How to Use a Rope Saw

• 1). Find the branch you'd like to cut and visually assess its girth. While it may be impossible to accurately measure its diameter, it helps to compare the girth to a familiar object. If you believe it to be 10 inches or less, proceed.
  
  
• 2). Put on your safety goggles. While you're cutting, there will be wood chips falling, and you want to keep your vision clear. These are a must.
  
  
• 3). Place a safety weight on the end of the rope saw. This will help you to accurately toss the rope saw over the limb.
  
  
• 4). Toss the rope saw over the limb. This may require several attempts. Be careful if the saw misses the limb entirely, the chainsaw-like blade will come down toward you. Be prepared to react quickly. Keep a safe distance.
  
  
• 5). Align the blade on the part of the limb once you've looped the saw over.
  
  
• 6). Stand underneath the branch. Hold one end of the rope saw in each hand firmly and pull each side taut.
  
  
• 7). Begin sawing. Alternate pulling aggressively on each side down toward your feet. Continue in this fashion until you feel the limb giving way.
  
  
• 8). Step out from under the limb and continue cutting. It may be more awkward from this position, but you do not want to be in the limb's path on its way down.
  
  
• 9). Cut until the limb falls.