Sometimes you don’t need a professional chainsaw to carry out small-scale or light-duty lumberjack projects. A mini chainsaw can perform most in-house woodcutting tasks. Although they have a tiny chain bar of 8 – 15 inches, mini chainsaw can easily tackle narrow logs and prune extending branches.
Despite the fact that they offer more convenience, not every chainsaw is the same performance-wise. While some can even cut through thick wood lugs, others have a hard time clipping offshoot. The best mini chainsaw is one that can slash through logs without compromising your efficiency, safety, or comfort.
That said, finding a chainsaw that fulfills your work requirements can be tricky to find unless you have some credible options in mind. If you are still browsing to select one, here are the 7 best mini chainsaws you might want to buy.
Top 7 Best Mini Chainsaws in 2023
Here are the 7 best mini chainsaws which you can use in 2023.
1. BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Cordless Chainsaw
The Black+Decker can be a perfect addition to your outdoor power tool equipment, especially when you live in a place surrounded by woods or have an in-house workshop. This mini chainsaw features a 10-inch sharp chain bar that can easily slice through a wood log 12-inch in diameter.
Weighing slightly 7 pounds, the chainsaw is convenient to use even for beginners. The lightweight lets you carve out shapes in snip offshoots without tiring your arms or hands. Speaking of beginners, the Black+Decker chainsaw comes with a tool-free blade tension system that eliminates the need to use tools every time the chain blade gets loose.
Regardless of all, the cordless 20V Li-ion battery remains the chainsaw’s most helpful and striking feature. Once charged to the capacity, you can take it anywhere without worrying about cord extensions or gas refueling.
Product Highlights
- Blade Length: 10 inches
- Power Source: Li-ion Battery
- Voltage: 20V
- Weight: 7.59 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight design for easy maneuverability.
- Tool-free chain tightening system for easy maintenance.
- Cordless Li-ion battery helps facilitate outdoor use without needing cord extensions.
- The oiling system lubricates the chain bar and blade, keeping the temperature in check.
Cons
- The low-capacity battery is not suitable for intensive tasks.
2. STIHL Battery Operated Chainsaw
STIHL has earned the reputation of advancing the first successful battery-operated chainsaws in the industry. Although a significant portion of the lineup is dedicated to heavy-duty chainsaws, STIHL mini chainsaws are a reality too.
Unlike others in the list, the STIHL battery-operated mini chainsaw is an honorary mention for young boys. Nevertheless, the 15-inch chain bar proves effective in cutting offshoots and branches of your backyard (or at least makes your little one believe so). Instead of a push start button, the chainsaw starts with a pull string inspired by a gas-based chainsaw.
Product Highlights
- Blade Length: 15 inches
- Power Source: 4 AA batteries
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight design makes it easier for kids to carry.
- Produces chainsaw-like sound.
- Affordable.
Cons
- It is a toy.
- The pull string may break off.
3. Gocheer 6-inch Cordless Electric Power Mini Chainsaw
The ergonomically designed 6-inch mini portable cordless chainsaw by Gocheer can handle your DIY home projects with ease. The chainsaw harbors a high-efficiency brushless motor that delivers 550-watt horsepower, making wood blocks appear like butter. The sharp chain blade can easily cut wood logs 5.91-inch in diameter.
24V batteries back the powerful brushless motor with 2500mAh capacity. The battery can last up to 60 minutes of continuous use, so you won’t have to worry about it running out of charge mid-way. And even if you do, you’ll have a battery in reserve to rely on. Besides, the batteries can be up and running again with just 2-hours of charging.
The portable mini chainsaw weighs only 1.54 pounds allowing you to work entire 60 minutes without getting tired. This handheld chainsaw features a high grip handle with a safety lock to ensure the utmost safety of the user and give beginners a chance to practice their skills.
Product Highlights
- Blade Length: 6 inches
- Power Source: Battery
- Voltage: 24V 2500mAh (2)
- Weight: 1.54 pounds
Pros
- Pure copper brushless motor delivers high power for easy cutting.
