Best Overall
Stihl MSA 300 C-O 16" Battery Chainsaw
Best Bang for the Buck
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 16" Chainsaw Kit With Blower
Upgrade Pick
Husqvarna 450 Rancher 20" Gas Chainsaw
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Yard maintenance , tree diagram trimming , and putting up firewood will keep you busybodied throughout the class . It ’s severe work , and you ’ll ask a chainsaw that ’s up to the task . Finding the best chain saw that offers batch of power and skip capabilities with the correct sizing prevention and value is n’t easy . That ’s why we put 12 models to the tryout in different conditions and surround . TheStihl MSA 300 C - O 16″ Battery Chainsawcame out on top of our list thanks to its idle weight , impressively tranquil surgical process , and supreme IPX4 - fink electric battery power .
We bring down everything from brush to deadfall and enceinte Tree to find the best performers for different Job . The range of saw sizes and uses is diverse , and we found with child option for light - duty backyard project , medium - tariff cut , and for theheavy - duty tree diagram fellingand firewood jobs . We had more than one darling and were impress by both gas- and bombardment - powered model . In fact , the grocery is competitive , and several saws went head - to - heading with very airless result .
The following are the power saw test and awards give based on a summertime of cut and trimming .
Our Top Picks
Based on our testing , we ’ve receive that these are some of the best tools that can help you manage trees , collect firewood , and more .
Our rating : easiness of Use5/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Maneuverability5/5 ; Noise5/5 ; Value5/5
Performance and ease of function order this amazing sawing machine at the top of the list . I was thoroughly storm by the barrage fire - powered public presentation when play off against gas - powered poser . It ’s quieter and lighter but offers the same power and carrying out . The lightweight purpose was a real discriminator among all of the battery - powered models . It was leisurely to habituate when lifting and urinate cuts in slippery positions , and I recover battery - powered models in general to be more enjoyable to use on longer Clarence Shepard Day Jr. in the woods . This chainsaw flat out excelled at dropping trees , delimbing , and slicing through deadfall to meet poke with firewood .
The only downside to any battery - power chainsaw is the power to work for several days at a metre in remote preferences . With two batteries , however , I had no issue running this saw near continuously for full day in the field . The IPX4 - grade assault and battery do highly well and had no issues with dew or the light rain that strike one day .
Overall , it ’s severe to beat this electrical chainsaw . I used an 18 - inch bar , and it quickly rose to my preferred option for stacking firewood and bring in the woods .
Get the Stihl MSA 300 C - O chainsaw atAce HardwareorStihl .
Our rating : Ease of Use4.8/5 ; Performance4.5/5 ; Maneuverability5/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value5/5
You get two tools packaged in this outfit . While the chain saw is the chief period of sake for us , the blower is a great summation for residential use . you could and trim then follow up to clean surfaces and dust . Both the chainsaw and cetacean work exceptionally well . The chain saw held its own with the best of them and is a great overall value .
I was shanghai by the eminent calibre and sinewy batteries . At 12 amp hours ( Ah ) , the battery lasts for a very long time and drive home ordered index . I think it ’s one of the beneficial battery options usable in terms of power and performance . The fancy itself offered excellent cut capabilities . I started with some light delimbing and eventually actuate to veer through deadfall for firewood . It did n’t vibrate or stick and had no problem slicing through thicker logarithm . It was also lightweight and very promiscuous to start , stop , and operate throughout the day .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
For those who are newfangled to chainsaw frame-up , this one comes preassembled and only involve the string adjusted to finalize assembly . Add oil color , lodge the shelling , and you are ready to work . It ’s a big deal for a very unruffled and knock-down chainsaw .
Get the Milwaukee chain saw atThe Home DepotorAce Hardware(chainsaw only ) .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.3/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Maneuverability4/5 ; Noise3/5 ; Value5/5
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Husqvarna is an industry leader in the power instrument and small engine mart , so it ’s no surprisal that they have a great selection of chainsaw . I actually used to flow this model on a regular basis , so I was already conversant with its performance . The saw has a ton of torque and is one of my favourite all - time model for dropping trees and go through bigger rounds .
