 Chain saws can be a great tool for implementing habitat management and maintaining clear roads on your property. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before cranking your saw. Always use a saw that fits the job. Most managers can complete tasks with an 18-inch bar. Make sure your chain break and throttle safety are working properly. Always engage the chain break when you are not actively cutting. Invest in personal protective equipment and wear it any time you are running your saw. Spending $200 or so can save you thousands of medical bills or potentially save your life. A helmet with a face shield, protective glasses and chaps are easy to purchase and easy to put on before running your saw. Before making a cut, whether you are delimbing, bucking a down tree, felling a standing tree or implementing hinge cuts, think through the reaction that will occur once you begin your cut. Too often injuries occur because someone did not evaluate the situation properly before they started cutting.