Some people feel intimidated whenever the word “chainsaw” is mentioned. But not all chainsaws are gigantic pieces of equipment that produce a ton of noise. There are smaller, more compact models that provide half as much cutting power and don’t need a lot of maintenance.
These tools are very resourceful around the house, especially if you conduct property maintenance often. They’re great for tasks like cutting small logs, pruning branches, and trimming back hedgerows.
Want to give one of these devices a try? Well, here’s a detailed guide to the best mini chainsaws available.
Reviews of the 5 Best Mini Chainsaws
1. WORX WG322 Cordless Chainsaw
Have you been searching for the best mini cordless chainsaw that strikes an excellent balance between pricing and features? If you have, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a model better than the Worx WG322.
Though it might look like one, this is not your regular chainsaw. It's small and compact yet it provides a decent amount of power to cut firewood and small trees. It’s powered by a 20V battery resulting in enough power to tackle light-duty pruning, trimming, and even cutting of firewood.
Being a cordless power tool, this mini chainsaw is one of the easiest to start. Getting it running is as simple as sliding in the battery pack and pressing the power button.
And the best part is, it comes fitted with a 10-inch guide bar which is more than what you’ll get from chainsaws in the mini category. Based on this, it's great for cutting branches that are up to 6 inches in diameter.
The auto-lubrication system is another feature that makes this small chainsaw stand out. It provides a constant supply of oil, enabling the chain to run smoothly. There’s even an oil level indicator, allowing you to track the chainsaw’s oil usage and refill it accordingly.
The type of chain included in this chainsaw works really fast. It’s designed to cut at a speed of up to 12.5 ft/s. Factor in the auto-tension feature, and you have a mini chainsaw that’s incredibly easy to use.
Pros
Cons
While the Worx WG322 is an efficient mini chainsaw, it uses a 10-inch cutting bar that adds to its weight.
If you’re looking for the best battery-powered mini chainsaw that’s also compact, the Gocheer model is your best bet. Its bar length is just 6 inches, which makes for very easy portability. And even then, it delivers just as much cutting power as its counterparts.
One feature that significantly contributes to its power is the high-efficiency brushless motor. This boosts the chain’s operation, allowing it to achieve a 13.2 ft/s cutting speed. To put things into perspective, it can slice through a 5.9-inch log in just 10 seconds.
Another reason why the Gocheer is often ranked as the best mini chainsaw is the fact that it’s well-rounded. It comes with nearly everything you’ll need to handle cutting jobs.
Let’s start with the fact that it includes two batteries, each with a capacity of 2500 mAh. These give you a total runtime of anywhere between 40 minutes and 1 hour. And these batteries only take about 1 ⅕ hours to charge.
Other accessories included in the package are 2 screwdrivers, a manual, a guide plate, a charger, and safety gloves.
Pros
Cons
If your primary reason for purchasing a mini chainsaw is to cut down on cost, then you’ll love the JPOWTECH model. It comes in at very low price, helping you save a few bucks and still get a reliable power tool.
Taking its price into consideration, it is no wonder the chainsaw has a fairly small cutting bar. It’s equipped with a 4-inch guide bar, meaning it’s best suited for light-duty applications like tree pruning.
On a more positive note, its chain cuts at supersonic speed; enabling you to get your work done fast. According to the manufacturer, it can slice through a 3-inch log within a span of 5 seconds.
Another thing you’ll love about this chainsaw is that it can be held and used with one hand. This frees your other hand to support the piece of wood you’re cutting.
JPOWTECH is among the lightest small chainsaws in our review. This makes it a great tool that can be used for extended periods without experiencing hand/arm fatigue. The entire chainsaw weighs just 2.38 lbs and is 13 inches long.
Pros
Cons
Another tool that’s often recognized as the best mini electric chainsaw is the Dewalt DCCS620P1.
One of its biggest highlights is the fact that it has a longer cutting bar of 12 inches. This gives way more cutting depth than what other smaller chainsaws offer. And the best part is, the bar and chain are designed for minimal kickbacks; thus, enhancing your safety.
Given the generous cutting capacity, it’s not surprising that it weighs more than its counterparts. It weighs about 9 lbs. with the battery included. Still, it’s lighter than commercial-grade chainsaws, making it easier to carry to the field.
This mini chainsaw is powered using Dewalt’s 20V max battery that’s revered for its long battery life. According to the manufacturer, you can expect to make up to 90 cuts on a single charge. Better yet, you'll be able to use the battery in other Dewalt tools.
To add to this, this small chainsaw relies on a brushless motor. This helps to boost its runtime while also extending the life of the motor.
The ergonomically-designed handle is another stand-out feature. It sports a rubber coating, enabling you to get a firm grip. This means that you can even use it in wet conditions and not have to worry about it slipping from your hands.
Another benefit that stems from the rubber coating is that it helps to dampen vibrations. This then allows you to operate the chainsaw for an extended period without experiencing too much fatigue.
