The wide variety of chainsaw models can make choosing one difficult. Here's an overview of the various options for the DIY buyer.
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Everything to Consider When Buying a Chainsaw
A chainsaw is a powerful tool that can save countless hours of manual labor, and in some cases, it’s the only tool for the job. Just think about trying to prune or fell a tree with a reciprocating saw (or worse, a hand saw) and you’ll see why every property with trees needs a chainsaw in the tool shed.
If you’re in the market for a chainsaw, you need to consider budget and your own skill level, and it’s also important to factor in chainsaw safety. A big, powerful saw may get the job done faster, but it’s tiring to use and can inflict serious injury when you mishandle it. In most cases, a smaller saw is more practical and will get the job done just as fast. This post will help you choose the saw that’s perfect for your needs.
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What Is a Chainsaw?
A chainsaw is a portable saw that cuts with a set of teeth on a continuous chain that rotates over and around a guide bar. While the basic concept of a chainsaw has been adapted for use in everything from surgery to carpentry, the term is mostly used for tools intended for activities such as tree trimming and felling, which is what we’ll be focusing on.
Types of Chainsaws
A standard chainsaw is what most people think of when they hear “chainsaw.” Although their design may seem similar, there are different handheld chainsaws made for everything from felling large trees to lightweight yard maintenance.
A pole saw allows the user to trim limbs that would ordinarily be out of reach. The simplest description of a pole saw? A saw mounted on a long stick. They can be gas- or electric-powered, although many homeowners prefer corded models to keep the saw as light as possible. Controls for the saw are at the base of the pole, enabling the user to safely turn them on or off from the ground. Some pole saws are detachable from their pole, allowing them to be used as lightweight saws around the yard.
An enclosed saw shields the user entirely from the moving chain. Relatively small and lightweight, these are most frequently electric-powered limb trimmers.
P.S. If you struggle with bulky power tools, you might want to check out the Saker mini chainsaw.
Chainsaw Power Options
Gas-powered chainsaws are the most powerful option and can drive the longest bar length. This means that they can bring down larger trees and work faster with less wear on the chain. Gas-powered saws are noisier and heavier than electric models, and their engine requires more maintenance. Also, most gas-powered chainsaws run on a blend of gasoline and 2-cycle oil — the exact ratio depending on the manufacturer — so you’ll need to make your own or keep pre-mixed fuel on hand.
Electric chainsaws are available in corded or battery-powered varieties. They have less power than gas-powered chainsaws. A corded saw has as much power as a mid-range gas saw, while battery-operated chainsaws tend to have even less power.
Naturally, the biggest limitation on a corded saw is the length of the cord. Be sure to pay attention to the amps that your corded chainsaw draws, as you’ll need an extension cord that can handle that load. Look for the amperage rating on your extension cord, and if in doubt, pick up a new heavy-duty cord when you buy your saw. Battery-powered chainsaws work great on smaller jobs or occasional maintenance.
You may also find some pneumatic chainsaws that run on compressed air. Seen much less frequently than gas or electric models, pneumatic chainsaws have many of the same pros and cons as corded chainsaws, with one added complication — you may need to purchase an air compressor to use it.
Deciding between a gas and electric chainsaw
“Gas-powered chainsaws are the best tools for tackling heavy-duty projects, like overgrown trees and storm debris,” says lawn care specialist Jeremy Yamaguchi, “but if you only need a chainsaw for small tasks, a battery-powered one will work just fine.”
Electric saws are less powerful than gas-powered ones, but they have important advantages:
- they are lighter;
- they are easier to start up;
- they don’t emit polluting gases;
- they are quieter.
Policymakers sometimes regulate or ban gas-powered outdoor tools in response to environmental concerns, says Yamaguchi, so check with your local authorities.
Chainsaw Features
There are many features available on chainsaws, more than we can describe in this piece. Here are some key features to look for.
Chain type: Most DIYers will be fine using the chain that comes with their chainsaw. However, if you find yourself using your chainsaw for wide-ranging tasks, familiarize yourself with the teeth profile and spacing options available. If you think you’ll need multiple chains, be certain the chainsaw you choose makes exchanging the chain easy. And if you need to buy a new chainsaw bar or chain, it’s important to find the perfect fit. Here’s how to measure the size of your bar and chain.
Handle Position: Top-handle saws are more compact and lighter, and can often be used one-handed. But they are designed for use at height, which sacrifices stability.
If you’ll be working on the ground, their maneuverability makes them a great choice for pruning limbs and fallen branches. If you’ll be taking down trees or working with large logs on the ground, it’s probably wiser to choose a rear-handle model with a wider handgrip for more protection against kickback.
Anti-vibration: To reduce fatigue, look for a chainsaw with rubberized handles and anti-vibration features. This is particularly useful on gas-powered saws, which have more vibration due to the moving parts of the engine.
Chain Brake: In case of kickback, a chain brake stops the motion of the chain almost immediately, making it a great safety feature.
Chainsaw Buying Considerations and Cost
A typical homeowner should expect to spend between $100 to $500 for a chainsaw. There are plenty of saws on the market that cost far more, but they are primarily aimed at professionals who use these tools all day and depend on them for their lives and livelihood.
For DIYers, the primary consideration is power and usage. If you’ll be clearing trees from your property and converting them into firewood, you need a gas-powered model with an 18- to 24-in. bar. “Gas is just always going to provide that extra power you’ll need for more intensive projects like this,” says Yamaguchi.
If you’re simply trimming the occasional limb or fallen branch, however, you’ll be better off with a shorter bar and a corded or battery-powered saw. Purchasing a gas-powered saw for these tasks would be overkill.
Find out which things you should never do to your chainsaw.
Chainsaw Maintenance and Repair Considerations
Chainsaw maintenance primarily involves the chain and the motor.
Keep the chain and bar free of debris such as dirt or twigs, maintain proper chain tension and maintain the chain oil. All are easy to do yourself and should be done on a regular basis, preferably after each significant use.
Sharpen the chain as often as needed; this will vary depending on the frequency and nature of use, but a general rule do so every time you refill the gas tank. (For electric models, sharpen after a full day’s use.) No matter what kind of saw you have, if you find it’s taking longer or requiring pressure to cut, it’s time to sharpen the chain on your saw. If you choose to do your own sharpening, you can do it manually or with a rotary tool. If you’d rather leave it to a pro, take the saw to a lawnmower service center or blade sharpener shop.
For a gas-powered engine, you’ll need to clear the air filter and tune up the engine from time to time. During the off-season run the engine until there’s no gas, clean and oil the whole tool, then store it somewhere dry. Electric chainsaws should be wiped down after each use to prevent rust or clogging, but overall they have fewer engine concerns than their gas-powered counterparts.
General chainsaw maintenance can be totally DIY or as part of your annual lawn tool check-up. Most lawnmower service centers also take chainsaws, so you can drop them off together.
About the Expert
- Jeremy Yamaguchi is a lawn care expert and and the CEO of Lawn Love, a company that’s bringing high-tech solutions to the lawn care industry.
