diy & tools

Best Chainsaw

Author Emma
Emma
16th August, 2021 | 23 minute read

A chainsaw is a tool in your home you need if you are a massive DIYer. Therefore, in this article, you will learn about chainsaws and the different types of chainsaws you can buy. Researching before purchasing is the safest way because you don't want to waste your money so you should just use a little bit of time to know what you should buy with your budget.

Person cutting wood with a chainsaw

If you want to buy a chainsaw but don’t know how they work, the different types and the best chainsaws you can buy now then this article will tell you everything you need to know before you buy one.

What Is a Chainsaw?

Chainsaws are ferocious, hungry machines that slam them to the ground in seconds. If it appears to be a crime to cut down something so magnificent for its wood, keep in mind that trees die from the inside out and can become deadly near the end of their lives.

Chainsaw cutting trees

When fallen trees block highways or train tracks, they must be quickly chopped and cleaned.

Cutting down trees, turning logs into lumber, chopping firewood, and wood carving are all activities that a chainsaw can help you with, whether you're a suburban homeowner, a woodsy outdoorsman, or an aspiring artist.

Skip to our summary table for quick comparison
Go

How Does a Chainsaw Work?

A chainsaw is made up of two basic components: a saw blade embedded in a chain that is wound around a long metal guide bar, and a one-cylinder gasoline (petrol) engine.

Chainsaw cutting wood

The chain is like a bicycle chain in that it runs around sprockets (gear wheels designed to turn a chain), but it has around 30 or so sharp teeth spaced at regular intervals.

Inside the engine, the piston pulls a connecting rod, which turns a crankshaft, as it goes in and out of the cylinder. The crankshaft spins gears that are attached to one of the sprockets on which the chain is mounted (through a centrifugal clutch, as discussed below) and the chain spins around.

Types of Chainsaws

You're only as good as your tools when it comes to getting things done around the house. There's a reason why, as time and technology have progressed, the tools utilised to power these advancements have progressed as well. Power tools have become a do-it-closest yourselves buddy as a result of this breakthrough in the home improvement sector.

Cordless Electric Chainsaw

A cordless electric chainsaw may be right for you if portability is crucial to you, yet you don't want to bother with gas.

Electric chainsaw

They use a rechargeable battery, just like many other cordless equipment-like drills. Because they rely on a battery for electricity, you'll only have a limited amount of time to work before it's time to recharge, just like a gas chainsaw.

These versions are normally more expensive than gas-powered chainsaws, although having less power (unless you choose a deluxe option), but they are also quieter because there is no engine roaring.

Corded Electric Chainsaw

A corded electric chainsaw is an alternative if you're willing to forego portability in exchange for infinite battery life. Unlike its cordless counterpart, this quiet and lightweight option gets its power from an outlet, allowing you to keep cutting until your arms tyre. Its power is comparable to that of low- and mid-tier cordless devices, but it is generally less powerful than a gas model.

Man using electric chainsaw

Unfortunately, you'll want to stay close to home because you won't be able to cut anything without an outlet! Because they don't require fuel or rechargeable batteries, corded models are frequently the cheapest alternative available.

Gas-Powered Chainsaw

When it comes to strength, a gas-powered type is frequently the most powerful. This is because, they are driven by a gas engine, which has higher cutting power and can power a longer bar length than their electric counterparts. This makes it easier for it to cut down larger trees. Regrettably, the powerful motor comes with a lot louder noise and a much heavier tool.

Gas chainsaw

They are, however, completely portable and offer the most diversity in use for the money.

Manual Chainsaw

Everyone like a nice chainsaw, but they rarely fit in your pocket. They're also big, loud, and potentially deadly. You can make a portable and adaptable instrument for chopping firewood or trimming trees by replacing the gasoline motor of a normal chainsaw with your arms and create a manual chainsaw.

Men using manual chainsaws

Although it is not as rapid as a motorised chain saw, it is faster than most other hand-held saws and considerably more portable.

