How To Choose the Best Chainsaw 2021 (Buyer’s Guide & Reviews)

Have you ever thought about who made the best electric saw in the world?

Find the right saw for you below. This expert review will help you choose the right model for you.

For ordinary homeowners or DIY experts, buying a chainsaw may seem like a complicated task.

If you are just starting to sift through various details of chainsaw online, you will soon understand that there are many variables and choices to consider when purchasing a chainsaw.

That’s why I chose to take a seat and invest the time to write you a chainsaw overview to offer you an unbiased approach and buying instructions so you can focus on the proper chainsaw suitable for your requirements.

If you’re wanting to buy a chainsaw but do not know how to begin one of the first considerations is the appropriate location you will be using the chainsaw in.

How to Choose The Best Chainsaw

If you’re like me, you’ve most likely been a little aggravated with finding one resource of details to answer all your inquiries centered around buying a chainsaw.

The one point I intend to stress prior to us getting going is that buying a chainsaw is based entirely on your particular job requirements, spending plan, and physical stature.

It’s not as straightforward an issue of matter of opinion regarding what chainsaw you should purchase.

There are some set policies to apply and my intent is to clear up the confusion with this chainsaw purchasing guide.

By the time you finish this guide, I’m positive that you’ll have all the information you require in order to choose the ideal chainsaw for your task. So let’s start and also delve into the art of acquiring a chainsaw.

What is a chainsaw?

The chainsaw is a very effective tree and branch cutting power tool. It consists of an engine, described as the power head; powering a steel chain, driven by a centrifugal clutch, with a chain walking around a groove in the guide bar at fast speeds.

When the relocating chain reaches wood, its sharp teeth are dragged throughout the surface area, reducing the timber. The chain cannot be secured as well as hence the reason why chainsaws are one of the most harmful hand-held power tools on the planet.

Exactly how does a chainsaw do the job?

Gas power chainsaws normally have a two-stroke engine, which incidentally is what lawnmowers, snowmobiles, and also outboard engines utilize, for that reason they are loud, yet with the appropriate hearing protection you’ll be well safeguarded from the noise. Much more on that later on.

Who uses a chainsaw?

Chainsaws are used by a vast array of people consisting of house owners, arborists, gardeners, landscapers, loggers, firefighters, carpenters, power saw musicians as well as people just like you. If you have a requirement to reduce or trim trees, after that you probably need a chainsaw.

Top 10 Chainsaws on the Market

1. Worx 16-Inch 14.5 Amp Electric Chainsaw

Worx-16-Inch electric chainsaw comes first in this list as the best chainsaw on the market. Unlike others, it comes with tremendous features you cannot find in other models.

One thing we loved about it is its robust and lightweight design.

As a result, it is best for first-time users.  It is also suitable for casual lumbar jacks who are searching for an effective tool that they can use to do simple tasks such as cut firewood, trim trees, clear bushes among other farm duties.

It is an electric tool and this tells you that it doesn’t require batteries.

The other surprising thing you will like about it is the fact that it is very safe. It features an inbuilt chain brake that protects you in case there is a kickback.

This is a very important feature because it boosts the durability of the chain. Apart from that, it features a patented auto-tension system that provides the ideal tension when you are working.

Lastly, it comes with a 3-year warranty. Check the review here.

2. Husqvarna 460 Rancher, 20 in. 60.3cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw

Husqvarna 460 Rancher comes second as one of the top-rated chainsaws you can find today.

One of the most exciting features of this tool is that it comes with an adjustable oil pump which enables you to manage the flow of oil according to the task you are doing and also according to the climatic conditions.

Apart from that, it features a quick-release air filter that allows you to replace and clean the air filter.

The other wonderful thing we liked about it is that it provides quiet cordless operation.

You should also note that it provides up to 10 hours of continuous operation. The fact that it has reduced vibrations means that you can use it for many hours without getting fatigued.

The other remarkable thing about this chainsaw is that it also comes with a smart start feature which saves your time when starting the machine.

