Chainsaws are standard power tools among homeowners who carry out home maintenance themselves and professionals in building wooden structures. There are several types of chainsaws in use today. Deciding which one to buy or rent depends on the intensity and frequency of the activities you intend to use it for.

There are different parameters for deciding which chainsaw model fits your use. Those criteria include:

• How well they cut.
• How easy they are to handle and operate in terms of the weight of the chainsaw.
• How safe they are to use. Here, particular emphasis is placed on the covering of the cutting apparatus to protect the operator from laceration.

The top chainsaw models commercially available include:

1. Gas-powered chainsaws

Gas-powered chainsaws are the most efficient chainsaws. They cut quickly and are powered by gas. The chains move at high speeds, reducing the operator’s effort in using them. This makes them suitable for heavy-duty assignments. Professionals prefer this to the rest of the models as it helps them get through their jobs quickly.

Gas-powered chainsaws are the most expensive chainsaw types, costing between $240 and $400. However, gas-powered chainsaws are too bulky and noisy when in use. The chainsaw also emits carbon monoxide as a waste product of the gas it uses for fuel. The carbon monoxide emission renders gas-powered chainsaws impractical for indoor usage.

2. Electric chainsaws (corded)

This model of chainsaw is powered by electricity. It has a plug-in cable that can be attached to extension cables to increase the length further to accommodate working long distances. Electric chainsaws are generally light and easy to start. They, on the other hand, are unable to cut large trees as quickly and efficiently as their gas-powered counterparts. This limits their major functions to trimming hedges and cutting through woody materials of short diameter.

Corded electric chainsaws cost between $40 and $300.

3. Electric chainsaws (cordless)

These chainsaws are not different from the corded electric chainsaws, except that batteries power them. This makes them relatively easy to use and handle. They have been improved to give almost the same results as gas-powered chainsaws, although they don’t cost as much as the gas-powered models. This makes battery-powered chainsaws more popular among homeowners.

Another benefit of using a battery-powered chainsaw is that the batteries can be replaced with batteries from any battery-powered outdoor equipment.

4. Electric loopers

Electric loopers aren’t exactly chainsaws but are classified under chainsaw models because some operators are scared of the larger chainsaw models. In such cases, the electric looper is useful. It is used mostly to trim bushes and to cut through small tree limbs. The cutting surface is placed between two safety jaws, so the operator stays protected.

Most operators are naturally afraid of chainsaws. This is quite normal, as most of them are bulky in appearance, and the cutting apparatus doesn’t look particularly endearing. Chainsaws alone are involved in 27,000 home accidents in the US.

Understanding and following the safety tips helps alleviate the fear and prevent accidents. Some of these tips include:

• Dress safely. While you don’t need to wear work overalls, you need to wear fitting clothing, work boots, rubber gloves, and a helmet to protect you from unexpected kickbacks from the chainsaw.
• Perform regular maintenance. Poorly maintained chainsaws tend to develop rust, then friction, and are more prone to kicking back.
• Take note of emissions from gas-powered chainsaws. They are not to be used indoors, as carbon monoxide poisoning is very dangerous.

The top variants of chainsaws available for purchase have been listed above. It is also worth noting that following safety procedures gives you a safe experience with your chainsaw.