- High-capacity rechargeable batteries let you work non-stop.
- Effective heat dissipation keeps the chainsaw from heating up.
- Lightweight design with easy-grip handle for convenience.
- Additional safety lock works as a double protection mechanism.
Cons
- No blade lubrication system.
- Not made for heavy-duty cutting.
4. Torryza Mini Chainsaw
For those who have things for gardening but are too lazy to use gardening shears, the Torryza Mini chainsaw can be the best fit. Besides, it comes at an affordable price tag, so you won’t have to struggle upgrading to this efficient gardening tool.
Consisting of a 4-inch chain bar, Torryza can be sufficient for clipping offshoots in your backyard garden and even preparing firewood if you plan a bonfire. Single battery charge provides up to 30 – 50 minutes of continuous making it a reliable option for outdoor use.
Considering its handheld design, the chainsaw only weighs 3.7 pounds that helps with maneuverability while pruning your orchard. It also offers an anti-slip grip that keeps you in control of torryza every time. The chainsaw doesn’t contain a chain cover, so be cautious while using it.
Product Highlights
- Blade Length: 4 inches
- Power Source: Battery
- Voltage: 20V 2000mAh
- Weight: 3.7 pounds
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design offers easy handling.
- 550-watt high power generating motor for smooth cutting.
- The anti-slip handle provides a better grip.
- Reliable and extensive battery life.
- Market competitive and affordable price.
Cons
- Does not have a blade covering.
5. GOXAWEE Cordless 20V Mini Chainsaw
GOXAWEE is a leading brand when it comes to mini tools used in DIY projects used in home improvement. The GOXAWEE cordless mini chainsaw is an efficient example of that. Powered by a 550-watt brushless power motor, the mini chainsaw only takes 10 seconds to split wood log 10 – 15 cm in diameter.
The GOXAWEE mini chainsaw has two 20V rechargeable batteries with a 2000mAh capacity. A single battery charge can hold up to 40 minutes; coupled with the reserve battery; you can use your chainsaw non-stop until you finish. Considering it is designed to be operated with one hand, the weight of the portable mini chainsaw is kept less than a kilogram.
In case you have no prior experience with chainsaws, GOXAWEE can be the best beginner-friendly mini chainsaw you can find. The low kickback of the blade offers a smoother cut no matter what type of wood you are slicing. The safe lock button on the side prevents any accidental restarts keeping you and your loved ones safe.
Product Highlights
- Blade Length: 4 inches
- Power Source: Li-ion Battery
- Voltage: 20V (2)
- Weight: 2.31 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight construction allows easy use even for beginners.
- Low kickback ability makes singlehanded usage.
- Two 20V batteries have a high capacity to last more than an hour.
- The safe lock button leaves no room for accidents.
Cons
Doesn’t have a tool-free chain tensioning system.
6. WORX WG322.9 20V Power Share 10” Cordless Chainsaw
Get the work done swiftly and neatly with WORX. Exactly, the WORX cordless mini chainsaw has an ultra-powerful motor that features 12.5 ft/s speed. The high blade speed lets you cut through wood logs like butter. And the cordless feature makes it a hassle-free tool to use at home or outside.
The 20V powerful battery can provide you with up to 45 minutes of continuous use. Superb, right? But the best part is yet to come. The WG322.9 presents a battery indicator to let you know how much juice you got left or if the battery needs a recharge or not.
The high efficiency and speed of the chain bar are ensured by its in-built automatic lubrication system. It keeps the fast racing chain lubricated to prevent it from overheating. On a similar note, the WG322.9 also has an automatic chain tensioning system, so you don’t have to do so every fortnight.
Product Highlights
- Blade Length: 10 inches
- Power Source: Battery
- Voltage: 20V
- Weight: 6.19 pounds
Pros
- Fast and efficient motor for a clean and smooth cut.
