Best chainsaw

Best chainsaw

22 Best Chainsaws in 2021 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

by Apr 14, 20200 comments

Best Selling

Remington RM1425

  • Best for sculpting suburban yards or cutting smaller trees
  • Very lightweight
  • Very quite during use

Our Top Pick

WORX WG303.1 16-Inch
  • Can cut through trees esaily
  • Very efficient will oil and gas use
  • Very lightweight and has egonormic handle

Premium Pick

Husqvarna 455 Rancher 2
  • Very Powerfull and Heavy duvty
  • Will cut 18 inches wood easily
  • Has the best safty measure in the market
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If you ever attempted to buy a chainsaw, you have probably became overwhelmed fast. To help you narrow down your choices, we have reviewed 22 best chainsaws of 2020. Wood Craft maniac has come up with Reviews and a buyers’ guide that is rich with information will help you make a well-educated decision and get the one that best fits your needs.

Table of Contents

View the Best Chainsaw on the Market, Below.

1

Our Top Pick

WORX WG303.1 16-Inch 14.5 Amp

This WORX chainsaw has a powerful 14.5 Amp motor. It can handle a 16-inch bar. It’s a great mix of ability to cut more demanding trees and of the easiness of use – if that’s what you’re searching for, then Worx is the best chainsaw for your objective. It’s easy to manipulate and start, and the best part is that you don’t have to deal with an oil and gas mixture, getting the ratio right and inhaling fumes.

The automatic tensioning system will keep the chain optimally tightened and by doing this, it will eliminate the possibility of mistake that happens when humans tension the chain – over or under-tightening. Both of those situations can cause problems in the long run which is why the automatic tensioning system is a great feature – it increases life-span.

Another consequence of this system is that it makes your machine safer since the wrongly-tensioned chain can make it much harder to manipulate. Furthermore, safety features like a chain brake make the kickbacks less of a threat.
WG303.1 is lightweight and has a rubber ergonomic handle which makes it a great choice for an occasional user or even first-timers! Automatic lubrication is one feature more which shows how automated this chainsaw is, supporting the claim that it’s very easy to use. It weighs 11 pounds – it’s fairly lightweight. All in all, a very solid, sturdy model that can be used by beginners.

Pros

  • Easy to assemble and start
  • Auto lubrication
  • Automatic tensioning system
  • Chain brake

Cons

  • Oil leakage is common
  • Kickback brake is oversensitive

2

Premium Pick

Husqvarna 455 Rancher 2-Stroke Gas-ChainSaw

455 Rancher comes with 18″ or 20″ bar. It’s a powerful, heavy-duty, and can cut through 15″ trunk. It’s powered by a 2 cycle engine that works on gas. When it comes to the safety measures, it comes with a bar cover which makes it easy to store and much more safe if you have young kids – it’s the best chainsaw for a household with youngsters.

Additionally, it’s got a chain brake that will stop spinning if something irregular happens. For a gas chainsaw, it’s very easy to start and the automatic oiler will help your chain last longer. The tensioning system isn’t automatic, however, it’s placed on the side of a saw and it allows you to make the small adjustments as you go.

The quick-release air filter will help you clean debris much more easily than in regular chainsaws. If you are a fan of comfort and power, this is the saw for you. It’s got an anti-vibration system which makes cutting more comfortable and saves you energy.

Pros

  • Great quality for value/money ratio
  • Comes fully assembled
  • Air filter for easier cleaning
  • Anti-vibration system

Cons

  • A little heavy

3

Best Selling

Remington RM1425 Electric Chainsaw

This Remington chainsaw is a great option for sculpting suburban yards or cutting smaller trees and branches. It’s got 8amp electric motor – it’s not very powerful, but it shouldn’t be. It’s made to be used by a regular person to take care of his/her property. It’s very lightweight, just a bit over 6 pounds. It’s got a low kickback bar and it’s quite easy to start.

Furthermore, it’s very quiet when used, it won’t draw attention or disturb your neighbors. All of those features make it a great tool for occasional cutting. It comes assembled and it’s got a wraparound handguard to help you guide the bar more properly and use it at different angles. When it comes to tension, you may need some experience to get it right – Its adjustment system features an external tensioning adjustment system.

