to the rear.


  • Always check oil before using saw.


  • Do not extend arms over shoulders when using pole saw.
  • Do not operate pole saw when in a tree, on a ladder or any other unstable surface, or in an awkward position. You may lose control of pole saw, causing severe injury.

Things You'll Need

  • Remington Pole Saw
  • Gloves
  • Oil
  • Steel toe boots
  • Safety glasses
  • Dust mask

Sources and Citations

  • Remington Pole Saw owner's manual.

Article Info

Categories: Manual and Power Saws


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