Whether you’re looking to cut firewood or perform some landscaping/demolition projects, a chainsaw really comes in handy.
Available in different sizes, this power tool can be used for a broad range of tasks. This explains why more and more property owners are preferring to invest in this piece of machinery.
That said, not every saw is suitable for a homeowner. To help you with this selection, we’ve reviewed five of the best homeowner chainsaws available. Each of these chainsaws is designed to meet different needs so be sure to check the specifications.
Reviews of the Best Homeowner Chainsaws
Here are some of the best chainsaws for home applications:
1. Husqvarna 135 Mark II Gas Chainsaw
When you’re looking for the best homeowner chainsaw, an important factor to consider is weight. Thankfully, the Husqvarna 135 Mark II comes in a lightweight and compact structure without compromising on power.
This gas-powered chainsaw weighs just 4.7 pounds, which is much lighter than other saws in this category. This allows you to hold it comfortably for extended periods without getting overly fatigued.
One feature that makes this the best chainsaw for home use is its 16-inch bar. This results in a pretty decent cutting capacity. Plus, it relies on Husqvarna’s proprietary x-torq engine. This engine is revered for its fuel efficiency and minimal gas emissions.
Another thing that makes this an ideal chainsaw for homeowners is its user-friendliness. For one, it’s equipped with Lowvib anti-vibration system. This helps to keep the vibrations to a minimum, which is particularly crucial when you’re using a gas chainsaw.
Secondly, the tensioning system is mounted on the side for easy accessibility. Thanks to this, you’re able to adjust the chain’s tension with ease.
You also won’t have to worry about keeping the bar and chain lubricated. This is because the saw has an automatic oiler that delivers a constant supply of oil to the chainsaw chain and bar.
Pros
Cons
Have you been looking to purchase the best battery chainsaws for home use? If you have, you will like the Milwaukee 2727-20 M18 electric chainsaw.
One reason why it's considered the best homeowner chainsaw is its power. Despite it running on batteries, it produces enough power that puts it at par with 30 to 38cc gas models. And with a 16-inch bar, it can easily slice through logs that are up to 15 inches in diameter.
To top it all off, you’ll get to enjoy the benefits of using battery chainsaws- low maintenance, quiet operation, an effortless start, lightweight, compact and eco-friendly.
Like the Mark II, this electric chainsaw has several features that make it user-friendly. For one, it has a variable speed trigger, giving you full control of the chainsaw’s speed.
Secondly, an automatic oiler has been incorporated, providing a constant supply of oil to the bar and chain system. This constant lubrication enables these parts to work optimally throughout.
The one thing you might not fancy is the fact that this electric chainsaw is sold as a bare tool. What this means is that you’ll have to purchase the battery and charger separately.
Pros
Cons
If a reputable brand, exceptional customer service, and affordability are at the top of your wish list, then check out the Black and Decker CS1216 Corded Chainsaw.
One thing you’ll want to keep in mind is that this electric chainsaw is designed specifically for light to medium-duty work. While it’s not the type of chainsaw that can slice through a 30-inch oak, it can still fell small trees that have up to 14-inch diameter trunks.
This is thanks to the 16-inch chainsaw blade that it’s equipped with. Apart from felling small trees in your backyard, you can also use it to prune, cut firewood and clear up storm damage.
Also crucial to note is the fact that it’s a corded electric chainsaw. The beauty about this is that it’s very easy to start. Simply plug its power cord to the nearest electrical outlet, turn the power switch on and you’re good to go.
Better yet, corded electric chainsaws such as this one provide unlimited runtime. No need to stop halfway through your project to recharge batteries or refill the fuel tank.
Worried about your safety? You don’t have to as this chainsaw’s chain and bar are designed for low kickbacks.
One other reason why we regard The Black & Decker CS1216 as the best homeowner chainsaw is its ease of use.
It comes with a tool-free chain tensioning system. It also boasts an automatic chain oiler and a clear window that lets you track the oil level. This way, you can refill the lubricant before it runs out completely.
While it does a pretty decent job, keep in mind that this electric chainsaw isn't portable. If you want to use it in your backyard or the far end of the property, you may have to buy an extension cord to increase reach.
Pros
Cons
For homeowners interested in a saw that’s good enough for light-duty tasks, the Sun Joe SWJ806E is among the best chainsaws for home use.
As you might have guessed from the name, one of its biggest highlights is its convertible design. Thanks to this, you can use it as a pole chainsaw or as a handheld model. The best thing is that it excels in both areas.
