The 8 Best Chainsaws of 2021

What to Look for in a Chainsaw

Motor

There are three basic types of chainsaws: gas, electric, and battery-powered.

Electric motors are rated in amps. Light duty electric chainsaws start at about 8 amps, but more robust models fall between 12 and 15 amps. Unless you have the most basic trimming tasks to complete, you’ll likely want to consider an electric chainsaw with amps at the higher end of this range.

Gasoline engines are most commonly categorized in terms of cc’s, but you’ll occasionally see them rated by horsepower. You’ll find chainsaws with anywhere from 25cc to 80cc or more in professional models. Horsepower varies, but a mid-range chainsaw may have around 4 horsepower with heavy-duty models packing even more power.

Battery-operated models skip the motor altogether. Instead, the power of these chainsaws is measured in volts. Many models are available with 18 to 40 volts, but a few stretch the power up to 80 volts or more.

Bar Length

The bar of the chainsaw is also sometimes referred to as the blade and serves as the guide for the chain. Bar lengths vary greatly among different models of chainsaws and range from 8 inches to 30 inches.

The shorter the bar length, the easier the chainsaw is to handle—but it will also reduce the saw’s cutting capabilities since the bar should be 1 to 2 inches longer than the wood you’re cutting to avoid kickback (which is when the nose of the saw makes contact with the cutting surface and is sharply forced upward). Longer bar lengths allow you to make considerably bigger cuts of wood in a single pass. However, a longer bar length requires a more powerful motor and a heavier machine, so increased caution is needed when using these heavy-duty chainsaws.

When shopping for a chainsaw for average homeowner use, a bar length of 14 inches or less should be sufficient. If you have more than average yard tasks to tackle, then you might need to look for a more capable model with a 14 to 18 inches of bar length. Heavy-duty chainsaws will have a bar length of 18 to 24 inches, and professional chainsaws will stretch the bar length all the way to 30 inches.

Auto Oiling

For maximum performance and maximum safety, you need to oil your chainsaw blade regularly. If you fail to do this, the blade may become dull more quickly, but the friction heat can also cause the nose of the saw to warp.

Many chainsaws today are equipped with an automatic oiler that saves the operator time while making sure the saw remains in optimal working condition. Automatic oilers are available with either fixed flow or adjustable flow. A fixed-flow oiler will distribute a consistent, steady flow of oil onto the chain. An adjustable flow oiling system means that the operator can adjust the setting of the oiler to release more or less oil. This might be required when placing a greater strain on the saw, such as when cutting harder woods.

Whichever type of automatic oiler you opt for, become familiar with the size of the oil reservoir and pay close attention to the oil level. Many models of chainsaws have a small window on the side that lets you easily keep an eye on your oil supply.

FAQs

How do you use a chainsaw safely?

Chainsaws are hugely useful tools for clearing brush, cutting firewood, felling trees, and removing branches, but they are also dangerous; tens of thousands of people are injured by chainsaws each year. Fortunately, by following basic safety tips, you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a statistic. 

• Dress in clothing that fits snuggly: long pants, long sleeves, and closed boots or shoes. You’ll also need protective gear, including eye safety goggles, work gloves, and ear muffs or noise-reducing earplugs. 
• Familiarize yourself with the chainsaw’s instruction book before powering up the tool. 
• Be aware of your limits and skill level. If you are a beginner to the chainsaw, don’t attempt to fell a large tree, for example. Nor should you operate a chainsaw if you are fatigued, ill, or otherwise impaired.
• Work slowly and methodically. 
• Always keep both hands on your chainsaw while in use.
• Stand with both feet solidly placed on stable ground. Never use a chainsaw while standing on a ladder, perched in a tree, or in any other precarious spot. 
• Stand directly in front of the object you are cutting with the chainsaw at a slight angle to the side. Don’t lean or bend your body to the side, and do not use your chainsaw to cut brush or tree limbs above your head.
• Engage the chain brake whenever the chainsaw is on, but not actively cutting. 
• Someone else should be nearby when you are using the chainsaw. 
• Have a first-aid kit on hand.

