What Chainsaw to Buy? A Practical Guide to Chainsaw Types, Uses and Must‑Have Accessories

Last updated: February 9, 2026

Buying a chainsaw is one of those decisions that feels simple until you start comparing power sources, bar lengths, chain types, and “extras” like oils, sharpeners and protective kit. The good news is that once you match the saw to the jobs you actually plan to do, the “right” choice usually becomes obvious.

If you want to browse what’s available first, start with Toolden’s main Chainsaws category. From there, you can narrow down to petrol chainsaws, cordless chainsaws, electric chainsaws, and specialist options, plus essentials like chainsaw chains and chain oil.

In this guide, we’ll break chainsaws down in two ways:

Along the way, you’ll also see recommended brands and popular models from Toolden’s range, plus how to choose your first saw safely and sensibly.

Shop All Chainsaws

Shop All Chainsaws


Table of Contents

Chainsaws by Power Source

Petrol Chainsaws

Petrol chainsaws are built for maximum cutting performance and long sessions where you cannot rely on mains power. They’re especially popular for heavy-duty work, rural settings, larger gardens, and any job where mobility matters but you still need serious power.

If you already know petrol is the way you want to go, jump into the Chainsaws range and keep an eye on engine size (cc), bar length, weight, and vibration control.

Primary uses for petrol chainsaws

Petrol saws are a strong fit for:

Pros

Cons

Recommended brands (and why)

Recommended petrol chainsaw models

  1. Hyundai HYC6200X 62cc 2‑Stroke 20″ Petrol Chainsaw
    A bigger, heavy‑duty option designed for tough sawing requirements. A 20″ bar is a good match for larger rounds and substantial timber, and it’s aimed at users who want serious cutting speed and stamina.
  2. Draper 80103 450mm Petrol Chainsaw 45cc 1700W
    A mid‑range petrol choice that suits general property work such as cutting logs, removing fallen branches, and tackling thicker garden timber without stepping up to the largest engine sizes.
  3. Draper 15042 250mm Petrol Chainsaw (25.4cc) with Oregon Chain and Bar
    A smaller petrol chainsaw aimed at pruning and lighter work where a larger machine is unnecessary. This is one to consider if you want petrol convenience but prefer a more compact, small chainsaw format.

Battery‑Powered (Cordless) Chainsaws

Cordless chainsaws have become a go‑to option for home and garden use because they’re quick to start, easy to maintain, and far quieter than petrol. For most people buying their first saw, a cordless model is often the easiest entry point, especially if you already own batteries on a platform.

You can explore the full range in the Chainsaws category, or browse by ecosystem via brand pages like Makita Chainsaws, DeWalt Chainsaws, and Milwaukee Chainsaws.

Primary uses for cordless chainsaws

Cordless models are ideal for:

Pros

Cons

Recommended brands (and why)

Recommended cordless chainsaw models

  1. Makita DUC353Z Twin 18V LXT Brushless 350mm Chainsaw (Body Only)
    A strong all‑rounder if you want cordless freedom with serious cutting capability. Twin battery setups are popular for bridging the gap between standard 18V tools and heavier tasks.
  2. DeWalt DCM565N‑XJ 18V XR Brushless 30cm Chainsaw (Body Only)
    A practical choice for trimming and small‑tree work. The 30cm bar length suits a lot of garden jobs, and it’s a sensible small chainsaw option if you want manageable weight and control.
  3. DeWalt DCMCS574N 54V XR Flexvolt 45cm Cordless Chainsaw (Body Only)
    A high-output cordless saw designed for tougher cutting, larger timber, and longer sessions. If you want cordless power that leans towards petrol‑like performance, this is the kind of step-up model to compare.
  4. Milwaukee M18FCHS35‑0 FUEL 35cm Bar Chainsaw (Body Only)
    A robust cordless option with a bar length that balances control and cutting reach. Ideal if you want a more trade‑oriented cordless chainsaw for regular use.
Makita DUC353Z Twin 18V LXT Brushless 350mm Chainsaw (Body Only)

Makita DUC353Z Twin 18V LXT Brushless 350mm Chainsaw (Body Only)

DeWalt DCM565N‑XJ 18V XR Brushless 30cm Chainsaw (Body Only)

DeWalt DCM565N‑XJ 18V XR Brushless 30cm Chainsaw (Body Only)

DeWalt DCMCS574N 54V XR Flexvolt 45cm Cordless Chainsaw (Body Only)

DeWalt DCMCS574N 54V XR Flexvolt 45cm Cordless Chainsaw (Body Only)

Milwaukee M18FCHS35‑0 FUEL 35cm Bar Chainsaw (Body Only)

Milwaukee M18FCHS35‑0 FUEL 35cm Bar Chainsaw (Body Only)

Read more

If you’re leaning cordless and want a curated shortlist, see Top 5 cordless chainsaws for safe and efficient tree cutting.