When used as conventional pole saws, its 8.6-foot telescoping handle gives you an overhead reach of about 15 feet. This means you can use the battery-powered saw to perform overhead cuts or trim overhanging tree limbs and logs.
Given that this home chainsaw is designed for small-scale home projects, it’s not surprising that it has a less powerful motor. The 7.5-amp motor powers its 8-inch Oregon bar, enabling you to cut branches that are up to 7.5 inches thick.
We also like that this pole chainsaw comes with an automatic chain oiler. This pretty much takes care of the chainsaw’s lubrication; thus, helping you to focus on the task at hand.
Pros
Cons
Do you prefer to buy your outdoor power equipment from reputable chainsaw brands? If you do, this Greenworks cordless chainsaw is just what you need.
Battery-operated chainsaws are usually not very powerful. But this electric chainsaw by Greenworks breaks the record by using a 48V battery.
This guarantees a more decent runtime than its predecessor, which relied on a 40V battery. More specifically, you can make at least 150 cuts on 4 by 4 lumber on a single charge.
Also important to mention is the brushless motor onboard this electric chainsaw. This improves the saw’s cutting efficiency as there aren’t any brushes that would interfere with its performance. Such a motor is also revered for its quieter operation and better durability.
Using this electric chainsaw is a piece of cake thanks to the side-mounted chain tension. This gives you quick access, allowing you to make swift adjustments. To add to this, it has an inertia-activated chain brake to enhance your safety.
Pros
Cons
Types of Chainsaws
One of the most important considerations for a homeowner is the type of chainsaw they should buy. In that regard, there are three main varieties: gas-powered, electric corded, and battery-powered models. Here’s a more detailed look at what each one has to offer:
Gas Homeowner Chainsaws
Advantages
Here are the main advantages of gas chainsaws:
Power
If you’re looking for a chainsaw that will give you a ton of cutting power, a gas-powered model is your best bet. In fact, it’s possible to get a chainsaw engine that provides up to three horsepower and more. Such a tool will be able to slice through stocks of any size.
Better yet, you’ll never have to worry about the chainsaw slowing down when it gets to the thickest part of the stock. This is because gas saws provide consistent power throughout the length of the project. The same cannot be said of electric saws.
Portability
Another advantage that gas chainsaw models offer is convenient portability. The fact that they’re not limited by power cords means you can carry them anywhere.
You can take your gas-powered chainsaw with you from one corner of your property to another without having to worry about adding any extension cords.
Limitations
Even though gas-powered chainsaws have a lot to offer, they also present a couple of challenges such as:
Maintenance
Of the three types, gas chainsaws require the most work when it comes to maintenance. You need to change the oil, air filter, and spark plug on a regular basis.
You’re also required to drain the fuel after each use. And if you’re not planning to use your piece of machinery during winter, then it’s advisable to drain all the liquids.
Failure to carry out these routine maintenance tasks will leave your gas chainsaw vulnerable to issues. In fact, it may stop functioning altogether, costing you your investment.
Noise
Another thing you should be worried about is the level of noise that stems from running a gas chainsaw.
To put things into perspective, a gas saw uses the same two-cycle engine found in motorcycles. And as such, it produces a fairly similar noise level. The worst bit is that it produces this noise throughout its operation.
A gas chainsaw is so loud that safety experts recommend wearing earplugs if you intend to use it for a prolonged time. If using such a noisy piece of machinery will disrupt your neighbors, it may not be the right choice for you.
Fuel
One other thing you’ll have to keep up with is refilling the fuel in your gas chainsaw. If it runs out while you’re halfway through your project, you won’t be able to carry on. To add to this, you should always remember to mix the gas with oil before adding it to the saw.
While it’s important to refuel, don’t let gas sit in the chainsaw’s tank for too long. It has a shelf life of about one month. So if you’re planning to store it for a while, be sure to drain the fuel from your gas chainsaw.
Ease of starting
It is no secret that gas chainsaws are a little difficult to start. You have to prepare the oil and fuel mixture, add this mixture to the tank, prime the pump and finally rip the cord a couple of times. After taking all these steps, you may find that you’ve flooded the engine.
Sure, modern-day gas chainsaws are easier to start compared to those of yesteryear. But you still can’t compare the starting mechanisms to that of an electric model.
Corded Electric
If you’re looking to overcome the limitations of gas-powered chainsaws, consider a corded electric model.
Advantages
Here are the main benefits to corded electric chainsaws:
Consistent power
One of the greatest perks of this electric chainsaw is that it provides consistent power.
