Key Takeaways
- The Makita XCU03PT1 Chainsaw Kit is our top pick because of its durable and versatile design. It can handle everything from chopping large logs to trimming branches with ease—but it’s expensive.
- For smaller tasks, the BLACK+DECKER LCS1020B Cordless Chainsaw is a great budget pick.
- Chainsaws are an investment, though many last a lifetime. You can expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on the power output, blade size, and overall build.
Chainsaws vary greatly in terms of what they’re capable of, with small electric chainsaws working best on thin branches and larger gas chainsaws working best on thick logs. We’ve compiled the best chainsaws available, including the Makita and BLACK+DECKER, both of which are highly rated and easy to use.
Expect to spend a good amount if you want your new chainsaw to last for many years without fault. Some cost just under $100, while others can be upward of $500, depending on the build, power, and blade size, which ultimately determine how effective a chainsaw is.
To help you decide which type of chainsaw is best for your yard, we put together this guide of the four best chainsaws on the market while providing information on different factors and features that may affect which chainsaw you decide to buy. We’ve put together our top picks, and you can also read our guide to buying tools to help you make a smart purchase.
Top 4 Best Chainsaws
- Makita XCU03PT1 Chainsaw Kit: Best Kit
- BLACK+DECKER LCS1020B Cordless Chainsaw: Best For Small Tasks
- Greenworks 20262 Cordless Chainsaw: Lightest Chainsaw
- BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 Cordless Chainsaw: Best Handle
Compare Top Chainsaws
| Product | Blade Size | Power Source | Power Output | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Makita XCU03PT1 Chainsaw KitCheck Price | 14 inches | Electric | 36 volts | 22 pounds |
BLACK+DECKER LCS1020B Cordless ChainsawCheck Price | 10 inches | Electric | 20 volts | 7.6 pounds |
Greenworks 20262 Cordless ChainsawCheck Price | 12 inches | Electric | 40 volts | 6 pounds |
BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 Cordless ChainsawCheck Price | 12 inches | Electric | 40 volts | 10.4 pounds |
Best Kit
Makita XCU03PT1 Chainsaw Kit
This electric chainsaw kit from Makita comes with four lithium-ion batteries. It requires two batteries to run, so if the first two die, you can use the remaining two while the others recharge. The chainsaw also comes with a two-slot charger to charge two batteries at the same time.
Pros and Cons of Makita XCU03PT1 Chainsaw Kit
- Uses two batteries at once for more power
- Has a built-in LED on/off switch
- Has an automatic power-off switch to extend your batteries’ life
- Weighs over 22 pounds
- Not as powerful as gas models
What People Are Saying About The Makita XCU03PT1 Chainsaw Kit
Positive reviews pointed out that this chainsaw lasted a long time, especially considering that it’s battery-powered rather than gas-powered. Many reviews also said that it was versatile and could complete a variety of tasks. Negative reviews highlighted that this product’s automatic power-off function shuts down after a short period of time.
Best For Small Tasks
BLACK+DECKER LCS1020B Cordless Chainsaw
With its 20-volt battery and 10-inch blade, this BLACK+DECKER chainsaw works best for lighter tasks, such as trimming bush branches or cutting skinny tree limbs. It’s also lightweight at under eight pounds, allowing you to handle it for hours at a time without your arms getting tired.
Pros and Cons of BLACK+DECKER LCS1020B Cordless Chainsaw
- Has an affordable price
- Features a low kickback bar and chain
- Has a wraparound handle for maximum comfort
- Doesn’t come with the lithium-ion battery needed for operation
- Charger is sold separately
What People Are Saying About The BLACK+DECKER LCS1020B Cordless Chainsaw
Satisfied customers said that this chainsaw was easy to use and ideal for small jobs. Positive reviews also noted its long battery life that limited recharging breaks and its small size that made storage and handling easy. In contrast, negative reviews pointed out that it was too weak and small to cut through thick wood.
Lightest Chainsaw
Greenworks 20262 Cordless Chainsaw
This Greenworks chainsaw weighs just six pounds, making it light enough to easily carry around your yard as you conduct tree and bush maintenance. Additionally, the Greenworks cordless chainsaw has an automatic chain oiler that applies oil to the bar and chain for optimal use and a wraparound handle that allows for easy handling of the tool at different angles.
Pros and Cons of Greenworks 20262 Cordless Chainsaw
- Features an automatic chain-oiler function
- Has a 12-inch blade for small or medium jobs
- Comes with a battery and charger
- Customers noted that the chain sometimes came off the saw during use
- Not ideal for larger trees
What People Are Saying About The Greenworks 20262 Cordless Chainsaw
Positive reviews praised this cordless chainsaw for its long-lasting battery and lightweight design. Other reviews noted this model’s automatic chain-oiler function that kept the tool lubricated and easy to operate. Unsatisfied customers said that they had to tighten the chain frequently because it didn’t stay on the tool well.
Best Handle
BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 Cordless Chainsaw
This electric chainsaw from BLACK+DECKER has a rubber wraparound handle with grooves on both sides to make gripping it easier. This cordless chainsaw also offers multiple safety features, including tool-free chain tensioning, a front handguard, and a lock-off button.
Pros and Cons of BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 Cordless Chainsaw
- Has a front handguard for extra safety
- Features a lock-off button to prevent accidents
- Offers tool-free chain tensioning
- Some customers said it leaked oil on occasion
- Does not come with oil
What People Are Saying About The BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 Cordless Chainsaw
Satisfied customers pointed out that this cordless chainsaw worked for long periods of time. Many praised this model for being lightweight and maneuverable. On the other hand, negative reviews noted that this chainsaw leaked oil and only cut smaller branches.
Buyer’s Guide
Before purchasing a chainsaw, here are a few factors to consider.
