FOX:
A recall is underway in the U.S. for tens of thousands of electric-corded chainsaws and pole saws that could present a “laceration hazard” to users.
The recall, issued Thursday by Positec Tool Corporation, was prompted by the risk that the main switch on roughly 49,000 Hyper Tough 9 Amp Electric Corded 14-inch Chainsaws, Worx 8 amp 14-inch Electric Chainsaws, Worx 8 Amp Electric Pole Saws and Portland 9 Amp 14-inch Chainsaws could fail. more here
Positec Tool Corporation… about to be re-named to the Prosthetic Tool Corporation
All chainsaws are laceration/ amputation hazards. If they weren’t they would not serve their purpose.
It’s not truly a “Chainsaw” unless its got a screaming 2 stroke engine driving the chain… The last tool in any lineup that should be “electrified or battery powered”.
A tree falls in a storm taking out your power and lands on your garage blocking your access to your generator.
Luckily you have an electric chainsaw in your shed.
How come my Dad’s 1972 Poulan 24″ gas chain saw still starts up easily and the trigger has never stuck on EVER!
And gas saws let you know they are running so you are less likely to pull the trigger accidentally. Electric and battery outdoor tools are worrisome in that you can accidently pull the trigger while just moving them around the yard.
“Laceration hazard” seems a little weak.
How about “amputation hazard” or maybe “decapitation hazard”?
They make a saw for electric chains?
My grandad and dad knew how to use dangerous tools. Even a properly honed axe is a dangerous thing in the wrong hands. I love our pole chainsaw. It sure beats trying to pull down hard enough on the rope to use a pole lopper. And loppers can’t get through the bigger branches anyway. Ours is cordless and it works very well. I’m impressed with the WorX cordless yard tools. I’ve got their line trimmer, and a duel hand/hedge trimmer (has swappable blades).
Jethro – And gas saws let you know they are running so you are less likely to pull the trigger accidentally.
That is actually a good observation!
On the other hand, Electric yard tools (at least the ones I use) all have an interlock that you have to press before it lets you pull the trigger. The blower is an exception as everything is self contained.
Well, there is the matter of the “kill switch”, where with gas engines you shut it off (audio, tactile, sight, and smell indicators) though you have the ignition kill, but electric you should be either unplugging the cord or battery (visual indication only) and this is your “kill switch”.
We can discuss lawn mowers some other time.
A Chinese company using Chinese parts – What do you expect
Having had gas saws that wouldn’t start, and electric ones that always would, I appreciate their appeal. I am not ignorant of their limitations however. But gas or electric, you have to make a saw that incorporates safety and operates properly. This is a corporate/manufacturing failure, not one inherent in the electric nature of the device. When I was a kid, we had two 80+ year old sisters who lived down the street and mowed their lawn every week with an electric lawn mower on an extension cord. Meanwhile my dad struggled every week to get the gas-powered one to start. I’m not saying the electric was better, but these two old ladies got the job done with likely way less swearing than came out of dad’s mouth. Me, I’d NEVER own and electric mower…but I have owned an electric chain saw.
I learned to cut grass with an electric lawnmower which sucked when all my buddies were out earning money with their gas mowers cutting lawns.
Also I learned to splice and tape wires at an early age.
When comparing gas and electric tools, don’t overlook the safety benefit of not having containers of gasoline to store. The only gasoline I ever want in my garage is in a vehicle gas tank.
Does anyone make a Diesel chain saw? 😄