Portable Chainsaw

Portable chainsaws, usually referred to as little chainsaws, are ideal for light-duty lumberjacking tasks such as clipping branches and cutting small logs. Their tough design and powerful motors pack a lot of cutting power into a small package, and they have a level of durability that other power saws don't have.

Portable chainsaw cutting wood

This useful survival gear consists of 36-inch chainsaw blades with two big nylon handles that allow the user to chop through branches and medium-sized trees. A pocket chainsaw weighs less than half a pound and fits in a small box that may easily be carried in a pack or on a belt, unlike their heavier battery- and gas-powered siblings.

Pole Chainsaw

Try using a pole saw to prune some branches on the top of your ornamental tree if you're afraid of climbing up a ladder with a chainsaw in your hand. These are small electric or gas chainsaws that are mounted on top of an extending pole for increased reach. You don't need ladders; you can reach areas of the tree that are 6 to 8 feet above your head by keeping your boots on the ground.

Pole chainsaw cutting a tree

Pole saws can be used by anybody from children to adults, but we recommend treating them like ordinary chainsaws since, despite their modest size and bar sizes, they can easily cut through clothing and human skin.

Best Chainsaw

The chainsaw has long been a piece of necessary equipment, but it is also growing more popular for use at home. This is likely due to the availability of a wide selection of simple-to-use and economical chainsaws for jobs like pruning and carving.

Chainsaws have traditionally been powered by gasoline, but electric start chainsaws, both mains and battery-powered, are becoming increasingly common. In this article, you will find the best chainsaw that will be ideal in your home.

Best Cordless Electric Chainsaw

Makita XCU03PPT

Makita XCU03PPT chainsaw

For a limited time, you may get two free batteries with qualifying X2 kits when you buy this chainsaw (4 batteries included). It has a variable speed trigger and a high chain speed for better cutting performance.

For easy operation and maintenance, it has a "tool-less" chain adjustment. The chain has a built-in lock-off lever to keep it from accidentally engaging. It also includes a built-in L. E. D. and an on/off switch with an auto power-off function; automatically shuts off the saw when action is delayed for longer battery life.

The Good
  • Low maintenance
  • Low noise level
  • Eco-friendly
The Bad
  • Requires extra batteries
  • Faulty batteries
View Prices for this Product

Stihl MSA 120 C-BQ

Stihl MSA 120 C-BQ chainsaw

The cordless Stihl MSA 120 C-BQ is our pick for the finest battery-powered chainsaw because it's compact, convenient, and powerful. It's ideal for basic operations like tree trimming and debranching. It has a short bar and a thinner chain than we're used to seeing on chainsaws of this type.

This makes it straightforward to use. What's missing are more sophisticated safety features. On the other hand, anyone going up a tree to cut off branches or anyone climbing up a ladder will find it extremely useful. It can be useful not to have to utilise a start button in these situations.

It also includes a transport mode in which the battery is there, but the saw and battery connections are not in contact. Although the Stihl MSA 120 C-BQ is little, it is no wimp. It has little trouble slicing through thick branches of tougher woods like oak.

It can also withstand a significant amount of cutting and wear before the chain leaps or becomes loose. This is fortunate because tensioning the chain is difficult.

The Good
  • Easy to handle
  • Ideal for domestic tasks
  • Excellent running time
The Bad
  • Struggles with tougher woods
  • The saw can jam when too much pressure is applied
View Prices for this Product

Stihl MSA200C

Stihl MSA200C chainsaw

Thanks to a combination of crisp cuts, power, ease of use, and long battery life, the Stihl MSA200C is one of the best battery chainsaws on the market. It has a clear battery indication, a rubberized grip, is nicely constructed, and creates little vibrations to improve user comfort. The chain is very thin and flexible. Because it creates excellent cuts, this chainsaw is suitable for finer work.

The disadvantage of the large battery capacity is that it is very heavy and adds significantly to the machine's weight.

