The 10 Best Chainsaws for Clearing Trees and Cutting Firewood

The 10 Best Chainsaws for Clearing Trees and Cutting Firewood

Whether you live in the freezing cold north and chop wood for your winter fires, or you reside in the swampy south and need to clear limbs and trees as they creep through your yard, a chainsaw can make your life much easier.

Useful for all kinds of work like clearing trees, cutting firewood, and even making ice sculptures, a chainsaw is a versatile tool that comes in a lot of different shapes, sizes, and types. We created this chainsaw product review and buyer’s guide resource to help you learn a little more about chainsaws and find the one that’s most suited to your needs.

Before we jump into a list of our top ten chainsaws, let’s briefly go over some chainsaw basics so you can more quickly find what you’re looking for.

What to Look for in a Chainsaw

While chainsaws are similar in terms of how they operate, there are a few key differences to pay attention to that have a big impact on which type is right for you. We’ll cover all of this in more detail in the buyer’s guide at the bottom, but here’s a brief rundown on what to pay attention to for now.

Chainsaw Types

Different types of chainsaws function in the same way, but come with their own benefits and drawbacks when it comes to the total burden of ownership and maintenance. There are three main types of chainsaws that are defined by their power source:

  • Gas Powered: Gas chainsaws generally offer more power and longer runtimes but come with a higher level of maintenance needs.
  • Corded: Corded electric chainsaws are plugged in like a vacuum and offer moderate cutting power. They are easy to use and maintain but are a lot less portable.
  • Cordless: Cordless electric chainsaws use power tool battery packs and offer portability, easy operation, and minimal maintenance, but they tend to have less cutting power and less runtime.

Chainsaw Size

When we talk about the size of chainsaws, we’re talking about the bar size. The “bar” on a chainsaw is essentially the blade of the cutting device. The chain spins around the bar to chew through wood and other materials. A bigger bar size means a larger cutting area, which allows for the chainsaw to more easily cut through thicker wood.

However, a bigger bar also increases the weight of the chainsaw while reducing its maneuverability. While a big bar will make cutting through large trees faster, a smaller bar is more practical and easier to use.

Chainsaw Power

As we mentioned, chainsaws come in three primary types: gas, corded, and cordless. In general, the power level of chainsaws typically follows that order: gas, corded, cordless.

Unfortunately, because each one uses a different power source, their power is measured using different units of measurement and therefore cannot easily be directly compared across their types. Gas chainsaws are measured in CCs, corded saws are measured in amps, and cordless ones are measured in volts.

Now that we’ve got the basics covered, let’s pull the start cord and get to our top ten list of the best chainsaws money can buy.

Top 10 Best Chainsaws 2023

1. Best Overall Chainsaw: DEWALT 20V MAX XR

DEWALT 20V MAX XR

Why we like it: The DEWALT 20V MAX XR is one of the most reliable and capable cordless chainsaws on the market.

Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:

  • Type: Cordless
  • Size: 12”
  • Power: 20V

Overview

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR is one of the smallest chainsaws on our list with a 12” bar and weighing in at only 8.8 pounds. It has all the standard features you’d expect to find on modern chainsaws: an auto-oiling system, easy chain tensioning, and tool-free bar tightening. As its name suggests, the DEWALT 20V MAX XR uses a 20-volt battery, and the chainsaw is available without a battery to save on cost if you already have compatible batteries at home.

Quality

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR was designed with usability in mind. Its smaller stature and weight make it perfect for tackling yard work without breaking your back in the process, but the DEWALT 20V MAX XR still manages to provide solid cutting performance. The primary drawbacks of this chainsaw are its lower chain speed and a tendency to leak oil.

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR’s chain speed is 25.2 feet/second which is great for sawing through thicker limbs and branches but not so good for dealing with thinner limbs because the chain can snag and tear lighter branches instead of cutting through them.

Who It’s Best For

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR is an excellent chainsaw offered at a reasonable price. Its small form and light weight make it ideal for homeowners that have a need for a chainsaw occasionally. You wouldn’t want to use this for clearing large trees, but it’s perfect for handling smaller jobs.

