How should a trapped saw be freed after applying safety measures?

When a chainsaw becomes trapped, the safest and most effective method to free it is by leveraging the timber to open the cut and driving a wedge into the gap. This approach ensures that the pressure on the chainsaw's bar is relieved, allowing it to be removed without damaging the tool or causing injury.

Using a wedge is a crucial step because it helps create enough space to safely extract the saw while preventing further binding. This method minimizes the risk of the saw becoming more tightly stuck due to twisting or pulling, which could lead to injury or accidents. Moreover, it allows the operator to maintain better control over the chainsaw and the surrounding material.

In contrast, simply pulling the saw out without any adjustments can lead to increased pressure on the bar, potentially causing it to bind further or even lead to kickback if the saw suddenly frees itself unexpectedly. Pushing harder could exacerbate the problem by applying more force against an already trapped situation. Waiting for the timber to move on its own is also not a viable solution, as it could lead to further complications, including unforeseen movement that might cause injury.

Therefore, leveraging the timber and using a wedge is the most effective and safest method to free a trapped saw.