This makes the machine friendly to the environment. The other outstanding feature is the centrifugal air cleaning system which helps in the removal of large debris and dust particles before they reach the air filter.

This leads to a reduced air filter cleaning and also boosts the durability of the engine.

3. WORX WG304.1 Chain Saw 18-Inch 4 15.0 Amp

This one is another bestseller chainsaw that comes with amazing features you can’t find in similar products.

To start with, it is pocket-friendly and this makes it suitable for those who cannot afford expensive electric chainsaws.

The 15 Amp motor provides an excellent cutting performance just like the high-end models.

Additionally, it features a patented auto-tension chain system that prevents over tightening. It remains at the required tension even after using it for a long time.

The oil tank can hold up to 200 ml of oil. Again, it comes with a low kickback bar and a chain brake to enhance safety.

The machine is very light but it lacks anti-vibration features. This means that you cannot use it for many hours due to fatigue.

Finally, yet importantly, it comes with a 3 years manufacturer’s warranty.

4. DEWALT DCCS620B 20V MAX XR Compact 12 in. Cordless Chainsaw

If you are searching for a powerful and effective chainsaw, Dewalt DCCS620B might be what you need. It is powered by a 20Volts rechargeable battery which allows it to provide an impressive cutting performance.

The good thing is that you won’t wait for it for a long time to get fully charged since it takes a very short time to get fully charged.

Apart from the battery, it also comes with a bar length of 12inches which means that it is longer than other battery-powered chainsaws.

It also comes with incredible safety features which include an on/off switch, chain lock and also a safe chain cover that keeps the device safe when it is not in use.

Again, as a measure of safety, it features a chain lock which minimizes the amount of kickback. The chain is very sharp which means that you won’t need to spend a lot of time when sharpening it.

Lastly, it comes with bar tightening knob and free chain tension for a sturdy clamping force.

5. Husqvarna 455, 20 in. 55.5cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw

With a powerful X-torq engine and a 20-inch bar, Husqvarna 455, 20 is undoubtedly among the most preferred chainsaws by many farmers, ranchers, and homeowners.

One of the most extraordinary features of this model is that it has amazing anti-vibrations technology. The rugged build quality allows it to work perfectly with different bar lengths varying from 13 inches to 24-inch bar.

As a result, it is very versatile and can be used for different tasks. It also comes with a centrifugal air cleaning system which helps in the removal of large debris and dust particles.

The other unbelievable thing about this model is that it uses a smart start engine which allows it to start quickly. Again, the X-torq engine provides lower fuel consumption.

One of these safety features is the chain catcher which catches the chain when it jumps off. The other one is the right-hand guard which protects your hands in case the chain breaks. It also prevents twigs or branches from interfering with your grip.

6. Greenworks PRO 18-Inch 80V Cordless Chainsaw

This is among the most effective chainsaws you can find on the market. It uses steel bucking blades which are very strong.

You can comfortably use it to make up to 150 cuts when the 2AH battery is fully charged. If you are searching for the best machine that you can use to cut big trees, Greenworks Pro GCS80420 is the best.

Another spectacular thing about it is that it uses DigiPro brushless motors which are very reliable since they provide similar performance to a 45cc gas engine.

It is worth mentioning that it had a bar length of 18 inches which makes it suitable for different cutting jobs.

Just like other Greenworks products, this one also comes with a 4 years warranty that covers the machine against any malfunctions.

7. BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 40-volt Cordless Chainsaw, 12-Inch

Black + Decker LCS1240 is another awesome chainsaw that comes with an automatic oiling system and a low kickback Oregon chain. In addition, it also comes with a tool-free chain tensioning system.

This means that the chain is able to maintain itself even without your input. You will also find that there is a window on the oil chamber which allows you to check the oil levels conveniently.

The handle is fully wrapped to ensure that you are comfortable when cutting.

It is among the best cordless chainsaws that use a 40 volt 2 AH Max Lithium battery. The best thing about this battery is that it takes about 45 minutes to get fully charged. It also an indicator that shows you the battery levels when charging.