Pros

  • Lightweight at only 8.8 pounds
  • Quality build and features
  • Easy to use
  • Reliable

Cons

  • May leak bar oil
  • Chain speed could be better

2. Best Premium Chainsaw: Makita XCU03PT Chainsaw Kit

Makita XCU03PT Chainsaw Kit

Why we like it: The Makita XCU03 is a powerhouse chainsaw that offers the cutting power of a gas-powered chainsaw without all the hassle.

Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:

  • Type: Cordless
  • Size: 14”
  • Power: 2 x 18V

Overview

The Makita XCU03 is one of the best chainsaws money can buy. Powered by two 18 volt batteries, the Makita XCU03 can chew through just about anything you put in front of it. It has a variable speed trigger so you can maintain control as you work. The Makita XCU03 also sports tool-free chain and bar tensioning systems for on-the-fly adjustments.

Quality

Makita is a well-known brand name in the tool world. Their products are considered some of the best tools money can buy, and their chainsaw, the XCU03, is no exception to that. Weighing in at 16 pounds, the Makita XCU03 is one of the heaviest chainsaws on our list. Built for more serious chainsaw users that don’t want the hassle of gas saws, the Makita XCU03 outputs cutting power on the same level as a 32cc gas chainsaw.

On the downside, all that power does result in a fairly short battery life compared to other options on our list. In an effort to help improve battery life, Makita added a built-in LED on/off switch that has an auto power-off feature. However, this feature is probably one of the Makita XCU03’s biggest drawbacks as the on/off button is difficult to operate when wearing heavy gloves and the auto power-off function can result in the need to press that button often.

Who It’s Best For

The Makita XCU03 is designed for professional users like landscapers and construction workers. Its price point makes it a less attractive option for homeowners compared to other options on our list, but people who have a lot of clearing to do may opt for the power and usability offered by the Makita XCU03.

Pros

  • Gas-powered performance without the hassle
  • Variable speed trigger and multiple safety features
  • Tool-less adjustments

Cons

  • Auto power-off feature can be frustrating
  • Battery life isn’t great

3. Best Budget Chainsaw: Oregon CS1500

Oregon CS1500

Why we like it: The 18” Oregon CS1500 packs a solid punch and comes with some nice features at an incredibly affordable price.

Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:

  • Type: Corded
  • Size: 18”
  • Power: 15 Amp

Overview

The Oregon CS1500 is a corded electric chainsaw that offers 15 amps of sawing power. It also offers instant start capabilities and a lower noise profile than typical chainsaws. The PowerSharp system allows you to effortlessly keep your chainsaw’s blade razor-sharp. The chain remains oiled during use thanks to the Lubri-Tec oiling system, making the Oregon CS1500 a breeze to operate and maintain.

The Oregon CS1500 boasts an 18-inch guide bar at only 12.9 pounds, so you can power through tough jobs with the ease of a lighter saw. While it doesn’t have as much power as some of the other products found on our list, 15 amps provide enough throughput to get the job done without much effort.

Quality

While the internal components of the drive gear are metal, there is some plastic used in the housing which can melt if the saw is allowed to overheat. If this housing gets damaged, the chain will be much more prone to jumping. Paying heed to the owner’s manual and startup instructions will help prevent you from damaging the chainsaw, but you may need to take more breaks with this chainsaw to avoid overheating.

Who It’s Best For

Overall, the Oregon CS1500 is a solid machine offered at an incredible price. However, as it’s a corded electric chainsaw and a budget option, it’s probably not the best chainsaw for people who take on large jobs on a regular basis or for commercial use.

We think the Oregon CS1500 is an excellent chainsaw for homeowners that occasionally need to break out a saw to tackle work around the yard. Its quiet operation yet solid performance is perfect for doing yard work without driving your neighbors up the wall.

