Which chainsaw

However a lot of manufacturers including Stihl, Ryobi, Bosch and Makita have batteries that can be used with other garden tools from that brand so, if you keep to one brand, you'll only have to buy one battery for most of your garden tools. If you use your cordless chainsaw a lot, it might be worth buying a second battery so that you don't have to stop working while it charges. Manufacturers often have one or two standard batteries and chargers that can be used with a wide range of tools.

Before you buy check to see if any of your existing tools has a battery and charger that can be used with the tool you are planning to purchase as this could save you a considerable amount of money. As some people may already own a compatible battery and charger, these are sometimes not included in the price quoted for your tool, so check the small print before you buy.

Alternatively, you may see it as a good chance to buy a second battery for your tools. Most corded electric chainsaws come with an 18V or 36V battery. The more powerful batteries will give you more cutting time but will cost more.

See our cordless chainsaw reviews. If you have a lot of logs to cut or heavy pruning to tackle in the garden, a petrol chainsaw is a good choice; it will cut through large logs faster than any other machine and you can use it anywhere without the hassle of a trailing power cable.

It's good practice to empty the fuel tank as much as possible — and completely if not in use over winter. Petrol is better stored in a bespoke container rather than in the machine. Pros: Powerful, portable, great for chopping logs.

Cons: High maintenance, noisy, overpowering emissions, expensive. The circular motion of the chain keeps the teeth in contact with the wood, so the saw keeps cutting until it has sliced all the way through or the power is stopped. Most petrol chainsaws have two-stroke engines, which are similar to those used in mopeds or outboard boat engines. They normally sound similar, too — just think of the noise a moped makes to get an idea of how loud these machines are.

Petrol chainsaws need a certain type of fuel, which is a specific mix of petrol and engine oil. Most petrol chainsaws run on a petrol-to-oil ratio, but check the user manual for the exact ratio your chainsaw needs. Generally, there are three categories: domestic use, heavy use and professional use. These are the best choice for cutting jobs around the garden.

How important is the ease of stretching and replacing the chain? Should the chainsaw be adapted for winter use, with heated handles? Deciding on size Another important issue is the size of the chainsaw. This is determined by piston displacement cm3 and engine power hp or kW and the following factors matter when you choose dimensions: Proficiency and experience.

If the chainsaw is too heavy, your arms and hands will tire, which in the long run represents a safety risk. Wood types and size of trees. Choose a larger chainsaw with more power if you want to fell larger trees, especially hardwood. If the model is too small, the chainsaw will be subjected to great strain and unnecessary wear.

The length of the guide bar The appropriate length of the guide bar is determined by tree size and to some extent by the level of your expertise. They are designed for professional full-time or part-time use and they are often available with heated handles. All-round saws are robust chainsaws that are built in the same way as professional saws, but with a slightly lower performance. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. Sign In. Become a Member.

Remember Me. Forgot username or password? Not a member? Need further assistance? Please call Member Services at Sign in or Become a Member. Chainsaw Buying Guide Last updated: June 24, Find the Chain Saw That Makes the Cut We test and compare the latest chain saws for the best cutting speed, handling ease, and safety features.

How We Test Chainsaws To evaluate chainsaws , we consider how well they cut, how easy they are to handle, and how safe they are to operate. Chainsaw Ratings by Consumer Reports. Shopping Chainsaws by Type Here we drill down into each type of chainsaw. Chainsaw Ratings. Chainsaw Video Buying Guide For more, watch our video below. Chainsaw Safety Features Chainsaws are simple tools, essentially comprising an engine or a motor, a handle, and an oblong metal piece called the bar that guides the cutting chain.

Reduced-Kickback Chain Extra guard links and a less aggressive cutting profile help keep the chain from taking too large a bite, which can cause kickback. Chain Brake This feature stops the chain almost instantly when the front hand guard is pushed forward or if the chainsaw kicks back. Chain Catcher This metal extension beneath the guide bar helps keep a thrown chain from flying back toward the user. Trigger Lockout Most chainsaws now include a separate palm switch that must be pressed before the throttle trigger engages.

Case or Sheath A full case or a cover for the bar and chain helps protect against accidental cuts when you carry or store the saw. Automatic Chain Oiler Even low-priced chainsaws now include this must-have device, which lets you keep cutting without having to stop and pump a plunger to oil the cutting bar.

Bucking Spikes These sharp spikes near the base of the bar bite into logs and serve as a fulcrum, letting you pivot the bar and chain downward while cutting logs on a sawbuck or log stand. Tool-Free Chain Adjuster A hand-operated wheel-and-crank mechanism conveniently unlocks and locks the chain bar and moves it in and out, so you can adjust the chain tension without having to use a wrench or screwdriver.

Anti-Vibration Most gas chainsaws have rubber bushings or metal springs between the handle and the engine, bar, and chain to minimize vibration.

Chainsaw Brands. Craftsman makes both gas and electric chainsaws. They come in a variety of bar lengths, from 10 to 20 inches, and are geared to the consumer market, as opposed to pros. Echo is one of the leading brands of gas-engine chainsaws. She has extensive experience writing about all things related to the home and in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs.

She considered dozens of chainsaws for this roundup, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and customer evaluation. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data.

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The 8 Best Chainsaws of Tackle tree limbs, logs, and brush with ease. By Michelle Ullman. Michelle Ullman. Michelle Ullman has written hundreds of articles on home decor since She's a self-taught decor expert who contributes to several publications.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process. Our Top Picks. Best Overall, Electric:. This top chainsaw is packed with features and robust enough to cut through large logs and limbs with ease. Best Overall, Gas:. This gas chainsaw can slice through imposing pieces of wood quickly and confidently and is easy to handle.

Best Budget, Electric:. Faster and more balanced than a similar saw with a bigger bar, this chainsaw can easily handle light duty around the yard. Best Budget, Gas:. This chainsaw is reliable and sturdy, with a hefty motor and blade that easily handles most DIY jobs around the yard.

Best for Small Jobs:. This small chainsaw is excellent for occasional light-duty use, and the battery holds a charge for a long time. Best Cordless:. The chainsaw has a low-kickback design with a chain brake, tension adjustment, and high-efficiency brushless motor.

Best for Home Use:. Here's a cordless chainsaw that slices through thick stumps with a brushless motor that has significant torque and power. Best Heavy-Duty:. This powerful chainsaw can handle a lot of use and abuse and reliably slices through even large tree branches and other materials.

In This Article Expand. Our Picks. What to Look For. Why Trust The Spruce. What We Don't Like Complaints that initial assembly is difficult. What We Don't Like Chain adjuster knob is large, might be accidentally turned during use. View On Amazon. What We Like Excellent performance Fairly easy to start.

What We Don't Like Not powerful enough for large tree limbs. The 8 Best Chainsaw Sharpeners of What We Don't Like Handful of complaints about battery problems. What We Don't Like Somewhat expensive.

How do you use a chainsaw safely? Dress in clothing that fits snuggly: long pants, long sleeves, and closed boots or shoes. Be aware of your limits and skill level. Nor should you operate a chainsaw if you are fatigued, ill, or otherwise impaired. Work slowly and methodically. Always keep both hands on your chainsaw while in use.