Harbor Freight Chainsaws: How To Choose The Best One For Your Project

Choosing the right chainsaw involves finding the size of machine that fits the work you're doing and determining whether you want a gas- or electric-powered tool. It also involves finding a machine that fits in your budget. Professional-level chainsaws can cost as much as $2,000, while a basic model for homeowners to use occasionally may cost $200 or less. If you'd like to stay toward the lower end of that range, Harbor Freight is a discount retailer that carries five different chainsaws. Choosing among them depends on what you need it for. If you want to cut large-diameter branches in one motion, you'll want a chainsaw bar at least 2 inches longer than the maximum diameter. If you need to cut a lot of wood, you might want a gas-powered tool, as a battery might only last for 30 minutes of cutting. If you're only cutting wood near an electrical outlet, you could consider a corded chainsaw.

Customers frequently praise Harbor Freight's tools, partly because of its low prices. The store offers chainsaw models powered with gasoline, batteries, and electrical cords. They all cost less than $200, which makes them appealing, and some even cost less than $100. However, you'll need to carefully read the product description for each of these inexpensive tools, as some of them might not include key components, like the battery needed to operate it. Buying a tool just because it's cheaper is one of the mistakes everyone makes when shopping at Harbor Freight, so make sure the chainsaw meets the requirements for your project. 

Many people prefer chainsaws that don't need a cord to operate, allowing them to work anywhere without needing an extension cord or a generator. Harbor Freight offers two large cordless models that have an 18-inch bar. With this size of bar, you can cut logs and trees up to 16 inches in diameter in one cut. This size of tool is good for general yard work and is an average-sized machine.

If you prefer a gas-powered 18-inch model, Harbor Freight's Portland 18-Inch Gas-Powered Chainsaw ($185) uses an Oregon-branded bar and chain, which is a well-known chainsaw accessory manufacturer that creates quality products. This two-stroke machine has a 42cc engine, which is considered powerful enough for most DIYers and homeowners. Another 18-inch option is the Atlas 80V Brushless Cordless 18-Inch Chainsaw ($150), deemed one of the best budget chainsaws money can buy. However, this tool includes extra charges, such as at least another $190 for a battery and charger. If you only need to occasionally cut wood, one advantage of a battery tool is that it starts almost immediately and lets you finish the small job faster than trying to start a gas model with an oil-and-gas fuel mixture, as these engines can sometimes to be tricky to start.

Harbor Freight also offers a small battery-powered tool in the Bauer 20V Cordless 10-Inch Chainsaw ($85), but you'll have to pay at least $65 more for a battery and charger. This mini-chainsaw could cut small limbs up to 8 inches in diameter during basic yard work, but it probably won't work well for felling trees. It's easy to use because it only weighs 5.7 pounds.

When you want the cheapest possible chainsaw, Harbor Freight's most inexpensive electric models run from a power cord. Its largest corded option is the Bauer 16-Inch Electric Chainsaw ($75). This model has a 14.5-amp motor, which should have enough power for medium-duty work, such as trimming small and medium limbs. In fact, a 16-inch chainsaw should handle limbs, trunks, and branches up to 14 inches in diameter. The corded electric tool offers the benefit of an instant start. However, the attached 15-inch power cord might limit where you can work, so only pick this option if you have a long extension cord or can move your project within its reach.

For a smaller corded chainsaw, Harbor Freight offers the Portland 14-Inch Electric Chainsaw ($50). Because you don't have to buy a battery separately, this is an extremely inexpensive option. However, it only includes a 9-amp motor, which means it may really only be useful for light work with small branches and basic trimming needs, though several reviews on the product's page claim it can easily handle limbs up 12 inches. The Bauer model weighs 9.2 pounds, while the Portland chainsaw weighs 8.4 pounds, making it easier to handle. These are all important considerations when choosing the right chainsaw for firewood, yard work, and gardening.