TOP-10 Best Chainsaws
What is the best chainsaw? Although gas-powered models are more powerful, electric ones are becoming increasingly popular because they are safer, lighter in weight and produce less noise. You may choose a cordless chainsaw if you do not have a power outlet at the site or need to work in hard-to-access spaces. Corded electric chainsaws have the advantage of not being limited by battery life. If you need a powerful tool, make sure that it is fitted with a motor of at least 13 amp. We believe that Makita UC4051A 16″ Electric Chain Saw fit these criteria best.
Why have we chosen it? This product comes with a 14.5-amp motor that delivers powerful cutting. The tool runs at a speed of 2,900 FPM, allowing you to complete your job as fast as possible. For user’s convenience, the device is equipped with a rubberized grip while the chain is adjustable. This model is corded and has a built-in current limiter. In case you need to work for a long time, the product’s auto chain oiler will be very helpful. Besides, using a window located on the oil reservoir, you can see how much oil is left.
I’ve talked before about chainsaws, but I specialized in specific ones, which would only be meaningful to someone who knew really what they were looking for in one of these, but didn’t know exactly which brand was ideal for their needs and their budget. So, for the sake of completeness and accessibility, I’m going to broach this topic once more, in a more general way.
If you know you need a chainsaw, but your surety ends there, or you’re not sure if you need one or not, then you’ve come to the right place, because your questions will be answered here. I also want to drive home how dangerous these damn things can be, because like any power tool, carelessness can cost life and limb, quite literally. So, I have a couple more stories regarding chainsaws that I think drive this home.
I’ll then look at one example of each of the three basic types of chainsaw, and we’ll see what defines them, where their strengths and weaknesses are, and so on. First, though, let’s talk about the basics of how a chainsaw works, regardless its power source or engineering.
TOP Chainsaws
1. Makita UC4051A 16″ Electric Chain Saw
I’ve made no effort to hide how much I like Makita’s tools. They’re really the crème of the crop, as the old phrase goes. A lot of people haven’t heard of Makita, and that’s not for a lack of quality, but because of their quality and the cost of the things. They’re not cheap, though this particular one is very affordable as Makita goes.
Makita isn’t one of those brands you see in armchair gardener or craftsmen’s garages, or really on a lot of general jobsites. This is because again, they’re expensive, and the owners of Makita tools don’t like the idea of inexperienced people roughhousing their Makita tools, nor possibly running off with them.
So, this is our electric offering, though Makita offers chainsaws in all three categories. In fact, they offer a plethora of variations within each category at that. This is a good chainsaw, and while it’s not as powerful as a gas-powered chainsaw, there’s not much this thing won’t cut with a little patience and determination. I’ve used one of these to take down a redwood tree. Not a sequoia, I don’t know how anything cuts those down, but a regular redwood is still a monster of a tree, and my Makita electric chainsaw felled that thing in a few hours.
Features
- Size: 16”
- Power: Corded electric.
- Blade Type: Carbon steel.
- Noise Level: About like a vacuum cleaner.
- Weight: 14lbs.
- Voltage: 110v
Performance
I can’t overstate how well-made these Makita chainsaws are, regardless which category you’re looking for. This is pretty much the mid-range by way of power. It’s not as strong as a gas chainsaw, but it’s a lot more powerful and efficient than a battery-powered version.
If I had one complaint about this chainsaw, it’s that the blade can be a bit fiddly to replace, though I’ve yet to see a chainsaw that was truly as easy to handle in this regard, as the box would claim.
It does tend to get the oil a lot hotter than it ought to as well, but that’s probably just a byproduct of the power this motor packs, which is significant compared to a lot of corded chainsaws. The cord is pretty long, about 20 feet give or take, which combined with a nice 100ft extension cord, gives you a lot of range to tackle that pesky fence row, cut firewood, whatever you need.
Pros and Cons
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Conclusion
If you don’t want a gas chainsaw, but want some power nonetheless, you want this one, period.
Makita: Check the current price
2. Remington RM4216 16-inch Gas Powered Chainsaw with Carrying Case
Remington is another brand that’s gotten a lot of praise over the years, and yes, it’s the same company that produces the firearms with which the name is more heavily associated. I would say that Makita is the better company overall, having made their name in tools, and having stayed with tools.