Corded Electric Chainsaws

Electric chainsaws (corded) are often the simplest to live with. Plug in, fill chain oil, and cut. They’re typically lighter than petrol models, they do not need battery charging, and they’re ideal for consistent jobs near the house where power is available.

Corded options sit alongside other saw types in Chainsaws.

Primary uses for corded electric chainsaws

Corded electric chainsaws are great for:

Pros

Cons

Recommended brands (and why)

Recommended corded electric chainsaw models

  1. Black & Decker CS2245‑GB 450mm Chainsaw 2200W 230V
    A high‑wattage corded saw with a longer bar length, suited to bigger garden cuts and regular log processing near the house.
  2. Makita UC4041A 240V 40cm Electric Chainsaw
    A strong option if you want a quality corded saw for repeated use, with a bar length that covers most household timber jobs.
  3. Makita UC3551A 110V 35cm Electric Chainsaw
    A site-style 110V variant that can suit specific work environments where 110V tools are standard, while still delivering corded consistency.

Manual Chainsaws

A manual chainsaw can mean a few different things in everyday language. Some people mean a pocket chain saw (a hand‑powered chain), while others are really looking for manual pruning saws and bow saws that do the same garden jobs without a motor.

If your main goal is occasional pruning, clean cuts on branches, and minimal maintenance, it’s worth browsing Pruning Saws as well as the powered Chainsaws category.

Primary uses for manual saw options

Manual tools make sense for:

Pros

Cons

Recommended brands (and why)

Recommended manual “chainsaw” alternatives (manual pruning saw models)

  1. Bahco 396‑LAP Laplander Folding Pruning Saw 190mm
    A compact folding saw that’s easy to carry and ideal for quick branch cuts with good control.
  2. Roughneck 66‑800 Gorilla Fast Cut Pruning Saw 350mm
    A longer manual saw that suits thicker branches, giving you more reach and faster cuts than smaller folding options.
  3. Fiskars Xtract SW73 Garden Pruning Saw 160mm
    A compact, tidy design that’s well suited to pruning and controlled cuts.
  4. Kent & Stowe K/S70100446 Turbo Folding Saw
    A handy folding saw for general garden pruning where you want something simple, light, and easy to store.

If you’re still unsure whether you need powered cutting at all, starting with a quality manual saw can be a surprisingly good first step.


Specialty Chainsaws

Pole, Telescopic and Extendable Saws

Pole and extendable saws are designed for one job: reaching branches you would rather not climb for. Some are powered pole saws (essentially a small chainsaw head on a long shaft), while others are manual pruners with extendable reach.

If height and access are the challenge, this is often the safest “first upgrade” before you consider ladders and risky cutting positions.

Primary uses

Pros

Cons

Recommended brands (and why)

Recommended pole and extendable saw models

  1. Hyundai HYPS5200X 52cc 2‑Stroke Long Reach Petrol Pole Saw/Pruner/Chainsaw
    A petrol-powered long reach option designed to tackle hard-to-reach branches with serious cutting power.
  2. Milwaukee M18FOPH‑CSA Quik‑Lok Chainsaw Attachment
    A modular attachment that makes sense if you already run a compatible power head and want reach cutting as part of a multi-tool setup.
  3. Fiskars PowerGear X Telescopic Tree Pruner
    A manual telescopic solution for pruning and trimming without fuel, noise, or charging.

Professional Top‑Handle and Arborist Saws

A top-handle chainsaw is designed for trained users working in trees and tight positions, commonly for arborist tasks. They’re compact, powerful, and made for all-day productivity, but they are not beginner-friendly. If you’re new to chainsaws, a rear-handle saw is usually the safer place to start.

