Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw Review

First Impressions of Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw

The Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw. It’s a name that conjures images of lightweight, portable, and readily available cutting power. Manufactured by Coghlans, a trusted name in outdoor gear, this tool promises to be a compact solution for dealing with wood in the wilderness. Is it just a gimmick, or a genuine asset for backpackers, campers, and survivalists?

Years of lugging heavy axes and struggling with dull folding saws led me to seek a lighter, more efficient solution for processing small to medium-sized wood. I needed something that could easily fit in my pack and reliably handle tasks like clearing trails or gathering firewood. The promise of a pocket-sized chainsaw that could tackle these jobs was certainly appealing.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was its size; it truly lives up to its name. The compact package, a simple plastic sleeve, holds a coiled chain with nylon handles. It felt surprisingly lightweight, a stark contrast to the bulk of a traditional saw. The stainless-steel blade felt sharp to the touch, and the nylon handles, while basic, seemed sturdy enough for pulling.

Compared to a folding saw or a hatchet, the Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw offers a significantly smaller and lighter profile. I also considered a wire saw, but the Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw seemed to offer a more aggressive and potentially faster cutting action. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; it looked like it could work, but the proof would be in the performance.

I was intrigued and hopeful, but also a little skeptical. Could such a small, inexpensive tool really deliver on its promise? Only real-world testing would tell.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test took place during a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The area was densely wooded, with plenty of deadfall available for firewood. I immediately set about gathering some downed branches, ranging from 2 to 4 inches in diameter.

Using the Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw required a bit of a learning curve. It wasn’t quite as intuitive as using a traditional saw. Proper technique, involving a steady back-and-forth motion and consistent pressure, was essential. In dry conditions the saw worked surprisingly well, quickly sawing through the smaller branches. However, when I tried to cut a slightly damp log, the chain seemed to bind a bit more, and the cutting action slowed.

There were a couple of immediate observations. The nylon handles started to become a bit uncomfortable after prolonged use. Also, maintaining a straight cutting line proved challenging, especially on thicker branches.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of intermittent use, the Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw has held up reasonably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the chain itself, but the nylon handles are starting to show some fraying.

Cleaning the saw is relatively straightforward. A simple brush and some lubricant help to remove any sap or debris. However, sharpening the chain looks to be a problem due to the small size.

Compared to my experience with a folding saw, the Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw is faster on smaller branches but slower and more challenging on larger ones. It certainly doesn’t outperform a good axe or hatchet, but its compact size makes it a worthwhile addition to a lightweight kit.

Breaking Down the Features of Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw

Specifications

The Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw boasts the following specifications:

• Blade Material: Stainless Steel. This is essential for resisting rust and corrosion, especially in wet environments.
• Weight: 0.35 lb. A very lightweight tool, making it ideal for backpacking and situations where every ounce counts.
• Width: 4 in. This refers to the width of the package when stored.
• Length: 6 cm. This refers to the height of the package when stored.
• Additional Features: No. A very basic tool with no extra bells and whistles.
• Height: 1 in. This refers to the depth of the package when stored.

These specifications highlight the Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw’s primary strength: its portability. The lightweight design and compact size make it easy to carry in a backpack, bug-out bag, or even a large pocket. The stainless steel construction ensures that it can withstand the elements, at least to some degree.

Performance & Functionality

The Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw performs adequately for its intended purpose, which is cutting small to medium-sized wood. Its effectiveness depends heavily on the user’s technique and the type of wood being cut.

Its strength is the ability to quickly saw through smaller branches (1-3 inches in diameter) with relative ease. A major weakness is that its performance degrades significantly when cutting larger logs or working with damp wood. It meets expectations for a lightweight, portable cutting tool, but it doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw’s design is simple and functional. The stainless steel chain is sharp and effective. The nylon handles are basic and comfortable only for short periods of use.

There is a slight learning curve, but the tool is generally user-friendly. Proper technique, including maintaining consistent pressure and a steady sawing motion, is essential for efficient cutting.

Durability & Maintenance

The Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. The stainless-steel chain is resistant to rust and corrosion. The nylon handles may eventually fray or wear out with heavy use.

Cleaning is simple; a brush and some lubricant are all that’s needed. Sharpening the chain is going to prove very difficult, if not impossible for most users.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw comes with no accessories beyond the basic plastic sleeve for storage. There are no customization options available. Its design is purely utilitarian, focusing on simplicity and portability.

The tool is not really compatible with accessories from other brands. It is what it is – a simple, self-contained cutting tool.

Pros and Cons of Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw

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Who Should Buy Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw?

The Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw is perfect for:

• Backpackers and hikers who need a lightweight cutting tool for clearing trails or gathering small amounts of firewood.
• Campers who want a compact alternative to an axe or saw for processing smaller branches.
• Survivalists who need a portable and reliable cutting tool for their bug-out bags.

Who should skip this product? Anyone who needs to regularly cut large logs or who requires a heavy-duty cutting tool for demanding tasks should look elsewhere. A folding saw or a small axe would be a better choice for those situations.

A must-have accessory would be a pair of durable work gloves to protect your hands and improve grip.

Conclusion on Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw

The Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw is a decent tool for what it is: a lightweight, portable cutting solution for smaller wood processing tasks. It’s not a replacement for a proper axe or saw, but it excels in situations where size and weight are critical considerations.

The price is justified, given its portability and relative effectiveness. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a compact cutting tool for backpacking, camping, or survival purposes, with the caveat that it’s best suited for smaller jobs.

If you are looking for an ultra-portable, affordable cutting tool for light-duty tasks, then the Coghlans Pocket Chainsaw is definitely worth considering. Add one to your kit today!