CORDLESS CHAIN SAWS

AN IDEAL CHOICE FOR HOMEOWNERS BY BRAD HOLDEN

- BRAD HOLDEN

Thinking about buying a chain saw? Consider a battery-powered one. While these saws can't go toe-to-toe with gas-powered chain saws when it comes to run-time and power, they'll do the job for most homeowners. And for many people, their advantages—no hard-to-start two-cycle engine, no mixing gas and oil, and no fouled spark plugs—make up for any shortcomings. We put a few models through their paces to find out what you can expect from a battery-powered chain saw. Here's what we found out.

WHAT WE LOOKED FOR

RUN-TIME

We tested run-time two ways. First, by cutting through a 16-in.-diameter log. That's a tough slog; so many teeth carving at the same time draws a lot of battery power. Second, by cutting through 8-in. logs—work that's more typical for the average homeowner.

CHARGING TIME

As you'll see, most battery chargers won't keep up with a saw's run-time. For any battery-powered saw, you'll want an extra battery (or two) if your work requires more than just trimming a few branches. Extra batteries are essential for chain saw work that's away from home and your plugged-in charger.

SPECS & FEATURES

Criteria included bar length; weight; whether they feature a hand-guard/chain brake, bucking spikes and tool-free chain adjustment; and the ease of locating replacement chains.

CHAIN SAW SAFETY GEAR