TOP-15 Best chain saws for home and garden

In the article, we figure out which electric saw is better to buy for home and summer cottages. The rating includes reliable network and battery models. Most owners and experts agree on whether that a chain saw for home use is better than a chainsaw... This is due to the fact that electric models are easier to maintain, do not emit smoke and fumes, and do not differ much in power from gasoline brothers. If you need to go to the forest and harvest deadwood there or there is no electricity on the site, then you still need to think about whether to take a cordless or gasoline saw. We will talk about the structural and operational differences between electric saws and chainsaws further. If you do not forget about the timely oil addition and do not try to saw the rails, then the saw will last a long time.

Electric chain saw will become an irreplaceable assistant when cutting firewood. It is relevant when pruning a garden. It will help out during construction and repairs, especially in enclosed spaces - it does not emit poisonous products of gasoline combustion and almost does not make noise. After regrinding or purchasing a rip sawing chain, it will help you stock up on some winter evenings. A good power saw can prepare a log for cutting on a sawing machine or turn it into a building bar. The powerful brand model can successfully carve garden sculptures from stumps and logs. Consider how and which saw to choose for specific tasks.

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How to choose a good chain saw

A good electric saw has several advantages over a gasoline saw and a couple of disadvantages.

What is better than an electric saw or a chainsaw

There are four main differences between gasoline and electric saws:

• Design.

The gasoline engine works thanks to at least A92 gasoline mixed with two-stroke oil; electric - electricity from the household network. The first motor has a longer resource, but it also makes much louder noise than an electric one and emits products of combustion of a mixture of gasoline and oil. Not all budget electric saws are equipped with an oil pump to automatically lubricate the chain and bar.

Motors in electric saws are located along or perpendicular to the bus:

• transverse placement - slightly shifted to the left along with the center of gravity - you will have to constantly apply efforts to restore balance - is it only suitable for bucking vertically lying logs;
• longitudinal - longer, but more comfortable, balanced and more maneuverable - suitable for harvesting building materials in small volumes, garden maintenance, construction and carpentry work.
• Power and performance.

The power of motors of electric saws rarely exceeds 2.5-2.8 kW due to the scope of application - for domestic needs this power is more than enough. Saws with motors of 3 kW or more are distinguished by increased weight.

The saw headset of electric saws rotates at a speed of about 9000 rpm, at chainsaw faster - about 12,000 rpm. Hence the difference in performance - the chainsaw copes faster with the cutting of hardwood, the electric saw overtakes it when it comes to soft species - linden, willow, poplar.

• Preparation for work and maintenance.

To start the electric saw, you need to unfold the extension cord, connect the unit to it and hold down two buttons. After a couple of tens of seconds of warming up, the tool is ready for use (in cold weather, the engine should be warmed up for a minute or two).Depending on the quality of the graphite brushes and the activity of use, they have to be changed every few years. The chain is tensioned both with a key and with a special lamb without the use of tools - depending on the model.

A gasoline saw is much more difficult to set up for use and maintain. To refuel it, you need gasoline with an octane rating of at least 90-92 with two-stroke oil in proportions of 1:50. Fuel and air filters need periodic cleaning and replacement, carburetors are often clogged - they should also be cleaned, the spark plug and piston also do not last forever. The carburetor has 3 adjusting screws: idle, low and high. With their help, the engine operation is adjusted. The chain is tensioned in two steps using a wrench and screwdriver. The engine starts with a manual starter mechanism in a couple of stages and needs a long warm-up (work at low idle speeds), especially in the cold - the operating temperature of gasoline engines starts from 60⁰ C.

Otherwise, both saws need to be cleaned of sawdust that gets clogged under the cover due to soaking in oil, add oil to lubricate the chain, tighten and sharpen the saw headset in time, replace the drive sprockets.

• Suitability for different conditions.

The chainsaw can work in rainy weather, far from civilization. The electrical grid requires a source of electrical energy and cannot be used far from your home or garage. Moving around the site or garden, you will have to constantly carry an extension cord with you (this does not apply to the battery, but the batteries need to be recharged). Electric is not recommended to operate in wet and, especially, rainy weather. The tool with an electric motor can be used in residential premises - it does not emit exhaust gases and is less noise.

What to look for when choosing

Please analyze the following specifications before purchasing.

Engine power most models range from 1.5 to 2.5 kW. Choose according to the scope of work, the thickness of the logs, the scope, the quality of materials and components (depending on the price) and even maintenance. Take a cheap model with a power reserve. Compact rechargeable batteries have a power of around 1.1 kW.

