What You Should Know Before Buying a Chainsaw

The modern chainsaw, an invaluable and convenient tool for any homeowner, is much smaller and lighter; a far cry from its mammoth predecessor, which required two professional loggers to operate it. Not everyone needs a chainsaw, but they are indispensable for tree trimming and removal and for cutting firewood. Chainsaw manufacturers offer the home user numerous sizes and features, and a little advice can help you find the right tool for your purposes.

There are gasoline, electric, and battery powered chainsaw engines. If you will be using your chainsaw in remote locations without convenient access to electricity, a gas chainsaw will be your best choice. Low power and the need for frequent recharging limits the functionality of battery chainsaws, but electrically-powered saws can be useful for occasional, light jobs that offer easy access to a power source.

The type of work you expect will determine your chainsaw power needs. Cutting softwoods such as pine or cedar requires less power than cutting maple, ash, oak or other hardwoods. Another important consideration is that a longer bar and more engine power will increase the weight of your chainsaw. Both gas and electric chainsaws require bigger engines to supply more power, and that, or a longer bar, will increase the weight of your chainsaw. Your anticipated job type will help you calculate the length of bar you need your chainsaw. Chain saws are available with bars ranging from 12 to 20 inches, and that length dictates the maximum diameter that the saw can cut through in a single pass. However, if you anticipate cutting mostly smaller jobs, don't purchase a chainsaw with a longer bar simply to cut larger trees or branches as the smaller saw will be able to accomplish the same thing with two passes.

Known as the world's most dangerous power tool, chainsaws also offer important safety features which should be investigated and compared. Gas chainsaws have a greater potential for chainsaw kickback than electric saws, which means they pose a greater risk to life and limb. Kickbacks happen when the end of the saw hits an obstruction and causes the saw's bar to jerk back toward the user. Modern chainsaws feature important safeguards such as kickback guards, low kickback chains, hand guards, chain brakes, vibration reduction systems, throttle lockouts, and chain catchers that work to protect the user from serious injuries.

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