Simultaneously, after a few months of usage, the benefits of having a battery chainsaw that can topple and cut up a smaller tree, cut lumber, and prune trees become evident.

The Good
  • Straightforward maintenance
  • Easy to clean
  • Flexible chain
The Bad
  • It uses a lot of oil
  • Expensive to operate
View Prices for this Product

Best Corded Electric Chainsaw

Earthwise C301116

Earthwise C301116 chainsaw

This corded electric chainsaw features a 16" Oregon bar and chain and a powerful 12 amp 120/60Hz motor. It has a tool-free chain tension adjustments, plastic bar, and chain cover, as well as a tool-free safety button for only £110!

Reviews have said for its price this corded electric chainsaw is one of the best as it is good quality and reasonably priced.

The Good
  • Great for felling trees
  • Planet-friendly
  • Affordable chainsaw
The Bad
  • The chain may need replacing
  • Requires regular oiling
View Prices for this Product

Husqvarna 120

Husqvarna 120 chainsaw

In terms of motor and bar length, the Husqvarna 120i is a lengthy chainsaw, especially with the battery attached, which Husqvarna has positioned in the back. However, it is still nicely balanced, so this is merely a size drawback. At the same time, the saw is weighty, giving the impression that it is a giant chainsaw.

The corded Husqvarna 120i has a respectable battery life under load, and it also features an eco-mode that adds a few minutes. We have a few issues with the battery system. For example, we can use a Husqvarna hedge trimmer's battery in a chainsaw with the same voltage, but the hedge trimmer's battery does not suit the chainsaw.

The Good
  • Ergonomic design
  • Lower emissions
  • Automated chain oil system
The Bad
  • High sound level
  • Requires protective hearing equipment
View Prices for this Product

Oregon CS1400

Oregon CS1400 chainsaw

Consider this low-cost top-selling corded electric model from reputed American company Oregon if you only use a chainsaw a few times a year and don't want to spend too much. The CS1400 comes with a 16-inch guide bar that can accommodate tree trunks and fire logs with a diameter of up to 14 inches.

All the safety measures are included, as well as a tool-free chain tensioning system and an automatic chain lubrication system. Simply pour some chain oil into the reservoir port to keep the chain in great shape. If sharpening the chain sounds like a chore, consider the more expensive CS1500 stablemate, which has an automatic chain sharpening mechanism.

The Good
  • Low noise chainsaw
  • Powerful saw
  • Ideal for cutting logs
The Bad
  • Chain tends to slip off
  • May overheat
View Prices for this Product

Best Gas-Powered Chainsaw

Husqvarna 455 Rancher

Husqvarna 455 Rancher chainsaw

Landowners and homeowners that demand a high-powered, heavy-duty chainsaw will appreciate the 455 Rancher chainsaw. This is a 5cc 20-inch gas chainsaw with a guide bar and chain. It has a two-cycle engine and an Intertie actuated chain brake for safety.

A Husqvarna chainsaw bar cover is included, as well as a 2.6-ounce container of pre-mix gasoline. Oil for bars and chains must be purchased separately. For safe and effective use, an automatic chain oiler offers a consistent supply of bar and chain oil.

The Good
  • Ideal for multiple uses
  • Good chain break that prevents injury
  • Easy to start up
The Bad
  • It is not powerful enough for some jobs
  • May require an extra chain
View Prices for this Product

Husqvarna 135

Husqvarna 135 chainsaw

Because it's a well-balanced chainsaw with low vibrations and a lot of power, the Husqvarna 135 is our best all-around chainsaw for 2020. It's great for homeowners who have both little and large trees to care for. Despite the length of the bar, the chainsaw can chew through most materials without difficulty. The chainsaw is razor-sharp, and the machine is solidly constructed.

The Husqvarna 135 is simple to operate once you have it. In addition, the saw is well-balanced. So, despite the machine's heavyweight, it's not too hard to use. The handles of the chainsaw aren't rubberized, but that's not a problem because it fits well in your hands. The chain catcher is well-positioned and responds quickly. The chainsaw is very simple to care for.