You don’t have to worry about the chainsaw running low on fuel. Or, the batteries running out of juice midway through your project. As long as your home chainsaw is plugged into an outlet, you can work uninterrupted for hours.
Quiet
One other aspect you won’t have to concern yourself with is noise. In fact, most electric chainsaws only generate noise at the starting point. Once you get them up and running, they barely produce any noise.
Low maintenance
If you don’t fancy doing a ton of maintenance checks, then consider getting a corded electric saw that requires less maintenance. As long as the chain is well-lubricated, your power tool will keep running smoothly.
Limitations
A Corded electric saw isn't without its flaws. Let's take a look at some of the drawbacks:
Always connected to an electrical outlet
While you won’t have to worry about running out of gas, this does mean that your electric chainsaw has to remain plugged into an outlet.
This aspect has its fair share of drawbacks. First off, this implies that you can only work as far as the extension cord allows you to. Secondly, you can’t operate the home chainsaw when there’s a power outage.
Less powerful
Another fact you’ll have to embrace is that the corded electric models aren’t as powerful as their gas-powered counterparts. Yes, they’ve become significantly more powerful in the past few years. But they still can’t match the power of a gas saw.
Cordless Electric
The advantages of a corded electric model make it suitable for home applications. But a cordless electric is just as good.
Advantages
Here are some of the benefits:
Ease of carrying
Similar to gas saws, you’ll be able to carry your battery-powered chainsaw to any part of your property with ease. This is because it runs on rechargeable batteries, giving your freedom of movement.
Little maintenance
Also important to note is that battery chainsaws don’t require a ton of maintenance. You don’t have to worry about making any oil changes, or replacing air filters. Just ensure that the chain and bar are well-lubricated and you’re good to go.
Easy to start
Another advantage of a battery chainsaw is that it starts very easily. You’re not required to pull any power cords or connect your saw to an outlet. Simply press the power trigger and it will start effortlessly.
Limitations
There's one issue which is:
Runtime
The greatest setback of buying this kind of electric chainsaw for home use is its limited runtime.
Unlike the corded model that can operate non-stop or the gas saw that lasts a long while, a cordless unit doesn’t last as long. At some point, you’ll have to pause your project to recharge the battery-powered chainsaw.
How to Choose the Best Chainsaw for Home Use
Looking to buy the best chainsaws for your workshop? Keep these points in mind:
Level of Experience
Before you start shopping for the best chainsaw, consider your level of experience. Ask yourself, “do I have any experience using a gas or typical electric chainsaw?”
If this is your first time using such a powerful piece of equipment, it’s good to start with something smaller, and lightweight. Even though a small chainsaw won’t provide a ton of power, it will be easier and safer to handle. This is particularly helpful if you plan to use it for long hours at a time.
Besides, once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you can always upgrade to a bigger and more powerful chainsaw.
Noise Levels
The next factor you’ll want to take into account is the kind of environment where you’ll be using it.
Do you live in an area where using noisy outdoor equipment like a chainsaw would be considered unlawful? Or, can you be as loud as you want without causing any distractions?
If it’s the former, then your safest bet is to invest in a corded electric or cordless chainsaw. These power tools are less noisy than their gas-powered counterparts, making them more suitable.
Frequency of Use
Once you’ve done some research about the noise restrictions in your area, consider the frequency of use.
Are you buying the best chainsaw to use daily? Or, is it something that you’ll use once every few months?
If you plan to use it throughout the year, then look for a powerful but lightweight gas chainsaw. This tool will provide a decent amount of power without succumbing to the stress that stems from extended usage.
However, if you’ll be using these power tools just a few times throughout the year, consider an electric or battery model. These saws are not as difficult to maintain and they’re also easier to store.
Power and Engine Size
As described earlier, there are three kinds of homeowner saws: electric corded, cordless and battery-operated.
When it comes to electric chainsaws, their power is estimated using amps. The light-duty models usually have an 8-amp rating whereas heavy-duty models provide between 12 and 15 amps.
If you’re planning to use your chainsaw only for light-duty work like cutting firewood, then an 8-amp chainsaw will suffice.
But for more heavy-duty projects like felling trees, choose electric chainsaws with higher power ratings.
Should you decide to go for gas chainsaws, then the factor you should pay attention to is the engine capacity. This is usually measured in cc (cubic centimeters).
The best chainsaw for home use doesn't need to have a very large engine, especially if you’ll only be performing small-scale projects. Anything between 25cc and 42cc is enough. However, homeowners planning to undertake large-scale projects can choose a bigger engine size.