This means that you will have to make an assessment whether the chain is tightened enough, and based on the experience when you cut you can easily tighten it more or less. A positive side is that tightening doesn’t require additional tools, it can be done by spinning the adjuster knob. One more thing to keep in mind is that you have to oil the bar yourself. It can be done with a push of a button, but you do need to do it often since it’s not automatic. If something gets broken, repair parts are available online!

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Quiet
  • Low kickback bar

Cons

  • Chain oiler isn’t automatic
  • Oil leaks

4

BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 Chainsaw

LCS1240 is one of the best for the yard work. 40 Volts MAX Lithium-Ion battery has the power, speed, and capacity similar to medium gas chainsaws. The runtime is formidable. Its automatic oiling chain system provides a longer lifespan and contributes to the longer runtime.

Chain tension is easy to manage – adjustments can be made while you are using the saw since the tension is managed by the outside knob. The handle is designed so that you can cut in many different directions while maintaining stability and control. It’s not very heavy for the 12″ bar chainsaw – it weighs 11 pounds. Overall, it’s a great choice with a very convenient price-to-quality ratio.

The top brands in this category can cost even three times more.

Pros

  • Easy to start
  • Automatic oiling system
  • Handle for cutting in many directions
  • Great quality-to-price ratio

Cons

  • Leaks when stored with oil

5

DEWALT DCCS690M1 XR Brushless Chainsaw

DEWALT DCCS690M1 features a 16” bar. It’s a powerful cordless tool whose battery life is one of its main upsides. It lasts for about 3 hours and takes an hour and a half to fully charge. Safety measures are another upside: it has a safety operator switch, low kickback bar, and the chain brake which will stop the chain from spinning if the cut is irregular.

The auto-oiling feature makes sure that oil is always present on the chain. This will help you waste less oil and make sure that the optimal amount is present, which in turn leads to the chainsaw having a longer life. Quarter-turn oil cap allows you to refill the tank fast. Chain tensioning is done without an additional tool, and bar tightening can be achieved by regulating the tightening knob.

No fumes and very little noise while maintaining enough power to cut through 12” tree trunks with ease are features that make this one of the quite balanced and possibly best chainsaws on the market. It also features a speed trigger which increases the RPM’s and cuts faster. Many reviewers claim that it outperforms its specifications.

Pros

  • Consistent, easy start
  • Good battery life
  • Speed trigger for speed control
  • Little noise

Cons

  • Chain oiler can cause problems

6

EGO Power+ 14-Inch Cordless Chain Saw

Ego power features a brushless motor and a 14″ chain bar. The motor is powerful, efficient and it goes up to 6300 rpm. There are numerous features to love about this saw, but the main one is that it won’t be a victim of rain or wind – it’s weather-resistant. This trait shows how durable this chainsaw is. When it comes to the safety measures EGO Power saw has a kickback brake.

It runs on a battery which means that you won’t have to deal with fumes or cords. 56V ARC Lithium battery has a great battery life and provides enough power to deal with 12″ tree trunks. With performance similar to gas saws, likely, you won’t ever want to go back to the gas one again. Chain tension is managed with the tensioning knob.

Pros

  • 6300 RPM
  • Weather-resistant
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • Oil drips when stored

7

GreenWorks 20362 10-Inch Cordless Chainsaw. 1CC Chain Saw

A very convenient tool, maybe even the best chainsaw for a household Its primary use is to cut small branches which we can conclude by the 10-inch bar. This doesn’t mean that it’s bad – it’s just not made to cut big trunks. A 24V lithium battery can make 25 cuts per charge.

It’s very comfortable and easy to maneuver. We love the automatic oiler feature which makes this saw low-maintenance. It’s ready to be used as soon as you add the oil. An automatic oiler will help promote the durability of the chainsaw.

To help you keep real-time track of the oil, the tank is translucent. If you want to regulate the chain tension all you need to do is regulate the outside knob and with the chainsaw weighing a little less than 8 pounds, anyone can use it – men, women, and novices. It’s a convenient tool for anyone who has to prune the branches every so often.