If you’re buying for professional use, it’s still smart to compare models in the main Chainsaws category and then filter by the type of work you do most.

Primary uses

Pros

Cons

Recommended brands (and why)

Recommended models to compare for professional use

  1. Milwaukee M18 FTHCHS30‑0 Top Handle Chainsaw (Body Only)
    A true top‑handle format designed for professional handling and demanding use.
  2. DeWalt DCMCS574N 54V XR Flexvolt 45cm Cordless Chainsaw (Body Only)
    Not a top-handle, but a serious professional-grade cordless option to compare if you want power for heavy cutting.
  3. Milwaukee M18FCHS35‑0 FUEL 35cm Bar Chainsaw (Body Only)
    A tough cordless rear-handle saw that suits frequent cutting and heavier garden work.
  4. Makita DUC353Z Twin 18V LXT Brushless 350mm Chainsaw (Body Only)
    Another popular “workhorse” cordless option if you want high capability and a widely used battery platform.

Mini Chainsaws

A mini chainsaw is usually a compact pruning saw or a very small-bar cordless chainsaw designed for quick cuts, tight spaces, and light trimming. If you’ve got lots of small jobs, a mini chainsaw can be genuinely useful because it’s quicker than hand tools but far less intimidating than a big petrol saw.

For broader options, start from Chainsaws and then compare compact models by bar length and weight.

Primary uses

Pros

Cons

Recommended brands (and why)

Recommended mini and small chainsaw models

  1. Makita DUC150Z 18V LXT Brushless Pruning Saw 150mm (Body Only)
    A true mini chainsaw style tool aimed at pruning. Ideal when you want fast, neat cuts without hauling out a full-size chainsaw.
  2. DeWalt DCM565N‑XJ 18V XR Brushless 30cm Chainsaw (Body Only)
    A compact, small chainsaw option that still feels like a “proper” chainsaw for light tree work and general maintenance.
  3. Draper 15042 250mm Petrol Chainsaw (25.4cc)
    A smaller petrol option if you want petrol convenience in a more compact format for pruning and lighter cuts.
  4. Bahco Laplander Folding Pruning Saw
    Not powered, but an excellent ultra-portable alternative when you want compact cutting with minimal fuss.

How to Choose Your First Saw: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

Use this quick checklist to narrow down your best match.


Protective Work Equipment

Chainsaws are not forgiving tools. Protective equipment reduces risk dramatically, and it also tends to make you a calmer, more controlled operator.

At minimum, consider browsing Toolden’s PPE before your first cut.

What to look for:

If you do only occasional garden pruning, you might still be tempted to skip PPE. That’s usually when accidents happen, because “quick jobs” are when people rush.


How to Use a Chainsaw Safely

A full chainsaw safety course is the gold standard, but even as a home user you can dramatically reduce risk by sticking to a few non-negotiables:

If you’re doing anything beyond basic garden trimming, especially felling, consider training and professional help. It’s not just about skill, it’s about planning and judgement.


Attachments, Accessories and Consumables

Accessories are where chainsaws become easier to live with. They also help you cut better, safer, and with less wear on the saw.

To browse the essentials, start with Gardening Power Tool Accessories.

Chainsaw Mills

Chainsaw mills are attachments that convert a suitable chainsaw into a portable lumber mill, allowing you to cut planks and beams from logs. They’re popular for milling boards on-site where moving heavy timber is difficult.

Key things to know before you commit:

If you’re exploring milling or other add-ons, browse Gardening Power Tool Accessories and consider whether a powerful petrol saw or high output cordless saw is the better base tool.

Chainsaw Chains

Chainsaw chains are not universal. The “right” chain depends on:

If you’re replacing a chain, matching the existing chain specs is usually the safest route.

A good example of a model-specific chain option is DeWalt DT20692‑QZ Chainsaw Chain 35cm, which is designed to fit specific DeWalt applications.

For a wider selection, browse Gardening Power Tool Accessories alongside the main Chainsaws range.

Chainsaw Chain Sharpener

Sharp chains cut faster, straighter, and with less effort. Blunt chains:

If you want an easy, consistent sharpening setup, consider an electric sharpener like:

For broader sharpening options (files, stones, general sharpeners), explore Tool Sharpeners & Whetstones.