- The Self-chain lubrication system prevents the chain from overheating.
- The 10” blade has a deeper cutting diameter.
- The battery indicator helps you keep track of the power left.
- The automatic tool-free chain tensioning system adds convenience.
Cons
- Does not have a chain lock safety button.
- Does not come with any accessories.
7. WORX WG320.9 20V Power Share JawSaw Cordless Chainsaw
Another WORX chainsaw tool that has joined our ranks is the WG320.9 power share JawSaw. The dynamics of this model slightly differ from the conventional mini chainsaws. It features a small chainsaw enveloped between a jaw-like steel opening.
The pure copper brushed motor is influenced by the 20 V power share Li-ion battery with a 2000mAh charging capacity. The automatic tensioning system and self-chain oiling feature keep the chain bar effective and safe to use.
The jaw opening has a 4-inch distance in-between, meaning it can split logs ranging up to 4 inches in diameter. With the protective guard on both sides of the chainsaw, the WG320.9 can be rightly called the safest chainsaws out there.
Product Highlights
- Blade Length: 6 inches
- Power Source: Li-ion Battery
- Voltage: 20V 2000mAh
- Weight: 9 pounds
Pros
- Ergonomic build design makes it easy and quick to use.
- Comes with an automatic chain tension feature.
- The self-chain oiling feature prevents any blade-caused heating.
- The retractable chainsaw and jaws make it the safest mini chainsaw to use.
Cons
Comes as a tool only without a battery and charger.
Buyers Guide to Choose the Best Mini Chainsaw in 2023
Although we have enumerated the best mini chainsaws, you can buy eyes closed, but if you want to make the best out of your purchase, you need more than just a list and reviews. You must know what features look for, but more importantly, you should figure out your requirements first.
Mini Chainsaw or Small Chainsaw?
Although both convey pretty much the same sense, they are considerably different from each other regarding their targeted use.
Mini chainsaws are tinier than small chainsaws and are usually meant to be operated single-handedly; thus, they are differently shaped. They contain a 5 – 10-inch-long chain blade that proves effective in landscaping, trimming yards, and pruning offshoots.
Small chainsaws are just like full-fledged and professional chainsaws but in a smaller and more compact size. Their chain bar length ranges from 10 to 16 inches. Since they are smaller variants of proper chainsaws, they are meant to be handled with both hands. Small chainsaws carry out more strenuous tasks like forming firewood and slicing lugs.
So, before you head to the market, figure out which one to buy.
Electric Chainsaw or Gas-powered Chainsaw?
Typically, chainsaws are differentiated based on their power source; electric and gasoline-run.
Electric chainsaws are eco-friendly and safe to use since they pose no environmental threat. Moreover, less machinery is involved, which means less maintenance and hassle-free usage. As for mini chainsaws, almost all of them are powered through electricity provided either through an electric cord or rechargeable batteries. Chainsaws powered by batteries are lighter, more compact, and easier to use. They also have a plethora of current features.
Gas-powered chainsaws, as the name implies, are run by burning fossils fuels such as gas or diesel. Although they are detrimental towards nature, they offer a quicker, more refined, and better performance when cutting wood compared to electric ones. This is why they are mainly used for commercial and large-scale activities.
Most consumers choose the cordless electric alternative when purchasing a tiny cutting tool. As a result, battery life is an important consideration when choosing the best chainsaw.
Make sure your chainsaw comes with an additional battery or that you purchase one. Any battery with a maximum capacity of 20-24 Volts is perfect for tiny chainsaws.
Battery life is also critical. If the chainsaw can run for 40 to 60 minutes on a single charge, that’s sufficient.
Safety Features
When it comes to chainsaws, safety should never be compromised. When utilizing the chainsaw, ensure that you are adequately equipped.
Several of the chainsaws we’ve mentioned so far come with a full set of attachments, so you won’t have to buy them separately.