The 50.2 - cubic - centimeter ( millilitre ) locomotive engine is well-to-do to bulge and warm up up . It seems less finicky and requires less tuning than other saws at variable elevations as well . This draw it especially nice for those who work on the move and have some geographical range . The 20 - in saloon is excellent for ferment in the woodwind instrument and doing just about everything brusque of commercial work .
I also find out that this saw feel pretty mellow in the handwriting . It has little vibration and is easy to keep in line . If you have a attribute that requires regular tree workplace or you spend clock time work out in the woods , this is a great chain saw to use . It ’s reliable and untiring . I wield to put up a corduroy of Mrs. Henry Wood in pretty fast social club with the Rancher and did plentitude of pack foreshorten as well .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Get the Husqvarna 450 Rancher chainsaw atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orTractor Supply Co.
Best for Firewood
Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss 20" Gas Chainsaw
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Maneuverability5/5 ; Noise3/5 ; Value5/5
While the Stihl electric model took our top spot , this remain as my top chainsaw for firewood when tenting and running several days in a row . There are times when charging batteries simply is n’t feasible , and it ’s decent to have a reliable natural gas engine that can run all day .
Stihl engineering is among the good in the world , and that means you ’ll want to tune up this chainsaw the right way — or have it tune up by a Stihl repp for the most efficient performance . Luckily , mine was dialed in and started immediately , need no surplus steps to hunky-dory - tune everything .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
I had used this sawing machine in the past as well and was familiar with how it ran . As with previous experience , it delivered smooth performance across tenacious cut off periods . While I did n’t have a means of monitoring fuel economy , this envision seems to eat on a little less than other models . When it comes to chainsaws , many people are either patriotic to Stihl or Husqvarna . The Husqvarna feel like it has a bit more torque while the Stihl is supersmooth and bear the personal line of credit while cutting .
Everyone has to prefer for themselves , and I think you ca n’t go wrong with this Stihl for firewood , property work , and even some commercial-grade applications .
Get the Stihl Farm Boss chainsaw atAce Hardware .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Best Corded
Craftsman 16" 12-Amp Corded Chainsaw
Our rating : Ease of Use3.8/5 ; Performance3.5/5 ; Maneuverability3/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value3.5/5
While a corduroy - connected chainsaw is n’t for everyone , it ’s worth considering if you sour within reasonable range of a power outlet . I actually ingest this saw into the woods and plugged it into the inverter on my camper electric battery . I was able to set up a load of firewood around bivouac in short order , but it ’s best used at home where it wo n’t debilitate electric battery system .
The deficiency of a battery does make this a very low-priced choice , and it ’s a very capable saw for small- and medium - tariff job . I would n’t cut down a liberal pine tree with this model , but I did run it through a few reasonably sized logs , and it cut really well . If you have wood on the flat coat or need to trim around your holding , this chainsaw is a groovy option .
Photo: Ace Hardware
While having a electric cord come with some limitations , I did savour the performance and guess the Craftsman 16 - inch 12 - amp can serve place owners well when they need a open chain saw on occasion but do n’t require to bother with locomotive or batteries for line beyond the reach of mightiness outlets .
Get the Craftsman chain saw atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orAce Hardware .
Most Versatile
DeWalt FlexVolt 60V MAX 16" Battery Chainsaw Kit
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5 ; Performance3.5/5 ; Maneuverability3/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value4/5
I started using this byword for delimbing , and it worked really well . It ’s light and piddle quick work of cleaning up a tree . The big businessman and torque are great and , eventually , it run to mid - size of it trees , make liquid cuts into rounds of firewood . I did prefer the bigger bar size for bigger logarithm , but this one had no job with the average cut .
DeWalt makes top - tier shelling and a large suite of tools , making this chainsaw a majuscule convulsion for anyone who already own tools under the brand . The FlexVolt think batteries can transition between other cock . I even try one of the beefy 6 - amp - hour 60V barrage on a Dewalt drill , and it added top executive over my smaller stamp battery .
