Is There a Best Cordless Chainsaw for Home Use?
The best battery chainsaw for home use?
In truth this is a difficult question to answer as it will depend on what you want the saw to do for you? And how much you are willing to pay for it!
That is unlikely to ever be the same for everyone!
So the best we can do is highlight features we believe are important for a home user. Then match those to a few cordless chainsaws that have great track records and lots of satisfied buyers and users.(Scroll further down for these options)
Look at their features, and any obvious negatives, and then make a call based on what you need the chainsaw to do for you.
One important point. Remember we are talking about cordless chainsaws for use around your home.
So maybe a bit of pruning, or clearing up storm damage, or cutting some firewood. or taking camping.
In other words, we are not looking for a tool that you will use all day and every day to harvest a forest!
What Makes a Great Cordless Chainsaw For Home Use?
Here are some pointers to consider when looking for a cordless chainsaw for home use.
Light & Compact
We can’t think of too many scenarios where you are going to need a 16-inch bar or even a 14-inch bar. cordless chainsaw. So for most of us a 10-inch or 12-inch bar will be more than adequate.
For the those new to chainsaws, the bar is that metal bit that the chain runs around and the length of that bar is the effective cutting surface.
So a 10-inch bar would effectively be able to cut through a log slightly less than 10 inches in diameter without having to move it around too much to expose the chain cutting surface to the log.
Of course, the motor needs to be capable of getting through that size piece of wood, but more of that a bit later.
Top Handle Design….or not?
You also want to be able to store it away without having to rent a storage unit. So compact is good! Top handle chainsaws are shorter in overall length than the more conventional designs.
They also make it easier to carry the weight of the chainsaw while working as the weight is more below your hand/arms than stuck out in front of your body!
However, read this article about the original intention of the top handle design!
Two great chainsaws that are light,compact and have top handles are (first choice) the Makita 10 -inch bar cordless chainsaw pictured left (top) and the Dewalt 12-inch bar pictured below it.
The Makita gets the nod here because it is lighter and shorter than the Dewalt which means it is more compact and thus easier to maneuver.
The Craftsman 12-inch bar cordless chainsaw (red chainsaw – below left) also features a top handle design. However, it is even longer and heavier than the Dewalt so in this section that puts it behind the other two featured here.
So these are 3 really well respected models put out there by serious cordless tool manufacturers that are worth a close look!
This leads us to another important factor to consider when looking for a useful cordless chainsaw for around the house.
What other tools can I run off the battery that I have bought to power my chainsaw with?
All three of the brands above are associated with extensive cordless tool ranges that are powered by the same battery as the chainsaw. This might be worth taking into account if you are a DIY enthusiast!
You can check out these impressive array of tools by clicking on the links below.
Back to sorting out our best cordless chainsaw for using at home.
The next feature should be.
Powered by a Brushless Motor
Brushless vs Brushed
Brushless electric motors are the next generation of electric motors that are slowly but surely replacing the older brushed electric motor technology in cordless electric tools.
And chainsaws are no different!
More powerful, improved efficiencies, lower decibel output, improved motor longevity are a few advantages of brushless over brushed.
So given the option, brushless is the way to go!
In our context, only the Makita and Dewalt feature brushless electric motors.
The one potential downside of a cordless chainsaw powered by a brushless motor?
Cost! Yep unfortunately chainsaws equipped with brushless motors are more expensive! Its a factor but do remember the advantages.
Next, and closely related is
Chain Speed
Chain speed could be seen as the ultimate performance feature of a chainsaw!
The faster the chain speed, the easier and faster it cuts!
And isn’t that what we want from a chainsaw – efficient, fast cutting?
In this department there is one clear winner.
The Makita 10-inch bar
This little cordless chainsaw boasts a chain speed that tops out at 4720fpm (that is feet per minute) or 24m/s which is getting pretty close to some small gas driven chainsaws. And that is without the noise, smell and other gas powered chainsaw associated gremlins and irritations!
Also in the Race….but lagging
There are several other cordless chainsaws that have served homeowners well over the years. They still do and still sell well.
One of their advantages over these 3 chainsaws highlighted here is price.
Price is always a factor, but shouldn’t be the ONLY factor.
If a lower performing, yet still reliable cordless chainsaw is all you need then have a look at these three.
Greenworks 24V 10 Inch Chainsaw
As you can see also a top handle design.
It has a few nifty features like USB ports on the battery which allowes you to charge your phone or similar devices.
Is also part of a bigger range of battery driven tools
Sadly not powered by a brushless motor!
Worx WG 20V Power Share 10 Inch
So here is an interesting comparison vs the Makita.
Worx are happy to advertise this chainsaw as having a chain speed of 12,5ft/sec which is 3,8m/s. That is almost 6 x slower than the Makita!
But the Worx is much cheaper……..and forms part of the Worx 20V Power Share Platform
Black & Decker 20V Max 10 Inch
As you can see, like the Worx, not a top handle design.
This cordless chainsaw has been around a long time and yet it continues to sell well despite this. So full marks to Black & Decker for designing a cordless chainsaw that still satisfies customers today.(Its pricing might also help!)
As with all these options, it forms part of a bigger range of tools all powered by the same battery system
The Clear Winner
Taking into account design, weight, physical dimensions and performance capabilities, there is one clear winner here.
The Makita 10 inch bar cordless chainsaw!
Its only drawback – price! But hey, if you want the best, you are going to have to pay a little bit extra.
And if you are not convinced, then try looking at even more options here