One of the most useful ways to utilize a chainsaw is to use it to cut old dead wood into firewood to get you through the long winter. There are some chainsaws that are better for this task than others. Read on to learn more about the best products for cutting firewood.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Chainsaw For Cutting Firewood
- OUR TOP PICK: Husqvarna 460 Rancher (60cc)
- RUNNER-UP: Makita XCU02Z 18V X2 12" Chain Saw
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: WORX WG303.1 Chain Saw
Comparison Chart of the Best Chainsaws For Cutting Firewood
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What Size of Chainsaw Do I Need?
If you have not worked with chainsaws before, it can be confusing to try and figure out what size you will need to accomplish your desired tasks. When we refer to a chainsaw’s size, we mean the length of its bar or the component of the saw that the chain rotates around when it is cutting.
Shorter bar lengths, such as around the sixteen-inch mark or under, work well for smaller, more precise types of cutting jobs, such as trimming trees or pruning hedges, or cleaning up your yard after a light storm has wreaked a mild degree of havoc.
They can handle cutting through trees, depending on what length, but you should not tackle large trees or intense cutting jobs with these models. Saws with longer bars up to eighteen inches are the most versatile. These saws can handle both large and small cuts with a level of precision and toughness. If your saw bar extends over twenty inches, it becomes difficult to make precise cuts, but these are the best models for heavy-duty cutting jobs.
How to Choose a Chainsaw for Cutting Firewood
How do you know that a saw will specifically cut firewood well? Here is what you should consider:
Bar Length
As mentioned above, chainsaw size can be a big factor in effectiveness. For chopping firewood, you will likely want a chainsaw with a longer bar, since you will not be needing to make precise cuts, but rather a large number of tough cuts.
Versatility
Admittedly, this quality may not be the most important if you are only looking for a saw that can handle cutting firewood. But chainsaws can do so much else! If you are going to spend this level of money, invest in a saw that can do more for you than just chop wood.
Durability
This quality is one of the most important when working with firewood because firewood is pretty dang tough. You want a saw that is tough enough to be able to match it, even if it is completely dried out.
Review of the Best Chainsaws for Cutting Firewood
All right, since you have a better sense of what you will need in a saw, let’s look at some actual products:
Best Overall:
Husqvarna 460 Rancher (60 cc)
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are big fans of the anti-vibration technology incorporated into this product. You will be able to cut for much longer without taking breaks in order to allow the feeling to return to your hands, so you are really maximizing your efficiency with this model.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There were a number of intentional design details on this model that drew us in, including a chain tensioner that was mounted on the side in order to prevent kickback.
Who Will Use This Most
This saw will cut through whatever you throw at it, even if it is the hardest level of wood available. If you have a large quantity of wood you need cutting, this is the product you have got to go with.
Bottom Line
The Husqvarna 460 Rancher (60 cc) is an all-around fantastic product option that was our top choice thanks to its sleek new technology and fancy design options to make your life easier. It is both larger and heavier than some of the other saws on this list, though.
Runner-up:
Makita XCU02Z 18V X2 12” Chain Saw
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers appreciate the variable speed motor on this model, which can easily be adjusted using a dial system. Plus, its power button is LED for easy visibility and comes with automatic switch-off features for added safety.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We were impressed by the automatic lubrication system on this model. It is able to keep the saw running smoothly without rusting, and without a ton of additional effort on the user’s part.
Who Will Use This Most
This saw is lighter than many of its competitor brands, so it is a great option for female users.
Bottom Line
The Makita XCU02Z 18V X2 12” Chain Saw is a top-notch saw that will make your life a lot easier with its automated oiling system and variable speed motor. Just be conscientious with sealing the oil tank after you use the saw because otherwise, it has a tendency to leak.
Best for the Money:
WORX WG303.1 Chain Saw
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers really like the patented systems you can only find a WORX saw, including the self-regulated tension system and the tightening system. One less thing (well, two fewer things really) that you will have to worry about!
Why it Stands Out to Us
We could not believe how little this saw is selling for. We honestly thought we were being scammed with a low-quality knockoff saw when we first saw the price, but we are happy to report that this is a genuine WORX saw, just at a steal of a deal.
Who Will Use This Most
This saw is a great option for amateurs or first-time users and is all in all an awesome starter chainsaw for casual use such as pruning trees and other smaller jobs.
Bottom Line
The WORX WG303.1 Chain Saw is a bomb little product that will streamline your process and save a good amount of money in your budget. There is one quality issue with this saw, though – the oil tank is sealed with cheap plastic.
4. BLACK + DECKER 40V MAX Cordless Chainsaw
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers love the battery power on this saw, which allows for much greater mobility. But also, with this battery specifically, you will be able to hold on to your charge for almost five times as long as other models’ batteries can, so you will have maximum efficiency levels.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Bale handle system on this model caught our eye. With a Bale handle, you can easily manipulate your saw into a variety of different positions, and it is guaranteed to always be comfortable to hold.
Who Will Use This Most
If you anticipate needing to do regular yard work, this is not the best saw option for you since it is not super durable. However, it is a great option for seniors to use thanks to its lighter weight and ease of maneuvering.
Bottom Line
The BLACK + DECKER 40V MAX Cordless Chainsaw is a great choice that is efficient and easy to use. Just keep in mind that it is a smaller product option that is not designed for high volumes of wood.
5. DEWALT DCCS620B 20V MAX XR 12” Cordless Chainsaw
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are impressed at the high-quality parts included in this machine. Both the chain and the bar are well made and are manufactured by Oregon, who is a reputable chainsaw parts brand you will be able to count on.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We were impressed at how easy this saw is to use, considering it is such a beast. Both its chain tensioning and bar tightening systems do not require tools to operate, and this machine is strong enough to cut through tree trunks that are up to sixteen inches in thickness!
Who Will Use This Most
Out of all of the other saws on this list, this model was the only one that was recommended not just for yard work, but for construction jobs as well.
Bottom Line
The DEWALT DCCS620B 20V MAX XR 12” Cordless Chainsaw is a phenomenal product option due to its high-quality parts and convenience features. Just keep in mind you will have to switch it off periodically in order to give its auto lubrication system time to work.
Conclusion
Chainsaws are one of the most efficient ways to chop up firewood quickly and effectively. Make sure you find yourself a model that will most fit your needs, whether that is specifically to cut firewood or to branch out beyond. We promise that you will not be able to go wrong with an option from our list here.
People Also Ask
Below are some of the most typical questions we hear about chainsaws for cutting firewood:
How Long Does a Chainsaw Chain Last?
The answer to this, as with many other chainsaw related questions, is that it depends. If you properly maintain your chain, as in you keep it well oiled and sharpened, it can last for years. If you do not give your chain the oil it needs to withstand rust, it will likely rust out and become unusable at a much faster rate.
What Do the Numbers on a Chainsaw Chain Mean?
Chainsaw chain numbers indicate three different measurements: the pitch, or how close together your chain’s links are; the gauge, or the thickness of the chain’s links; and finally, the total number of links on your chain.