What Size Chainsaw Do I Need: Expert Advice

Buying a chainsaw may seem like a daunting task, but this guide will help you find a chainsaw of the right size for you. A chainsaw is a powerful tool that can make quick work of many tasks, from cutting firewood to trimming trees. Chainsaws come in a variety of sizes, from small handheld models to large, powerful saws.

What Size Chainsaw Do I Need?
The size of the chainsaw you need will depend on the type of work you plan to do with it. The basic thing is that the chainsaw must be at least 2 inches longer than the thickness of what you’re sawing.

Chainsaw Basics

A man saws a tree

Chainsaws are powerful tools that can be used for a variety of purposes. In general, chainsaws are used for cutting down trees, but they can also be used for other purposes such as trimming branches, cutting firewood, and even carving.

Chainsaws come in a variety of sizes and designs, but they all have one thing in common: a chain that is driven by a motor. The chain is what does the actual cutting, and the motor is what powers the chain.

Chainsaws can be powered by gas, electricity, or battery. Gas-powered chainsaws are the most common type, and they are generally the most powerful. Electric chainsaws are less powerful than gas-powered chainsaws, but they are much quieter and emit no fumes. Battery-powered chainsaws are the least powerful type, but they are very convenient because you don’t have to worry about refueling them.

Chainsaws also come in a variety of chain types. The most common type is the standard chain, which is made of steel. There are also carbide chains, which are more expensive but stay sharp longer.

How to Choose the Right Size Chainsaw

The most important feature to consider when choosing a chainsaw is its size. There are three main types of chainsaws: small, medium, and large.

  1. Small chainsaws are typically used for light tasks such as pruning and trimming.
  2. Medium chainsaws are more powerful and can be used for tasks such as felling small trees.
  3. Large chainsaws are the most powerful and are typically used for tasks such as felling large trees.

Also, you need to remember the type of wood you’re cutting. Softer woods like pine and fir can be cut with smaller chainsaws, while harder woods like oak and maple require larger chainsaws. The best size chainsaw for homeowners is a medium chainsaw. In general, you need to choose the one that is most suitable for the task at hand.

Recommended Chainsaw Sizes for Each Task

Chainsaw size is extremely important. If you have a saw that is too big, it can be difficult to handle and dangerous. If you have one that is too small, it won’t be able to handle the task at hand.
In general, a chainsaw should be about the same size as your forearm. If it’s smaller, it can be difficult to control. If it’s bigger, it can be hard to maneuver. Here’s a chainsaw size guide to choosing.
The following are some general recommendations for chainsaw sizes based on the task at hand:

  • pruning: 14” or 16”;
  • felling small trees: 18”;
  • felling medium-sized trees: 20” to 24”;
  • felling large trees: 26” or more.

Of course, these are just general recommendations. The best size chainsaw for you will also depend on your strength, experience, and the type of wood you’re working with. If you’re not sure which size to get, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and get a saw that’s a little too big rather than one that’s too small.

Occasional Light Use

The occasional light use chainsaw is best for tasks such as pruning and light cutting. For this occasional light use, a small chainsaw, such as a 14-inch or 16-inch, will be sufficient.

Moderate Use

The moderate-use chainsaw is best for tasks such as felling small trees and cutting medium-sized logs. For this moderate use, a medium-sized chainsaw, such as an 18-inch or 20-inch, will be sufficient.

Heavy-Duty Use

Sawed-off branch with the saw's help

The heavy-duty use chainsaw is best for tasks such as felling large trees and cutting large logs. For this heavy-duty use, a large chainsaw, such as a 24-inch or 36-inch, will be necessary.

Other Considerations

There are a few other considerations that you should keep in mind when answering the question, “what is the best size chainsaw for home use?”. First, you should choose a saw that is comfortable for you to use. If you are going to be using the saw for extended periods of time, you will want to make sure that it is not too heavy or too large for you to handle.

Second, you should choose a saw that is appropriate for the tasks that you will be using it for. If you only need a saw for occasional light use, there is no need to get a heavy-duty saw. Conversely, if you are going to be using the saw for heavy-duty tasks, you will want to make sure that you get a saw that is up to the task.

If Your Chainsaw Size is Too Long

If your chainsaw size is too long, you will have to use a smaller chain. This will cause the cutting to be less efficient, and you will have to make more cuts to get through the same amount of wood. Also, if your chainsaw size is too long, you may need to adjust the bar to fit your saw. You can do this by loosening the bar nuts and moving the bar to the desired position.

If Your Chainsaw Size Is Not Long Enough

If your chainsaw size is too short, you will not be able to cut through the wood as efficiently. You may also find that the chain gets stuck in the wood more often. Also, if your chainsaw size is not long enough, you can either use a different chainsaw or use a different type of saw.

FAQ

What is a good size chainsaw for cutting down trees?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific tree and the user’s individual preferences. However, a general guideline is that a chainsaw with a bar length of at least 16-18 inches is necessary for cutting down trees.

Man cutting down tree with chainsaw

Should I buy an 18 or 20-inch chainsaw?

The size of the chainsaw you buy should be based on the thickness of the tree trunk you plan to cut. If you need it for light work, then get the 18-inch. If you need it for heavy work, then get the 20-inch.

What size of chainsaw do I need?

This depends on the size of the tree that you are cutting. If you are cutting a small tree, you will need a smaller chainsaw. If you are cutting a large tree, you will need a larger chainsaw.

Also read:

Conclusion

I hope my article helped you find the answer to the question, “what size of chainsaw do I need?”. For the average homeowner, a small chainsaw is the best choice. A small chainsaw is easy to use and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. It is also easy to store and transport. A small chainsaw is ideal for cutting small limbs and trimming trees. If you need to cut large limbs or logs, then you should consider a medium or large chainsaw.

I hope you’ve found this article helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.

Sean Chapman
Sean Chapman

“A good tool stays with you for many years and choosing carefully ensures the job is done right, your work is neat, and the tool is always a pleasure to use”

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