If you have been left wondering, “what is the best chain saw?” this ultimate chainsaw buying guide is here to help. This guide is going to help you choose the best chainsaw on the market for you. Whether you are looking for the best chainsaw for home use or all about cost and looking for the best chainsaw for the money, there will be the perfect option on this list for you.
If you feel out of your depth when choosing your chainsaw, this ultimate guide is here to help you. We will go through what makes a great chainsaw, the differences between the different types, and how best to select the right option for the job you want to do. Once you know what you are looking for, deciding on the best chainsaw to buy is much easier.
Whether you are new to the scene and have no idea what you are looking for or just looking for some extra information, this guide will give you tremendous help and advice. There are many options on the market these days, and choosing the best-rated chainsaws can be complicated.
There are tonnes of different brands of chainsaws, features, and parts of a chainsaw you will need to consider. If you are getting to the point where you can’t see the wood for the trees (pun intended), then keep reading, and you’ll have the ideal tool for your yard work.
Different types of chainsaws and their uses
There are a few different options you have when it comes to different types of chainsaws. There are gas-powered, corded electric, and battery-powered chainsaws. Gas is the most popular, and they are the one you will see professionals using. They are more powerful and will be used for more heavy-duty jobs. On the other hand, corded electric is smaller machines, and you have to plug the power cord into using them.
They are less powerful but might be a good option for small jobs at home. Battery-powered chainsaws are cordless and use rechargeable batteries. This means you have the freedom to move about as you wish. The less powerful the chainsaw, the less heavy-duty work you can do with it. So, don’t be expecting a cordless chainsaw to be feeling a considerable tree anytime soon.
These smaller and less powerful types of chainsaw are great for your small jobs, like tidying up and pruning trees or cutting down small trees. Your more significant, powerful gas-fueled options will be more suited to cutting big branches and trees. A heavy-duty chainsaw is also more effective and much quicker than your smaller, lightweight chainsaw.
What to consider before buying a chainsaw
There are a few things you need to think about before buying a chainsaw. Not everyone will want the same thing from a chainsaw or need the same functions. Make sure you consider the following:
What will you be using it for?
For example, will you use it for heavy-duty work or small gardening chores? If you use it to cut smaller branches, you won’t need the same tool as if cutting down a big tree.
How often will you be using it?
Will you use it daily, weekly, or on an odd occasion?
How long will the jobs take you to complete?
Will you be doing jobs that will take minutes, or will you need your chainsaw to be running for much longer?
Do you need it to be lightweight?
If you only have small jobs, you might want a saw that is easy to maneuver and light.
Do you need to be able to take it out and about with you?
If you are using it outside your home area, you might not want to be limited by cords and rechargeable battery packs.
What size chainsaw do you need?
There is a range of sizes, from as small as 12 inches up to 20 inches. The size of the saw you need will depend on the jobs you will be doing.
How much are you looking to spend?
If you only use your saw on an odd occasion, you don’t need to spend big. But, if you always use your machine, it will be worth investing in a good bit of kit.
How much experience do you have?
If you have never used a chainsaw before, consider whether you will find the more professional options daunting or challenging.
Safety features
Ensure you look at the safety features of the chainsaw you are considering purchasing. This will help you decide whether you need to take additional precautions or considerations you should be making while using it.
Difference between gas and electric chainsaws
Gas-powered chainsaws
Gas-powered is the most popular and will most likely be the ones you have seen being used. Professionals and occasional users alike use them. They are powered using gasoline (or petrol), and the two-stroke engine combines the fuel and oil to run the machine.
These are the most potent saw types and have a very high power-to-weight ratio. As a result, they cut much faster and more efficiently than any electric option. If you have big jobs, gas-powered is what you will need. They can make light work of cutting down trees and removing large branches.
They are heavier than electric options, and they are also much noisier. They also produce much more vibration than the electric versions do. They require refueling regularly, and you must ensure you get them serviced regularly. They are also a lot more expensive, but the cost may be outweighed by the amount of use you get out of them and the versatility afforded.
Corded electric chainsaws
Electric chainsaws are often much smaller than gas-powered versions. You have to plug them in to run them. They don’t have engines or require any fuel; you need a plug socket.
Because of the power cord, you are limited on maneuverability as you must be plugged into a power source to use it.
There is also a risk of the power cord getting tangled up and severed when trying to do your chores. If you plan on using your chainsaw away from home, the only way you can do this is with a generator, which may not be practical. However, they are probably the best chainsaws to buy for smaller jobs at home.
They have much less power than a gas-powered one but are more potent than a battery-powered one. For example, you should use them to cut down small trees, whereas a battery-powered option may only handle branches.
They are much less noisy than gas-powered models and are more easily used by inexperienced people. If you have never used a chainsaw and have some small jobs that need to be done, a corded electric saw will be an excellent option for you.