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Self-lubricating and self-sharpening
  • Instant start

Cons

  • Prone to overheating
  • Not great for commercial use

4. Best Gas Chainsaw: Remington RM4214CS Rebel

Remington RM4214CS Rebel

Why we like it: The Remington RM4214CS Rebel is a powerful yet practical gas-powered chainsaw that is surprisingly affordable.

Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:

  • Type: Gas
  • Size: 14”
  • Power: 42cc

Overview

The Remington RM4214CS Rebel gas-powered chainsaw sports a 42cc engine and a 14-inch bar for cutting through yard work with ease. While basically every gas-powered chainsaw boasts its “quickstart technology,” the Remington RM4214CS Rebel actually delivers on that promise. And the polymer chassis offers solid protection for the chainsaw’s guts without adding too much weight.

Quality

The Remington RM4214CS Rebel is a great machine that is backed by a 2-year limited warranty. The 3-point anti-vibration system allows you to keep chewing through wood all day long without excessive fatigue or blistering. While the Remington RM4214CS Rebel starts up easily initially, it can have difficulty restarting after it’s been in use.

On the downside, the chain tension can be a bit of a pain to get dialed in as it doesn’t use a tool-less tensioner and the chain tends to need readjusting fairly frequently. The emergency shutoff button is also poorly positioned and can be accidentally pressed during operation—leading to some frustration.

Who It’s Best For

The Remington RM4214CS Rebel is a great chainsaw for homeowners who are looking for something for frequent use. The 14” blade offers a great balance of cutting capability and lightweight, but the Remington Rebel is also available in 16” and 18” variations for people who have larger trees that need clearing.

Pros

  • Available in multiple bar length sizes
  • Available in multiple bar length sizes
  • 2-year limited warranty
  • Easy start and operation

Cons

  • Chain tensioning isn’t tool-less
  • Restarting during use can be a chore

5. BLACK+DECKER LCS1240

BLACK+DECKER LCS1240

Why we like it: The BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 cordless chainsaw is a lightweight saw that offers excellent cutting power, solid safety features, and simple operation.

Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:

  • Type: Cordless
  • Size: 12”
  • Power: 40V

Overview

The BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 is a great little chainsaw for taking care of pruning and limb cutting jobs around the yard. With a 12 inch bar and a total weight of roughly 10 pounds, the BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 is lightweight and easy to handle. It also uses an automatic oiling system that keeps the bar and chain well lubricated during operation to prevent overheating. And the tool-less chain tensioning mechanism offers quick and easy adjustments for minimal downtime.

Quality

BLACK+DECKER is known for making solid products that sit snugly in the range of affordability, and the BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 is no exception to that rule. This chainsaw gets the job done at a reasonable price. The 40V MAX 2.0Ah battery offers strong cutting performance and enough juice to handle a whole day’s worth of jobs on a single charge. Overall, the BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 is a great little chainsaw, but there are some reported issues of oil leakage.

Who It’s Best For

The BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 is a lightweight chainsaw that’s perfect for pruning branches and cutting up limbs and small trees around the house. The BLACK+DECKER LCS1240 can be purchased with or without the batteries, so you can save some extra cash if you have compatible batteries for other tools you already own. Its ease of operation and light weight make it great for homeowners—especially those who live in colder climates and do a lot of log splitting.

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to operate
  • Self-lubricating
  • Affordable yet powerful

Cons

  • Tendency to leak oil

6. BLACK+DECKER CS1518

BLACK+DECKER CS1518

Why we like it: The BLACK+DECKER CS1518 is an excellent budget corded chainsaw for homeowners and landscapers.

Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:

  • Type: Corded
  • Size: 18”
  • Power: 15 Amp

Overview

The BLACK+DECKER CS1518 is a low-cost, no-frills corded chainsaw with an 18” bar and a 15 amp motor. It uses an automatic oiling system and tool-free chain tensioning for ease of use. The BLACK+DECKER CS1518 also has a chain brake system for improved safety during operation. BLACK+DECKER also offers a 2-year limited warranty to help make this chainsaw a worry-free purchase.

