Bumper spikes are a common feature on many chainsaw brands you’ll find today, and the reason is simply to make sure you can cut wood safely.
There are around 36,000 people sent to the emergency room annually as a result of chainsaws, according to the CDC. With risks such as kickback, which pushes the saw back toward the user, any bit of added stability can go a long way. Enter the bumper spike, a piece of metal with pointed ends bolted to the tool and pointing away from the operator. A bumper spike allows you to rest the chainsaw against the wood you’re cutting, and adds better control with the metal teeth gripping into the wood.
There are different designs available for bumper spikes, but each offers several advantages. First, depending on the brand, model, and bar length, larger chainsaws can weigh anywhere from 10 pounds to over 21 pounds, in the case of STIHL’s mighty MS 881 Magnum. While that might not sound like much, you’re continually fighting against gravity when wielding a chainsaw, causing fatigue, which can lead to accidents.