Battery-powered chainsaws
Battery-powered options are not limited to a cord but use rechargeable batteries for power. This means that you can move around with them quickly, and there is no need for refueling. However, the battery life doesn’t last forever, and you must ensure you charge the battery.
The battery life will limit the amount of work you can do before you need to recharge it. A battery-powered chainsaw won’t be the best option if you need to use it frequently and for long periods. They aren’t hugely influential, so they are best for completing small, light tasks, like cutting small trees and branches.
Even though they have less cutting power and are limited by battery life, battery-powered chainsaws are expensive. Unfortunately, some of them are the most expensive models available.
Chainsaw safety
Safety comes first when it comes to chainsaws. If it can cut through wood, it can cut through you with relative ease, so make sure you put everything in place to keep yourself safe while using one of these machines. Ensure you know the kickback zone on a chainsaw on the tip’s top half. If you use this section of the saw to cut, it can kick back towards you, give you a severe fright, and even do some serious damage.
Always wear your safety gear to help keep you protected while using your chainsaw. For example, ear defenders will help protect your ears from the noise, and protective glasses or a visor will help protect your eyes from debris. Wear a long-sleeved top and trousers to help protect your skin from any scrapes and scratches, and ensure you wear safety shoes.
Practice using your machine first. Before you feel the giant tree in your garden, practice using your chainsaw on smaller jobs first. Cut up some branches you need to make smaller first and ensure you are comfortable using your machine before getting started with more extensive and time-consuming jobs. Maintenance is crucial, and making sure you maintain your chainsaw well will help to keep you safe. Keep your machine clean and store it in the proper condition. Also, ensure you are topping up fuel and oil regularly to keep it running smoothly if you have a gas-powered chainsaw.
Ensure you regularly give the cord and plug a once-over if you have a corded chainsaw. Servicing your chainsaw is essential. During the service, any issues will be noticed and rectified. This is hugely important for keeping you safe. However, it’s also a good idea to keep your chain sharp. Letting your chain go blunt can result in accidents becoming more likely.
Do I need a chainsaw sharpener?
Chainsaw sharpeners can be used to sharpen your chainsaw, removing the need to be pointed in a shop. This can save a lot of money, time, and hassle. If you get your chainsaw chain suggested often, this could be the way to go for you. It would be best to decide what you want from your sharpener before choosing the best chainsaw sharpener.
There are manual options, where you file the chain sharp by hand, and there are options that do a lot of the work for you. The manual ones are relatively cheap and a good option if you want to manually sharpen the chain. However, they can be challenging to get the hang of, requiring some practice. Getting the angle and the pressure right when sharpening your chain is imperative for doing a good job.
Selecting one of the less manual options will get the job done quicker and to a better standard, but these sharpeners can be expensive. The sharpening will be done in minutes, and you will never need to part with cash to have your chain sharpened again. Of course, you will need some practice to get the hang of using these machines, but your chain will soon be as sharp as a pro.
Types of chainsaw chains
There are a few different chainsaw chain types out there that you might come across. The three main chainsaw chains types are:
• Full chisel
• Semi-chisel
• Chipper
The types of chainsaw chains you may be using will depend on what you are using and what you are using it for. For example, a complete chisel chain has square-cornered teeth which quickly cut through wood fibers. Because of the square shape, there is a higher chance of kickbacks. As a result, they are more sensitive to dirt and are what you would recognize as a classic chainsaw chain.
A semi-chisel chain has more rounded teeth. As a result, they are slower at cutting through softwood than a complete chisel chain, but they stay sharper for longer. Semi-chisel chains are often selected for cutting wood, which is more challenging or dirtier as they are less sensitive to dirt. They are also less prone to kickbacks.
Chipper chains are pretty similar to semi-chisels. The main difference is the working corner radius; the active corner is part of the chain that first makes contact with the wood and cuts it. So, when you look at chipper chains in comparison with semi-chisel chains, the radius of this section is more significant. Low-profile chains are also popular, and they are fitted to many models. They have round edges need less power to operate; they are also less dirt-sensitive. The chains have more safety elements, so the less experienced often use them.
Gas chainsaws
So, remember, gas chainsaws are your best option for any heavy-duty work you need to be doing. They are also the best option if you aren’t using them in your back garden. If you are working for long periods, they are easily refueled and get the job done quickly. So, let’s look at the top 5 chainsaws in the gas category.
Husqvarna 450 18-Inch 50.2cc X-Torq 2-Cycle Gas Powered Chain Saw
This is the best Husqvarna chainsaw. It is an 18-inch chainsaw and the best 18 chainsaws for the money. There’s hardly a Husqvarna 450 chainsaw review that isn’t positive. It has a 3.2 HP X-Torq engine built to reduce exhaust emissions and increase fuel efficiency.
