The best chain saws can make storm cleanup easier

If all chain saws were to cut quickly, safely, and easily, you could simply buy what's left on the shelves after the next big storm. But the 20 gas and electric models in our chain saw reviews found that some clear driveway-blocking branches much more briskly than others. Weeks of slicing through dense oak beams also show that certain saws are more likely to kick back toward the operator—a major contributor to the about 30,000 chain-saw injuries each year. The details:

Two gas saws are top values. Gas-­powered saws cut quickest and work during a power failure. Speed and balance help make the Stihl MS 180 C-BE, $230, a CR Best Buy and our top saw overall. Also good for less: the Craftsman 34190, $150, which gives up some speed for a much lower price.

Corded electric beats cordless. Electric saws spare you from fueling, pull-starting, and tuneups. The corded Worx WG303.1, $100, sawed as quickly as some gas models. Battery-powered saws add the mobility of a gas model. But the Oregon CS250S and the Ryobi RY40510 were the slowest we tested. And at $200 for the Ryobi and $400 for the Oregon, they're also expensive for their performance. Neither got through more than eight cuts of our 10x10-inch beam before needing a recharge.

Some kick back. All of these saws have the narrow-tipped bar and less-aggressive chain teeth that most consumer models use to help keep the saw from kicking up and back toward the operator while cutting. The gas Poulan Pro PP4818 and Remington RM5118R snapped back more than the others when we rammed their tips into an oak beam to measure kickback. But like most we tested, both have a brake that stops the chain from spinning if kickback occurs.

The fastest gas models are best for extensive clearing or frequent cutting. But light-duty gas saws should handle most tasks. So should corded-electric saws, provided you're near an outlet or a generator. Here's what else to keep in mind.

Look for safety features. Along with a chain brake, look for some form of vibration dampening if you're considering a gas saw; all we tested except the light-duty gas Poulan P3816 have it.

Get the right gear. Essentials include Kevlar chaps, gloves, steel-tipped boots, and a helmet with a face shield. You'll also need hearing protection: Even most electric saws tested were loud enough to cause hearing damage over time. For corded electrics, check the manual to be sure your extension cord is long and thick enough.

Inspect before you buy. This spring, our secret shoppers found several saws at three Home Depot stores that had been used and returned but were back on shelves, coated with oil and sawdust. We later rechecked those locations, along with some Lowe's and Sears stores, and found another well-used saw at a Home Depot. Open the box to be sure the saw really is new. Refurbished saws sold at Home Depot should be labeled as such and discounted, according to store policy.

Use it carefully. Start a gas model on the ground or another secure surface at least 10 feet from a fuel source. Hold all chain saws with two hands while sawing. Don't lean into the cut or saw above shoulder level. And avoid cutting with the tip of the bar and chain to help minimize the chance of kickback.

Chain saws need some upkeep to cut as they should:

Keep the chain properly tensioned. One that's too tight will wear quickly; if it's too loose, it can slip off. With the engine off or the motor unplugged, adjust it after every 10 to 15 minutes of sawing by loosening the bar, placing a dime between the bar and chain, then retightening the bar before removing the dime.

Keep it sharp, clean, and oiled. Have a pro sharpen the chain (about $10) if you don't want to do it yourself—you'll see fine sawdust instead of chunks when it's time. Oregon's PowerSharp bar-and-chain system, $60, fits most saws and sharpens the teeth as they spin. Refill the bar-oil reservoir when needed; most saws today show the level at a glance. And remove the chain cover, chain, and bar for cleaning after each major use.

Keep the engine up to snuff. Gas saws usually require a mix of gas and oil. Consider buying premixed fuel without ethanol, which can harm small engines, according to industry experts. Price: about $5 to $8 a quart. Periodically brush sawdust off the air filter. And replace the spark plug annually.