Thread: Chainsaw Question

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Before I start, sorry if this isn't in the right section. It seems general to me...

This is a question for all of you who use chainsaws in their haunts:
For the first time I'm considering using a chainsaw in my haunt.
Do you need any kind of special permission to do so? My haunt is not a walk through, but more of a "scare zone" yard haunt. I'm a little nervous about having a scareactor walking the street with a chainsaw. In today's world, who knows what kind of crap people can pull with lawsuits, calling authorities, etc. Obviously the chain will be completely off the saw and it will be totally harmless. I may even remove the blade and place a painted wooden plank if I decide to be cautious.

If you use a chainsaw, what are your procedures if you have any? I know a rule of thumb with fog sometimes is to call the fire department ahead of time to tell them. But with chainsaws I'm new to it...

Thank you!

Right off the bat, I would recommend you look into you town's noise ordinance policy (also known as Quiet Time). Being a contractor, I know that locally here you cannot operate high volume power tools between the hours of 10 pm to 7am. These namely apply to construction work, music, and loud cars .. however its really a case by case, you're only going to get hassled if your neighbors complain.

I am assuming they whoever is operating the chainsaw doesn't plan to run it continuously (just a quick "Bring Bring!" spert) and will remain on your property.

I would recommend EXTREME caution .. even a chainless saw can injure someone and I wouldn't run around with it chasing others. Maintain a safe distance at all times.

To be honest, I think this is a gross misuse of a power tools and I would never use it in such a manner-- but to each their own. Read up on your town or county laws and be very careful.

I would like to add this effect as well but was wondering if there are any "fake" chainsaw's out thee...like a halloween prop that might have a very good sound effect??? This way I could have the effect without the danger??

they do have fake chainsaw. But I do not know where I saw them.... OHH!!! it was in the Halloween Super Express or something like that. It has never occur to me to look into the laws/policy when it comes to dealing with wanting to use a chainsaw. I dont use it but its a good idea to check into it. Something to think about in the future.... GOOOD IDEA!

I've seen fake chainsaws at Gardenridge.

they look like this:

http://www.buycostumes.com/Deluxe-An...uctDetail.aspx

another thread regarding chainsaws:
safe chainsaw???

Check this link. They are expensive and this late into the season doubtful you can still get one. http://spookyprops.com/chainsaw.html

I have used real chainsaws in my haunt we take the chain off wrap the blade with duct tape a few times to give it some "cushion". The only way to get hurt is the actor getting burned on the muffler. I think they are way over used but effective and best used outdoors.

Yes, I've played with the Gardenridge one creepycathy showed, and I think either Party City or Spirit had one too. Several places sell them here in Texas; what a surprise, right? They make a nice "chainsawy" kind of noise without being quite as loud as the real deal and are lightweight. I'd never use a real one in a haunt - not worth the risk.

My personal opinion is that the fake saws are so crappy that they are not even worth it. Cedar Point used to use them in their haunted walk through(s). I didn't see even one this year, and until just now I didn't miss it either. When I heard them the first I'm I was asking myself what's that hideous mildly loud noise. Just not impressed.

As for the others saying use them or not, depends what you're doing for your haunt. A time and place to use them, a time and place to not use them.

i used a chainsaw last year and it got to be such a pain turning it on and off i ended up putting an old blade on it and hiding pavers around my display then id either drag the blade across the pavers or sidewalk and had just as good of an effect

I use a real chainsaw every year and havent had any problems...starting it at times canbe a pain but if I jump out and it wont fire, i'll tell the crowd" your lucky" then keep tryin to fire it as im going after them...our nieghbors know we will be running it till 11pm and they dont mind, they all sit outside and watch the people come running out.

I say use it, but do not hold it over your head as you are approch the crowd, drag it on the ground or smack the bar on a brick wall(sparks go flying). but keep a safe distance, I personally walk through the crowd dragging it or pushing it on the ground and I go through them. keeps everyone safe. plus when imma coming people part very quikly...lol

Just keep in mind, the saftey of you patrons is of the utmost importance.