The Best Chainsaws
A lot has changed since the first chainsaw was designed by German orthopedist Bernhard Heine in 1830. He called it the Osteotome, and it was literally created to cut bones. These days, people in the market for a chainsaw are looking for reasons a little less ... medical. Whether you're a professional landscaper, a homeowner chopping wood for the fireplace, or even an honest-to-God lumberjack, a sturdy chainsaw is a serious piece of equipment requiring an equally serious dollar investment. So, we put on our gloves and safety goggles, gassed-up (or plugged-in) a variety of different brands, all to present you with some of the best chainsaw options you can buy.
Black & Decker MAX 20V 10-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Saw's All
It only makes sense that Black & Decker, one of the premier names in power tools for a hundred years, would make one of the most durable and powerful chainsaws on the market. With a 20-volt motor powered by their proprietary lithium-ion battery, the Black & Decker MAX features a 10-inch premium low-kickback bar and chain, a tool-free blade tension system for quick adjustments by hand, and a self-oiling system for lubrication of the bar and chain. At 7.5 pounds, it’s lightweight for prolonged use, but still has ample power to cut through 10-inch-thick branches and more.
Pros:
- The battery is interchangeable for all products in the MAX line
- Replaceable chain
- Value conscious
Cons:
- Battery and charger not included
- Maximum battery life about 45 minutes
Greenworks G-MAX 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Go Green
With all the features packed into the Greenworks G-Max, it’s hard to believe it’s a cordless chainsaw. Featuring a powerful 40-volt brushless motor, the G-Max has a longer run-time and 30% more torque, leading to less wear and tear. This design offers up to 70% less vibration for greater user comfort. In addition, the electronic safety chain brake prevents accidental kickbacks, while an easy push-start button guarantees your hands are behind the chain at start-up. The automatic oiler is also truly automatic, meaning you don’t have to push a button while the chainsaw is operating to oil the chain.
Pros:
- Battery interchangeable with other Greenworks tools
- Saw pitch of 0.375″
- Battery charges in about an hour
Cons:
- Shuts off if too much pressure is applied
- Replacement chains are difficult to find
Worx WG322 20V Cordless 10-Inch Chainsaw
Works on a Budget
If you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss chainsaw for chores around the yard, the Worx WG322 fits the bill. This cordless, 20-volt PowerShare chainsaw is fast, powerful, and durable as well, even though it weighs about as much as a 2-liter soda bottle. The automatic, tool-free adjustment system ensures you’ll always have the correct chain tension, while the 12.5-foot-per-second chain speed will tear through any log or branch within the tool’s 10″ reach. Like other manufacturers, Worx creates batteries that are interchangeable with their other power tools, which means added value if you currently use Worx tools.
Pros:
- Available with battery and charger
- Self-lubricating chain with oil meter
- Battery indicator light
Cons:
- Oil can spill if the chainsaw is placed on its side
Craftsman 20-Inch Gas Powered Chainsaw
Pass the Gas
The quality of Craftsman is still alive today, and this chain is proof of that. Its 2-cycle, full-crank gas engine delivers 46cc of power, while the easy pull-start means no one has to listen to dad’s stream of obscenities as he crank-starts the motor over and over. With a cushioned, full-wrap aluminum handle and 3-point anti-vibration system, the Craftsman chainsaw is more balanced, maneuverable, and comfortable to operate than ever before.
Pros:
- Full 20-inch chain for big jobs
- Self-oiling chain
- Pro-grade chassis
Cons:
- 25 pounds (without gas)
- 40:1 fuel mix ratio not standard
Husqvarna 24-Inch 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw
That Tree's Not Gonna Chop Itself
Husqvarna knows engines. In fact, their motorcycles were among the most popular in the world. That engineering quality is apparent in their 24-inch Rancher chainsaw, with its X-Torq, 2-cycle, 60cc engine. Its integrated air injection system keeps larger sawdust particles from clogging the air filter, while the LowVib system reduces vibration across the length of the carrying handle. They’ve even integrated a new SmartStart technology that combines the choke and starter into one unit that helps prevent engine flooding and makes the chainsaw easier to start than ever.
Pros:
- The quick-release air filter is reusable
- The side-mounted chain tension system
- Available with blade oil kits
Cons:
- Priced like a professional chainsaw
- The owner’s manual is sadly lacking
Frequently Asked Questions
Sorry if this is a silly question, but is there an actual chain on a chainsaw?
Aww, don’t apologize. We’ve all been there. The answer is yes. The chain is that loop that has the cutting teeth on it. It is wrapped around the cutting bar, the oblong part of the chainsaw that sticks out of the motor. The cutting bar is what’s measured when we talk about chainsaw sizes (which range from typically 8″ to 24″ or more). The chain should last for about 500 hours of use, which for most people is about five years. You can sharpen the chain pretty easily with an inexpensive home sharpener, but if a tooth breaks off or the chain isn’t pulling as efficiently, it’s time to get a new chain.
Are cordless chainsaws as powerful as gas models?
Generally speaking, no. If you’re getting all Paul Bunyan up in here and mowing down forests, there’s no substitute for the power of a gas chainsaw. Cordless chainsaws, however, are lighter and easier to handle than gas-powered models. They are also much quieter, which makes them better for home use.
I watched “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” about eight times. How do I prevent myself from having a similar untimely end?
Wear layers of clothes. The truth is, chainsaws are really an inefficient tool for nefarious purposes. Chainsaws are designed to cut through rigid, dense materials, like the wood of a tree trunk. In fact, even hardwood sometimes requires that you start a channel first before continuing your cut with the chainsaw. The teeth on the chain actually get clogged and jammed by soft material, like skin, or better yet, clothes. Thick but pliable material like cotton typically causes the chainsaw to either jam or in some cases, be pulled from your hands entirely. So in short: wear a hoodie.
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