Pros

  • Low maintenance
  • Easy to use
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Doesn’t have safety measures

8

Remington RM5118R Rodeo Gas Chainsaw

If your main objective is cutting the firewood then this may be the best chainsaw for you. Its 18inch low kickback bar can cut through 15-16″ wood trunk without any problems.

Since cutting firewood is a job that sometimes needs to be done in not-so-great conditions, the manufacturers have thought about that as well: The saw will start in any weather conditions, which is an important feature given that the gas chainsaws are known to cause starting-related problems.

Quickstart technology makes sure that it will not only start but start fast. We love that both handles, front and back, are anti-vibration. It makes the job less strenuous and intensive, allowing you to achieve more in one session and focus on the nuances. It runs on a 51cc 2-cycle engine.

Pros

  • Can start in any weather condition
  • Easy to start
  • Anti-vibration

Cons

  • Not durable

9

Poulan Pro PP5020AV 2 Stroke Gas Chain Saw

What’s very important when it comes to this saw is that you have to read the manual. Don’t skip over this part, as it will make the usage and problem solving much easier.

This is the only reason why it may be better to choose another one if you are a novice. It’s very durable, consistent and the DuraLife engine will make sure that the fuel is used efficiently.

It’s super clean air filter system protects the filter from the debris and wood splinters. Starting it is very easy, just like using it – the reduced vibration handles lessen the fatigue so you can punch in more cutting hours. It has an automatic chain oiler to help keep the chain and bar in a healthy condition over a long period. It comes with the locking scrench holder and a carrying case where you can also store it.

Pros

  • Powerful
  • Durable
  • Easy starting

Cons

  • You have to tighten the chain with a tool

10

Hitachi CS51EAP 50.1 Chainsaw

This chainsaw is made to cut the larget tres and it does have the specs that meet the needs of a saw like that. PureFire engine is known to spend less fuel because of its efficiency. It features a decompression valve which is added for an easier start. Is that the case? We read the reviews and they agree on that.

What seems to be the problem is that chain adjustors can cause problems after some time. Generally, bumper spikes and sprocket nose are there to add more control when you are cutting, whilst primer bulb and auto return choke will enable you to start the machine on the colder days.

Hitachi gives a 7-year warranty which proves that they stand behind their product.

Pros

  • Features that support easier start
  • Bumper spikes, sprocket nose for control
  • Auto oiler
  • 7-year warranty

Cons

  • Chain adjuster can malfunction

11

Husqvarna 460 Chainsaw

When you look at the specs of this machine, you expect it to cut literally whatever you want. It has 24″ long bar and a 2 cycle engine with 3.62 horsepower. It can reach up to 9000 rpm. Above all that, the X-Torque engine efficiently uses the fuel.

It lives up to its expectations in terms of power, but if you use it intensely and then stop, you might have to wait a bit for it to cool off. It’s not easy to start, so it’s physically more demanding. If you need to cut big trees and you are prepared for physical work then it has the potential to be a good option.

It’s got inertia activated chain brake added for safety. The quick-release air filter helps with cleaning and it also allows for much easier filter replacement if needed.

Lowvib is an anti-vibration system that is designed to help you handle the load easier and reduce the fatigue that comes with vibrating saws. Make sure to read the manual since many problems that were reported were made due to users not reading it carefully, but apart from that, it may just be the worthy candidate for the best chainsaw on the market.

Pros

  • Lowvib system
  • Powerful and fast – 9000 rpm, 3.62 HP
  • Safety break

Cons

  • Heavy

12

Makita XCU03PT1 Chainsaw

You are probably aware that there are many more known brands than Makita. Anyway, it’s characteristics can compete with the leading brands on the market.

Makita-built outer rotor BL Brushless motor direct-drive system provides high power efficiency Equivalent to a 32cc gas chain saw. If you like to be in control of how fast your saw will cut, this one has a variable speed trigger and it can go up to almost 10000 RPM. Those are great performance specs.

Chain adjustment is done without any tools and the oil tank has a window where you can see whether the oil levels are good or they need refilling. Saw’s got safety measures that include lock-off lever which is built in to prevent saw automatically starting. Automatic turn off will help you save the battery and it gives your saw ability to last much longer.

