What does a double taper wedge help to do?

A double taper wedge is specifically designed to help reduce bind during the felling or bucking process of trees. When a tree is being cut, it can sometimes create tension or compression that causes the log to pinch the saw blade, making it difficult or impossible to continue sawing. The double taper design allows the wedge to effectively be inserted into the cut, releasing the binding forces and preventing the saw from getting stuck.

This function is critical for maintaining safety and efficiency while using a chainsaw in forestry operations. It ultimately allows the operator to complete the cut smoothly without encountering the hazards of a hung-up saw or log. While the other options may involve interactions with logs during chainsaw operations, they do not directly relate to the primary purpose of a double taper wedge.