Which of the following actions is designed to prevent chain binding when bucking?

• A. Plan the cut, keep the saw aligned, avoid twisting the bar, and maintain proper feed rate
• B. Push aggressively into the wood
• C. Cut from the opposite end
• D. Cut without planning

Answer: (A)

Preventing chain binding when bucking is all about how you manage the cut and how you hold the saw. Plan the cut so the kerf forms where you can control it, keep the saw aligned with the cut so the bar stays straight and doesn’t twist, and maintain a steady, appropriate feed rate so you don’t push the bar faster than the wood can part. When the bar stays aligned and the kerf doesn’t close around it, the chain remains free and the wood doesn’t pinch, which reduces binding and keeps the cut safer and smoother.

Pushing aggressively into the wood tends to overload the chain and bar, increasing the chance of binding or kickback. Cutting from the opposite end doesn’t address the alignment and feed-rate issues that cause pinching. Cutting without planning creates unpredictable cuts and higher risk of binding.