Quality

The BLACK+DECKER CS1518’s large bar size and impressive power allow it to chew through large and harder-to-cut trees without too much trouble, especially for an electric chainsaw. Its longer bar makes it slightly less maneuverable than other options on our list, although sitting at roughly 12 pounds, it’s about average in weight.

The overall build quality is solid but not great, which is to be expected at this price range. The BLACK+DECKER CS1518 can get hot fairly easily and tends to use up a lot of bar oil during operation, but it’s a capable and affordable tool nonetheless.

Who It’s Best For

The low cost yet powerful BLACK+DECKER CS1518 is a great option for homeowners and landscapers that have need of a chainsaw occasionally. While this machine is a completely capable chainsaw, it doesn’t offer the same level of reliability as many of the products on our list. At this low of a price, it can easily be cheaper to buy one of these than renting a chainsaw a couple of times from a hardware store.

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • More than enough power for yard work
  • 2-year limited warranty

Cons

  • Heavy and a bit cumbersome
  • Uses a lot of bar oil

7. Remington RM4618 Outlaw

Remington RM4618 Outlaw

Why we like it: The Remington RM4618 Outlaw is a workhorse chainsaw that’s built for tackling big jobs with speed and efficiency.

Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:

  • Type: Gas
  • Size: 18”
  • Power: 46cc

Overview

The Remington RM4618 Outlaw is basically the Remington RM4214CS Rebel’s big brother. With an 18 inch bar and a 46cc engine, the Remington Outlaw is one of the biggest chainsaws on our list. The Remington RM4618 Outlaw also boasts quickstart technology and a 5-point anti-vibration system so you can saw all day long without experiencing excessive fatigue.

Quality

The Remington RM4618 Outlaw is a great machine backed by a 2-year limited warranty. It has all the features you’d expect to find on a professional-grade chainsaw: tool-free access, ergonomically designed handles, and an automatic oiling system.

At 16.4 pounds, the Remington RM4618 Outlaw is one of the heaviest saws on our list, making it less maneuverable and easy to use in comparison to the rest. The Remington RM4618 Outlaw also has a tendency to get vapor locked during heavy use, which can result in the need to allow the machine to cool down before you can resume operation.

Who It’s Best For

The Remington RM4618 Outlaw is designed with serious lumberjacks in mind. Its size and price make it a less ideal choice for homeowners that will only need a chainsaw occasionally. When it comes to professional level chainsaws, the Remington RM4618 Outlaw is a solid performer with great features offered at a reasonable price that makes it a viable budget option for people who regularly use chainsaws.

Pros

  • Powerful 46cc engine
  • 2-year limited warranty
  • 5-point anti-vibration system for comfortable operation

Cons

  • Big and heavy
  • Tendency to get vapor locked

8. Best Pole Saw: Worx WG309

Worx WG309

Why we like it: Pole saws are a great option for homeowners on the hunt for a chainsaw for yard work and the Worx WG309 is a great machine offered at an excellent price.

Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:

  • Type: Corded
  • Size: 10”
  • Power: 8 Amp

Overview

The Worx WG309 electric pole saw has a 10-inch bar with an auto chain tension system, tool-less attachment, and auto chain lubrication to make this chainsaw as easy to use as possible. This chainsaw can be detached from the pole to be used as a regular chainsaw or used with the pole to trim hard-to-reach limbs and branches with ease. At 10 pounds, the Worx WG309 is also one of the lightest saws on our list.

Quality

The Worx WG309 electric pole saw offers 8 feet of extension at only 10 pounds of total weight. Its 8 amp motor is capable of providing a chain speed of 28 feet/second, offering enough power to chew through limbs and branches as well as smaller trees. The auto-tensioning system prevents you from tightening the chain too much, but it also tends to allow the chain to loosen a bit during operation. Unfortunately, it has an annoying tendency to leak oil.

Who It’s Best For

The Worx WG309 is a solid piece of machinery with a lot of nice ease-of-use features sold at a reasonable price—making it a great option for homeowners that have the occasional need for some light chainsaw work.

