Are you a homeowner? And searching for the best chainsaw that’s not outrageously costly or hard to handle? You’ve arrived at the right page. It can be difficult to know which is the best chainsaw for home use, with so many different items out there.
But don’t be afraid of buying a chainsaw. I’m going to help you through all the difficulties and teach you how to get the best homeowner chainsaw for your needs.
The reality is that for each person, the best chainsaw varies; but to make the correct purchase, I will go through all the specifics you need to remember.
Whether you need a cheap chainsaw to maintain your yard, or handy tools to make cutting firewood easier, or a heavy duty machine to cut down trees, you’ll find it here. See also our recommendations on the best cabinet table saw, the best electric chainsaw, the best chainsaw, and the best router saw.
How to Find the Best Chainsaw for Home Use
Here’s the thing. Every chainsaw does not fit for all your needs. Today, with varying sizes and specifications, there are so many types of chainsaws available that the variations of power tools are endless.
However, trying to put together a chainsaw buying guide like that would be impossible—and take days for you to read through—so we won’t be doing that.
Instead, my objective here is to easily help you find a best chainsaw for home use. And skip all the needless details to make a smart decision that you don’t need.
Ask Yourself a Few Questions
The following questions can help narrow down the best chainsaw for you to purchase. Learn and think about the responses by them. The next segment will then help you adapt the correct size and model of chainsaw to your specifications.
Why do you want a chainsaw?
Are you going to use it exclusively to prune trees, clear brush, cut firewood, cut down trees, or a mixture of those kinds of stuff? For example, only a small chainsaw (6 to 12 inches) is required for trimming jobs, while cutting down large trees requires something larger (18 to 20 inches) and better.
How much do you have a chainsaw?
Throughout the year, if you intend to use a chainsaw a lot, then you’ll want something more effective, like a model of a gas chainsaw. But if you’re only going to be used this few times a year it’s best to get a version of an electric chainsaw or battery chainsaw. Those versions are simpler to store and do not need as much maintenance.
Are noises important?
Where you live, are there noise ordinances or can you be as loud without repercussions as you want? If noise is a problem, because they are much quieter than gas chainsaw models, an electric chainsaw or battery chainsaw is the better option.
What level of experience do you have with a chainsaw?
This is an important question that is not considered by most people. If you’ve never used a chainsaw before then starting with a smaller, less realistic option that’s easy to handle might be better for you. If you wish, then upgrade to a bigger model. However, if you have expertise in using a chainsaw from around house, no matter how large it is, you can choose the one you like best on my list below.
See also: Best Chainsaw Safety Gear Equipments
Choosing a Chainsaw Size (Picking a Bar Length)
The guide bar on a chainsaw is the long blade that the chain spins around. They refer to the length of the guide bar when anyone claims they have a “20-inch chainsaw”. It is important to select the correct chainsaw size because it defines the type of cutting work you will do.
When you’re searching for the best homeowner chainsaw, bigger doesn’t necessarily equal better. You just want to fit the height of the guide bar to the thickness of the timber that you are cutting.
You wouldn’t need a big 20-inch chainsaw, for instance, to prune tiny tree limbs. A small 8-inch chainsaw wouldn’t be used to cut down a large oak tree either.
Here is a general overview of the lengths of chainsaw guide bars and the kinds of activities on which you can need each size.
Note: The term “felling” is another way of saying “cutting down” a tree.
Pruning limbs – 6″ to 10”
Removing braches – 8” to 12”
Felling small trees – 12” to 14”
Cutting firewood – 14″ to 16”
Felling medium trees – 16” to 18”
Felling large trees – 20″ and larger
As you will see, if you are searching for the best homeowner chainsaw to perform light activities such as pruning, cutting leaves, and felling small trees, then the best way to go is to get a narrower reference bar (6 ” to 14 “).
However if your aim is to cut firewood and cut down big trees, a wider guide bar (14′′ to 20′′ or larger) is what you would require.