Bar Length
In case you’re new to chainsaws, the chainsaw bar is simply the blade. It’s the part that guides the chain. Bar lengths vary widely ranging from 8 up to 20 inches.
One thing you should keep in mind is that the longer the bar, the more difficult the chainsaw is to handle. While it will provide a bigger cutting capacity, it will be challenging to maneuver, especially if you’re a novice user.
So what’s the ideal length for the best chainsaws? Well, a 14-inch bar hits the sweet spot. It isn’t too big that it makes the saw difficult to wield. But it also gives you a decent cutting length.
Weight
To a large extent, the weight of a chainsaw will depend on its bar length. This means that the longer the bar, the heavier the saw will be. If you intend to carry the chainsaw around, aim for something lightweight.
Maintenance
Also, consider the ease of maintaining the best chainsaw. Does it have user-friendly features that make it easier to maintain? Or, will you have to spend an hour or more conducting routine maintenance?
If you’re looking for a power tool that’s low-maintenance, focus on features like an automatic oiler. This component automatically lubricates the bar and chain; eliminating the need for human intervention.
Similarly, a tool-less chain tensioning system is an excellent addition. As implied in its name, this chain tension doesn't require any tools for adjustment, which makes for a fast and smooth process.
On the same note, certain types of chainsaws require more maintenance than others. Generally, electric chainsaws aren't as difficult to maintain as gas models.
Safety Features
There’s no denying the fact that chainsaws are a dangerous piece of equipment. If you don’t handle it with care, you’re increasing your risk of injury. For maximum protection, the best chainsaw should have safety features like:
- Chain brakes - stop the chains from spinning in case of a malfunction
- Throttle lock - prevents accidental engagement of the throttle
- Chain catcher - meant to catch the chain in case it breaks or derails
- Anti-kickback chain and bar - reduces the likelihood of a kickback happening
Extra Features
While not mandatory, some chainsaws will have additional features that make them easier to use. These include:
- Variable speed trigger - this lets you control the speed of the chain
- Anti-vibration - it’s a system that dampens vibrations and noise. This really comes in handy, especially if you’re operating the chainsaw in your workshop and don’t want to disrupt other family members.
- Extra batteries - this applies to battery-powered chainsaws, and they allow you to work uninterrupted for longer.
- Centrifugal air cleaning system - this is meant to remove the larger air particles before they can reach the filter. This results in an easier cleaning process and helps to extend the life of the air filter.
- Extension cord - if you're buying a corded electric chainsaw, then an extension cable is a must-have.
Safety Tips for Using a Chainsaw at Home
To use a chainsaw properly, adhere to these safety guidelines:
FAQs
What is a good chainsaw for a homeowner?
There are a couple of things you should look for in a homeowner chainsaw.
For one, it should have ample cutting power for your specific needs. The chainsaw bar should also be long enough to meet your cutting requirements.
This means that if you’re planning to use it to fell trees, then it should have a sizeable cutting bar. But for light work, a small chainsaw will suffice.
Similarly, a great chainsaw is one that’s compatible with your power supply needs. For instance, if you’d like to plug it into your workshop’s electrical outlet, then consider a corded electric chainsaw.
On the other hand, if you prefer a portable one that can be carried from one corner of your property to another, then a gas-powered or cordless chainsaw is the right fit.
Finally, the best homeowner chainsaw is one that has user-friendly features. These include elements like an auto oiler and a toolless chain tensioning system.
What is the most reliable chainsaw brand?
Husqvarna has made a name for itself in the chainsaw industry and is thus the most reliable brand. Compared to Stihl chainsaws and models from other brands, the Husqvarna's deliver better cutting efficiency, speed, torque, and durability.
What is the best chainsaw for the money?
Want to get the best value for your investment? Then consider the Greenworks 48V brushless electric chainsaw.
Other electric chainsaws only come with a few accessories. But this one comes with everything you need to get started, and this includes two 4Ah batteries and a dual-port charger. Besides, it’s fitted with a 14-inch bar, giving you a considerable cutting depth.
Conclusion
Have you been wishing to add a chainsaw to your arsenal of home tools? If you have, the Husqvarna 135 Mark II is one of the best homeowner chainsaws. It’s a relatively compact gas-powered chainsaw that gives you a ton of cutting power to work with.
It uses a 16-inch chainsaw bar, offering plenty of versatility. So whether you want to cut firewood or fell a couple of trees in your backyard, this saw is up to the task.