The engine is durable and has been built with longevity in mind. It has LowVib vibration dampening, which helps to absorb vibrations. This stops your hands and arms from getting tired quickly, allowing you to work longer without strain. The Smart Start feature means you can get it started with minimal effort. It uses a combined choke/stop control, reducing the risk of flooding the engine and allowing for easy starting. This machine certainly gets some of the best from all the gas chainsaw reviews.
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You can increase the tension on the chain without any tools, so it is easy to adjust while you are on the go. The cylinder cover is snap-lock, saving you time cleaning the unit. In addition, the fuel indicator is transparent, so you can quickly check your fuel level and see when you need to refuel.
This gas chain saw also features an inertia-activated chain brake. This safety feature helps reduce the chances of you being injured due to the chainsaw kicking back while you are using it. Husqvarna is in the running for the best brand of chainsaw, and you can’t go wrong with one of these top-rated chainsaws. ‘It’s a “made in the USA” chainsaw, so what’s not to love?
TIMBERPRO 62cc 20″ Petrol Chainsaw with two chains
The Timber is up there when it comes to chainsaw ratings. It sports a powerful engine at 62cc, which is a two-stroke air-cooled engine. In addition, it has an Alloy Starting Mechanism, assisting you with starting your machine with minimal trouble. It comes with two 20-inch chains, so you can replace a broken or damaged chain at any time or switch it over for a sharpened one.
It also comes with handy storage or carries the bag, so you can quickly take a chainsaw and all your accessories. In addition, a toolkit fits neatly in your storage bag for any adjustments you may need to make along the way.
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It also comes with a fuel mixing bottle so that you won’t run into trouble while out. It is substantially heavier than the Husqvarna, so you might experience tired arms and hands after a long stint!
You get a lot when you purchase this chainsaw, which is reflected in the price. This chainsaw costs substantially more than the Husqvarna, and the best Timberpro chainsaw review in the world might not be enough to get you to part with your hard-earned cash. It is one of the best home chainsaw options, giving even the best commercial chainsaw a good run for its money. It’s a powerful unit that works hard and does the job without trouble.
Husqvarna 240 2 HP Chainsaw
This Husqvarna is smaller than the other Husqvarna on this list, and it is cheaper, too. It has a 2 HP, 38cc two-stroke engine. In addition, it has a 16-inch chain, whereas its brother sports an 18-inch chain. It also uses a combined choke/stop control, reducing the risk of flooding the engine and allowing for easy starting. It is slightly lighter than the other Husqvarna due to its smaller size. However, it will still make light work of your cutting tasks.
It doesn’t get the same high level of reviews as the others, having received some bad reviews about ease of starting. Some reviewers have reported difficulty starting this machine sometimes, whereas others have had no trouble starting these chain saws.
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Some would still say this was the best 16-inch gas chainsaw, but I implore you to read these reviews before buying.
Many reviewers compare it with a similar Stihl option, and this doesn’t seem to put up much of a fight against the best Stihl chainsaw. So, if you are looking for the best gas chainsaw on the market, this might not be it, but it is still a good option if you are looking for a smaller saw that will do the job.
Poulan Pro PR4218 Handheld Gas Chainsaw, 18″
Slightly more powerful, the Poulan has a 42cc two-stroke engine with an 18-inch chain. It comes with a handy carry case to store all your items and quickly move your saw. It also comes with an extra chain, so you can easily replace your chain with a newly sharpened one or replace a damaged chain. It also comes with two-stroke oil to get you started and running your chainsaw.
It has a patented technology that makes for more efficient fuel consumption and reduces harmful emissions. In addition, it has an automatic oiler, which keeps the bar and chain lubricated. This helps to minimize wear and maintenance. In addition, it has EPS (Effortless Pull Starting), allowing you to start your machine quickly and within a few pulls of the cord.
It also sports an advanced anti-vibration system, helping reduce the fatigue you feel while using it. You can also easily access the chain tension tool through the snap-lock cover, negating the need to carry around a load of tools. As a result, it’s pretty lightweight, although not the lightest on this list.
Unfortunately, the Poulan chainsaw reviews aren’t the best. Many say it isn’t great for prolonged and enduring use like others. It is perhaps best for light to medium use, and the reasonable price reflects this. However, a few reviewers have had trouble with the pull cord breaking after several services, so consider this when making your final selection.
Remington RM4214 Rebel 42cc 14-inch Gas Chainsaw
This Remington chainsaw is one of the best when selecting a small gas chainsaw. This little saw is small and compact but perhaps not as lightweight as you might expect for the size. Despite its small size, it still packs a punch with a 42cc two-stroke engine – more potent than some of the more extensive options.
This easy-start chainsaw has QuickStart technology, making it easier to pull-start your chainsaw. It also has a 5-point anti-vibration system, ensuring your comfort while operating it. The more vibrations there are, the more tired your arms and hands get, so anything to reduce the amount of vibration is a win for you.
