Our insightful, in-depth chainsaw reviews and chainsaw guides give you the lowdown on everything from performance and power to which brand is best. You’ll discover what each individual chainsaw has to offer and how they stack up against one another, giving you the information you need to choose the best equipment for your needs.
Whether it’s weighing up your options with help from our comparison articles, learning about the differences between an electric and gas chainsaw, or understanding what sets concrete chainsaws apart from the rest, there’s no better place to get your complete chainsaw education.
Finding the Right Chainsaw for Your Project
Need a chainsaw but not sure where to start? You’re in the right place. Here’s some advice you can follow to make sure you get the most out of your purchase:
Your reason for buying a chainsaw will directly impact the type you choose and how much power you need. For example, if you’re a lumberjack who needs to chop down a bunch of large trees, you need power (and most likely gas). But for simple home DIY you’ll get plenty of mileage out of electric or battery-powered.
Consider things like chain speed and bar length. And make sure you find a chainsaw with a weight that’s easy to handle. Mastering your chainsaw means it needs to feel comfortable in your grip and straightforward to maneuver.
Best Practices When Handling a Chainsaw
Safety comes first when handling a chainsaw, which means wearing all the correct gear and taking advantage of any additional safety features available. But there are other things to keep in mind as well.
First, remember to always hold a chainsaw firmly with two hands and maintain a stable standing position as this will guarantee safety and precision. If the chainsaw is too heavy, you shouldn’t be using it. You should also avoid cutting with the tip of the chainsaw, instead choosing to cut with the bar for better stability. By following these chainsaw safety guidelines, you’ll manage to avoid unsafe situations like kickback.
FAQ
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Do you need training to use a chainsaw?
Yes. If you’ve never used a chainsaw before, training is a necessity. This will help to prevent injury while also helping you avoid frustrating (and costly) damage to the chain and bar.
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What are some key chainsaw safety features?
Many chainsaws come with advanced safety features to help reduce risks. The main one is usually a chain brake, however it may also include low kickback chains, a right-hand guard, chain catcher and anti-vibration systems.
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What safety gear do I need when using a chainsaw?
Your safety gear should include chainsaw chaps and safety glasses, as well as protective gloves, hearing protection and a pair of sturdy boots.
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What are the most common use cases for a chainsaw?
There’s more to chainsaws than helping with tree felling. Here are some common uses cases and the types of chainsaws that make the best fit:
- Tree felling: If you work for a logging company, you’ll need power to cut down larger trees. Gas-powered chainsaws like the Husqvarna 455 Rancher are the ideal choice.
- Construction: Working in this industry comes with a lot of tough material that you may need to cut through and using a concrete chainsaw will do the job quickly and effectively. A specialized chainsaw like the Husqvarna K 970 will do the trick.
- Pruning and garden maintenance: Need to take care of some thick brambles in your garden or reshape your ornamental trees? Look for a light-duty, electric chainsaw like the Black+Decker CS1518. Pole saws are also great for those taller trees in your garden.
- Bucking: If you’re cutting felled trees into smaller pieces for firewood or a woodworking project, choose a cordless chainsaw. The Makita XCU03PT1 offers ultimate versatility and ease.
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Do chainsaws need servicing?
Yes. Chainsaws need regular maintenance to keep them performing well and lasting longer. Each type of chainsaw is different so the care they need can vary. Check out our article on chainsaw maintenance to learn more.
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Electric vs gas-powered chainsaws: which power source is best?
This will depend on your use case. You probably don’t want an electric chainsaw if you’re out in the woods felling trees. In this scenario, consider battery-powered or gas. That said, if your house is fairly close by while you’re pruning, you’re good to go with an electric one.