Photo: The Home Depot
Overall , this saw is great for someone want a model that can handle a broad mountain chain of task . I did prefer the Milwaukee , but the two are tightlipped in performance and weight . If you ’re invested in DeWalt batteries and tools , definitely regard adding this to your collection .
Get the DeWalt chainsaw atAce Hardware , Tractor Supply Co. , orThe Home Depot .
Best Light-Duty
Ryobi One+ 40V HP 14" Chainsaw Kit
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.3/5 ; Performance3.5/5 ; Maneuverability3/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value3.5/5
Homeowners looking for a light to mid - duty chainsaw at a great price item will want to take a face at this 14 - in Ryobi exemplar . It comes with a 4 - amp - hour bombardment that lasts for time of day , and it work on the same Ryobi assault and battery platform as their suite of galvanizing tools . I love several of their other tools , so this one is a rude fit for my personal use .
I did some pretty intensive delimbing with this saw , and it cuts smooth on the small clobber . I retrieve it really easy to handle and rationalize at slant or in unmanageable positions . I think it would be perfect for clearing copse and pull off growing on personal property . It work well as a firewood bread and butter saw and for small camp wood , but I would n’t use it for the larger material .
Photo: Amazon
If you are new to barrage fire - powered chainsaws and require something for dwelling house and camp task , this is a great unveiling into the market place . It has a squeamish price item as one of the few sub-$200 chain saw , and it can handle a wide range of cutting tasks . I ’ll be using this one moving forward for small caper at home base . Plus , I ’ll habituate it on tenting trips as it can stack enough firewood for the weekend in less than an hour .
Get the Ryobi chainsaw atThe Home Depot , Walmart , orAmazon .
Best Medium-Duty
Skil PwrCore 40 Brushless 40V 14" Chainsaw Kit
Our military rank : Ease of Use4/5 ; Performance3.8/5 ; Maneuverability4/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value4/5
The Skil 14 - inch chain saw proved itself valuable for small and mid - size cut . We have great deal of options that bridge over the opening between medium- and expectant - responsibility tasks , but this one is more geared towards the limb work and yard work .
I enjoyed the lightweight design , plus it ’s very easy to hold , run and manoeuvre . It has solid power and torque , and the 2.5 Ah battery can guide hard for an 60 minutes or so . This understand is n’t build for the demand of daily economic consumption in the Mrs. Henry Wood , but it ’s cracking for the average prop owner . cleanup , pruning , and hack down thicket will be a breeze with this saw .
Photo: Ace Hardware
I put it through its pace for a few weeks and witness the performance to be consistent . Durability find safe as well although it in all likelihood wo n’t deal the same contumely as the heavier example on this inclination . It has a plastic eggshell that could become damaged without proper attention . Otherwise , the bar and chain have a nice fit , the grip is well-situated , and it ’s a good chain saw for home habit .
Get the Skil chainsaw atAmazon , Lowe’s , Ace Hardware , orWalmart .
Best Heavy-Duty
Echo CS+590 Timber Wolf 18" Gas Chainsaw
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.3/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Maneuverability5/5 ; Noise3/5 ; Value5/5
I ’ve run pot of chainsaws but have never run an Echo . I know they have a very fast following , and I was excited to see how this watch performed with an 18 - column inch bar . The saw started straight off , stagnate utterly , and was ready to use after installing the bar and chemical chain and bring fuel and petroleum . For a bigger engine , it still idle without excessive vibration .
I had a tree illuminate of limbs and move to employment . I was forthwith surprised by the power of this 59.8cc locomotive . It rips through large projects and is really a heavy - obligation sawing machine . The engine had zero stalling and set off right on up through on and off cycle . Warm or cold , the engine presented no takings come out or running .
Photo: Amazon
The chain pasture brake and bumper spikes exercise seamlessly , as they do on most saws . I do roll in the hay the easy access for gentle wind filters to keep things neat . It also has a sane weightiness at 13.2 Ezra Pound dry and balances well in the script . I have nothing uncollectible to say about this chain saw and now realize why so many professional faller are loyal to the marque . It ’s an absolute beast and is made to handle abuse in the wood .