Lastly, it comes with a user manual which is very useful for those who have never used a chainsaw before.

8. DEWALT DCCS670B FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Brushless Chainsaw

This one is another advanced battery-powered chainsaw from DEWALT. It is a cordless chainsaw that has a powerful motor and doesn’t use brushes.

If you are in need of a cutting tool that you can use in outdoor cutting duties or when you are doing construction, it is one of the best.

Firstly, it features a 16 inch Oregon bar and a bar lighting knob which provides a sturdy clamping force. It also comes with a chain brake which provides kickback protection.

Anyone in need of a chainsaw that is lightweight and one that has an ergonomic design will find it useful.

Dewalt 670It is backed by a 3 years warranty which means that it among the rare saws you can rely on. You can get it from Amazon today at a discounted price.

9. Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless Chainsaw

This one uses a 12-inch steel chain bar which is very strong. The tool-less chain tensioning provides an unmatched cutting experience.

It also makes the machine easy to use especially for starters.

The other splendid feature is the automatic oiler which applies oil to the bar to enhance durability. It also features a translucent oil tank which allows you to check the oil levels easily.

The handle is well covered to give you multiple cutting positions. It also makes your work easier when cutting. Again, it uses a G-Max 40v Lithium-Ion Battery which provides fade-free power.

Unlike others, this one doesn’t have an automatic chain brake feature.

Instead, it uses a plastic guard which is located in front of the grip handle.

Lastly, it comes with a 4 years warranty which means that you will get value for your money.

10. Husqvarna 450 Rancher, 20 in. 50.2cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw

Husqvarna is another chainsaw that you can rely on for all your cutting tasks. Just like other machines from this company, this one also comes with a smart start engine which allows it to start quickly.

It also features a start/stop button which makes it easy to use.

Apart from that, it comes with a snap-lock cylinder cover which will save you time when cleaning and when changing the spark plugs.

It also comes with a centrifugal air cleaning system that helps in the removal of large dust particles and debris before they reach the air filter.

The lightweight design allows you to use it for long hours without getting fatigued.

The side-mounted chain tension control allows it to maintain the required tension. When buying this machine, you are sure that you are investing in a high-performance chainsaw that will allow cutting tree trunks of different sizes.

It is a bit expensive but as you can see here, it has mind-blowing features, unlike other models.

Best Chainsaw Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

If you want to know more about the Best Professional Chainsaws that you can use, you’ve come to the right place because we’ve got some information and tips & tricks that can help you in buying and maintaining the chainsaw.

Do keep in mind that it is not only about the quality and price, it is also about how you use and maintain the chainsaw.

Length of the Bar

While choosing a chainsaw, you should keep in mind the bar length that is convenient for the type of work you want to do with it. The bar length differs from one chainsaw to another. The most common bar lengths that are used are 10 to 24 inches.

Now, if you want to cut a smaller tree, let’s say about 8” in diameter then a small bar length will do the job for you.

On the other hand, if you want to cut deeper than that then you must consider buying one with the length of 13” to 19”.

Consequently, if you want to cut a thick tree or wood then I would strongly recommend using 20” to 24” of bar length

Easier to Use

The chainsaw that you want to buy should be easier to use. You cannot go on buying chainsaws that are just expensive and believe that they are going to be easy to handle.

Also, the chainsaws can turn out to be extremely dangerous for you if you do not choose the right one. This can happen when you are not comfortable with your chainsaw.

Mostly, the chainsaws are extremely heavy, making them hard to work with and the handles that come with them are inconvenient.  The balance is lost when you try to operate it and end up having an injury.

To prevent any accidents from happening, I suggest that you buy a chainsaw that is light weighted and easy to use.

Maintenance Tips

If you’re expecting the saw to remain perfect for a long time without having to maintain it then, you are very wrong.

Nothing comes easy in life. For anything to last at least a decade, you need to maintain it.