As the only pole saw on our list, the Worx WG309 offers some benefits and drawbacks compared to the rest of our list. Pole saws are a great way to perform tree and shrub trimming, but beware of reaching too far as it can take a bit of muscle to keep this up in the air when used at full extension.

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • Pole saw gives you access to high branches without the need of a ladder
  • Capable and reasonably priced machine

Cons

  • Tendency to leak oil
  • Chain may require frequent adjustment when in use

9. Worx WG303.1

Worx WG303.1

Why we like it: The Worx WG303.1 is a powerful and inexpensive corded chainsaw that performs admirably and with ease.

Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:

  • Type: Corded
  • Size: 16”
  • Power: 14.5 Amp

Overview

The Worx WG303.1 corded electric chainsaw sports a 16-inch bar and a 14.5 amp motor for powering through large logs and branches without much effort. Like the Worx WG309 pole saw on our list, this chainsaw also uses an auto-tensioning system to make operation a breeze. At 11 pounds, the Worx WG303.1 sits in the middle range of chainsaw weights on our list—making it a reasonably maneuverable saw that shouldn’t be too difficult to operate for most users.

Quality

With a 14.5 amp motor and a 16-inch bar, the Worx WG303.1 offers a max chain speed of 32 feet/second. It also boasts a handful of ease-of-use and safety features like auto-tensioning, auto-lubrication, and a chain brake system that helps the chain quickly and safely come to a stop. As an added nice-to-have, the Worx WG303.1 also has metal spike bumpers above and below the base of the bar to help stabilize the saw when chewing through thick logs.

On the downside, the Worx WG303.1 has been known to use up a lot of bar oil during use and the oversized chain adjustment dial can catch on what you’re cutting and cause the chain to loosen during operation.

Who It’s Best For

The Worx WG303.1 is a capable electric saw offered at a low price, making it a solid option for homeowners that need to use a chainsaw from time to time. This chainsaw balances ease of use, cutting power, and price nicely.

Pros

  • Inexpensive but still capable
  • Powerful enough for heavy yard work
  • Great ease-of-use features

Cons

  • Uses a lot of bar oil
  • Chain can loosen while in use due to design of tensioning dial

10. Husqvarna 120 Mark II

Husqvarna 120 Mark II

Why we like it: The Husqvarna 120 Mark II is a lightweight chainsaw that provides excellent cutting power once you get it started.

Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance:

  • Type: Gas
  • Size: 16”
  • Power: 38.2cc

Overview

The Husqvarna 120 Mark II is quite compact and lightweight despite its 16” bar length. At only 10.7 pounds, this is one of the lightest chainsaws on our list despite its larger than average bar size. It provides strong cutting power with its 38.2cc engine and the Husqvarna 120 Mark II comes with standard features like anti-vibration, automatic oiling, and a tool-less tensioning system.

Quality

Husqvarna is a trusted power tool brand, and the 120 Mark II is a solid addition to their line of quality machines. The Husqvarna 120 Mark II provides reduced emissions and lower fuel consumption thanks to the X-Torq engine. Though it provides various benefits and solid performance, the 120 Mark II’s engine has a frustrating drawback.

While gas chainsaws are infamous for being difficult to get started, the Husqvarna 120 Mark II is especially well known for that annoyance. This chainsaw works great once you get it running steadily, but it’s known for being a tough starter and a bit touchy during operation with a tendency to stall at times.

Who It’s Best For

The Husqvarna 120 Mark II is a reasonable budget option for people who are on the hunt for a gas-powered chainsaw but don’t want to break the bank. While it is known for having trouble getting started, this machine is a reliable hard worker once it’s woken up. The price to performance ratio of the Husqvarna 120 Mark II is excellent if you can figure out how to get this thing running.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Solid cutting power and fuel efficiency
  • Low emissions

Cons

  • Can be an absolute bear to get running smoothly

Guide to Buying the Best Chainsaws

side view of chainsaw

Our detailed buyer’s guide provides additional information about the topics mentioned at the top of the product reviews along with safety tips and a chainsaws parts guide to help you make your purchasing decision.

