Chainsaw: Borrow or Buy?
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If you have wooded property and cut firewood or manage trees several times a year, a chainsaw earns its keep. For a one-time storm cleanup or a single tree removal, borrow one and save the storage and maintenance.
The Numbers
Why Borrow
- Most homeowners use a chainsaw once or twice a year for storm damage or a fallen limb
- Gas chainsaws need regular maintenance: chain sharpening, bar oil, air filter cleaning, fuel stabilizer
- A chainsaw is one of the most dangerous power tools. Borrowing from someone who uses theirs regularly means it is properly maintained and sharp.
- For a single tree removal, hiring an arborist is safer and about the same cost as buying a saw
Why Buy
- You cut firewood. Even a few cords per year justifies owning a saw.
- You have wooded property with regular limb and brush clearing needs
- Battery chainsaws (EGO, DeWalt, Milwaukee) have gotten good enough for homeowner use and skip the gas maintenance
- A small battery chainsaw ($150-200) handles limbs up to 10-12 inches and covers 80% of homeowner tasks
Check Before You Buy
Someone in your neighborhood probably owns a chainsaw and uses it a few times a year. Borrowing saves money, saves garage space, and keeps tools in use instead of collecting dust.
See How FriendsWithTools WorksCommon Questions
Gas or battery chainsaw?
Gas chainsaws have more power and unlimited runtime. A 16-18" gas saw cuts anything a homeowner would encounter. Battery chainsaws are quieter, lighter, start instantly, and need almost no maintenance. For limbs and small trees (up to 12"), battery is enough. For hardwood firewood and large trees, gas is still the better tool.
What bar length do I need?
The bar should be 2 inches longer than the diameter of what you are cutting. For limbs and brush, a 12-14" bar is enough. For trees up to 16" diameter, get a 16-18" bar. For larger trees, you should probably hire a professional.