As a result, the chain will become dull and will show some wearing off if not maintained properly. You must see to it that the chainsaw is well maintained and well managed.

For maximum results, your Chainsaw has to be properly maintained.

In the daily busy life, it can be hard to maintain it. That is the reason why all the high brands of chainsaws have made some adjustments in the modern chainsaws that will have you worry-free about maintaining the saw.

This modern adjustment is the auto-oiler. Because of this, you do not need to open up the saw to lubricate it and then put it back together, it does the oiling itself.

But, you do need to disassemble the chainsaw once in a while to replace the faulty parts with the new one and also to clean it.

Check for the Sharp Chain

You wouldn’t want to use a chainsaw with a dull chain now, would you? I hoped not. Because, when the dull chain pierces the wood, it becomes really hard to cut it.

Instead, what ends up happening?

The saw ceases to work and this might have a major effect on the engine as well.

For this very reason, I suggest you check the sharpness of your saw before doing any cutting. If it is dull, then sharpen it before use or change it entirely.

Best Gas Chainsaw

Gasoline-powered power saws incorporate power and movement. They range from light-duty designs to professional-grade saws that can drop huge trees. Gasoline-powered chainsaw cranks with a pull-start as well as have a two-cycle engine that operates on a mixture of oil and also gas. You mix the fuel yourself or buy premixed gas.

Husqvarna 16 Inch 435e II Gas Chainsaw

One of the most popular brands of gas-powered chainsaws is the Husqvarna range. In particular, according to Chainsaws Direct, the Husqvarna 435 16 inches 40 cc was one of the top selling gas chainsaws in 2019.

The Husqvarna 435 is easy to start and has low vibration and is suitable for most chainsaw activities around the home.

Best Electric Chainsaw

Electric chainsaws are good for tiny tasks– cutting, trimming and also light cutting– needing much less power. They’re quieter than gasoline-powered saws, easier to begin as well as require much less upkeep. You’ll locate both corded and also cordless ranges.

Battery Chainsaw

A cordless chainsaw such as the Dewalt DCSS 620PI offers much better movement, and also recent renovations in voltage and batteries have greatly enhanced performance.

However, the battery still includes weight as well as restrictions on operating time. You might require to reenergize the battery or swap it with a fresh one, depending upon the amount of job you’re doing.

DEWALT DCCS690X1 40V Chainsaw 7.5AH

A corded saw is lighter as well as does not require you to refuel or re-energize. It does call for an ideal extension cable that gets to the work area, so you might require to factor this into the cost.

Your workspace is restricted by cable size, and also you have to maintain the cord off the beaten track as you function.

The basic power saw style features front and back takes care of on an engine/motor real estate as well as a cutting bar that prolongs from the housing, yet there are variants. Standard power saws are best for larger work, like reducing entire trees as well as thick arms or legs, yet they can also be made use of for numerous lighter tasks.

These kinds of saws are typically the most effective, they have the fastest reach as well as require the use of a ladder to trim high tree branches.

Before you look for a chainsaw, think about the job you plan to do. The size and type of timber you require to cut as well as your experience in using a chainsaw are all for you to consider when choosing the best saw.

Bar size is one way to judge a saw’s size as well as the work it can manage. A saw with a longer bar can reduce larger-diameter wood in a single pass.

Bar lengths for the majority of homeowner saws vary from 6 inches on smaller electric saws to 20 inches on larger, gasoline-powered models. Professional-grade saws have bar lengths above 20 inches.

Engine variation (gasoline-powered models), voltage (cordless designs), amperage (corded designs) and horsepower likewise associate with power and also ability. The higher the numbers, the even more power the saw has.

Power matters most if you’re dealing with big trees and also branches or reducing wood such as oak or maple.

A smaller sized, much less effective saw will be much more manageable, particularly if you don’t have much experience.

While the size and also power help you establish the very best power saw for your work, a saw’s features can improve convenience, security, and also effectiveness as you reduced:

Personal security devices are required when using any kind of power equipment. In addition to typical equipment, there is specialized safety equipment for use with a chainsaw:

Best Budget Chainsaw

When you are looking for a budget priced chainsaw, you are probably looking for a chainsaw under the $200 mark.