That’s not to say Remington is a slouch – they make some really tough chainsaws, and this gas-powered option right here is no joke. For a gas saw, it’s surprisingly fairly light (which means it’s still balls-heavy compared to electric or battery), and it’s very, very powerful, slicing through the toughest wood like a hot knife through butter.
Something that I’ll give Remington over Makita is the form factor and user experience by way of build quality is considerably sturdier and tougher-seeming overall. This thing feels like it could survive a battlefield, and you know what, I bet it actually could.
I haven’t used this particular model more than once, but I’ve used my share of Remington gas chainsaws in the past, in California where trees are made of titanium and granite seemingly, and I felt like freaking Hercules slicing through everything with it, resistance was futile!
Features
- Size: 16”
- Power: Gasoline.
- Blade Type: Carbon steel.
- Noise Level: It’s a gas-powered chainsaw. It’s really darn loud.
- Weight: 22lbs.
- Voltage: N/A.
Performance
I’ve pretty much described how powerful this chainsaw is, and really, there’s not that much to say about gas-powered chainsaws in the 21st century, they’ve about reached their peak of engineering until they switch over to ethanol or something, which you know is coming sooner rather than later. So, I’d like to talk about my biggest gripe with this chainsaw as well as other gas-powered equipment larger than a tractor mower.
You guessed it – pull-cords. Why are these a thing in the 21st century? I don’t understand why chainsaws, weed eaters, lawn mowers, compressors and pressure washers still use this idiotic approach. A compact solenoid, a small battery (heck, 12v would suffice) to turn it over, and an ignition button would work just fine, and this has been done for some generators that’re smaller than this chainsaw.
This is a big reason why people are hesitant to use gas-powered chainsaws, and it’s a lost opportunity for Remington to make the best one ever.
Pros and Cons
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Conclusion
If you want the most power you can get, noise and nuisance be damned, this is what you want, for sure.
Remington: Check the current price
3. DEWALT DCCS620B 20V MAX XR Compact 12 in. Cordless Chainsaw
I may not have been entirely fair to DeWalt in the past, having said they weren’t bad, but weren’t anything amazing either. Well, to an extent, I still stand by this opinion, but that’s with them standing in the shadow of Black+Decker, Remington and, of course, Makita.
DeWalt makes good tools, at least for the price, and for the demographic, they’re not bad at all. My complaint is really that they have longevity problems, which is an issue with any lower-cost tool range, and they feel, for lack of better terms, “soft”, like they could break.
However, to their credit, they’re a lot tougher and more durable than this impression would initially indicate, and the one I have, which I use for specific circumstances, has lasted longer than I expected, though it is on its last legs.
DeWalt tools are ideal for people who, maybe once a month or maybe once a week, need to do some property maintenance, and with proper care and not overdoing it, you’ll get your money’s worth out of them in the long run. So, is it a good chainsaw though?
Features
- Size: 12”
- Power: Battery.
- Blade Type: Standard steel.
- Noise Level: It’s about on par with a mixer or a battery-powered leaf blower.
- Weight: 8.8lbs.
- Voltage: 20v.
Performance
This is a battery-powered chainsaw, which means it’s not all that powerful. If you want to cut down a large tree, you’re going to have to recharge the saw multiple times, and you’ll want to pick fair weather because you’ll be out in it for quite some time, for sure.
The braking in this one is pretty good though, and for what I use it for – trimming limbs and overgrowth – it works quite well. The nice thing about it is that it’s very light weight, so it’s not exhausting to use like a heavier chainsaw tends to be.
It gets decent usage out of a charge, I’ve used it for a few hours at a time, but that’s cutting things that aren’t ridiculous in their weight or resistance. The battery pack is a standard DeWalt battery pack, which means many other DeWalt tools can share a charger and battery set, and it does charge very fast. Be careful, though, these batteries can be a bit unstable at times.
Pros and Cons
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Conclusion
For light-weight groundskeeping and the like, this is a good budget solution worth your while.
DEWALT: Check the current price
Basic Chainsaw Mechanics: How Does It Work?
A chainsaw, as the name would suggest, is a saw that utilizes a chain. It’s not the typical “interlinked loops of metal” style of chain, but rather thin, double-sided, riveted pieces of metal that hinge on both ends to other pieces. One, two, sometimes three shark tooth-style, curved blades protrude from these chain segments, though variations on the blades for angles and the like also exist.
