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A chainsaw can be handy to have around, whether you have trees to fell, limbs to trim or other odd jobs that require serious cutting power. Choose the type and size of your new saw based on what you’ll be using it for and your experience level.
Name | Average price | Type | Bar length (inches) | Weight (pounds) | Engine/motor | Purchase |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Husqvarna 460 Rancher![]() | $520 | Gas | 24 | 16.25 | 60.3 cubic centimeters | Buy now |
Echo CS-400-18![]() | $299 | Gas | 18 | 12.1 | 40.2 cubic centimeters | Buy now |
Jonsered-CS2255![]() | $429 | Gas | 20 | 15.5 | 55.5 cubic centimeters | Buy now |
Husqvarna 120i![]() | $299 | Battery | 14 | 6.5 | 40 volts | Buy now |
Makita UC4051A![]() | $240 | Corded | 14 | 14 | 110 volts | Buy now |
Black + Decker LCS1020![]() | $112 | Battery | 10 | 8.4 | 20 volts | Buy now |
Stihl MS 250 | $360 | Gas | 18 | 10.1 | 45.4 cubic centimeters |
You’ll find chainsaws with three main power sources: gas, electric and lithium batteries. There are benefits and drawbacks to each type, as outlined in this table:
Type | Best for | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Gas | Big jobs, such as cutting down large trees |
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Corded | Repetitive tasks in a small area, such as pruning trees or cutting firewood |
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Battery | Small jobs around the yard |
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When buying a new chainsaw, compare these features to find the best fit for you:
To figure out what size chain to use with your saw, you’ll need to measure the bar. To do this, simply measure from the tip of the bar to the point where it first emerges from the saw itself. Round up to the nearest whole number if you measure a fraction. This will be your bar length.
To determine the length of chain you need, you’ll need to find two measurements: the number of drive links and pitch.
To find the number of drive links:
To find the chain’s pitch:
If your chain has become dull and ineffective, you have three main options:
To sharpen a chain yourself, follow these steps:
Chainsaws can be dangerous tools if not used properly. Always read the entire user’s manual that came with your saw before operating.
In addition, follow good chainsaw safety practices, such as:
Chainsaws can make short work of a big project around the house, but the right one for you will depend on your experience, what type of jobs you’ll be doing and how much you want to spend.
Ready to buy? Compare top chainsaws
Consider comparing the best pole saws if you’ll be tackling a job high above your head.
We combined our own personal experiences and online research to create our list of the best chainsaws, comparing the type, size and overall features. We also factored in unbiased third-party product reviews.
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How important is the chain saw bar for better performance.
Hi Laizu,
Thanks for getting in touch! As it says on our page, chainsaws can make short work of a big project around the house, but the right one for you will depend on your experience, what type of jobs you’ll be doing and how much you want to spend.
Choose a chainsaw that will give you enough power to make your work easier and faster.
Hope this helps and happy cutting.
Best,
Nikki