Worx WG322 20V Cordless Chainsaw

A great buy that incorporates not only a battery operated chainsaw but also falls well under the $200 mark is the Worx WG322. This budget chainsaw gives you automatic chain lubrication and being just over 10lbs is lightweight and very easy to use. It also has the provision to add a 10 meter pole to reach those hard to reach extension branches.

Best Chainsaw Sharpener

If you end up using your chainsaw a lot you may want to consider also buying a nifty addition to keep it churning that wood, a chainsaw sharpener.

Oregon 410-120 Bench or Wall Mounted Saw Chain Grinder

The Oregon 520-120 is one of the top chainsaw sharpeners you can buy. The Oregon 520 bench chainsaw has three different grinding wheels and can work with multiple chain sizes.

It also has a built-in light to keep a close eye on your work.

At the budget end you can do no better than buying a Stihl 2 in 1 chain sharpener. This small and compact sharpener is easy to use and very transportable.

It is also incredibly light and has great consistency and accuracy when sharpening.

Our final chainsaw sharpener is the Granberg G1012XT which is suitable for any chainsaw sharpening whichever model or size of the chain.

Stihl 2 in 1 Easy File Chainsaw Chain Sharpener .325″ + Bonus Replacement File!

The 24,000 rpm grinder attaches to your chainsaw and allows you to set precise sharpening angles and grinding depths.

To conclude then, adding a chainsaw to your range of tools can be a great addition if you have tree work to carry out on a regular basis.

Don’t forget your safety equipment though and choose the right chainsaw for you. If you have regular chainsaw use you might also consider a sharpener to round it all off.

FAQs about Chainsaws

Q. Why isn’t my chainsaw cutting straight after just having it sharpened?

The most probable reason for this problem might be a worn-out guide bar or an uneven sharpening. You just need to get the guide bar a little trimmed and your saw is good to go.

Q. Who makes the best chainsaw in the world?

Husqvarna and Stihl are mostly considered the best manufacturers of chainsaws worldwide. Both brands provide excellent performance in comparison with any other brand.

Q. What is the life duration of the chain of the saw?

Usually, this depends on your usage. If the chain’s cutters are hit with sand, rocks or charcoal then a newly assembled chain can be destroyed easily. If you are cutting with a dull chain then because of high friction, the chain might overheat and stretch.

Q. How long does the oil of 2-strokes last?

The 2-stroke oil will probably last you for a couple of years if it is not mixed with petroleum. When mixed with petroleum, I suggest you do not keep it for more than 3 to 4 months.

Q. Why can’t old sump oil be used in the chain as a lubricant?

The old sump or dirty oil has its lubricating properties all used up. That is the reason why we change it out of the system. This oil contains microscopic contaminants that can damage the saw. So, I highly recommend using a good quality cutter and bar lubricant.

Q. When should the bar chain oil be filled?

Whenever you are refueling the saw, you should top up your chain oil. Most of the chainsaws come with an adjustable oil pump to help increase or decrease the oil onto your cutting equipment. If for some reason, your saw is not using the chain oil then you should take the chainsaw to the near service center for service.

Q. After how much time should the chainsaw get serviced?

Since the maintenance is a lot cheaper than the total breakdown of the chainsaw, I highly recommend getting it serviced annually after you are finished doing your heavy-duty work for the time.

You can also service the chainsaw at your home to some extent. For example, cleaning the air filter, sharpening the chain, changing the plug and general cleaning.

Conclusion

Having to use the Best Chainsaw might be your wish. And I understand your desire to have the best product possible at a good price and best performance.

A chainsaw that cuts fast, is easy to handle, can be assembled easily and lasts long is important if you do a lot of woodwork.

Remember, that chainsaw is the best of which you keep good care, maintain it and clean it properly. Like us human beings, things also need good care if you want them to last long.