This chain is usually made of steel, though aluminum and titanium variants do exist. Blades may just be hardened carbon steel, or diamond-tipped if you really want to go big or go home.
This chain wraps around an oblong mechanism around which it spins in a caterpillar-track motion similar to bulldozer tracks or conveyor belts. This creates a quite vicious cutting surface that basically gouges and chews away at the material.
This isn’t a high-precision saw, compared to a jigsaw, band saw or circular saw, though a skilled user can be precise within reason – lumberjacks and groundskeepers can cut ridiculously precise wedges and sections with one of these, but it takes a lot of skill and practice.
The Three Chainsaw Types
Chainsaws can vary a little in blade design and case form factor, but there are basically three types of chainsaws, distinguished by their power source. They are superior to one another in specific circumstances, but none of the three is overall better. It simply depends on what you need, and whether or not the limitations/downsides of a given power source are, which one will be the best for your needs.
Let’s look at the three types here.
Gas-Powered Chainsaws
These are the oldest type of chainsaw, and the ones that most people are familiar with. They possess a compact one or two cylinder motor, and usually start with a pull cord. They make the classic noise associated with chainsaws, as the other two, while not silent, are less boisterous.
Using internal combustion, these are the most powerful chainsaws, as few portable electric devices can pack the mechanical power of a gas engine. Electric motors that size can do it, but only if you have a high-yield generator or a nuclear power source, which I really hope you don’t have.
Of course, there are downsides to these. Gas motors are much more complex, which means a lot more can go wrong with them. Their gas reservoir and the engine combine to make a very heavy tool. They produce a lot of exhaust and heat, which can be bad for you, bad for the environment, and even burn you.
They’re very loud, as I said a moment ago, and pull-cord ignition is just the worst thing ever, and should probably stop being implemented in things. I’ll be sharing a story about how dangerous this can be shortly.
Electric Chainsaws
Electric chainsaws utilize corded power, running on either 110v or 220v in North America, with variations in Europe and Asia where voltages are weird. These use a high-yield electric motor which sounds more like a leaf blower or a loud mixer. They are not as powerful as a gas chainsaw, roughly 2/3-1/2 the power on average, though they’re getting stronger as more efficient motors are developed.
Along with the diminished power, they also tether you to a cord, which can cause tripping hazards. However, they’re quieter, lighter, and they just go when you push a button, no pulling cords to be faffed with.
Battery-Powered/Cordless Chainsaws
Battery chainsaws are electric chainsaws that make avail of a battery pack very similar to what a cordless drill or impact wrench uses. In fact, some of these are interchangeable. This is a lithium-ion rechargeable battery.
Battery-powered chainsaws are slightly heavier (due to capacitor banks, transformers and the battery) than corded chainsaws, but they’re still a hell of a lot lighter than the gas-powered classic concept.
These are on average the weakest chainsaws, given there’s only so many joules of energy that can be delivered immediately from a battery, so these aren’t going to readily chop down a large tree. I say readily – with patience and a couple recharges, I’ve done it. I don’t recommend that though.
Are Chainsaws Dangerous? A Little Experience
So, now that we know the three types, allow me to extoll, via experience, the dangers inherent to these. The blade is dangerous on all three – any one of these could take a limb off, trust me. But, specifically to each one, here are some unique dangers.
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Gas – I nearly lost a foot once, wrestling with the stupid pull-cord on a gas-powered chainsaw. Watch where that blade train is while you wrestle with that.
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Electric – This one’s dangers are entirely with the cord, as far as specifics. I’ve mentioned my friend taking herself off a ladder with the cord, and I’ve had one take my feet out from under me too.
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Battery – The specific danger with these comes from batteries being unstable. I’ve had a battery explode with one of these, and I needed stitches from that.
Best-Selling Chainsaws in the UK | Comparison Table
OREGON CS1400 2400 W Electric Chainsaw, Powerful Electric Saw with 16-Inch (40 cm) Guide Bar DuraCut Saw Chain...