See also: Best Gas Powered Chainsaw to Buy
Choosing a Chainsaw Type (Power Source)
After choosing the ideal size of the guide bar, the next thing you want to remember is how to control the chainsaw.
Here you have three choices: a gas chainsaw, a cordless battery chainsaw, and an electric chainsaw.
Here’s a quick summary for each one:
The most common form are Gas Chainsaws. They use fuel that contains a combination of gasoline and oil, and their portability is not restricted. They’re the most strong as well. The drawbacks are that chainsaws are the heaviest and loudest types. The smallest bar size for homeowner use is also 14 inches, making them more suitable for mild to real wood cutting work.
The second most common form is Battery Cordless Chainsaws. They charge the batteries that, depending on the model, will last anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour of cutting time on a full charge. They are less powerful, but offer just as much usability and are lightweight and quieter than gas chainsaws. The choices for bar length vary from 8 to 18 inches, giving you an option for all forms of wood cutting. The drawback is that these are the most costly kinds of chainsaws.
The cheapest sort is Electric Chainsaws. They are less efficient than gas chainsaws, but when they have been plugged into an electrical socket, they can operate all day without stopping. However the extension cord does hinder its portability. These variants are the lightest and quietest, on the upside. And for all manner of cutting tasks, they come with the largest range of lengths, 6 to 18 inches.
Best Homeowner Chainsaw Reviews & Buying Guide
There are literally hundreds of various chainsaw brands, sizes, and lengths out there for you to shop, as you have noticed.
However I have put together a list of the best chainsaws for homeowners for each bar size to make it easy, and not confuse you with too many options.
You should be secure that you are getting a high-quality chainsaw for an exceptional value by choosing either of these versions below.
Here is a collection of the best chainsaws for homeowners that you can purchase today. I’m going to start with the smallest size (6 inches) and work up (20 inches) my way.
Best Homeowner Chainsaws List
1. BLACK+DECKER Lopper Homeowner Chainsaw
May you will have to do a lot of tree pruning around the house? If so, you can assist get the work done faster with this electric lopper chainsaw. This is considered to be the best homeowner chainsaw to buy.
The design of the wrench handle helps you to cut through limbs like a pair of scissors you’re using. And the razor-sharp teeth make it convenient to use.
It requires an Automated Oiler (Fixed Flow) to maintain the chain lubricated, and needs just a few drops of oil in the reservoir to keep the chains in outstanding cutting condition during each application.
The chain will get loose over time. So a special Tool-Less Chain Tensioning System was included by BLACK+DECKER that instantly sets the correct chain tension for you each time you loosen the two chain cover nuts.
This lopper is the best bet for a compact portable electric chainsaw designed for light jobs around the house to help you speed through the job easily.
2. Sun Joe SWJ800E Pole Chainsaw for Home Use
You would require a chainsaw that can reach into the trees way up. If that’s the situation, then what you want and need is this simple to use pole chainsaw.
Its main aim is to cut tree limbs that are out of control and shorter branches. The telescopic pole stretches 8.7 feet in the air, providing a complete distance of 14 to 15 feet above ground level to the average human in height.
At 7 pounds, the weight of this electric chainsaw is great as well. It’s light enough to be used by everyone without getting tired too easily.
This tool also contains an Automatic Oiler (Fixed Flow) for lubricating the bar, much like the last chainsaw analysis. That means you never have to touch a thing to avoid the overheating of your chainsaw cord.
In order to secure or release the rope, the Tool-Less Chain Tensioning method is often simple and requires only a simple turn of a screw. This is an inexpensive and useful alternative if you need a best chainsaw to use in the yard for trimming tall trees.
3. WORX WG309 2-in-1 Chainsaw
I also added this review of the chainsaw since it brings you the best of all worlds. You get a 2-in-1 instrument that converts without much effort from a standard handheld electric chainsaw to a pole chainsaw.
This means that there is much more you can do than simply trim tree branches that are up in the air. Thicker trees, and wood that is lower to the ground, may also be cut. Smaller trees may also be cut into manageable logs that have collapsed.
