Cut back those trees with ease (Black & Decker Alligator Saw)

Member Name: davomrmac

Product:	Black & Decker Alligator Saw
Date:	11/04/09 (120 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to use, robust, seems well made

Disadvantages: It may look safe, but needs treating as a chainsaw

I bought one of these from B&Q when they had them on offer for £79. For an extra £10 you can also get a cordless version. Although not tested, I thought that this was rather a heavy duty device, so the battery life would be pretty useless. I was also quite happy to used it wired, as the cable is pretty long.

The purchase was made initially for one task. We had overgrown trees, that needed cutting back. The Alligator looks pretty fearsome. What it basically equates too is a mini chainsaw. It has the blade sort of enclosed, with a scissor action. You grab the two handles, put the blade around the branch you want to cut. Then you use the scissor action to grab the branch, push the two buttons on the handles, the chain rotates the saw and it cuts. The first few branches cut were a bit cumbersome, probably due to being nervous of the device. After you get used to it though, it really does get through some tough wood.

This is not a pick up and use DIY toy though. I bought a safety helmet too (under £10). This is a chainsaw! So be safe. It can kick back on you, so use it with care. Plus falling branches are no fun.

After use, a quick brush down and a bit of oil (supplied) on the chain is all that you need do. There are very few nooks that dust and leaves can gather in, so it is very easy to clean. I have used it on six or seven occasions now and it has never failed to impress me.

Summary: The alligator never fails to impress me