One thing you should check before you start cutting with a chainsaw is the tension of the chain. Dewalt has made this tensioning process incredibly easy by incorporating a tool-free chain tensioner.
This means you don’t need to invest in any complex tools or learn a new procedure to adjust the chain’s tension.
Pros
Cons
If you’ve been hunting for the best lightweight chainsaws, the KIMO Mini model is the ultimate solution.
Without the battery, this chainsaw weighs a measly 2.3 pounds with a total length of 15 inches. Even novice users can operate the saw effortlessly. Its lightweight profile also makes it suitable for overhead applications.
Measuring 14 by 6 by 4 inches, the KIMO mini chainsaw is very compact. This makes it possible to use in tight spots, where a full-size chainsaw wouldn’t fit.
This chainsaw comes with all the tools you’ll need to complete your cutting projects. The manufacturer includes a charger and 20V lithium-ion battery. However, keep in mind that its battery life is rated at 30 minutes.
The KIMO mini chainsaw is the kind that you can use for a prolonged period. This is made possible by the rubberized, ergonomic handle that provides a firm grip.
Pros
Cons
What Can You Use a Mini Chainsaw For?
It’s no secret that a mini chainsaw has a couple of limitations. But there are several instances where it’s the most suitable power tool.
First off, if you only use chainsaws for light-duty work around your property- like pruning trees, and cutting firewood - then a mini model is ideal. Buying an unnecessarily large chainsaw for such applications would be a waste of your investment.
A mini chainsaw is also ideal for buyers on a very tight budget. The fact that it has a less powerful engine and a smaller cutting bar means that its production cost is much lower. Due to this, you’ll often find these units to be cheaper than larger saws.
Another thing you’ll want to think about before dismissing these small chainsaws is their portability. On average, a larger saw can weigh anywhere between 10 and 15 pounds. Conversely, these small handheld chainsaws weigh as little as one pound.
The fact that they’re lighter offers two key benefits. For one, it makes them incredibly easy to carry. This is particularly crucial if you plan on taking your chainsaw to the field. Secondly, it's easier to use in those hard-to-reach areas and for overhead applications.
That said, this saw has a couple of limitations. The biggest drawback is that it doesn't have all the bells and whistles you find in its full-size counterparts. Fancy features like an automatic oiler, which keeps the chainsaws bar and chain lubricated, is often omitted in a small chainsaw.
The fact that a mini saw is limited to cutting small to medium-sized branches is also a form of disadvantage.
Essentially, you can only use it for light felling or light pruning tasks around your home. So if you have any heavy-duty projects like felling mature trees or slicing through thicker trunks, the right tool to use is a more powerful chainsaw.
Electric vs Gas vs Battery for Small Chainsaws
An important decision you’ll have to make is choosing between the different types of small saws. Here’s a brief overview of each one:
Corded Electric
Some operators have a preference for corded electric mini chainsaws, and it’s easy to see why.
They don’t require a ton of maintenance except for cleaning and keeping track of the bar lube levels. And while they don’t provide as much power as gas-powered models, they come pretty close. This means you may be able to use it for a few heavy-duty tasks like cutting fairly thick branches.
However, the strongest point of investing in mini chainsaws entails their unlimited power. You don’t have to worry about recharging any batteries or refilling them with fuel. As long as you've connected the tool's extension cord to an electrical outlet, it runs non-stop.
Gas
What comes to mind when you think of gas chainsaws? Like most people, you probably think of noisy, occasionally smoky pieces of machinery that can slice through any wood.
Yes, it’s true that a gas-powered chainsaw has limitations. But it also offers several advantages. For one, it offers the largest cutting capacity. It's the type of tool that can cut thick branches effortlessly.
It’s also more portable than a corded electric unit. As long as you’ve filled its fuel tank to capacity, you can use it for heavy-duty projects without worrying about runtime.
That said, gas-powered saws require a considerable amount of maintenance. You’ll have to clean the air filter regularly. You also need to ensure that all its parts are well-lubricated and maintained. For the best outcome, look for one with an automatic oiler for easy lubrication.
Battery Powered
Cordless mini chainsaws are the most popular of the three. They offer a fair amount of flexibility, especially when it comes to portability.
Since they rely on battery power, they can be carried to the field and used to cut small trees. They’re also low-maintenance and barely generate any noise.
That said, buying batteries for these chainsaws can be quite an expense. Due to this, they’re best reserved for individuals who own small-sized properties or those planning to use these tools on occasion.
How to Choose the Best Mini Chainsaw
Here are a few things you should keep in mind when buying these small chainsaws:
Power
One of the limitations of buying a smaller chainsaw is that it won’t offer as much cutting power.
But this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t pay attention to it. Ultimately, no two small-sized saws are the same. There’ll be significant differences not only in their source of power but also in cutting capacity.