- Powerful performance: 2400 W electric chainsaw with integrated chain brake; Ideal saw for professionals and homeowners who cut wood in harsh environments
- DuraCut saw chain: Cuts 3 times longer than standard chain in abrasive environments; 14.7 m/sec chain speed
- Clever design: Built in chain tightening system doesn't require any tools; Oil level window and front hand guard protects from flying debris
- Automatic oiler: The automatic oiler distributes oil on the bar and chain while the saw, keeping your chainsaw lubricated and preventing premature wear
- Ergonomic: Lightweight and balanced, low vibration, over-mould comfortable handle; 3 years warranty included
Hyundai 62cc Petrol Chainsaw, 3 Year Platinum Warranty, 20'' Cutting Bar, 2 Chains, Carry Bag, Chain File & Fuel...
- 🔵 New for 2021 - Hyundai's 62cc 2 Stroke Petrol Chainsaw
- 🔵 High Power to Weight ratio, Providing effortless sawing, coupled with a soft pull, easy start recoil system- starting the chainsaw becomes almost effortless.
- 🔵 Superior Design- The Chainsaw is designed with the user in mind. An Anti-kickback safety brake reduces the likelihood of injuries from kickbacks
- 🔵 Invest in the Best- The HYC6200X is supplied with a 20'' Hyundai Bar & 2X chains, which are maintained by an automatic chain lubrication system, ensuring long chain and bar life
- 🔵 Covered by Hyundai's 3-year platinum warranty. Full UK service and parts operation to maintain your chainsaw for years to come.
TACKLIFE 1800W Chainsaw, 35cm Bar, Electric Chainsaw with Tool-Free Chain Tensioning, Automatic Oiling,...
- 🌲【Powerful and Sharp】1800W high-quality pure copper motor effectively reduces power loss. The high-quality rail and chain speed up to 15m/s, ensuring optimum cutting performance
- 🌲【Ergonomic Handle】Provides a comfortable grip and reduces arm fatigue for long-term use
- 🌲【Security Protection】The chainsaw features chain brake system, meaning the power automatically cuts out within 0.12 sec if the chainsaw kicks back
- 🌲【Easy Assembling】Tool-free chain tensioning and changing
- 🌲【Automatic Oiling】Automatic oiling system keeps chain lubricated at all times; Oil level window allows sight check of bar oil level. Email: support@tacklifetools.com
BU-KO 62cc Petrol Chainsaw 3.4HP 20" Bar & 2 x Chains + 16" Bar & 2x Chains COVER BAG & FULL SAFETY GEAR
- ✅【POWERFUL CHAINSAW 】Petrol Chainsaw combines imported components with state-of-the-art technology for advanced limbing, firewood cutting and tree cleaning. Perfect for for landowners and others who cut regularly. Compatible with 20” and 16” Chainsaw Bar.
- ✅【SAFE TO USE】This petrol chainsaw is real easy start up, easy use and overall reliable, also safety with its safety valve throttle switch For safety or effiency, it's equiped with assisted starting system and quick stopping control.
- ✅【EASY TO OPERATE w/ LESS VIBRATION 】The ergonomic design makes this chainsaw balanced, maneuverable, and comfortable to operate. Use Low kick back chain for smooth, fast cutting through wet and dry timber, Front and Back Anti-vibration Handles for comfortable operation.
- ✅【SPECIFICATION 】Powerful 62cc Air Cooled 2 Stroke Engine - Fuel/Oil ratio: 25:1 with 2 stroke engine oil. CE / GS & EU-II Certification, 3 2 stroke engine oil Primer bulb for assisted starting.
- ✅【1 YEAR WARRANTY】This product comes with Full Safety Gear FREE Toolkit Included. CALL US FOR ASSISTANCE! - BU-KO offers all who purchase live customer service support 7 days a week. We maintain a complete line of replacements parts as well as a full-service repair center and have dedicated a team of technicians that can troubleshoot any issues you may have over the phone.
Mini Chainsaw 4 Inch 24V Electric Chainsaw Rechargeable Chain Saw Handheld Mini Chainsaw Cordless Chainsaw for...
- 【Highly Efficient Cutting Mini Chainsaw】 The cordless electric chainsaw is widely used in wood cutting, tree pruning and gardening etc. It enables to cut a log with 15cm in diameter within 10 seconds, thus enhancing the working efficiency in gardening, saving time and energy, the specific value varies with the actual size and hardness of the wood .