Makita’s strength is up to par with some of the best saws on the market – and it’s electric! This also means that it can get started very easily. You can get it in a kit that provides four batteries so you don’t have to worry about them running out. Make sure to read the manual before using it, and if you are a novice it might be hard to maneuver and get everything right. It’s better if you start with some other saw.

Pros

  • Automatic turn off
  • Powerful and fast (almost 10 000RPM)
  • Electric

Cons

13

WORX WG304

We like the comfort and the ease of use of this chainsaw. It’s got the auto-tension chain system which, as you know, prevents overtightening which in turn lessens the probability of the damage as the system keeps the chain perfectly tensioned.

The 18″ bar is an optimal length if you need to cut both smaller and larger trees. Its low kickback and chain brake characteristics make it safe for use while auto-lubrication, the 200 ml oil tank with the window where you can see whether it needs refilling and the lightweight add to the easiness of use. Rubber handle and economic full-wrap testify to the comfort.

It’s a well-rounded chainsaw with great power output, especially for an electric saw. Even premixed fluid comes with it, so you don’t need to ask yourself whether it’s mixed properly and get your hands greasy and dirty.

Pros

  • Auto-tension
  • Auto-lubrication
  • Chain-brake

Cons

  • Leaks oil

14

Makita 16″ Chainsaws

Makita is a great overall house chainsaw. It’s built with the perfect comfort to performance ratio. Grip handles are covered in rubber and designed to be ergonomic, easy for handling, and comfortable after more hours of use.

The large trigger switch is there to make the start as smooth as possible. One of the features that we don’t see enough in the chainsaw world, but this product has it, is the current limiter.

It protects the motor from the burnout and its main principle is to reduce the power that’s delivered to the motor when saw is ner overload to avoid the damage. Its main con may be that it’s power supply comes through the cord – it’s electric but doesn’t have a battery, but it’s positive features are sure to make cord seem like a no problem. The oil tank has a window so you could assess the level properly and on time.

Pros

  • Easy to start
  • Comfortable to use
  • Current limiter

Cons

  • Not cordless
  • Chain tension could be a little better

15

CRAFTSMAN 16-Inch Chainsaw

With this cordless chainsaw comes a long battery life. It’s got a decent power produced by the brushless motor and a 16″ chain which can be tensioned by managing the outside knob. It’s a chain that will always be ready on the go for smaller and medium jobs that need to get done quickly.

The only thing that you need to think about when you are using this saw is whether the oil tank is full or not – it even has the auto-oiling feature. We love that you can just take it out and it’s ready.

Another consequence of those features is that it’s very low maintenance. It’s got an integrated bubble level tool which is why the bottom of this saw is flat and elongated. It’s very easy to start and in case you make the pause it will turn on again immediately but if you can’t handle the heavy saw then this one isn’t good for you – it weighs 18.74 pounds which is a lot, especially for an electric saw.

Pros

  • Low maintenance
  • Auto-oiler
  • Bubble level too

Cons

  • Heavy

16

Sun Joe 14-Inch Chainsaw

Another interesting tool that’s made for the yard work like cutting smaller trees or trimming branches. It’s 14 inches long which means that it should easily deal with a 12″ tree. It doesn’t come pre-assembled, but that’s fine because it is very easy to put together. It’s not cordless which may cause some questions to rise – How do I operate a chainsaw with a cord? Does it make it much more demanding? It doesn’t, really, but it’s not a good choice to use if more people are going to be cutting trees simultaneously since the cords can get tangled pretty quickly.

It’s a good chainsaw to do the all-year-round yard work that’s near your home and electric outlet. It’s got a safety switch that reacts quickly in case cutting goes wrong and the electrical motor makes it very quiet and convenient to use in suburbs and NASELJENIM neighborhoods. It comes with a plastic cover that will protect your kids from the blade and allow you to make storage decisions easily and without worry. If you want to hang the saw – you can do that too. It’s got an integrated hook on the handle.

Pros

  • Easy for storage
  • Convenient for the yard work
  • Battery life isn’t formidable

Cons

  • Has a cord

17

Oregon CS1500 Chainsaw

This is an example of another best corded electric chainsaw. It’s very popular, and rightly so. With an 18″ bar and the PowerSharp chain, it’s a good investment for both smaller and medium trees.