Fuel Source
The two most common types of chainsaws are electric and gas. Electric chainsaws are powered by a cord or a battery. They’re lighter and more affordable than gas chainsaws, but they aren’t as powerful, working best for smaller projects, such as trimming tree limbs. A battery-powered model also has to be recharged periodically, and one with a cord is limited to how far that cord reaches. Gas chainsaws, on the other hand, are more powerful than electric chainsaws and are capable of cutting thick logs. However, they’re heavier, more expensive, more difficult to start, and more harmful to the environment.
Power
Electric chainsaws are usually measured in volts, while gas chainsaws are measured in cubic centimeters (cc). The higher the number for both, the more powerful the chainsaw. Common maximum voltages for battery-powered chainsaws, which measure the initial jolt of power when you turn them on, are 20 and 40. For gas chainsaws, a common cc range is 31-110.
Bar Measurement
This measurement refers to the usable part of the bar, which is the part that sticks out of the chainsaw’s casing. The bar length is the chainsaw’s full length, which is a few inches longer than its measurement because the first few inches are within the casing. Common measurements are 12, 16, 18, and 20 inches. A longer bar allows you to cut through thicker wood, but it also makes the machine heavier and more cumbersome.
Chain Brake
A common safety feature on chainsaws is a chain brake. This feature stops the chain from moving if it encounters an abrupt impact. Because of the risk of injury from the chainsaw’s blade, you’ll want to ensure that your model has this feature.
Extra Features
There are a variety of features that will make using your chainsaw easier. For example, a chainsaw with an automatic oiling system oils the tool for you without you having to press a button, and a tool-less chain adjustment allows you to change the tension of the chain quickly and easily.
Choosing the Right Chainsaw for Firewood
One of the most common uses of a chainsaw is to collect firewood. However, some types of wood produce more heat when burned, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Understanding the heat output of different wood species can help you choose the most efficient fuel for your fireplace or wood stove.
Here’s how some common firewood compare in terms of heat production:
- Beech: 6,871 BTUs per pound
- Black locust: 6,989 BTUs per pound
- Hard maple: 7,012 BTUs per pound
- Hickory: 6,999 BTUs per pound
- Red oak: 7,013 BTUs per pound
- Sugar maple: 6,864 BTUs per pound
- White ash: 6,998 BTUs per pound
- White oak: 6,991 BTUs per pound
How to Properly Harvest Firewood
Harvesting firewood requires careful planning and execution. Follow these steps to safely and efficiently cut down trees for firewood:
- Cut diagonally down into the trunk at a 70-degree angle to the ground until one-third of the way through it and a few inches above grade.
- Make a horizontal cut to complete a notch, then knock the wedge out of the trunk.
- Make the hinge cut. Slice toward the notch’s point or slightly higher from the opposite side, leaving an even strip of meat 3/4 to 2 inches wide. Shout “Timber!” Now, cut off the limbs.
- Assess the surrounding area for potential hazards or obstacles before felling.
- Establish and clear escape routes in case the tree falls unexpectedly.
Lifting Chainsaw Cut Lumber
Use a timber jack to cut a log into sections without pinching the saw blade. This tool helps elevate the log, making it easier to cut and reducing the risk of blade binding. Here’s how to use a timber jack effectively:
- Slip the jaw around the log a few feet from the cut end, with the T-shaped kickstand between you and the log. Push the handle away until the inside of the jaw touches the bark.
- Ease the handle back until the jaw bites and the kickstand jacks up the log.
- Lay the handle on the ground and saw the log into lengths that will fit in your fireplace.
- Reposition the timber jack as needed to support different sections of the log.
- Always maintain proper footing and balance while operating the chainsaw.
Splitting Lumber after Chainsaw Cuts
Once you’ve cut the logs to size, it’s time to split them for easier burning and storage. Follow these steps to split your firewood effectively:
- Stand the log section on a larger log or solid earth.
- Line up the splitting ax so that its blade meets the edge closest to you, with one-third of the blade hanging off—you don’t want to bury the blade in the center.
- Grasp the end of the handle with one hand and the top of the handle with the other, and raise the ax overhead.
- Now swing, letting the handle slip through the top hand, and drive the blade into the perimeter.
- For particularly stubborn logs, use wood-splitting wedges and a sledgehammer.
Quick Tip
- “If wood is your primary heat source, it’s worth investing in a log splitter. It’s a real labor-saver.” —Roger Cook, TOH Landscape Contractor
Chain Saw Safety and Maintenance
Proper safety and regular maintenance are necessary for chainsaw longevity and user protection. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hearing protection, and cut-resistant chaps. Keep your chain sharp and properly tensioned, and clean the air filter regularly. Store your chainsaw in a dry place and drain the fuel if unused for an extended period.
For safe operation, always be aware of your surroundings. Keep children and pets at a safe distance, and never operate your chainsaw when you’re tired or under the influence of substances that can impair your judgment. Periodically inspect the chain saw for signs of wear or damage and replace any worn-out parts before they become a safety hazard. These steps will help you enjoy a long-lasting and effective tool while minimizing the risk of accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you change a chainsaw blade?
Yes. You can change your chainsaw blade if it gets dull or if you want a different length. However, dull blades can be sharpened, and most chainsaws use a specific blade length that works best with their engine. Before moving forward with the change, read your user manual to see what the manufacturer recommends.
How do chainsaws start?
You can usually start electric chainsaws with the push of a button. With gas chainsaws, you have to pull a power cord repeatedly until the motor starts.
What is the catalytic converter in a gas chainsaw?
The catalytic converter is the part of the engine that filters the gas, preventing pollutants from entering the air. Catalytic converters are also common in other machinery with gas or diesel engines.
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