The Husqvarna 135 has the disadvantage of being quite difficult to start. Many competitors have wonderful inventions to lessen resistance, so even if they're powerful machines, they're simple to start. To start this chainsaw, you'll need to use a lot of effort from your arms. At the same time, there's no good way to start is with your body in the right position.

The Good
  • Ideal for light cutting tasks
  • Easy to set up
  • Powerful for its size
The Bad
  • Not suitable for large trees
  • Can only be used for lighter work
View Prices for this Product

Stihl MS 211 C-BE

Stihl MS 211 C-BE chainsaw

The Stihl MS 211 is a chainsaw that can do a variety of jobs while also being simple to start and maintain. Easy2Start is a function that consists of a spiral spring that saves energy. This means you won't have to pull too hard or quickly to get it moving. The function works effectively and is one of the chainsaw's main perks.

Another benefit is how simple it is to clean. It's as simple as pulling out a button and rotating it. It's a great all-around saw. In terms of fuel economy, it's about average, performing in the same league as its competitors, which means you can down a couple of trees and debranch them on a single tank of gas. It can also be used to limb or cross-cut trees.

The Good
  • Small and lightweight
  • Lowers up to 70% of emissions
  • Ideal for chopping firewood
The Bad
  • Short running time
  • Not ideal for large jobs
View Prices for this Product

Best Manual Chainsaw

Nordic Pocket Chainsaw

Nordic Pocket Chainsaw

The Nordic Pocket Chainsaw is a little but powerful wood-cutting equipment that will make your hiking life a lot easier. It's a fantastic addition to any backpacker's trail maintenance tools, thanks to its basic (yet useful) design and convenient storage.

The Nordic Pocket Chainsaw is a little but powerful wood-cutting equipment that will make your hiking life a lot easier. It's a fantastic addition to any backpacker's trail maintenance tools, thanks to its basic (yet useful) design and convenient storage.

The Good
  • Easy to store
  • Cuts larger logs
  • Easy to transport
The Bad
  • Effort level is high
  • The saw needs to be sharpened
View Prices for this Product

Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw

Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw

If you enjoy trekking, the new Sportsman Survival Pocket Chainsaw could be the answer to your prayers for the greatest pocket chainsaw. There will be no more wire chainsaws too short to cut a thicker limb. Thread chainsaws with pointed teeth that are difficult to sharpen are no longer available. All you need is a simple and practical saw to meet your outdoor demands.

A 65mm thick pre-heat-treated carbon chain is used in the design, which effortlessly slices through even the toughest wood. This makes the saw ideal for a variety of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, landscaping, and so on. To keep your saw secure while backpacking, the Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw comes with a free durable nylon snap pouch and belt loop.

The Good
  • Ideal for cutting fallen trees
  • Narrow chain prevents dragging
  • Has the right number of teeth
The Bad
  • Not ideal for branches
  • Only has teeth on one side
View Prices for this Product

SOS Gear Pocket Chainsaw

SOS Gear Pocket Chainsaw

SOS Gear provides a sharp handsaw in an embroidered pouch, a magnesium fire starter with a built-in compass, and a complimentary whistle in their complete survival kit for the ordinary hiker. The kit features a wonderful camouflage pattern to help you get into a survival mindset, and the Flint Ferro Rod will help you create a fire in the woods quickly.

There isn't much to say about this pocket chainsaw other than the normal standard safety measures. The user, on the other hand, isn't expected to do much. The most important thing to remember when using a chainsaw is to stay focused on the work at hand. Goggles and gloves, as well as other protective gear, may be useful, especially on a windy day.

The Good
  • Ideal for camping
  • Easy to use
  • Compact design
The Bad
  • Requires a lot of effort
  • Needs to be oiled regularly
View Prices for this Product

Best Portable Chainsaw

Sky Ocean Pocket Chainsaw with Paracord Handle

Sky Ocean Pocket Chainsaw

The chain saw is portable, versatile, and adaptable. With a 36-inch chain that folds up to 4 inches and a total weight of approximately 0.44 pounds, it's as portable as a cell phone! Its cool paracord handle, which can untie and extend to a maximum of 275 inches to reach high branches or other emergency circumstances, is even more fascinating. Ideal for trekking, camping, emergencies, and basic yard chores.

