There are numerous tools we need while out cutting. One of my favorite to have around when I'm cutting rounds is my little Fiskars X7. Most of my wood has been skidded to a flat somewhere so it's nasty dirty. The X7 is excellent for chipping off dirty bark and also used as a wedge to keep from pinching my bar. It saves the extra wear on my chain. It may not be a use for a hatchet that someone has thought of. Hopefully it's handy for you also well. Got any ideas to share with the rest of us?
Lets see here: Scrench x2 (for when I lose the first one) wedges hatchet files spare chains spare saws atv goggles for when its really windy spare pull cord rope spare recoil assembly spare plugs spare bar nuts spare gloves That's all I can think of for now. Every single item listed above has gotten me out of a jam before.
The normal tools like the scrench, sharpening tools, log marker, axe, chainsaw, wedges, pickeroon, canthook, log tongs, gloves, ear covers, etc, etc.
It has been said a bunch before but here goes. I was cutting some long oak that needed to be rolled - normally i cut part way through, hope saw doesn't get stuck and then try to roll stick to cut bottom. My buddy said use my cant pole - I said sure - flipped the big log around and we cut - amazing leverage . I thought I need one - then i thought this is about minimum $90 item and the thought drifted away. A bit later he said I got that free from older guy I know who cant use it. I thought back to the time i went from electric leaf blower to gas BR600 - felt like I invented fire. Wondering how many of you have had the same thoughts.. a cant pole it one of those things that should be acquired after you struggle a bit...like you should have to hand split your first few cords - if you can - makes you appreciate the - waiting for someone to pass one on to me.
What Dennis said ^^^. For local taste, Granberg file guide w/suitable files, el-cheapo NT stump-vise, Husqy combo-helmet, 3" pocket wedge from Sherrill Tree plus the bigger ones, Maasdam winch & kit a/r. Second saw a big plus, else spare b&c.
I would not wait simply because the cant hook is about as necessary most times as the saw. But if you wait, you may even pick one up at an auction sale or garage sale. I recall one time I picked up a very old cant hook at a garage sale. The guy was selling it as an antique. Gave him $5.00 and he was almost as happy as I was. And you can get them for less than $90 but they still aren't cheap. Also, I insist on wood handles. Leave the aluminum and steel for others. Summer or winter, a wood handle is much more pleasant to use.
I've found one that's been invaluable to me at least, my atv. My moisture meter is also a great tool to have so I know the starting point of each tree. All of the test of your suggestions have been great things to have while cutting. A cell phone may ultimately be the most important tool we can take in the woods. It's a literal life saver.
I went looking for a used cant hook ,didn't find any , put a wanted add on CL. I got 3 tools for $40 the cant hook alone was worth that
The most important tool I take to the woods my dad gave me when I was prolly 10-12 years old. It is the appreciation of the woods, woodsmanship, and the ability to identify trees. He's been gone six years now, I still think of him every time I see a cant hook or peavey.
Cell phone in the woods just doesn't work around here. No service. I usually check in once I'm back out on the blacktop!
If in an emergency, texts will usually still go out, even if in an area with no service. So if you are in dire need of help, texting could save your life. Using Cell Phones in Emergencies: What You Need to Know
Im always working on my own in the woods. Cell phone is my only hope if I have a biggie. It would be hours before anyone became suspicious of my absence. Phone service isn't great, but texts usually go through.
I usually have a bucket with a bunch of things in it like wedges, screw drivers, ratchet and socket to take the chain off. Steel cables for pulling logs, a peavey, ear protection, fuel, oil, rags, a paint scraper for cleaning the bar groove and spare chains. I forgot gloves.
I carry all the usual stuff that has been mentioned. I'd also like to add the Maasdam rope puller and 200 foot of rope to the list. Handy tool that has never let me down.