Parts of a Chainsaw

Let’s start right off the bat with an overview of the parts that make up a chainsaw. Using the image above as a reference, we’ll start from the left and make our way over each important part of the chainsaw.

The bar or guide bar is like the blade of the chainsaw—it’s where the cutting happens. The chain is fixed to the guide bar and spins around it using its teeth to perform cuts. The part that sticks up the highest is the handguard with the front handle just behind it. The body of the chainsaw will have various knobs and tank caps for making adjustments and filling up gas and/or bar oil.

On the rear handle, you’ll find the lock-out button on top where your thumb should be placed. This button must be held down or locked into place to start the chainsaw and keep it running. The trigger on the underside of the rear handle is how you control the chain’s spin. Most chainsaws allow for variable chain speeds determined by how hard you pull in the trigger.

With the basics out of the way, let’s get into the different varieties of chainsaws.

Chainsaw Types and Sizes

We briefly talked about the three primary types of chainsaws: gas, corded, cordless above, but let’s go over more details about each type.

Gas Chainsaws

Gas saws are probably the kind most people think of whenever they think about a chainsaw. Known for being difficult to start, gas chainsaws are the go-to choice for people who have a lot of work that needs to get done.

Thanks to their gasoline-powered engines, gas chainsaws are capable of providing incredible cutting power and long runtimes. This makes them the go-to choice for most professional loggers or people that have large properties and a lot of wood to go through.

However, gas chainsaws are more difficult to operate and maintain compared to their counterparts. Not only do gas chainsaws tend to be difficult to get running, they can also often require some delicate handling to ensure they don’t overheat, stall, or get vapor locked. Gas-powered chainsaws can also be a bit more dangerous to operate due to the nature of gasoline engines, they also run hotter.

It’s important to read the material that comes with your chainsaw before you operate it. Most gas saws require gasoline mixed with engine oil (not bar oil), but the specific mixture can vary depending on the manufacturer. While operating and maintaining them takes some effort, it’s really not all that difficult. This video is a great resource for information on gas chainsaw maintenance.

Operating and maintaining a gas chainsaw requires a bit more effort and knowledge compared to electric chainsaws, but the power and reliability offered by gas saws is unparalleled. If you frequently have a lot of clearing you need to do or if you’re interested in getting into professional logging, gas chainsaws are the way to go.

Our favorite gas chainsaw is the Remington RM4214CS Rebel’s thanks to the overall value it provides with a great cost-to-performance ratio.

Corded Electric Chainsaws

A corded chainsaw is the easiest of all chainsaws to operate and maintain, but the cord can be a real hassle depending on the type of work you need the saw for. With all electric chainsaws, startup is a breeze, and there’s no need to worry about fuel mixing or vapor locking. While electric chainsaws can overheat and cause damage to the machine, they are typically less finicky than other types of saws.

Corded chainsaws generally offer a bit more power than the cordless variety, but that’s not true across the board. While the cord can be a pain in the neck to safely accommodate without having it get snagged or sawed, not having to worry about your battery going dry in the middle of a job is a nice advantage that corded chainsaws have over all other types of saws.

Maintenance is also pretty straightforward, but all chainsaws require some regular maintenance after every job to ensure they are kept in working condition for a long time to come. A corded electric chainsaw is a great option for homeowners that only occasionally have work that necessitates a chainsaw. They are inexpensive while being easy to operate and maintain—perfect for doing some light tree and brush trimming from time to time.

Our favorite corded chainsaw is the Oregon CS1500, which is also our overall choice for the best budget chainsaw thanks to its combination of capabilities and low cost.

Cordless Electric Chainsaws

Similar to corded electric chainsaws, cordless chainsaws are fairly easy to operate and maintain, especially when compared to gas chainsaws. Cordless chainsaws offer the same portability as a gas-powered chainsaw and some of the more expensive ones can output some serious cutting power.