The compact survival saw can cut through the wood from small branches to giant tree trunks in seconds and cuts overhead branches with ease, thanks to eleven sharp cutting saw blades. The flexible chainsaw links create steady yet flexible bi-directional motion, saving time and effort.

The Good
  • Ideal for cutting small brunches
  • Great for pruning
  • Lightweight design
The Bad
  • Can get stuck
  • Only has teeth on one side
View Prices for this Product

Zonjie Pocket Chain Hand Chainsaw

Zonjie Pocket Chain Hand Chainsaw

The Zonjie chain saw features more saw teeth than similar items, resulting in 3-4 times faster cutting speed! When cutting two strokes, the cutting teeth with two-way self-cleaning style, composed of industrial-grade heat-treated steel, are easy to shred the wood! This emergency survival saw is easy to pack and carry due to its small size and lightweight.

Its optimum length of 24 inches makes it a great option for everybody. Two-way self-cleaning cutting teeth made of industrial-grade heat-treated steel. The saw is ideal for cutting firewood in a living environment such as a fisherman's, outdoor, emergency, insect bag, and hiker's environment.

The Good
  • Perfect for camping
  • Bidirectional use
  • Easy to carry
The Bad
  • Not ideal for larger jobs
  • Re-sharpening is required
View Prices for this Product

Alizin-CP008 Pocket Chainsaw with Paracord

Alizin-CP008 Pocket Chainsaw

The compact survival saw can cut through the wood from small branches to giant tree trunks in seconds and cuts overhead branches with ease, thanks to eleven sharp cutting saw blades. The flexible chainsaw links create steady yet flexible bi-directional motion, saving time and effort.

The chainsaw is portable, versatile, and adaptable. With a 24-inch chain that can be folded into 4 inches and a total weight of only 0.39 lbs, it's as portable as a cell phone! Its cool paracord handle untangles and extends to a maximum length of 275 inches, allowing it to reach high branches or other emergency circumstances. Ideal for hiking, camping, simple yard chores, and while cutting down trees.

The Good
  • Convenient cutting
  • Lightweight design
  • Easy to transport
The Bad
  • Requires some effort
  • May need re-sharpening
View Prices for this Product

Best Pole Chainsaw

Black & Decker 18V Pole Pruner

Black & Decker 18V Pole Pruner

The 18V battery lasts up to 130 cuts on a single charge, has a range of 4.5m, and weighs only 3.7kg, so you won't feel like you're waving a lawnmower over your head.

There's an anti-kickback system to keep you safe, non-slip ergonomic grips to keep you from dropping it on your face, and it's simple to clean – which you'll like because little particles may easily jam it.

The Good
  • Easy to use
  • Ideal for cutting branches
  • Lightweight design
The Bad
  • Self-assembly is required
  • The battery must always be charging when not in use
View Prices for this Product

Worx WG309 8 Amp 10” Electric Pole Saw

Worx WG309 8 Amp 10” Electric Pole Saw

It's two tools in one: a pole saw for tree trimming and a normal chainsaw for ground projects. The automated oiler ensures that the chain is always functioning at maximum efficiency, allowing for faster and more precise cuts.

This saw is designed to be held up high and agile once it gets there, weighing only 10 pounds.

The Good
  • Ergonomic design
  • Powerful motor
  • Comfortable grips
The Bad
  • The motor makes some noise
  • Requires tool adjustment to lower volume
View Prices for this Product

Sun Joe SWJ806E 8-Inch Pole Chainsaw

Sun Joe SWJ806E 8-Inch Pole Chainsaw

The SWJ806E, which is powered by an 8-amp motor, starts up every time with the push of a button. It will easily reach those difficult-to-reach limbs.

