What do you use to carry your chainsaw tools in the woods?

I should add that although the blocking did a decent job of keeping the chainsaw in place I had to add padding and tie-downs to keep the chainsaw from rattling.

Barf, another vote on your milk crate modification. I go out back with a ATV and a trailer. The rough ride tosses everything around. I've been using 5 gallon buckets with bungees tying them off to the sides. It's not a perfect solution and this threads got me thinking I need to get this better before the summer. A square box like the mike crate with a low center of gravity would be better in the car or trailer. For me one of the big issues is the oil spills from the carrier. That's why I love the Stihl saw case. A bottom pan or closed milk crate would be the thing. Even the oil smell in the basement is an issue. Any commercial made boxes out there?

What do you take with you?

I bring for bucking
Saw, chain files (now that I know how how to dress it up)
Qt bar oil, gallon mixed gas
Wedges
1 ton car floor jack
timber jack
a few rags
Water

Studdlygoof said:

Makes sense. I never really had anyone to show me the ropes as far as the tricks of the trade go so being a green horn I'm kinda running blind here but you learn something new every day. Tape and crayon will be added to the list of gadgets.

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Rather than a tape measure, you can also just cut a stick to the right length. It is a bit easier to handle and if you happen to lose it, well, that can be replaced pretty easy.

Being new, one more little trick that I've yet to see on this forum is how to cut when you reach the crotches of the tree. I like to cut that limb off flush if at all possible and also, what if your mark happens to come in the center of that knot? What I tend to do is cut 2 or 3 or even 4 a little short so that you have your cut just before the knot. Then you next cut will naturally be past that knot. Sure, you end up with a few logs an inch or maybe 2 inches short but does that create a huge problem? If so, I've never noticed it.

Just be sure when you are cutting the limbs off to not leave a part of it hanging onto the main trunk. Cut it off flush if at all possible which it usually is.

Saw in case. Cant hook, pickeroon, axe. In a steel milk crate is the gas, oil, sharpener, lumber crayon, 16" marker, wedges, etc. Notice also in both pictures on the back of the atv is something looks like wrapped in an old towel. That is exactly what it is and in there we take an extra pair of gloves that have soapstone blocks inside so that we can put on a pair of warm gloves when needed. Sometimes I even remember to take the camera and that is the small brown case on the atv.

I made a box for my carryall to go on the Kubota. It has a place for both saws and a milk crate for the tools, oil, and gas can. And holds just over a 1/3 of a cord.

Ps. I also use it as a fire wood bin if the snow is about to fly. Just fill it with splits put it at the back door with a tarp cover and I am good for a week.

By the way this is what I use to mark my cuts. It is a Mingo Marker uses a can of marking paint as you roll it on the tree it will mark at 16" 18" 22" with different sized wheels.

Throw that block of wood in the freezer overnight and it'll even help keep the beers cold.

5 gallon pail with tools, pulp hook, extra chain, etc. in one hand.

Chainsaw in the other hand.

Gas and oil jugs are tied together with bailing twine and I just loop that over my shoulder.

If I don't walk into the woods I take the ATV and everything is put into the trailer.

I use a milk crate, its not that heavy. I have a couple of old ammunition crates that once they are full of tools I cant lift them.
Contents:
extra chains, files, spark plug wrenchs, stiff bristled paint brush, old toothbrush, papercups, engine oil/gas mixture, bandaide box, bug spray, foam ear plugs, toilet paper, napkins(in ziplock bag) pocket knife and camping axe. Steel bristled brush and wedges and rubber mallot. Measuring tape and marking pens.
I also have a backpack that goes too.
Contents:
binoculars, jar of peanut butter, butter knife, graham crackers, more toilet paper, bottles of water. powdered water drink mix.

I got the Husky box, works fine for me

Applesister said:

powdered water drink mix

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Where in the heck do you get powdered water?

It's all around us up north. Skiers and snowboarders love it. At least the back country boys do.

is that kind of like liquid ice...

firefighterjake said:

5 gallon pail with tools, pulp hook, extra chain, etc. in one hand.

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We used to pick up lots of 5 gallon pails out on logging trails - hydraulic fluid for skidders, fellers, etc. just got left behind. Still have a few of those in the shed. Can't have too many....

So this thread got my thinking, as I normally just throw my tools in the back seat of my truck, and then I have to find where they rolled to, and often I've even forgotten to pack something essential like bar oil or a chainsaw tool. Then I remembered this aluminum toolbox that the previous owners of my house left behind and I had no use for. So I got it out and did a few cuts with the jigsaw, cut off the handle and rotated it 90° and riveted it back on, and now I've got a lightweight toolbox that'll carry everything I need. Thanks for the inspiration!

Looks great bassjam

I'm a trail maintainer and typically walk 4-6 miles clearing blowdowns from hiking trails. I use a Kelty Child Carrier pack frame (garage sale $20) modified by adding a plastic crate cut to a "L" shape. Holds Husqvarna 16", oil/gas, hatchet, tool pouches, spare chain/bar. A small duffel holds chaps, helmet w/ear and eye protection, first aid kit with Quik Clot, water, food, etc.

ErikR said:

Thanks... A tape measure and a red lumber crayon, because I can't eyeball 16"...

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I use 2 steel nails tied together with a piece of string. The string is as long as I need my rounds to be. Use it like a compass to scribe the logs. It takes me around 10 seconds to mark off a long branch. I always have it in my pocket when bucking.

ErikR said:

Thanks... A tape measure and a red lumber crayon, because I can't eyeball 16"...

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I used a Sharpie to draw a line on my chainsaw bar at 16", then just use that to measure.

My saw case holds a file and a chain tool. I don't really do much felling, so all I take is the saw, gas, oil, and my Fiskars.