- 【Easy to Use】 The compact chain saw is easy to hold and the ergonomic design can bring a very pleasant handheld experience. The chain saw switch can adjust the speed according to the strength, and you can adjust the cutting speed you need according to the operating conditions.
- 【Lightweight Design】 This mini chainsaw using weight just about 1.54lbs (700g) and a total length is only 13inch (33cm). Even a young lady could use it to cut the woods with great ease because of its light weight and small size.
- 【Unique Chain Plate】 The cordless chain plate is equipped with tungsten steel balls on the surface, reducing the resistance in operation. After deep quench hardening process, the 4 inches integrate guide plate and chain has strong wear resistance and durability, it guarantees the smooth cutting and pruning.
- 【Durable and Safe】The portable chain saw comes with 2 rechargeable lithium battery, three chains and a pair of five-level cut resistant gloves. After being full charged, the electric cordless chainsaw can be used for 1.5-2 hours. The build-in control circuit board with the overload protection function, the motor will automatically stop working when it overheats, which makes you more assured and safer to use.
ZasLuke Chainsaw, 4 Inch 24V Electric Chainsaw with Brushless Motor, Handheld Mini Chainsaw, Cordless...
- 【Easy Cutting Experience】This chainsaw is equipped with a chain that is made from the process of deep-hardening, which ensures smoother and faster cutting; 24 volt output makes sure you can cut off the wood with 10-15cm diameter easily, which makes this electric chainsaw suitable for trees branches pruning, wood cutting, gardening and woodwork.
- 【Cost-effective Chainsaw】Thanks to stepless variable speed, the cutting speed can be easily adjusted on the basis of the different needs(Press the switch to increase the cutting speed). In addition, you can use the wrench(Included) to turn the screw to adjust the tightness of chain, note: please make sure the chain is stuck in the guide plate. The heat dissipation design provides you with optimum stability.
- 【Portable&Safe Design】With ergonomics handle, this mini chainsaw can be held for a long time and you will not feel tired, even for women. The non-slip design ensures that it can be utilized fully and safely. You can take it anywhere for most sawing occasion with its 32cm(12.6in) length and 1.1kg weight(Included the battery). The unique overload protection design in control circuit board delivers excellent safety, the motor will automatically stop working when it overheats.
- 【Large Capacity Battery】The portable chainsaw is equipped with a 2000mAh rechargeable battery, which makes it keep running continuously perfectly in high power output for about a long time. Premium battery greatly prolongs its service life, it is not only very convenient to use and charge, but also a economical and practical way for you.(Note: Please charge it once a month if it is not in use).
- 【Simple Installation&Operation】Detachable design, it can be used after 3 simple steps: Firstly, loosen the screw nut counterclockwise and remove the side cover. Then, align the hole, then install the guide plate and chain. Finally, Install the side cover and tighten the screw nut. The wrench and screwdriver are included, you have no need prepare other tools for it.
TACKLIFE 2400W Electric Chainsaw, 45 CM OREGON Chain Saw, Self-lubrication Handheld Pruning Saw, Portable Pruning...
- ✅【45CM Saw Blade】Practical 45 cm OREGON chain, suitable for most tree cutting measures, professional quality, Lightweight body, low vibration,convenient replacement of the chain and bar, chain saw speed up to 15m/s
- ✅【Easy to Use】Electric Chain Saws equipped with a 2400W motor for more powerful cuts. The tool-free chain is elastic and can be quickly adjusted. Supplied with 140ml tank (without oil), automatic pumping system, with oil control window, perfect functioning
- ✅【Security System】Dual safety switch and manual mechanical brake push plate to brake on time to protect your safety. Before starting the chainsaw, make sure that the mechanical brake is released, otherwise it will not start
- ✅【Straight Motor Design】Special longitudinal motor design provides excellent balance. Easy and free operation switching between left and right hands, to cut the front or side timber more comfortably
- ✅【Brilliant Design】The soft rubber grip makes the grip more comfortable and the cushioning effect is superior. The body is light and suitable for gardens, firewood, light branches and wooden finishe.
- 💖🎁【New Year Gift&Excellent Quality after-sales】: If you have any questions about Chainsaws quality, please feel free to contact us, we will solve it within 24 hours