Convert the Sun Joe SWJ806E to a pole saw to make cutting your overgrown trees safer and easier. The SWJ806E changes to a hand-held chainsaw in seconds, making light work of large log loads.

The Good
  • Features two tools in one
  • Powerful electric motir
  • Ideal for cutting branches
The Bad
  • The oil level needs to be checked reguarly
  • Extra oil is required
View Prices for this Product

Best Affordable Chainsaw

MTD GCS 4600/45

MTD GCS 4600/45 Chainsaw

The MTD GCS 4600/45 economy chainsaw has a hefty appearance. The build quality appears to be adequate at first. Apart from the chain rattling, everything appears to be in working order, and no unusual noises can be heard. When you start up the saw, it sounds like a beast. However, once you start utilising it, things start to go wrong.

Cutting through heavy trunks takes a long time, and even on thinner trees, it's inefficient compared to competitors' models in the same price range. One downside is that you must use a key to open the fuel cap once it has been securely tightened. A typical chain tensioner is included with the saw. Even when you tighten the chain, it feels a little slack.

The Good
  • Resistant to corrosion
  • Lightweight design
  • Affordable
The Bad
  • Requires maintenance
  • Professional use is recommended

Stiga SC 48 AE

Stiga SC 48 AE Chainsaw

The Stiga SC 48 AE is a battery chainsaw with a long bar about the machine's size. It's ideal for felling and cross-cutting smaller trees because of this. It is, above all, ideal for limbing. When cutting brushwood, the chain has an unfortunate tendency to bounce. The chainsaw is simple to clean, and the drive sprocket cover may be readily removed.

Stiga does not currently sell a package that includes a chainsaw, charger, and battery, which is odd given their limited selection of compatible batteries. If you're wearing protective gloves, the start/stop button's intelligent design makes it easy to use. Unfortunately, the kickback protection is so close to the front handle that a large, gloved hand will not be able to reach it.

The Good
  • Great for domestic use
  • Low noise level
  • Easy to use
The Bad
  • Chain oil is required
  • Not ideal for thick material
View Prices for this Product

Ryobi OCS1830

Ryobi OCS1830 Chainsaw

This is a user-friendly chainsaw that is compact in size. It is designed in a light and slender manner. Despite the high vibrations, the rubber grip allows you to maintain good control of the chainsaw. Even though it can feel a little plasticky, the chainsaw has a respectable build quality for the price. The battery is conveniently located and simple to insert or remove. The battery indicator, on the other hand, is hidden beneath the chainsaw, so you can't see it when operating it.

One of the biggest advantages of the OCS1830 is that its part of the One+ family, which means you can use the same batteries with another Ryobi 18-volt equipment. The drawback is how it operates while under stress.

The Good
  • Perfect for light jobs
  • Features ergonomic handles
  • Easy to control
The Bad
  • Not as fast as other models
  • Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks
View Prices for this Product

Best Lightweight Chainsaw

Stihl MS 170

Stihl MS 170 Chainsaw

For light to medium sawing chores, the Stihl MS 170 is a user-friendly and easy-to-start petrol chainsaw. Cleaning access is easy to come by. With a screwdriver or equivalent instrument, rotate one part to open the motor cover. It is securely fastened, but there are no little bits that could break if you opened it. This solution should be adopted by other manufacturers as well.

The chainsaw takes a long time to warm up, and even when it's operating at full power, it's not particularly powerful for the price. The MS 170, on the other hand, is a marvel when it comes to felling and chopping up tiny trees. Its strength is its tiny, user-friendly format, as well as the fact that it's simple to get started with. It's even more user-friendly because you don't have to exert too much force.

The Good
  • Easy to handle
  • Very fuel-efficient
  • Quiet noise level
The Bad
  • Not always available online
  • Requires regular cleaning
View Prices for this Product

Bosch AKE 30 Li

Bosch AKE 30 Li Chainsaw

The Bosch AKE 30 Li is a battery-powered chainsaw that's ideal for clearing small trees and cross-cutting smaller trunks. You can get the chainsaw with or without a battery. If you buy a package that includes a battery, it will last for a long time, although there are cheaper batteries on the market.

