How to Choose a Chainsaw

To evaluate chainsaws, we consider how well they cut, how easy they are to handle, and how safe they are to operate.

Using 10-inch-thick oak beams, we time how long it takes for each saw to work its way through the wood. We use oak because it’s one of the hardest woods most users will encounter on their property, and it makes for a particularly demanding test that reveals differences among models. Those models that cut fastest earn a higher rating for cutting speed. 

We assess how each saw handles, considering its weight and how easily it makes horizontal and vertical cuts. We also check for any vibration.

To judge ease of use, we consider several factors, including how simple it is to start, adjust, and maintain a saw. We also assess safety features, check for any kickback during cutting, and evaluate whether a model’s exhaust parts, such as the muffler, become excessively hot, which can pose a burn hazard. 

We add ratings for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction, which reflect what thousands of CR members have told us about their experiences with new chainsaws they purchased. Specifically, they reported whether their chainsaws ever broke or stopped working properly during the first five years of ownership, as well as whether they would recommend their chainsaw to a friend or family member.

Here we drill down into each type of chainsaw. We’ve also included electric loppers, which are a good option for small jobs and are safer to use when you’re cutting something above your shoulder level.

Chainsaws are involved in more than 27,000 accidents annually, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The most common injuries are lacerations, particularly to the arms and legs, and some of the most serious injuries occur when the saw’s chain snags and kicks back toward the operator’s chest and head. Chainsaws have safeguards, including an automatic chain brake, that are designed to reduce the hazard of kickbacks. But even if you have a model that’s fully loaded with safety features, you need to take some safety precautions.

Dress Smart
Start with snug-fitting clothing and sturdy, preferably steel-toed, work boots. Shield your legs with cut-resistant chaps and the backs of your hands with protective gloves, and wear a helmet with a face shield. You’ll also need hearing protection because practically all saws, including electric models, exceed the 85-decibel level at which hearing damage can occur.

Get a Grip and Stay Grounded
Grip gas-powered saws firmly when pull-starting and keep the saw on the ground; most handles include a spot for securing the saw with one foot while pulling the starter cord. Never saw while on a ladder or use the saw above shoulder height. If you must cut above shoulder height, use an electric lopper, whose encased cutting jaw makes it safer to use than a chainsaw, or hire a pro. And never saw using the tip of the chain and bar, where kickback can occur.

Maintenance Is Key
Upkeep is also an important factor in chainsaw safety. A chain that’s properly sharpened, tensioned, and oiled speeds cutting and helps prevent kickback while reducing wear on the chain and the bar on which it rides. A chain that’s too loose can also slip off the bar and toward the operator as it spins.

Remember Emissions
While most injuries associated with chainsaws are lacerations and amputations, all gasoline-powered tools produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that’s potentially fatal. Never run a gasoline-powered tool indoors or in any enclosed space. 

Keeping your chainsaw in good working order will not only prolong its life but also help ensure its safe and efficient operation. Whether you choose a gas-powered or electric model, a little regular care goes a long way.

Chainsaws have the potential to cause serious injury. That’s why you should always wear protective gear—including gloves, goggles, hearing protection, and cut-resistant chainsaw chaps—when using and maintaining your saw, as teeth on the blade are still sharp even if the chain is not moving.

Here are some tips to help keep your chainsaw operating safely, smoothly, and efficiently.

Gas Chainsaws
Gas models have more moving parts than electric saws, so they require slightly more upkeep.

• Check fuel and oil: Always use the correct fuel mix as recommended by the manufacturer. If the saw won’t be used for an extended period, either empty the gas tank or add a fuel stabilizer to avoid using stale fuel that could make the saw hard to start or keep it from running smoothly. 
• Inspect chain tension and sharpness: A loose chain can derail, while an overly tight one strains the bar and motor. Adjust the tension until the chain snaps back slightly when you pull it away from the bar. (Wear gloves.) One tip our testers use is that the chain should lift only as much as its own height. Don’t over-tighten the chain.
• Clean or replace the air filter periodically: Dust and wood particles can quickly clog the filter, so check it often and clean or replace it as needed to maintain airflow and performance.
• Check the spark plug: Inspect the spark plug for wear or carbon buildup, and replace it, following the manufacturer’s recommendation, or sooner if starting becomes difficult.
• Make sure the chain is lubricated: Proper lubrication reduces friction and extends the life of both the bar and chain, so keep the bar and chain oil reservoir filled.
• General maintenance: Remove wood chips and sawdust from the bar groove, sprocket, and around the air intake. Clean the exhaust and cooling fins to prevent overheating. Tighten any loose nuts, bolts, and screws before each use.

Electric Chainsaws
Electric chainsaws, both corded and battery-powered, are easier to maintain, but they still need attention.

• Inspect chain tension and sharpness: Just like gas models, the chain must be kept sharp and properly tensioned to cut cleanly and safely.
• Make sure the chain is lubricated: Most chainsaws of all types have an automatic oiler, but you’ll need to keep the reservoir filled with bar and chain oil.
• Inspect all cords. For corded models, check for any cuts, frays, or other signs of wear and tear. Use an outdoor-rated extension cord of the proper gauge.
• Maintain batteries: Battery-powered models should be charged using the charger supplied or recommended by the manufacturer. If possible, avoid completely draining the batteries, and store them partially charged if they won’t be used for extended periods. When not in use, store the batteries in a cool, dry place, and avoid extreme temperatures.

General Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance extends the life of your chainsaw, whether it’s gas or electric, and ensures safe, efficient performance. Here are detailed tips for both types:

• Clean after each use: Remove debris from the housing, vents, and bar groove.
• Check safety features: Ensure the chain brake, trigger lock, and hand guards work properly.
• Sharpen regularly: A dull chain forces the motor to work harder and increases the risk of kickback. Learn to sharpen the chain yourself or have it professionally serviced.
• Inspect the bar: Flip it occasionally to prevent uneven wear.
• Protect the chain: Lightly oil the chain and bar to prevent rust.
• Cover the bar: To protect the chain and prevent accidents, use a bar cover (scabbard) or case. Some models come with just a scabbard and no case.