Get the Echo chain saw atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best for Camping
Makita 18V LXT Brushless 10" Top Handle Chainsaw
Our military rating : simplicity of Use4/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Maneuverability5/5 ; Noise4.5/5 ; Value4.5/5
For a small chain saw , this little Makita can really rend . It has a short 10 - inch bar and plenty of power to make tough cut . The size makes it easy to cut in odd situation , and it ’s really ideal for limbing dense copse . I also found it very handy around campground for cutting up firewood . While it wo n’t take down any orotund trees , it handle the midsize firewood piece really well .
ab initio , I had the chain saw but had n’t prescribe the battery yet . I borrowed one from a neighbor , and it course excellently . I recommend buying this model with the 4 Ah battery as it will scarper for quite a while between billing . The battery is a little heavier than models on this list with 2 Ah , but it offers more than double the runtime .
Photo: Ace Hardware
I also liked the simpleness of the trigger system . It has a safe and when spellbind ; you may easily compress the initiation to race the chain . I will be keeping this chainsaw around for refugee camp chores , small tasks on my property , and odd jobs . It ’s very portable and is fun to run around camp .
Get the Makita chain saw atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best for Gardens
Greenworks 24V 6" Brushless Battery Pruner Saw
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Performance3.5/5 ; Maneuverability4.5/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value3.5/5
While this technically is a chainsaw , it ’s small and is best purposed towards twinkle trim and pruning job . It ’s really ideal for gardens and backyard area where a smaller tool make it easier to maneuver . The precision is advantageous for pruning and work around a business firm or social system where preventing damage is important .
I bonk the footling case that holds this saw , shelling , and charger . It came with a small feeding bottle of barroom crude as well . Having everything handy and package together is dandy for computer storage . I take away this chain saw on the road and did some light branch remotion around a campsite . It ’s very brightness level and was sodding for clean things up . It can even handle some light delimbing .
Photo: The Home Depot
The 2 Ah barrage has plenty of magnate , and the runtime for certain can last for an minute . It ’s not something you will endure all twenty-four hour period , however . It does turn on up quickly for run in cycle per second . Overall , this is a neat specialty chainsaw to have for specific tasks .
Get the Greenworks chainsaw atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Best Electric
Husqvarna Power Axe 350i Electric Chainsaw
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5 ; Performance4.5/5 ; Maneuverability4/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value4.5/5
Husqvarna offers one of the best selection in the electric market with the Power Axe 350i . It ’s an excellent time value for a fairly heavy - tariff saw with a sub-$500 price point . The 7.5 Ah stamp battery is really well made and has excellent runtime . I spend over an hour work through a series of log without lose any power . Some revaluation claim the runtime is less than a half hour , but mine went much longer with commence and stopping along the mode .
The saw has a clear oil reservoir for easy story monitoring and a standard chain Pteridium aquilinum . It also has a baron release and an indicator light showing if the chain Pteridium aquilinum is engage . For most cut , I used the stock cutting mood , which had more than enough power . It does have a boost mood for when you need more mogul as well .
Photo: Amazon
While the Stihl electric chainsaw assume our top award , the Husqvarna is a heavy alternative at half the cost . If you add a 2d battery and armorial bearing while working , it has the ability to perform hard through an entire daylight .
Get the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i chainsaw atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Chainsaws
Most chainsaw are build on a similar weapons platform . Each has a motor , Browning automatic rifle , and range of mountains along with safety features like a chain pasture brake . Some are electricand others are two - stroke gas model ; all have a artificial lake and means of apply barroom oil . While the overall system is similar , the quality and performance across different steel and models diverge greatly . That ’s why we tested each saw exhaustively , cutting through light brush , delimbing trees , and making full cuts on great Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with the appropriate size adage .
Each chainsaw was judged on ease of setup and maintenance , cut ability , runtime , power , and overall carrying into action . For battery - powered model , the stamp battery character and runtime was an important factor as well . The saws were put through their paces , mostly being used in the wood to provide campsites with small- and mid - size cutting off and also to stack several cords of firewood .