At 8 feet tall, the pole extension is almost similar to my last review, allowing you just about the same amount of reach with this product.
This multi-purpose and quick to use chainsaw is difficult to beat for the money. Even if you’re considering a larger chainsaw on this list, it’s nice enough to have it on hand as an extra power tool.
4. Makita XCU02PT1 Homeowner Chainsaw
You’re now heading into the region at 12 inches in length, felling smaller trees and cutting smaller logs of firewood. What makes this one of the best homeowner chainsaws is that it delivers comfort, quality and high productivity.
In reality, to back it up, this cordless chainsaw has a considerable number of positive customer reviews. The most appealing feature of this chainsaw is that when you use the 4-battery pack, it will last up to two full hours of cutting time on a single charge. And at 20 minutes, the recharge time is the quickest you can find.
It’s a very light chainsaw as well. It is just over 10 pounds, even with the batteries attached. The Automatic Oiler (Adjustable Flow) for bar and chain lubrication is the best component, however. You can’t get better than this at all. This form of oiler self-lubricates the vital materials, but when harder jobs are at hand, it also offers you the opportunity to increase the amount of oil.
A final bonus of using a cordless chainsaw for your yard ventures is that the batteries in the model line are compatible with most power tools.
That means that if you stick to the Makita brand for other yard equipment, such as trimmers, mowers, edgers, etc you can save money.
5. Remington RM4214 Chainsaw for Home Use
I have to suggest this gas chainsaw here to get the best 14-inch chainsaw. No other model can compete when it comes to price, strength, and features.
And this chainsaw size is almost what you need for most homeowners to handle the majority of cutting jobs across the yard. It’s nice for tree trimming, smaller tree felling, firewood slicing, log breaking, and more.
Plus, you can also hack it down by doing a double pass on either side of the trunk if you come across a bigger tree (up to 28 inches).
As for features, this chainsaw has everything you’ll need (and more), including:
- Quickstart Technology for smoother starts.
- Automatic Oiler (Adjustable Flow) for optimal chain lubrication.
- 5-point Anti-Vibration System for reduced fatigue and longer holding times.
- Tool-Less Chain Tensioning System for easy chain adjustments.
- Bucking Spikes for digging the tool into tree logs for easier and more precise cuts.
If you want the best chainsaw for home use that you can use season after season, this is going to be your top choice.
6. DEWALT DCCS690M1 Chainsaw
A 16-inch chainsaw is a decent size to consider if you want a chain saw that can handle more reliable sets of heavy duty jobs, such as chopping wood, and felling medium-sized trees.
This length is a step below an 18-inch chainsaw, which I’m going to analyze next, but if you go for it this model will save you a decent amount of money.
The best feature of this chainsaw is that with the ease of running on batteries, it offers the efficiency of a gas chainsaw type. This not only saves you from breathing in fuel emissions, but also prevents the hassle and expense) of using gasoline.
Battery chainsaws are a more affordable alternative over the long term. You get one hour of heavy cutting time for each charge and recharging takes just over 60 minutes.
In terms of oiling the bar and chain, the Automated Oiler (Fixed Flow) is a nice feature for someone who wants a maintenance-free unit. And when you’re out in the field, the Tool-Less Chain Tensioning Method permits super-fast chain changes.
There is not much more about a homeowner chainsaw of this size that you might wish for.
Closing Thoughts on My Best Chainsaw for Home Use Reviews
The best chainsaw really comes down to your own interests and tastes, as you learned.
Although I did my best to share the top chainsaws you can use around the house with you, this is not an exhaustive list by any means.
In fact, to see an additional 10 chainsaws that are also good purchases for someone who is serious about the chainsaw craft, you can check out my best chainsaw review guide.
As for the best homeowner chainsaw, when it comes to power, electric, and battery equipment, the items on this page are your best choices. You should handle all types of cutting projects, depending on the scale you need to keep your home and yard clean of overgrown trees and brush.
I hope you enjoyed this guide on the best chainsaw for home use.