PowerSharp chain can be sharpened while it’s still on the saw which makes the whole process a lot quicker. The start is quick, as expected since it’s electric. LubriTech oiling system offers automatic lubrication and reduces friction, overheating, and overall promotes durability.

It comes preassembled and while it does make noises. they are negligible. Apart from the instant start, you might like the fact that it has a very comfortable handle and it’s a low-vibration chainsaw. It’s fairly light for a saw with an 18″ bar – it weighs 12.9 lbs. It may not be the best chainsaw for the beginners because it lacks safety measures, but the price-to-performance ratio seems to be fair.

Pros

  • Quick sharpening
  • Quiet
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Lacks safety measures

18

Remington 16-inch Chainsaw

Comfort is the first word that comes to mind when someone mentions this product. With a low kickback bar and amazing five-point anti-vibration system, it’s bound to be great for use. What’s even better is that handles have a cushion wrap to add to the whole impression.

It’s convenient for medium-sized trees that need to be trimmed or have the branches that need to be managed. It’s not a great saw for commercial use, but if you need a machine that you would use at home, this might be the one to try. It’s very easy to use – quickstart technology has given the chainsaw ability to be ready on the go. Automatic oiler and tool-free access to the filter are also features that will help you start it quickly and without much thinking. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t read the instructions.

It just speaks to the length that manufacturers went to make the user comfortable. Carry case is included in case you need to transport it often or storage it.

Pros

  • Five-point antivibration system
  • Quick start
  • Automatic oiler
  • Great price-to-quality ratio

Cons

  • Uses a lot of chain oil

19

Poulan Pro PR4218 18″ 42cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw

Poulan features an OxyPower. Technology for more efficient fuel usage is aimed towards reducing harmful emissions which are known to be a problem with gas chainsaws. Automatic oiler saves you the job of having to deal with the greasy oil during the work.

What’s not so great is that there are so many saws that are easily tensioned, automatically or without any tools, while this one only offers onboard scrench – easy access to the tool that you need to do the tensioning. Having an anti-vibration system is makes using this gas Poulan a piece of cake. EPS, known as the effortless pull starting, is also contributing to the easiness of use. It’s reasonably light – or reasonably heavy for a gas 18″ chainsaw. It comes with a case.

Pros

  • Anti-vibration
  • Anti oiler
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Not the best overall quality

20

Husqvarna 450 18-Inch 50.2cc X-Torq 2-Cycle Gas Powered Chain Saw With Smart Start

If you live in the suburbs and need the help of a machine with a lot of power, this is probably the best chainsaw for that purpose. It’s noisy compared to the electrical chainsaws since it runs on gas, but if you need the powerful saw which won’t cost too much, this is a good pick. It uses the HP X-Torq engine which is a good choice for anyone who favors engines that use fuel efficiently.

It also reduces emissions significantly. A smart start feature is there to make the starting easiest possible. Gas chainsaws, given the power they can produce, can be hard to maneuver and you get tired very quickly. LowVib is there to decrease the vibration while the ergonomic handles help you lessen the grip fatigue. If you are wondering about safety features, don’t worry, there’s a built-in chain brake. With a 9600 RPM, you can easily realize why the safety break is necessary.

It may be convenient for suburbs, but it’s not a good choice for a novice. It’s imperative to read the manual, especially when dealing with a powerful instrument to avoid mistakes and injuries.

Pros

  • Powerful
  • Easy to start
  • Safety brake

Cons

  • The company should be more responsive

21

Echo CS-590 20″ Timber Wolf Chainsaw

It features a good, effective anti-vibration system. It’s 2 stroke engine seems to justify everyone’s expectations. Furthermore, CS-590 has a decompression valve that should make the starting much easier but it seems like some users had a few problems with it. We like that the company’s ready to stand behind their product with a five-year warranty.

There is something that could potentially be a safety problem – the barrier that’s supposed to keep the user safe from the chain is made out of plastic while in reality it should have probably been made from sturdier materials. It’s a very powerful saw that’s able to handle a lot of work, but there are just parts that should have been designed a little better.