What to Consider When Choosing a Chainsaw
Before shopping , conceive a number of crucial factors unwashed to all the sound chain saw , regardless of power source . This section also explores feature article relevant to selecting the best gaschainsaw for particular tasks , including mean function , motor , and chainsaw bars .
Types of Chainsaws
Chainsaws are either gas - powered or electric , which include cord and cordless battery - power options . Each kind has vantage that make them better suited for different applications programme . Below , learn more about the types of chainsaw .
Gas chainsawsare the most powerful character of chain saw uncommitted . They break away off of a fuel premix of gas and crude oil . Most gaschainsaws range in sizefrom 16 to 20 inches . gasoline chain saw in general run faster than galvanizing chainsaws , making them suitable for bigger jobs , like removing medium and enceinte Tree . They also are better for cutting through hardwoods such as oak and birch rod .
gun chainsaws can last for about 40 minute to an hour on a single tank of gas depending on how the chainsaw is used . They require more criminal maintenance to check the railway locomotive runs properly and be more than corded electric chainsaws .
Photo: Amazon
Battery - powered chainsawsoffer quite a bite of tractability . They ’re low maintenance , like a distinctive galvanic chain saw , but they allow the portability of a gas chain saw . Today ’s pick are pretty potent while also being less noisy than a comparable flatulency - powered chainsaw . The downside is that electric battery for these sawing machine tend to be pricey , so keep a few on hand can cost as much as the visit itself .
electric battery - power saws are easily suit for DIYers without sizable property who only be after to use the saw occasionally . Their low - upkeep need and portability make them among thebest small chainsawsfor these scenarios . One extra benefit of a estimable battery chainsaw is that many of the top king tool marque offer up saws that work with the same battery as their big businessman tools .
Corded electric chainsawshave been around for a farsighted time , and there are many great options on the market . They have very few maintenance require other than a quick cleansing and asseverate the taproom - lube levels . Many corded electrical saws match the power pop the question by gas chain saw , as long as there is a true power source .
Photo: Amazon
The issue with a twilled electric chainsaw is that they ’re limited to where their cords can extend to , so they are generally well suited for small yards that do n’t require a lot of frequent chainsaw use . For bombastic areas , cord chainsaws require larger 10- to 14 - gauge annexe corduroy and are confine to 100 substructure . Looping together multiple extension cords is not advocate , as it creates a fire jeopardy .
Bar Size
A description of any chain saw belike includes the measure size , sometimes referred to as the “ guide bar . ” ( parallel bars are the sword guide crustal plate the chemical chain black market around . ) This measurement is almost always in inch . As a formula of thumb , light-headed - tariff chainsaws have a bar from 12 to 14 inches tenacious , world-wide - function chainsaws have bars that run from 16 to 20 inches , and professional models have bars that are 22 inches long or longer . The large chain saw can transcend 48 inches .
However , exceptions exist . Some high - power professional chainsaw have inadequate bars for impart maneuverability . These are often designed for working among branches at a tall tiptop , commonly by contractors in go up harnesses . stringently speaking , a chainsaw with a 12 - in bar should be able to cut through a 12 - column inch tree diagram . In hardheaded terms , however , maximum cutting capability are normally a couple of inches shorter than bar length .
Engine Power (Gas Chainsaws)
The two types of chainsaw engines are 2 - stroke ( also anticipate 2 - cycle ) and 4 - cerebrovascular accident motors ( 4 - cycle ) .
The small light - duty gas chainsaws have engine sizes ranging between 30 and 40cc , which is an acceptable size railway locomotive for anything from a 10- or 12 - inch bar up to 16 inches . For moderate work , like cut firewood , a 55cc engine and 16 - in bar are a sound touchstone . The tough jobs , like felling large tree diagram , call for a professional manikin with a 65 to 110cc engine and 16 to 20 inches of bar length .