Reviews say if the chainsaw had been more balanced, the process of sawing would have been made easier. The saw feels imbalanced and difficult to manage if you hold it in the centre of the front handle. The AKE 30 Li has some advantages, but for the price, we'd expect top-notch performance.

The Good
  • Long runtime
  • Easy to handle
  • Short charging time
The Bad
  • Expensive
  • Can feel imbalanced

Black & Decker GK1000

Black & Decker GK1000 Chainsaw

Pull the power trigger to open the jaws, then clamp them around the troublesome branch. That's all there is to it.

Despite its diminutive dimensions, this chainsaw easily slices through branches up to four inches in diameter, is light, and, most importantly, inspires confidence. Because the jaws trap a lot of flying sawdust, safety eyewear isn't required, although they're still recommended.

The Good
  • Very easy to use
  • Ideal for cutting small trees
  • No risk of kickback
The Bad
  • Not suited to larger cuts that are more than 4 inches
  • Not as long-lasting as other models
View Prices for this Product

Best Mini Chainsaw

Stihl GTA 26

Stihl GTA 26 Chainsaw

This adorable mini chainsaw, which Stihl prefers to call "loppers," is wonderfully light and grippy in the hand and comes with two key safety features: a thumb switch that must be activated before pressing the trigger and a hinged plastic guard above the chain that protects the user from the high-speed chain and any flying wood chips.

Because applying too much pressure during the cut may cause the engine to stall, it's preferable to let the GTA 26's chain blade do the work. Nonetheless, you'll be astonished at how effective this tiny garden bandit is, cutting cleanly and fast through most branches with minimal effort. Put this little chainsaw on your buying list if you're looking for a handy little chainsaw that's safe to use and incredibly efficient. It even comes with a carrying case that includes a battery, charger, and a bottle of chain oil.

The Good
  • Ideal for pruning
  • Offers excellent cutting performance
  • Provides a good grip
The Bad
  • Not ideal for professional use
  • Protective equipment is required
View Prices for this Product

Bosch Advanced Cut

Bosch Advanced Cut Chainsaw

This is a pocket-sized chainsaw, but don't put it in your pocket. It's more of a hobby and DIY item than something for gardening – though it does make quick work of pruning. It's a little difficult to tell exactly what this tool is for, but it's a well-engineered item that works nicely. Perhaps it'll be ideal for some obscure cutting requirement you have.

It's low-vibration and low-maintenance, as no oiling is required, and the blades can be replaced out quickly using Bosch's SDS technology. In addition, the chain is self-tensioning. Rather than quoting battery life in hours, Bosch claims that it can cut 250 roof laths (24x43 mm) with just one charge.

The Good
  • Features anti-vibration technology
  • Perfect for wood cuttintg
  • Comes with overloading protection
The Bad
  • Expensive
  • Not ideal for large jobs
View Prices for this Product

KIMO 6 Mini Chainsaw

KIMO 6 Mini Chainsaw

This tiny version is ideal for individuals who don't have enough storage room for a larger model or who don't want a more powerful saw. It weighs just over 3 pounds but has a powerful 20-volt motor that moves the chain at a rate of 13 feet per second.

Because of its compact size, it can fit into tight or problematic locations that larger saws can't, such as between tree branches or brush heaps. This package also comes with a bottle of oil, which is always a great bonus.

The Good
  • Great for cutting branches
  • Ultra lightweight design
  • Comes with a rechargeable battery
The Bad
  • The chain cannot be tightened
  • Can be hard to clean
View Prices for this Product

What to Consider Before Buying a Chainsaw

You're only as good as your tools when it comes to getting things done around the house. There's a reason why, as time and technology have progressed, the tools utilised to power these advancements have progressed as well. What greater illustration could there be than a chainsaw?