Pros

  • Anti-vibration system
  • Powerful motor

Cons

  • Can be difficult to start

22

WORX WG303.1 Powered Chain Saw, 16″ Bar Length, Red

WORX WG303.1 is a great solution for ranchers and people who live in the suburbs. This electric saw has an auto-tension chain system which is designed to prevent overtightening and lengthen the life of the bar. This, together with an auto-lubrication feature helps you focus more on cutting and not getting hurt. It has a low kickback bar and it’s equipped with safety brake which, when activated, stops the saw immediately.

Oil tank has a 200ml capacity and its window indicator will make sure that you know when to add more oil. This low-maintenance gas saw is also very light compared to other chain saws which make it easier to manipulate. If you are a beginner looking for a powerful saw, this may be the one for you.

Pros

  • Powerful
  • 200ml tank capacity
  • Auto-tension and auto-lubrication systems

Cons

  • Bad quality control

Buyer’s Guide: How to choose the best chainsaw for your projects and budget

Having a proper tool for the job can mean a world of difference. Diving in and exploring is a necessary part of the process while making a decision – there are many variables and no one can give you the right answer unless you know exactly what you want to achieve.

This is why some of the answers are relative – but isn’t everything? This is why we have covered more than fifteen features to pay attention to while searching for best chain saws:

Features to look for when buying chain saws

1. Guide bar length

Choosing an appropriate length will help you get the performance that you need.

  • 16 to 20 inches: 16 to 20 inches can cut smaller tree trunks and branches. They usually have a little less powerful motor and are often electrical. The less powerful motor they have, the longer they will last. If you don’t need a super-strong machine, this is a great choice.
  • 20 to 24 inches: It’s a better alternative if you want to cut firewood and knock down big trees and branches. They are also heavier since only gas saws can produce enough power for that kind of feat.

2. Gas-powered saws

Gas-powered machines are known to be stronger and have larger bars which makes them suitable for cutting large trees and trunks. By using them, you are also signing up to dealing with gas, fumes, and bulky machine body. They are heavier than electric ones and not as easy to work with – they aren’t the best option for someone who’s just starting. You also need to keep in mind that oil to gasoline ratio needs to be proper or it won’t run

3. Corded/electric saws

Electrics make less noise and they are lighter, usually easier to start, clean, and maintain. Moreover, no mixing is included so your hands and clothes don’t get oily. Overall, they are suitable for yard work since there’s no gas, smell nor leakage and they are way easier to store. They can run on the battery or the cord. Their bars aren’t long enough to be suitable for cutting down large trees

4. Battery-Powered saws

If the main source of power is a battery, those tools are also less powerful than gas-powered ones. That’s because having an electric source and fuel source of energy has different limitations. A battery usually lasts for an hour after which it has to be replaced with another one or recharged. They are a great option if you don’t have an energy outlet nearby.

5. Safety

Safety features like automatic breaks are necessary – having to operate a heavy machine, especially if you are a newbie, can be very dangerous. When they have a break which will stop the chain from working in case of an irregular movement, that significantly decreases the odds of an injury or fatal outcome.

6. Optional

There are various optional features like a current limiter, which you won’t come across very frequently, or ergonomic handles, for example, which you are more likely to come by. Those are the traits that aren’t necessary but can greatly affect your choice. They should suit your needs, age, and frequency of usage. If you are going to be using your device on a weekly basis, you should opt for the comfort features like rubber ergonomic handles.

7. Tool-free chain tensioning

If you ever dealt with chain tensioning which requires tools, you know how messy and exhausting it can be. Nowadays you can have a tool-free chain tensioning system which is regulated by an oversized knob. There’s also the difference between that kind of tensioning and automatic tensioning which keeps the optimal chain tension all the time. That feature promotes the device’s life and durability. The perfect tension doesn’t cause damage to the bar and the rest of the saw.

8. Choke and on/off switch

It can complicate the process of starting these days, especially with electric saws that start with a push of a button. If you are using a gas-powered saw, make certain that its choke is functioning properly by reading reviews, for example. To use it, press the “on” switch and start the machine. Gradually open the choke to allow air in as the saw gets warmer.