Motor Power (Electric Chainsaws)
The motor power in galvanising adage is rated by amperages . An amp rating describes how much major power the adage can disembowel before the interior components will overheat or start give away down . An 8 - amp proverb can be considered light duty , while a 12 - adenylic acid is for medium - responsibility study , and a 15 - ampere is the heaviest tariff of electric chainsaws .
Keep in judgement that with battery - powered saws , much of the power rating is based on the potential drop of the barrage used ( 20V or 40V , for deterrent example ) , not the Ah rating on the bombardment . A battery ’s Ah valuation has more to do with how long the battery will head for the hills than the power outturn .
Although runtimes will diverge depending on use and the chainsaw ’s sizing , expect to get about 30 to 40 minute of intermittent role out of a cordless chainsaw before it needs a care . If you already have an armory of cordless power tool , believe buy a chain saw with the same stain to apply the bombardment interchangeably between your cordless tools .
Photo: Amazon
Weight
Depending on the user ’s physical effectiveness , weight can be the most critical consideration of all . If someone is unable to handle a proverb safely because it ’s too heavy , the fuel rootage or bar distance plainly wo n’t matter .
Corded electric saws and shelling - power saws are often the lightest chainsaw on the marketplace . They do n’t require a full tank of fuel mix , and their motor are small , so they are lighter exercising weight and easy to use in a variety of scenarios .
Keep in mind , though , that a saw can be too short as well . A top - handle saw with a lot of power , a short bar , and a light motor can act unpredictably if it experience some kickback . The added inactiveness of a fleshy motor will help minimise the gist of kickback .
Photo: Amazon
Handles
Most chainsaw are plan with two grip : one in the rear that admit the induction and a large wrapper - around grip in the front for your head bridge player . give way the danger involved with using a chain saw , the clench is crucial .
Chainsaw handgrip expend rubberized grips that allow you to get a good hold on the chainsaw . The rear handle also incorporates the gun trigger that spark off the saw and a safety switch that lease to shut off the saw should you lose your clutches on the rearward handle . The front grip curves around the chainsaw , allowing you to hold back the chainsaw in various positions for dissimilar cutting .
Noise Pollution
If you ’d wish to maintain a pleasant kinship with neighbor , you may want to consider how much disturbance a chainsaw can create . Gas - power saws can be deafening—100 dB is not unheard of ( no wordplay intended)—so woodcutting is well left to late mornings and afternoons when the fewest citizenry may be slumber .
Even some electric- and battery - powered options are a lilliputian loud . The whimper of the electric motor and the noise the chain makes as it rips through the Sir Henry Wood combine to create some chatter .
The other affair to pull in about noise is that hear security should be tire out . There are plentitude of muff - stylus protectors at local home improvement stores , and they ’ll do a lot to maintain hearing after spending a day at the end of a chainsaw .
Safety
Chainsaws are dangerous , homely and bare . They cause thousands of injuries each year . Some of the honorable chain saw have such safety feature as a initiation lock , which stops the cutting natural process the here and now you release the trigger . calculate for anti - kickback chains , which prevent rent and minimize jolting . There are also double - acting string brake system that protect the hand from go toward the cutting area .
Before get to make for , learn how to use a chainsaw safely . If at all possible , learn from someone with practical experience . Always wear appropriate safety equipment while operate a chain saw : A face shield can help protect you from flying debris , which can be amazingly sharp . Hearing protectors are also a good musical theme as is a hard lid if there ’s a danger of pass outgrowth . Be sure to wear solid footwear , preferably with steel toe caps , and tough work gloves .
Additional Features
A range of a function of other many-sided features may be recover in the chainsaw securities industry . Some may be irrelevant to your needs , but others may ply a compelling reason to take one putz over another .
Brand
As with any tool , you’re able to get along to wait sealed calibre from specific brands . In our list of the good chainsaw brands below , we ’ve included bequest names ( like Stihl and Husqvarna ) as well as proportional neophyte ( like Greenworks ) that propose robust model without the standard discharge and noise of standard chainsaws . Together , these brands represent some of the most innovative chainsaw manufacturers in the industry .
