Chainsaw Buying Guide
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A good chainsaw buying guide can walk you through the entire process of buying the perfect chainsaw for your project. You don't need to spend a fortune to buy a quality chainsaw, you just need to do your homework.
Chainsaw Buying Guide
Chainsaws come in many sizes and types. There are both electric chainsaws and gas-powered chainsaws. Which you choose depends upon the task at hand.
Size the Chainsaw Correctly
A chainsaw is one of the most dangerous tools you can use. However, sized appropriately and used correctly, it can be one of the most useful tools you'll ever own. The critical factor in choosing a safe chainsaw is making sure to balance power needs against weight limitations.
Some things to consider before going shopping at the nearest hardware store:
- What is the average size of wood you plan on cutting? Are they mostly 8, 12, or 28 inch trees? Or do you only intend to cut much smaller 2 to 4 inch limbs? The diameter of wood you plan to cut will determine the bar length you will require. Bar length is the distance from the cutting tip to the chainsaw housing.
- How often do you plan to cut? Are you planning to only cut a few trees over the weekend, or do you intend to take a truck to a selected cutting area and cut several chords of firewood for the winter? Are you planning to cut several times a year, or only once a year?
- Who will be using the chainsaw? Chainsaws can vary greatly in weight depending on its size and power. It's very important to size the chainsaw according to the size and strength of the person who will be using it. After a long session of cutting wood, a large chainsaw can start to feel very heavy. It is very unsafe to use a chainsaw that is larger than you can handle.
- What kind of wood will you be cutting? Harder wood requires more power to cut. So if you are mostly planning on cutting oak or maple, you will need to buy more power. If most of your cutting will involve pine or fir, you can get away with cutting back on power.
Additional Safety Considerations
When you start shopping for a chainsaw, make sure to bring a list of safety equipment that you'll need to purchase as well. Never attempt to use a chainsaw without wearing all of the necessary protective equipment including:
- Gloves with good grip
- Chaps or leggings that resist cuts
- Hard hat
- Safety glasses
- Earplugs or earmuffs
- Steel toe boots or shoes
Top Rated Chainsaw Models
According to the 2008 chainsaw reviews on ConsumerSearch, the following chainsaws rated the best out of a list of 55 chainsaws.
- Homelite Ranger UT10532: At the top of the list for gas-powered chainsaws is the Homelite Ranger. It is considered the best overall budget when performance is compared to other chainsaws in the same price range. The UT10532 has a number of comfort features and an anti-kickback guard for safety, a must-have for first time users. It provides automatic oiling, however chain tension adjustment is manual. With a two-year warranty, this chainsaw is an excellent value for homeowners at $130.
- Stihl MS 180 C-BE: At the pricier end of the gas-powered range of chainsaws is the Stihl MS 180. Considered by reviewers as the top-quality gas chainsaw, the Stihl is a bit more powerful and comfortable than the budget chainsaws. This model is ideal for homeowners who plan to cut enough wood for an entire season of home heating with a wood stove or [How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace|fireplace]. It features automatic oiling and chain tension adjustment, and adds another level of safety with a kickback sensor. The average price of this chainsaw with a one-year warranty is $250.
- Craftsman 34118: Considered the best budget electric chainsaw, the Craftsman offers tool-free tension adjustment, automatic chain oiling, 100 feet of electric cord, and an inertia chain brake. The only drawback is the higher level of noise, according to reviews. Considering the cost of gas today, however, the savings can be invested into a good set of earplugs. Recommended for gardening and trimming, this chainsaw offers a one-year warranty and is the least expensive option at about $120.
- Husqvarna 316: If the noise level of the budget Craftsman is too much to bear, consider the highest rated quality electric chainsaw, the Husqvarna 316. Reviews recommend this chainsaw for it speed and quiet operation. This chainsaw is ideal for homeowners who are looking to cut down on gas consumption this year, but still require a chainsaw with enough power to cut firewood. It offers a 100-foot cord, automatic chain brake and a two year warranty at an average price if $230.
Purchasing a Chainsaw
According to any chainsaw buying guide, the best time of year to purchase a chainsaw in order to find the lowest prices is typically during the winter, preferably just after the holidays. You'll find the best deals on chainsaws in January or February.
Before you consider buying any model online, always visit the store and hold a few models to make sure that it is sized appropriately for your strength and body size. When it comes to chainsaws, bigger is not better.
The ideal chainsaw is one that becomes a perfect extension of your arm that you have no trouble controlling. This means that the chainsaw should not be disproportionately large. As power goes up, so does weight. Buy the most power you can afford, but only as much weight as you can easily carry for several hours. This will ensure that you can cut wood both quickly and safely.
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