Chainsaw Chain Oil

Chainsaw chain oil is essential. It lubricates the bar and chain to reduce friction and heat, improving cut quality and extending the life of the bar, chain, and sprocket.

Two straightforward options to compare:

You can also browse more lubrication options under Oil & Lubricants.


Things to Consider Before Choosing Your First Saw

Guide bar length

Bar length should match your typical timber size, not your ambitions. A longer bar can cut larger pieces, but it is harder to control and often heavier.

As a beginner, a shorter bar is frequently the better choice because:

Engine displacement (cc) or voltage (V)

Ease of use matters

Look for features that reduce setup hassle:

Weight matters: lightweight for better handling

A chainsaw that is “powerful enough” but comfortable is usually the saw you’ll actually use. If you find yourself fighting the weight, you’ll make poorer decisions and you’ll stop enjoying the work.

Safety features for new users

Prioritise:

Simple controls and low maintenance

This is where cordless chainsaws and corded electric chainsaws shine. Petrol is brilliant, but it asks more of you.

Perfect for light to medium tasks

For most first-time buyers doing garden work:


FAQs

What oil can I use instead of chainsaw oil?

Use proper bar and chain oil whenever possible, because it’s designed to stick to the chain at speed. If you’re in a genuine emergency, a light vegetable oil can work short-term, but it won’t protect as well and may fling off more easily. Avoid used engine oil completely.
If you need the right product, start with chainsaw chain oil or browse Oil & Lubricants.

Can I use a chainsaw in the rain?

It’s best to avoid it. Wet conditions increase slipping risk, reduce visibility, and can make timber behave unpredictably. For electric and cordless chainsaws, rain also adds electrical and battery safety concerns. If you must work in damp conditions, keep it light, prioritise footing, and stop if conditions worsen.

Do I need a chainsaw licence for private use in the UK?

For private, domestic use on your own property, there isn’t typically a specific “chainsaw licence” requirement. However, if you’re using a chainsaw for work, on a jobsite, or as part of employment, training and proof of competence are commonly required by employers and site rules. Regardless of legal wording, training is strongly recommended for safe use.

Can a chainsaw be used to trim hedges?

It’s not recommended. Chainsaws are designed for wood cutting, not shaping hedges. You’ll get ragged cuts, you’re more likely to damage plants, and the risk profile is far higher than using the correct tool. For hedges, a hedge trimmer is the right choice. Use a mini chainsaw or pruning saw only for occasional thicker hedge stems that are more “branch” than “leafy hedge”.

Can anyone use a chainsaw?

Anyone can physically pick one up, but not everyone should. Chainsaws require judgement, safe technique, and proper protective equipment. If you’re inexperienced, start with light pruning jobs, use PPE, and consider a manual option first such as Pruning Saws before moving up to powered chainsaws.

How much bar oil does a chainsaw use?

It varies by saw, oiler setting, chain speed, and timber type. A simple rule of thumb is to check bar oil frequently and refill before it runs low. Many petrol saw users aim to use roughly a tank of chain oil per tank of fuel, but your exact usage can differ. Running dry is one of the quickest ways to wear out a bar and chain.

What is the 6 foot rule for chainsaws?

A sensible minimum is to keep an exclusion zone of at least 6 feet (about 2 metres) around the operator for basic cutting, so no one is close enough to be struck by debris, a moving log, or the saw itself. For felling trees, the safe distance should be far greater, often measured in multiple tree lengths. When in doubt, increase distance and control the area.

How to determine the length of a chainsaw chain?

Chain “length” is usually defined by drive links, plus the chain’s pitch and gauge. The safest way is:

  1. Check the markings on the bar or in the saw manual (pitch, gauge, drive links).
  2. If you’re replacing an old chain, count the drive links on the existing chain.
  3. Match the replacement chain to those exact specs.

If you’re shopping compatible chains, browse Gardening Power Tool Accessories and look for chains that match your saw’s requirements.


Storage, Cleaning and Maintenance Advice

Wondering how to store a chainsaw when not in use? Think clean, dry, protected, and ready for the next session.

Use this checklist:


Conclusion

The best chainsaw is the one that matches your real work, your space, and your confidence level.

When you’re ready to shop, head to the Gardening category and explore the full range, including Chainsaws and the accessories that keep them running smoothly.


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