FAQs
Even after reading about all of the features and benefits of these tool , you may still have some more head . The following are among those that chainsaw buyer postulate most often .
little chainsaw can weigh anywhere between 6 and 20 pounds . The weight depends on their power author , how many batteries they apply , and their construction material .
When it comes to chainsaw , a oecumenical pattern of thumb is that they should be at least 2 in longer than the thickness of the tree or branch you are sample to cut back . With that in idea , when buy at for a chainsaw , deal the type of jobs for which you ’ll be using the chain saw . If you ’re planning on using the chainsaw primarily for pruning and polish off young trees , a 10- or 12 - inch chain saw should suffice . For larger job , consider purchase a 16- or 18 - column inch chainsaw .
Electric chainsaws are safer than gasoline chainsaws due to the slower Ernst Boris Chain speeds , reducing the odds of dangerous kickbacks , and they run only while cutting . They also have shorter legal profession of no more than 18 inches , while some gas chainsaws have 20- or 24 - in bars .
While electric chainsaws are best suit for cutting tree branch and pruning , larger 16 - inch electric chainsaws also can handle smaller tree diagram .
The procedure is usually to undercoat the carburettor , pass on a couple of gentle pulls on the electric cord with the motor off . Then turn it on and perpetrate it again to fire it up . Modern gas chainsaws ordinarily make this quick and well-fixed . However , it ’s important to read the owner ’s manual . plebeian complaints about starting difficulties are often because the possessor has n’t checked the instructions .
veritable leadless petrol is fine . Chainsaws are n’t particularly fussy , but premium gas is probably a bit racy . If you have a 2 - stroke gasoline chainsaw , oil colour must be sum to the fuel before use . crack the owner ’s manual for correct dimension . Four - accident gas chainsaws contain crude oil in a separate artificial lake .
There are several touchstone you ’ll want to survey to conserve a chainsaw : Check the bar oil on a regular basis . Lubricant is necessary to keep the string swimmingly rotate around the legal community and through the wood . Nothing will foil your chainsaw occupation more than a teetotal blade , which will make the chain to jump , bandage in the Sir Henry Joseph Wood , or kick back . Keep the chain sharp . Asharp chainnot only improves the cut business leader of the chainsaw but also prevents dangerous kickbacks . empty the saw vane after each use . verify to remove any detritus or sawdust . construct - up debris can easily congest the oil hole , preventing lube from reaching the blade . stiffen free nuts , bolts , and screw . chainsaw thrill a lot . All of that trembling can shake fasteners loose , negatively impacting the chainsaw ’s operation .
Meet the Testers
Zach Lazzari is a freelancer writer splitting time between the great open air , travel , and DIY projects place from camper shape to dwelling renovation and care . His home infrastructure in Montana is the perfect testing ground for winter mathematical product and blow equipment . With over a 10 of professional penning experience , Lazzari also covers a variety of other projects and maintenance topics for BobVila.com .
Mark Wolfe is a writer and merchandise quizzer with a background in the glasshouse and landscape gardening industry . For more than 20 year he mowed , border , planted , clip , train , irrigated , and renovated beautiful landscapes . Now he tests and pen review about the latest outdoor power equipment , hand tools , lawn - maintenance product , and other outdoor - living goodness .
Mark Clement is a remodeling contractor , writer , tool reviewer , and trade show presenter with decades of hands - on experience . He helmed Tools of the Trade magazine and has contributed to Fine Homebuilding , The Journal of Light Construction , and This Old House magazines . He ’s been boast on PBS and DIY web and has built for Extreme Makeover : Home Edition , Restaurant Impossible , and other TV series . He is a content creator with his married woman Theresa for their MyFixitUpLife home improvement brand , and Mark is the author ofThe Carpenter ’s Notebook , A Love Story .
Additional research provided by Bob Beacham , Tom Scalisi , and Glenda Taylor .
Everything You require for a Lush and Healthy Lawn
Keeping your grass unripe and your industrial plant fly high does n’t just take a green pollex — it depart with the correct tools and supplies .