If you opt for a gas chainsaw, be sure to check its engine size. Most chainsaws in this category tend to have between 30 and 40 cc engines. This is enough to drive 10-, 12, or up to 16-inch bars. You may be lucky enough to get a gas chainsaw with an 18-inch bar, but that’s as big as it gets.
For those who choose electric saws, then you’ll want to pay attention to the amperage. The amp rating determines exactly how much power the chainsaw can handle before its internal components start failing.
For battery-powered chainsaws, focus on voltage. Most manufacturers indicate this metric so it's easy to compare the voltage of one battery to another.
Generally, the higher the voltage, the better its cutting performance both in terms of speed and capacity. However, such battery-powered saws may not have the best runtime.
You'll also want to keep an eye out for cutting-edge technologies. For instance, Milwaukee tools are equipped with a torque boost mode. This makes it possible to handle heavy-duty projects like cutting thicker branches.
Weight
Depending on the operator’s physical strength, weight is one of the most important factors to consider. If the chainsaw is too heavy to handle, then other factors like the bar length don’t count.
The good news is that the best mini chainsaw is designed to be as light as possible. This makes the saw easy and comfortable to hold; thus, enabling you to achieve precision cuts each time.
Among the different types, corded electric and cordless models are the lightest. They don’t require a tank filled with a fuel mix and their motors are relatively smaller.
Size & Shape
One of the greatest selling points of a small chainsaw entails its compact structure (if you want to go really small check out these pocket chainsaws).
With larger saws, you can expect them to have a bar length ranging between 16 and 30 inches alongside a weight of 9 to 25 pounds.
Conversely, a small chainsaw will have a bar length of between 4 and 10 inches. And for such, its weight wouldn’t exceed 7 pounds, resulting in optimal portability and ease of use.
With regards to shape, you’ll have three key designs to pick from. The majority have the traditional two-handed setup with a handle at the top. Such a top handle chainsaw is well-suited for general-purpose cutting.
We also have lopper-style and handheld pruning chainsaws. These ones are designed mainly for pruning jobs.
Kickback
Don’t have a ton of experience using saws? If this is the case, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the dangers of kickbacks.
A kickback typically happens when the top half section of the guide bar’s tip comes into contact with the stock. If the operator lacks experience on how to handle this or isn’t expecting it, then the tool can kick back in their direction and lead to an injury.
Thankfully, the best small chainsaws come fitted with a guard to prevent this from occurring. You may also want to invest in low kickback chains. They cut at a much slower pace, but ultimately, they’re the safest.
Another tip we recommend is ensuring that both of your hands are supporting the chainsaw as you cut.
Safety Features
Some people make the assumption that because mini saws are smaller, they don’t carry any risk. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.
So even if you’re buying a small-sized chainsaw, you’ll want to ensure that it has the most essential safety features.
One such element that shouldn’t miss, is an inertia chain brake. We particularly recommend the brake that comes with a clutch-style design. It’s able to sense the abrupt change in inertia stemming from a kickback and lock the chain instantly to prevent a potential accident.
An anti-kickback chain is another one of the most recommended safety features. This significantly minimizes the chances of a kickback happening in the first place.
A chainsaw throttle trigger is also an excellent addition. This safety switch prevents the chainsaw from being engaged accidentally.
Oiling System
The bar and chain oil is pertinent to the operation of your small chainsaw. So you'll want to ensure that it has a seamless lubrication system in place to keep it running smoothly. The oil reservoir should be easy to access and refill.
FAQs
What companies make mini chainsaws?
There’s an array of companies that focus on making the best small chainsaws. The most popular ones are KIMO, Worx, and Dewalt. Each of these brands has its fair share of benefits.
For instance, Dewalt’s range of saws is slightly more powerful than other chainsaws. With KIMO, you’re guaranteed of getting a mini chainsaw at an affordable price. And when it comes to Worx, you don’t have to worry about their chainsaws being unnecessarily bulky or heavy.
What can you cut with a mini chainsaw?
The size of the log that you can tackle depends primarily on the size of the chainsaw’s guide bar. The longer the bar, the greater the cutting capacity you’re likely to get from it.
That said, it’s important to note that these saws are meant for small projects. They can be used to chop small limbs, lumber for carpentry projects, and tree pruning.
Are mini chainsaws any good?
Yes, they’re a worthy investment. Even though they’re small, they pack enough power to cut small branches and trees.
These tools offer several other benefits, such as being affordable, portable, and very easy to maintain.
Conclusion
Are you looking to invest in the best mini chainsaws on the market? If you are, check out the WORX WG322 Cordless Chainsaw.
This chainsaw comes with a 10-inch guide bar, offering you a decent cutting depth. Powering this tool is a 20V battery that’s actually compatible with other Worx tools.
The WG322 is also designed with ease of use in mind. The auto-tension ensures that the chain is always well-tensioned for the job. And the auto-chain lubrication provides a constant supply of oil, helping your machinery run smoothly.