However, their batteries tend to run out fairly quickly, requiring recharging or switch-outs to freshly charged batteries. In general, you can expect to get around 90 minutes of cutting performance per charge. Doing a day’s worth of work on a job site would require a large number of reserve batteries or frequent breaking for recharges, making electric chainsaws a poor choice for serious users.

Having said that, 1-2 hours of cutting is generally more than enough time to get down whatever yard work or house chores you have on your to-do list. Cordless chainsaws are a great choice for homeowners that use chainsaws for a short period of time with a fair amount of regularity. They are especially great if you already own compatible batteries for other power tools. Many of the cordless chainsaws on our list allow you to buy just the tool without included batteries so you can cut down on the cost of your purchase.

We think cordless chainsaws do a good job of providing good cutting performance, ease of use, and portability—making them the go-to choice for homeowners that are looking for a no-fuss chainsaw. The DEWALT 20V MAX XR is our favorite cordless chainsaw.

Pole Chainsaws

Pole chainsaws weren’t mentioned at the top because they are essentially a slight variation on the design of standard chainsaws. These chainsaws can come in all three varieties of chainsaws mentioned above, with the main difference being that they tend to be a lot smaller and lighter. They’re designed to be mounted on top of a pole to allow for operators to cut things out of their reach.

We only have one on our list, but we think the Worx WG309 pole saw provides the best bang for your buck if a pole chainsaw is what you’re looking for.

Chainsaw Safety

Chainsaws are known primarily for two things: being difficult to start and being quite dangerous to operate. According to the CDC, roughly 36,000 people are sent to the hospital each year due to chainsaw-related injuries. Staying safe while operating a chainsaw requires remaining alert to your surroundings and having a solid understanding of how your machine works.

While plenty of people use a chainsaw every day without issue, the fact is that chainsaws are relatively dangerous compared to many other tools. As with anything, taking the proper precautions and being mindful at all times during operation will help you enjoy a safe and productive time with your chainsaw.

It’s important to wear proper safety gear at all times during the operation of a chainsaw. The key pieces of equipment you should have before turning on a chainsaw are sturdy work gloves and some form of eye protection. Wearing long-sleeved clothing that isn’t loosely fitted will help protect you from your chain getting snagged and from debris as pieces of material often chip off and fly away during sawing.

Aside from wearing the proper gear, ensuring you operate your chainsaw correctly is also imperative to keep you and those around you safe from harm. Here are some tips for safely starting, running, and storing your chainsaw.

Quick Chainsaw Safety Tips

  • Always begin the process of starting your chainsaw by placing it on level ground that is clear of any obstacles or debris.
  • Engage the chain brake by pushing the front handle forward before starting the saw.
  • Allow the motor to wake up while the chain brake is on before you go straight to sawing away.
  • Maintain a firm grip on both handles at all times during operation.
  • Store the chainsaw securely with a blade guard covering the guide bar and chain.
  • Perform regular maintenance on your chainsaw and inspect it before and after each session.

Other Great Tools for Homeowners

Being a homeowner is incredibly rewarding, but it requires hard work, maintenance, and the right tools to keep up with the little day-to-day things. Think about some of the following products to make your life easier.

  • Pressure Washers: A pressure washer is an incredibly versatile tool, cleaning up facades, paint, brick, and concrete. The best part? A pressure washer can be purchased incredibly economically.
  • Snow Blowers: While you won’t have to do much yard work in the winter, you’ll definitely have to clean up all the snow falling out of the sky. A snowblower will save you time and back pain.
  • Riding Lawn Mowers: Anyone with a big yard knows how inconvenient and time consuming it can be to mow. Save time with a ride-on lawnmower.

The Bottom Line

Chainsaws are incredible and powerful tools that can make any number of cutting tasks a breeze. While they can be dangerous, proper adherence to safety regulations and maintaining alertness will go a long way in keeping you and others safe during operation.

We hope you found the right tool for the job or at least learned a bit about chainsaws while going over our resource. Good luck on your hunt and stay safe out there.