This part of the article will help you know what to consider before buying a chainsaw, read to learn more…

Size

After you've decided on the type of chainsaw you want, you'll need to figure out how big you want it to be. As a matter of thumb, you'll want a bar length that's 2 inches longer than most of the wood you'll be cutting. This ensures the safest one-pass chopping possible. However, cutting larger pieces of wood with a shorter bar length is achievable; you'll just need to cut in steps to be safe.

Type

What type of chainsaw do you need? What are the purposes of you buying a chainsaw, what will you be using it on? This narrows down to the type of chainsaw you want to use. You can choose if you want it to be portable, gas, electric and many other types of chainsaws all depend on what type of chainsaw you need.

Maintenance

Cutting through materials is, of course, difficult work for your tool. A chainsaw contains a lot of moving parts that need to operate together, so it's critical to look after it if you want it to last. Here are some tips for keeping your chainsaw in good working order.

Chainsaw

The sharper your chainsaw's teeth are, the easier it is to cut. The easier it cuts, the less likely it is to slip or kick back, making your instrument safer to use. When your bar and chain are dirty, they are more likely to wear down when utilised. After each usage, make sure to clean the teeth of the chainsaw to remove any debris.

Noise

Machines that run on gasoline are animals. This means they can take on almost any task, but they make quite a racket in the process. If you reside in a densely populated location and plan to use your chainsaw more than once in a blue moon, you may want to choose a quieter electric one that can handle any domestic task.

Useability

Another thing to think about is the area where you'll be utilising your chainsaw. Smaller gardens, or locations with a lot of trees and foliage around them, necessitate being quick with a potentially deadly power instrument. Because there is no cable to restrict your movement or get stuck around tree trunks, cordless chainsaws are the greatest solution for tight spaces like these.

FAQs

Why was the chainsaw invented?

In 1780, two doctors devised the chainsaw to make the removal of pelvic bone during childbirth easier and faster. In the operating room, the chainsaw was soon employed for various bone cutting surgeries and amputations.

How do you sharpen a chainsaw?

Sharpening guides can be found for around £10 in most home improvement stores and online; a two-pack of round files will set you back another £7 or so. Alternatively, for under £20, you can get a multi-piece kit that includes everything you need to begin hand filing, including the instructions and several files.

Before sharpening, you'll need two measurements: the diameter of the saw chain's semi-circular cutting edges and their pitch (or rake angle). Both pieces of information can be found in the chainsaw owner's manual or from the saw chain manufacturer.

Choose a round file with the same diameter as the cutting teeth's semi-circular edges. Remove the sharpening guide's thumbscrews and slip the round file beneath the two metal hold-down clamps. Then, to keep the file in the guide, tighten the screws.

What equipment do you need for health and safety?

  • Safety glasses or other eye/face protection are recommended
  • OSHA-approved protective footwear is required
  • Work pants or chaps provide leg protection
  • Gloves for work

Do chainsaws cut down tree stumps?

Chainsaws aren't great at clearing tree stumps in general. Using a stump killer is usually easier and safer.

How long do chainsaws last?

A good chainsaw should last you at least ten years, if not longer. However, I know folks who have saws that have lasted 20-30 years or even more if they are properly maintained.

Sources

  1. https://www.explainthatstuff.com/how-chainsaws-work.html
  2. https://www.essentialhomeandgarden.com/chainsaws-guide/
  3. https://www.chainsawjournal.com/types-of-chainsaws/
  4. https://www.campingmaniacs.com/best-pocket-chainsaw-reviews
  5. https://www.ukbushcraft.co.uk/best-pocket-chainsaws/
  6. https://chainsawlarry.com/best-pole-saws-reviews/
  7. https://www.lawnmowersdirect.co.uk/blog/garden-machinery/things-consider-buying-chainsaw/
  8. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-pocket-chainsaw/
  9. https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/tools/a21996/how-to-sharpen-chainsaw-tips/