How do you sharpen a chainsaw?

A dull chainsaw is an unsafe chainsaw. Once the chain loses its edge, it’s likelier to skip or veer while in use, potentially with disastrous results. You’ll know the chain is getting too dull when the chainsaw cuts slowly, wants to drift to the side rather than cutting in a straight line, or produces fine sawdust rather than chunky grit. 

You’ll need a chainsaw sharpening kit for the task, containing a round file, a flat file, and a depth gauge. The round files come in different sizes, so you’ll need to check the owner’s manual for your chainsaw to find the right size for your specific tool. 

It’s not difficult to sharpen a chainsaw, although it is a bit tedious. Here are the basics of the procedure. 

1. Unplug the chainsaw, or remove the battery. Engage the chain brake.
2. Clamp the bar of the chainsaw in a workbench vise. 
3. If necessary, tighten the chain by turning the tension adjusting screw. This will prevent the chain from turning while you work. 
4. Wipe away grit and dirt with a wire brush.
5. Mark one of the chain’s teeth with a marker or crayon. This will help you keep track of your full rotation around the chain. 
6. Set the file in the notch directly behind the marked “tooth” of the chain. The file should be at a slight angle pointing away from the chainsaw’s motor.
7. Stroke the file through the notch several times until the metal is silvery and appears sharp. Don’t saw the file back-and-forth; your strokes should be in one direction only.
8. Skip the next tooth, and insert your file into the second notch; you will sharpen every other tooth this go-around. 
9. Hold your file at the same angle and make the same number of strokes as you did on the first tooth. 
10. Continue around the chain in this manner until you get back to your starting point. 
11. Flip the chainsaw over, and reclamp it to your workbench vise. 
12. Using the same technique, sharpen the remaining teeth, moving to every other tooth until you are back to your starting point. 
13. Next, check the depth gauge rakers. These are the small, slightly rounded points located before each tooth on the chain. Place the depth gauge tool that came with your sharpening kit over each raker in turn. If the raker sticks up above the depth gauge tool, use the flat file included with your sharpening kit to file the raker level with the depth gauge tool. 
14. Work your way around the chain, filing any rakers that are too tall. 
15. Dust away any metal dust or scrapings. 
16. Unclamp your chainsaw, and reset the chain tension to your usual tightness. 

How do you start a chainsaw?

Electric chainsaws typically start at the touch of a button, but it’s a little more involved with gas chainsaws. Here’s what you should know about starting each of them. 

Gas Chainsaws

1. Set the chainsaw on flat, stable ground with the bar pointing away from any obstacles. Make sure no people or pets are close by. 
2. Check that the chainsaw has enough fuel, the chain is at the appropriate tension, and the tool is in good working condition. 
3. Use your right foot to press down on the rear handle so the chainsaw is held steady. 
4. Engage the chain brake. 
5. Turn the chainsaw on, and open the choke fully. If your model of chainsaw has a fuel primer, press it several times. 
6. With your right foot still holding the chainsaw down, use your dominant hand to pull the start cord with a smooth, firm motion. Your other hand should be holding the chainsaw handle. 
7. Once the chainsaw engine begins to catch, close the choke halfway. 
8. Pull the start cord again. You might need to do this a few times before the engine fully starts. 
9. Adjust the choke to the run position. Let the chainsaw idle for a few minutes until the engine is warm. 
10. Lift the chainsaw up, release the chain brake, and you are ready to work. 

Electric Chainsaws

1. Connect the power cord or battery to the chainsaw.
2. Place the chainsaw on flat, stable ground. Use your right foot to hold the tool’s rear handle firmly in place.
3. Engage the chain brake. 
4. Engage the safety switch. 
5. Push the start button until the motor starts and catches. 
6. Pick up the chainsaw and release the chain brake. You are ready to work. 

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs. For this roundup, she considered dozens of chainsaws, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and customer evaluation.