Corded Chainsaw Buyer's Guide

Corded Chainsaw Buyer's Guide

How to Pick the Perfect Corded Electric Chainsaw

Dale, the Power Equipment Expert
By 
Power Equipment Expert

When we picture ourselves outside, we imagine ourselves being free.

To some people, electrical power cords look like tethers or leashes. They represent the opposite of freedom. So, why would people who work outside choose to work with corded electric chainsaws?

It might be because they're aware of how powerful corded chainsaws can be, assuming that they're used safely and correctly.

Like cordless chainsaws, corded electric saws are limited in the sizes of bars they can uses. Whereas gas-powered chainsaws can use bars up to 48" in length, electric saws are limited to bars 18" and shorter. 

This detail makes them best suited to cutting small branches and performing quick, infrequent tasks such as light storm cleanup. With the right bar, however, a corded electric chainsaw can be almost as powerful as a gas saw of the same length.

Additionally, corded saws offer other features and benefits that you won't find with gas or even cordless saws.

 

More Affordable

Affordable, High-Quality Corded SawPrice is often one of the most important considerations for the savvy outdoors person shopping for a new saw.

If you plan on using your saw frequently, spending a little more money on a gas-powered saw that's built for semi-professional or professional use might be a worthwhile investment.

However, if you're looking for a chainsaw to help with light pruning or yard cleanup chores, corded saws are built with components designed to strike a balance between durability and price. As a result, it's even possible to find well-reviewed and highly recommended corded saws for less than $100.

 

Less Maintenance

Automatic Bar OilerGas chainsaws pack a great punch, but they have one major drawback.

If you don't use your saw often, the gas and oil mixture can gum up the carburetor, making the saw difficult, if not impossible, to start.

Electric chainsaws, on the other hand, don't even have a recoil rope. They start with the simple press of a button. Say goodbye to spark plugs, air filters, and gasoline.

Instead, the most important maintenance task you'll need to perform on a corded chainsaw is to keep the bar and chain oiled. Today's saws feature gauges and clear windows that allow you to see exactly how much bar and chain oil your saw currently holds.

Some models use a chain oil bulb, which you press every 30 seconds while operating the saw to keep the chain properly lubricated. For even greater convenience, look for a chainsaw with an automatic bar oiler, which will constantly apply oil to the bar.

 

Consistent Power Output

50-Foot Extension CordGas chainsaws have engines that are capable of generating a lot of power. Even the motors found in modern cordless chainsaws are powerful and can provide consistent power while in use.

Eventually, though, a cordless electric chainsaw's battery will drain and lose power. A gas-powered saw will run out of fuel.

If having a steady, uninterrupted power supply is important to you, a corded chainsaw is a logical choice. You might not be able to walk as far across your property, but as long as your saw remains plugged into an outlet, you can keep cutting.

You will need a high-quality extension cord to power your corded chainsaw. The longest cord you should use is 100 feet; longer distances also require thicker wire, which will have a lower number assigned as the wire gauge.

Using a cord longer than 100 feet risks not only the stability of the power supply but also your safety.

 

Lighter Weight

Lightweight Electric ChainsawGas chainsaws have engines and fuel tanks. Cordless chainsaws have lithium-ion batteries. Both of these types of saws weigh more because of their power sources.

Corded electric chainsaws have neither a fuel tank nor a battery to add weight to the saw. Because they plug directly into electrical outlets, most models will be among the lightest chainsaws you can buy.

Both gas chainsaws and cordless chainsaws typically weigh between 12 and 16 pounds. In contrast, the heaviest corded chainsaws weigh about 12 pounds; corded saws as light as 9 pounds are available.

Check the weight of the saw before you buy; chances are, you'll be surprised at the amount of lightweight comfort you can expect! 

NEXT: Top-Rated and Best-Selling Corded Electric Chainsaws

Dale, the Power Equipment Expert
By 
Power Equipment Expert
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