Bus length - depends on the diameter of the trees to be treated: a 10-12 "tire is enough for gardening and travel, 14-16" with a 1.8-2 kW engine for firewood and construction, 16-18 "for cutting and loosening thick logs power over 2 kW.

Chain pitch - the distance between the first and third rivets. For a household tool it equals 0.325 "and you shouldn't bother with it. With an indicator of 0.375 "(more often they write 3/8" - it's easier to distinguish) are found in professional chainsaws.

Motor power type - battery or network - depends on the scope of application, preferences. For work away from a power source - only a battery model, it will also make it convenient to move around the garden and yard. Batteries make the structure heavier and more expensive than the network counterpart, over time their capacity decreases. Saws are often supplied without batteries and charger, with one battery - be careful.

Output - for home use, it is better to take an electric saw, if you often go out into the countryside or own a large garden - a rechargeable one.

Rating of electric saws for quality and reliability

Any saw with an electric motor will cut down a tree in the garden, cut firewood in the yard and speed up the construction of wooden structures.

Good Japanese quality electric saw with 2 kW motor located along the body. This minimizes the size and facilitates felling trees on the site. Thanks to its balanced weight, it fits perfectly in the hand when cutting in any position. The design allows for tensioning, changing the chain and removing the bar without tools. The soft start option reduces the starting load on the motor, allowing precise cuts.

Features:

• service without tools;
• automatic chain lubrication;
• double button will prevent accidental start;
• motor overload protection.

A reliable model that has incorporated the achievements of the company. It features a keyless chain tensioner and an adjusting bolt - a rare occurrence even on expensive models. The latter limits the amount of oil supplied for lubrication. Balancing allows you to wield the tool in any position during filing, sawing and sawing. An emergency chain lock stops it in case of kickback. A mechanical oil pump automatically pumps lubricant to the wearing parts.

Features:

• comes with a cheap chain;
• rubberized grip for a firm grip;
• adjustable oil pump;
• brushes with extended service life.

Compact saw with a balanced design and handle for easy sawing in various positions. The stainless steel chain catcher fixes it in three planes. An oil pump with a regulator negates tool service. You need to store it on a surface that is not afraid of oil - it flows out, or without it. With the tool-free chain tensioning and changing system, you don't have to carry a wrench with a screwdriver with you.
Features:

• oil level control window;
• steel chain catcher;
• no tools required for maintenance;
• The coast brake stops the headset when the power is turned off.

The budget saw with a 16-inch tire and a 2.3 kW motor - achieves the performance of inexpensive chainsaws - can cut and open thick logs, but requires a minimum of maintenance. The brake stops the chain in a fraction of a second after you remove your finger from the trigger to prevent injury. The anti-vibration coating of the handles reduces the transmission of mechanical vibrations to the hands. The cable holder prevents the plug from falling out of the extension cord socket.

Features:

• supplied with lubricant;
• chain tension with a wing;
• protection against accidental start;
• anti-vibration system;
• anti-slip coating of handles.

Domestic tool for sawing and sawing wood with a longitudinal arrangement of the electric motor. Automatic oil supply minimizes maintenance and keeps the saw always ready to use. To increase operator safety, the start button is protected against accidental starting. A time-lag fuse will stop the circuit on kickback. The metal spiked bumper makes work easier and safer.

Features:

• longitudinal arrangement reduces gyroscopic moment;
• quick change of carbon brushes;
• plunger pump for chain lubrication;
• tool-free service.

A small saw with a powerful electric motor that allows the chain teeth to plunge into wood of any hardness. The metal stop, unlike the plastic ones that most budget models are equipped with, will not start splitting after a couple of cubes of sawn wood. The start key is protected against accidental pressing. Soft start will make the launch more comfortable and reduce the load on the mechanics. The chain stops immediately after the trigger is released to increase your safety.

Features:

• cable clamp;
• does not require maintenance except for adding oil;
• rubberized handles will not fall out of gloved hands;
• a range of protections to minimize injury and damage.

The best inexpensive electric chain saws for home and garden

An inexpensive electric saw is enough to prepare firewood for a bathhouse, home or summer cottage.

Lightweight saw for sawing wood, garden maintenance and construction. The 2 kW motor produces less noise than analogs. A lock on the back prevents the plug from detaching from the extension cord. Anti-vibration coated handle does not slip even when wearing gloves. The handbrake stops the engine on rebound and acts as a shield. The chain is tightened with a screwdriver, which is typical for inexpensive models.

