Key Takeaways
- Chainsaws with longer bars can handle heavier work, but they’re typically heavier and require more effort to use.
- Saws with bar lengths between 6 and 18 inches are best for pruning and cleaning up fallen limbs around a home landscape.
- Bar lengths from 18 to 20 inches are best for medium and large trees and branches.
- Electric chainsaws are typically lighter, easier to use and require less maintenance.
- Gas chainsaws have the power and runtime to handle larger and longer cutting jobs.
- Look for features that make work safer, such as a low-kickback bar and chain, or more efficient, such as an automatic oiler.
- Make sure you use the right chainsaw safety gear, such as eye protection and hearing protection, steel-toe boots or shoes, and cut-resistant gloves and pants.
Chainsaw Sizes
Before you shop for a chainsaw, consider the work you plan to do. The size and type of wood you need to cut and your experience using a chainsaw are all factors when selecting the right model. Bar length is one way to judge a chainsaw’s size and the work it can handle. A chainsaw with a longer bar can cut larger-diameter wood in a single pass.
Best Chainsaws for Trimming Small Tree Branches
The best chainsaws for home use typically have bar lengths that range from 6 inches to 18 inches. These smaller saws are for trimming small branches and light cleanup of fallen limbs, while larger saws with bars from 16 to 18 inches can cut medium-size trees and logs
Best Chainsaws for Cutting Firewood and Larger Trees
Larger chainsaws with 18-inch to 20-inch bars are good for medium and large trees as well as storm cleanup and cutting firewood. A bar length of 20 inches or longer is often best for professional use.
Choosing a Chainsaw Size
Think about other factors related to chainsaw size:
- A longer bar and bigger motor or engine mean increased weight — something to consider if you need to use it for extended periods.
- Larger saws also create more vibration, take more effort to handle and increase safety concerns.
- A small chainsaw, while best for lighter cutting, is more manageable, especially if you don’t have much experience.
Types of Chainsaws
Choose between cordless electric chainsaws, corded electric chainsaws, gas chainsaws and pole saw chainsaws. Each has unique benefits and jobs they can handle. Lowe’s chainsaw selection features the best brands, like Husqvarna and CRAFTSMAN® chainsaws, for any job.
Electric Chainsaws
Corded and cordless electric chainsaws are good for small jobs like trimming, pruning and tasks that require less power and less time. These chainsaws are quieter and easier to start than a gas chainsaw and require less maintenance.
Cordless Chainsaws
A cordless chainsaw offers good mobility and less vibration. The electric motor is quieter and runs without producing emissions that a gas engine would. Some of the best battery chainsaws have brushless motors and higher-voltage batteries for long-lasting power. Battery-operated chainsaws can handle large tasks like cutting logs and tree trunks in addition to trimming smaller branches. To maximize your outdoor tool kit, look for equipment that uses the same battery and charger.
Corded Chainsaws
A corded chainsaw is lighter and doesn’t need to be charged. Like a cordless chainsaw, it’s quieter and doesn’t produce emissions during use. It does require a suitable extension cord that reaches the work area, so you may need to factor this into the cost. Your work area is limited by cord length, and you must keep the cord out of the way as you work. Follow the device manufacturer’s instructions for selecting a compatible extension cord.
Gas Chainsaws
Gas chainsaws combine power and mobility. They range from light-duty models to professional-grade saws that can cut down large trees. A gasoline-powered chainsaw cranks with a pull-start and has a two-cycle engine that operates on a mixture of oil and gasoline. You can mix the fuel yourself or purchase pre-blended fuel.
Pole Saw Chainsaws
A pole saw is a small chainsaw mounted on an extension pole. It increases your reach for pruning and removing small tree limbs. Pole saws are available in gasoline-powered, cordless and corded models. The handle of some models can be lengthened by attaching a solid extender piece, while other models have telescopic poles for maximum versatility. Already have a string trimmer in your arsenal? Opt for a pole saw attachment instead.
Chainsaw Power
Look for these factors when considering chainsaw size power:
- Engine displacement and horsepower on gasoline-powered models
- Voltage on cordless models
- Amperage on corded models
The higher these specs are, the more powerful the chainsaw.
Chainsaw Features
While size and power help determine the best electric chainsaw or gas chainsaw for your work, there are other features that improve comfort, safety and efficiency.
- Anti-vibration features make a chainsaw more comfortable to use and reduce fatigue. These systems are especially helpful if you have a lot of cutting to do.
- Spring-assist start reduces the pulling force needed to start a gas chainsaw.
- An automatic oiler lubricates the chain with bar and chain oil as you cut. Proper chain lubrication is necessary for safe and efficient cutting.
- A chain brake stops the chain when the saw encounters an abrupt movement or impact. On equipped models, you can also manually activate the chain brake.
- A low-kickback bar and chain help reduce the risk of kickback, where the saw is unexpectedly forced up and back at the user.
- Toolless chain adjustment allows you to change the cutting chain tension quickly and easily.
- A carrying case protects the saw and makes transporting easier and safer.
You may notice chain pitch and gauge specifications on your chainsaw. Pitch is the spacing of the rivets on the chain. It must correspond with the spacing of the teeth on the sprocket at the end of the bar. Gauge is the thickness of the chain. Make note of these measurements when purchasing a spare chainsaw chain, new chainsaw bar or bar and chain set.
Chainsaw Safety Equipment
Chainsaw safety equipment is necessary for use of any power equipment. Standard safety gear for operating a chain saw includes:
- Eye protection with side shields
- Hearing protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs
- Work boots or shoes with steel toes and slip-resistant soles
- Leg protection, such as chaps or cut-resistant pants
- Chainsaw gloves with enhanced gripping surfaces and cut resistance
- Chainsaw helmets that include head protection, face protection, neck guards and hearing protection
For more information on using a chainsaw safely, see our article on chainsaw safety. Our gas chainsaw and battery-operated chainsaw maintenance guides will tell you how to sharpen a chainsaw chain and keep your saw operating properly.
Keep a scrench tool (all-in-one tool), a chainsaw sharpening kit and chainsaw files on hand to make sure your chain is always ready to cut.
Make Your Work Easier With the Right Chainsaw
The right chainsaw makes trimming branches and cutting firewood quick and efficient. Shop chainsaws on Lowes.com by power source, bar length, brand and more to find the model that suits your landscape and the work you need to do. Not sure which chainsaw is right for you? Visit your local Lowe’s and talk to a Red Vest associate about the work you need to do. They can show you available models, explain features and make sure you get the right saw, as well as the safety gear and accessories you need to do the work right.
Choosing a Chainsaw: FAQ
Use the answers to these questions to match a chainsaw model to the work you need to do.
Which Chainsaw Is Best for Home Use?
A smaller chainsaw with a bar length from 6 to 18 inches is typically best for a homeowner. Smaller models are lighter and easier to control. Bar lengths from 6 to 14 inches can handle general landscape maintenance, while 16-inch and 18-inch blades can take on medium-size trees and logs. Gas chainsaws offer mobility, power and the ability to work longer, while electric saws are typically lighter and easier to maintain.
Is a Cordless Chainsaw Powerful Enough?
A cordless chainsaw can be a great option for a homeowner. Cordless models can handle general pruning as well as limb cleanup after a storm. These chainsaws are also lighter than a gas saw and require less maintenance. Look for cordless chainsaws that use batteries you can share with other outdoor equipment to get the most value from your purchase.
Do I Need to Use Bar Oil for a Chainsaw?
Yes, bar oil is essential to keep your saw cutting efficiently and to reduce wear on the chain, bar and engine or motor.