It has an automatic oiler, which keeps your chain lubricated and in good condition. This is a good chainsaw for homeowners; it’s small and compact, making it easy to store. It gets excellent reviews online but is probably a bit of a lightweight chainsaw if you have big jobs to do. Perfect for small jobs in the garden and the like.
Electric chainsaws
Which electric chainsaw is right for you? If you are looking for a chainsaw you can use for small household and garden jobs, then an electric one is a good shout. However, if you aren’t looking for the best pro chainsaw and want an excellent little chainsaw for a few odd jobs, these electric chainsaw reviews will help you decide which is the best for you.
GreenWorks 20312 G-MAX 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
This chainsaw is cordless, meaning you can move about without a cord holding you back. The premium power of DigiPro brushless motor technology boasts up to 100 cuts on a single charge. It allows you to keep on cutting with your battery-powered saw. The brushless motor delivers up to 30% more torque for the best cutting performance. It also offers 70% less vibration, so you can be more comfortable for longer.
The chain is a low kickback chain, so it is safer for you. It is also incredibly light, so this will be a perfect option if you are one of the best battery and lightweight chainsaws. The GreenWorks 20312 negates the need to mix gas and oil to get your gas-powered saw going. Instead, you can get going immediately with the best electric chainsaw, which will undoubtedly exceed your expectations of a cordless electric chainsaw.
WORX 18-inch 15.0 Amp Electric Chainsaw with Auto-Tension
The Worx isn’t a battery-powered chainsaw but an electric corded option. This electric chainsaw is cheap and cheerful, so if you are looking for the best value chainsaw, here it is. It has an auto-tension design on the chain system, stopping the chain from over-tightening and keeping it at the proper tension for hundreds of uses.
It has a low kickback bar and a built-in chain break to keep you safe while using it. The oil lubrication is automatic, and no assembly is required – you can use it straight out of the box. how good are electric chainsaws?
This must be in the running if you are looking for the best cheap chainsaw. It may not be the most powerful chainsaw, but it could not be better for small jobs like cutting firewood and trimming trees. The best homeowner chainsaw needs to be safe, easy to use, and easy to get started with, and this offers just that. The Worx hardly gets a bad word said about it online, and this electric chainsaw has changed the mind of many a gas-powered veteran.
Makita HCU02C1 36V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Chain Saw Kit
The Makita is another excellent option in the running for the best battery-powered chainsaw. The Makita electric chainsaw is up to 40% quieter than your gas-powered one, so if noise is considered, this will be good for you. If you live in an area where sound will be a problem, an electric chainsaw is a great workaround. They are much quieter than your traditional gas-powered options so they won’t upset any neighbors!
You can quickly adjust the chain tension without getting your tool kit out, and there is no hassle involved in maintaining a gas-powered saw. You don’t need to drain the fuel, change the engine oil, or clean the air filter.
This saw is substantially more expensive than the Worx, and for a top price, you will be expecting top chainsaws. This option is more costly than most gas-powered ones so that you will expect a serious bang for your buck. But, on the other hand, it’s very light, and it is also very compact. If you find larger saws hard to handle, this much smaller saw will be easier for you to use. This electric chain saw review is excellent online and worth looking at if you struggle with using the larger, heavier, and more time-consuming gas-powered chainsaws.
BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 40V MAX Lithium-Ion Chainsaw, 12.”
The Black+Decker might be the best cordless chainsaw. It receives exceptional praise online, and the reviews are up there against the best corded electric chainsaw. However, no corded chainsaw can stand up to the freedom afforded by a cordless option. It’s reasonably priced in comparison to the much more expensive Makita. But, again, it’s small, compact, and lightweight, meaning it is easier to maneuver than other heavier ones.
It has an automatic oiling system, so you do not have to worry too much about maintenance. In addition, you can easily adjust the chain’s tension without any tools.
The battery allows you to make over 60 cuts on a single charge. This is good but much less than the GreenWorks, which is top of our list. (Read Lawn Mower Starts But Won’t Stay Running)
OREGON CORDLESS 40 Volt MAX CS250-E6 Saw Kit
The Oregon electric chainsaw is an instant start, electric cordless chainsaw. The battery pack is built for endurance and boasts a long run time and high power.
The chain is 14 inches, slightly more significant than the more prevalent 12-inch electric options.
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It also boasts a built-in chain sharpening feature, which sharpens the blades on your chain while using the saw. It can cut up to 250 branches on a single battery charge, meaning you get much work done on one account. It is lightweight
Conclusion
Whether you opt for the best professional chainsaw, the best chainsaw under 200, or one of the saws from the top chainsaw brands, there is one on this list for you. This chainsaw comparison should have helped you work through what you were looking for from your machine to decide or have a few top options in mind. Whatever you were looking for, this list has an option to suit you.