Features:

• the motor heats up quickly;
• there is no window to control the oil level;
• manual adjustment of the chain tension;
• consumes a lot of oil, there is no regulator.

A budget option for seasonal harvesting of firewood in small quantities and garden maintenance. The cable hook will prevent the carrier from disconnecting and prevent damage to the standard cable. An oil pump lubricates the bar chain to extend its life. The oil level is visible through the window. For safety reasons, the overrun brake stops the chain when the start button is released.

Features:

• manual tension of the saw headset;
• compact tire - 35 cm;
• steel stop;
• sawdust accumulates under the casing;
• there is no vibration.

Low-cost chain saw for sawing wood and construction sites with 35cm bar. Due to its low cost, the gearbox makes loud crunchy sounds. There is not enough power for longitudinal sawing - it is problematic to procure material for a carpentry workshop. Mechanical chain brake and hand guard will prevent operator injury. The automatic oil supply to the saw head reduces maintenance down to adding lubricant and tightening the cutting head.
Features:

• loud gear;
• trauma protection system;
• minimal maintenance;
• quick replacement of brushes.

A powerful and low-cost device for tree crosscutting, household construction. Due to the transverse position of the engine, it is inconvenient to dissolve and cut trees. Like any saw, it is equipped with a mechanical inertial chain brake and a button with protection against unintentional start. The quick stop option will prevent injury and damage to the mechanism due to jamming or kickback.
Features:

• chain tension with a lamb;
• handles with vibration damping devices;
• metal toothed stop for sawing large logs;
• instant brake engagement.

Cordless saws

Portable models will allow you to get rid of dragging cables and work away from a power source.

High-quality portable saw with a pair of batteries with a total voltage of 36 V. The indicator visualizes the charge of the batteries.The BL Motor technology directs all energy to useful work, minimizes maintenance and prolongs service life. Anti-slip rubberized grips reduce fatigue and increase tool grip. The cutting tool is tensioned by an external swivel wing.

Features:

• Safety Matic chain instant stop mechanism;
• long autonomy;
• brushless electric motor;
• visual control of the oil level.

The lightweight saw for the gardener - trimming trees, sawing off sawmills and thin trees for firewood. The compact tire of 30 cm and a weight of 2.75 kg allows you to feel comfortable on stairs and even in a tree, operating at various angles, including overhead. A universal 2 Ah battery will allow up to half an hour, and a 4 Ah battery - up to an hour to saw branches or firewood in nature - an assistant to a fisherman, hunter, tourist, picnic lover. The saw must not be overloaded - it shuts down at high load.

Features:

• rubberized handle;
• replacement and tensioning of the chain without a key;
• universal battery compatible with other equipment;
• visual control of the oil level.

A tiny and maneuverable helper for summer cottages and gardens. The low weight allows you to cut and cut branches and shrubs for a long time without fatigue. The splint tip protects the branches and the operator from injury, increases the cleanliness of the cut, and therefore the speed of wound healing after pruning. Bosch SDS technology eliminates the need for a wrench and screwdriver to service the bar and chain. The universal battery is compatible with other equipment from the manufacturer.

Features:

• protective tip;
• non-instrumental service technology;
• indication of charge and oil level;
• fast battery charging.

The compact companion for backyard farming, gardening and nature trips. With a 25 cm rail, it can cut a medium-thick log. Weight less than 3 kg reduces operator strain; cuts in any position and direction. A wide toothed stop made of durable plastic stabilizes the cut when working with thick material, the brake will protect you when the saw is thrown away when cutting carelessly. The telescopic extension turns the saw into a pole saw.

Features:

• telescopic extension;
• window for assessing the level of lubrication;
• automatic tension of the saw headset;
• the inertia brake stops the motor when the tire rebounds.

Miniaturized G40CS30 with reduced bar length and tension - the delimber for garden and outdoor activities. Doesn't take up much space even on a bike or in a backpack. Supplied with a lightweight silicon steel bar and high quality Oregon chain. Fixed and tensioned without keys. The grip will not slip out of your hands even when gripping with frozen hands or with gloves.

Features:

• up to 45 minutes of autonomy;
• brush motor;
• automatic chain lubrication;
• visual control of the oil level.

It is easy to choose a saw for construction work from the options in the rating, harvesting firewood, caring for the garden and cleaning the newly purchased area from thickets. Powerful models with a chain regrind for a longitudinal cut are able to prepare a little lumber for a carpentry workshop or construction site.

Video: How to Choose a Good Electric Chain Saw