9. Easy-start system

When we’re talking about an easy-start system, it’s important to note that it’s most often found in the electrical saws which tent to have a switch on button. With gas saws, it’s much less likely that they will start immediately, but those that start within first two or three pulls, and that start consistently, are thought of as easy-to-start. It is a physically demanding job, but when it comes to maneuvring with a gas saw, it’s a more demanding activity than electrical ones.

10. Body width

People usually search for the apparatus with narrower bodies because wider bodies can cause trouble when you are accessing the tree from a certain, narrower angle which makes the maneuvring harder and additionally dangerous.

11. Carbide-toothed chain

Those chains are known to be of better quality and they are usually found in top, powerful saws. If you are an experienced user, you are very likely to notice nuances in the performance. If this is the case, it would be good if you got a saw with a carbide-toothed chain.

12. Others: Anti-vibration, air purge, and similar

Antivibration is going to be less demanding on your body as you will need to spend less energy on controlling the machinery. Antivibration is also a good option if you are dealing with injuries like carpal or cubital syndrome as it gets aggravated when you are using vibrating devices.
Air purge affects fuel delivery to the carburetor. You should confirm that it functions properly on the model that you are getting because its malfunction can cause the saw to turn off.

Which chain saw is right for you?

Questions you should ask before choosing one:

  • How often do you plan to be using the machine?

    If you plan on using it rarely, there’s not much sense in investing too much.

  • How experienced are you in using them?

    Having experience means that you can operate top chainsaw brands safely. If you don’t have a lot of experience, search for the best chainsaw for the money, but with less power – those that are easy to maneuver, the ones with safety features like safety brakes but keep in mind that they don’t need to be very expensive.

  • What type of trees do you intend to cut?

    Sturdier, bigger trees require more power and speed, and getting a machine to do that job is additionally physically demanding.

  • What diameter is the type of tree you want to be sawing?

    Larger trees require a longer bar, which consequently also requires a more powerful tool.

1. Are Blades Interchangeable?

It’s believed that they are, but that’s not the case. They aren’t all same, for example, their structures can be different, or some other important features can differ. Interchanging them can lead to malfunction.

2. Does Chainsaw need oil?

Gas ones need it because they run on the oil-gasoline mixture of a certain ratio. While electrics don’t need that mixture because they run on electricity, you should note that both types require it for chain lubrication. It’s much better if you use the one that’s recommended for the bar because it will stick to the chain as is rotates, unlike other kinds which are more likely to fall off and cause you to use greater amounts, or even worse, for the system to overheat.

3. Do they leak oil?

Proper functioning mechanisms won’t leak oil. Of course, it has to be present on the chains, and a certain amount of can get on your clothes, but if everything is functioning as it should, the leakage should consist of a drop or two maximum.

4. Do they Overheat?

It can happen. If everything is running as it should – it won’t overheat. On the other hand, if you lack oil, for example, the friction will cause it to overheat. If it’s not getting enough ventilation, the same result. Make sure that you pay attention to all those details as they can largely influence the lifespan of a machine.

5. Are Electric and Gas saws both equally good?

The quality of work you can do with them is the same, but you won’t be able to cut the same trees. The bigger, wider trees require gas-fueled saws that have a wider bar and can produce more power.

6. Do Chains Stretch?

Yes, they do. This can lead to chain tension lessening. This is why having an automatic tightening system is a really good option, especially if you have no previous experience with sawing. There are chainsaw reviews that claim that tightening is made easy with a tightening knob. It’s easy to manipulate and allows you to tighten the chain on the go.

How to use a Chainsaw?

First and foremost, preparation is the key. It’s best if you take the time to prepare for the use if you never used one before. Read the manual, take a look at the how-to videos that we have prepared for you below, really commit to getting to know the mechanics behind all of it – it will help you understand how to operate the machiner and possibly identify issues if they arise. Keep in mind that they are dangerous if they aren’t used properly and that you can get seriously hurt. Read the manual to know the safety protocols.

