Chainsaws are a lumberjack’s best friend when it comes to cutting trees, firewood, and many other things. But with so many different chainsaw sizes available, it can be difficult to know which size you actually need.
In this article, we will discuss the different chainsaw sizes and help you decide which size is best for you!
Which Chainsaw Size is Right for You?
Which chainsaw is right for you? There are a couple of things you need to ask yourself in order to find the size chainsaw that suits you best.
If you plan to use your chainsaw for small tasks like firewood, general yard maintenance, or cutting small branches, a 14-inch or less chainsaw will be best for you.
keep in mind that a larger chainsaw is not always better. They often come at a price and can be more dangerous than the smaller saws.
Different chainsaw sizes
Here is an overview of the most common chainsaw sizes:
14” inches or less
This size chainsaw is good for general purpose use such as trimming branches or cutting firewood. It is also a good choice if you are looking for a lightweight chainsaw.
If you are in the market for a small chainsaw you can read our guide: Best chainsaw for cutting firewood. Here we list our favorite 14″ inches and smaller chainsaws.
What you can use a small chainsaw for:
- Cutting small branches
- Firewood
- General yard maintenance
16” – 18” inches
This size chainsaw is good for larger projects such as felling trees or cutting through thick branches. This chainsaw size is in general the most popular.
If this is the first chainsaw you’re buying, this is the size we recommend. It is useable for most cutting jobs and is relatively safe to use.
What you can use a medium size chainsaw for:
- Cutting larger branches
- Small trees
- General yard maintenance
20” inches or more
This size chainsaw is best for very large projects such as felling large trees. It is also a good choice if you need a long reach.
In general, we do not recommend buying a very large chainsaw as a beginner. They are a bit harder to handle and can be dangerous if you’re inexperienced.
What you can use a large chainsaw for:
- Cutting large branches
- Jobs that require a long reach
- Felling large trees
Now that you know the different chainsaw sizes, you can decide which one is right for you. If you are still unsure, you can always ask a salesperson at your local hardware store for help.
Final words
We hope this article helped you understand the different chainsaw sizes and how to choose the right one for you. Buying the wrong size chainsaw can be frustrating, so we hope this guide will save you some time and hassle. 🙂