Use the clothes that will protect you from the small wood parts that will be rapidly flying in your direction. Helmet with a plastic that will protect your eyes is a must. Protective goggles are also a good idea, but make certain to protect your eyes at any cost and from all sides. If you just use the sunglasses it won’t be good enough. Ear protection is also a necessary piece of equipment as cutting can be very loud – better safe than sorry! Other parts of clothes that you want to pay attention to our gloves and booths. Gloves will also protect you from wood splinters and chips while booths can also protect your feet if a larger piece of wood falls on them.

It’s imperative that your bar is well lubricated and cleaned. The debris can cause overheating. Sharpen the chain to make cutting trees feel much easier, it will also help you manipulate more confidently. Tighten the chain as well – some devices have automatic systems while many do it without any additional tools (they have the oversized knob on the side). Furthermore, many saws require specific tools so check whether you have appropriate ones if that’s your case.

Know when and where to use it – Best chainsaw is the one that fits your needs! Gas ones shouldn’t be used inside. They release the fumes which are a product of the fuel mixture, and those fumes have CO2 which can be toxic for humans in great concentration. This can happen if you use it inside even if the windows are open. Use it only outside.

To start sawing, place the machine on the ground or between the legs. If you are a beginner, it’s best to place it on the ground. While holding the front handle, pull the starting cord handle to start the system. Electric saws usually have a button that you can press while it’s on the ground. Do not attempt a drop start

When you managed to get it started you must hold it properly. Check out the manual and videos to go more in-depth on this subject. Hold it firmly with both hands so that you can manipulate it better in case of a kickback. Do not let go of one hand to hold the branch with the other, if a kickback happens while you are holding the handle with only one hand you may have a very hard time controlling it and may end up getting hurt.

Carefully plan where you are going to cut the log or a branch so that you predict where it will fall. Double-check that it won’t tip over the wrong side, hitting the telephone wires, roofs, fences, patios, and other objects of importance. There are a lot of ways to cut a tree. To find out more, check out the next section with how-to videos.

Best chainsaw sizes

What is the best chainsaw? The perfect size depends on the purpose. You should first check the diameter of the wood or the log that you want to cut. Adding two inches more to that number is the length of a bar that you should get. This makes cutting much easier and saves energy. It also ensures that the one you are getting has enough power to handle the load. The longer the bar, the more powerful the engine – that’s why you don’t see electric chainsaws with very long bars.

Best American chainsaw

We have reviewed it in this article – Husqvarna 450 18-Inch 50.2cc X-Torq 2-Cycle Gas Powered Chain Saw is a good chainsaw that’s easy to start, it’s very powerful and has necessary safety features. It can achieve up to 9600 RPM.

Best bar oil

Stihl 2 Cycle Engine Oil HP Ultra
HP ultra comes in many sizes 1,2 or 5 gallons – you can get the one that perfectly fits your yearly or monthly needs. This oil is made for use in powerful, top chainsaws with two-stroke engines. It’s synthetic and it’s known to have excellent specifications and matching performance.

Best battery chainsaw

Makita XCU03PT1 – Another saw that we have reviewed, and we love it for its features. It’s electric, but it can achieve almost 10 000rpm!

Maintenance & Safety

Best chainsaws will be capable of a great performance, but more importantly, they will have the safety measures. Regardless of the brand and performance, all of them need to be cleaned regularly. To follow maintenance and safety measures, it’s best if you follow the user manual. The measures can be unique to different saws because they differ from model to model. Make sure to read the manual as it can help you with troubleshooting, fixing problems, it contains protocols for maintenance which will help your saw stay in the right condition for years to come, and of course, follow safety instructions rigorously.

<a href="https://woodcraftmaniac.com/author/admin/" target="_self">James S. Avila</a>

James S. Avila

Author

Millions of injuries are caused by chainsaws on a yearly basis. Lack of proper research and guidance on how to buy the most suitable chainsaws for projects are among the factors responsible for these accidents. These unfortunate accidents are pathetic and this is the reason why this website is created. James Avila is a professional who understands chainsaws and various machinery, and willing to share in-depth information about chainsaws and enable our readers to make informed decisions when they want to purchase the right chainsaws for their projects. His expertise in the industry has brought well-researched reviews that have saved our readers thousands of dollars