A chainsaw safety lock prevents unintentional start-ups. A mini-chainsaw’s baffle protects your hand.
Similarly, before purchasing a tiny chainsaw, examine the hand guard, chain brake, and other safety features.
Ergonomic Grip & Handle
The ergonomic handles, along with the grip, are crucial in chainsaw handling. As a result, you should absolutely choose the one that is easier to carry.
Please make sure that the chainsaw has rubberized grip handles to prevent it from dropping out of your hands.
The placement of the handle is also significant. There are both back and top handles. Top handles are better suitable for one-handed operation.
Auto Lubrication & Tensioning
Mini chainsaws, for the most part, do not require oil. As a result, you won’t have to bother about lubricating the bar & chain.
A clear oil reservoir is advantageous because it would allow you to monitor the oil levels.
There aren’t many chainsaws that have an automatic chain tensioning system. Most chainsaws have tool-less or tool-based chain tensioning.
We suggest going for a tool-less chain tensioning system because it is inconvenient to have a screwdriver and a wrench with you at all times.
Motor Technology
The majority of tiny chainsaws on the market have copper motors. However, the quantity of copper has a lot of impact. Low-end or knock-off brands aren’t going to supply you with pure copper motors.
Pure copper within the motor not only assures an increased lifespan for the motor but also provides more power and torque. As a result, you have to make sure that the tool has a pure copper motor.
Suppose you have enough money and prefer to spend on a high-quality tiny chainsaw. In that case, you can even acquire a tool with an innovative brushless motor that gives impressive performance and significantly quieter operation.
We always encourage investing in a high-quality chainsaw since you are not buying it for one-time use and want it to serve you for years.
Replacement Chains
With tiny chainsaws, you should always have some spare chains on hand. Although a decent instrument includes a good-quality chain that will not quickly dull, you can accidentally drop the chainsaw, or it may run into the ground, leading it to dull.
So, We recommend that you get a device that includes at least spare chains in the package.
However, the quality of the chains must not be compromised. Ascertain that the chains are of high quality and have undergone a high-temperature curing or quenching method to achieve hardness.
Speed Of Cutting
When shopping for a tiny chainsaw, a fast-cutting speed is essential. This functionality would provide an effortless cutting experience while also making cutting tasks quick and easy.
As a result, you have to make sure that you choose a tool with a fast cutting speed. Anything between 19 and 26 feet per second would be ideal.
Weight
Even though small chainsaws appear to be lightweight instruments, they can feel much heavier when used with one hand when standing on top of a ladder or a limb of a tree.
As a result, you must carefully analyze this factor. If you’re someone who has weaker arms, you should choose ultra-light, easy-to-handle solutions.
However, it would be best to remember not to sacrifice any vital functions only to obtain a lightweight tool.
Battery Features
Modern gadget batteries have several innovative features that compensate for the lack of regular batteries. As a result, you must consider these aspects to ensure that your tool performs well and has a longer runtime.
A high-quality battery will include both overcharge and over-discharge protection.
As a result, it would be affected if you charged it overnight, forgot about it, and used it until the very last second.
Furthermore, having a battery level or full-battery indication on the battery would be a plus.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the best mini chainsaw?
Three factors must be considered while purchasing a mini-chainsaw. Bar size, battery life, and cutting power are all critical considerations. These criteria can be determined based on the toughness of the wood you’ll be cutting.
Are mini chainsaws effective?
Yes, mini chainsaws are helpful in gardening and construction. Because they are small and light, they are readily handled by everyone. You can use them to prune shrubs and treetops in your garden.
What does brushless on a chainsaw mean?
Brushless motors are those that use magnets instead of carbon brushes. Frictional interference is reduced in these motors, resulting in more torque, greater efficiency, and longer battery life. Brushless motors are superior.
Final Verdict
Chainsaws have a rich family too. While some are geared towards professional and commercial use, others are more equipped for domestic usage, and that’s where mini chainsaws come in. They are small and lightweight but equally quick, responsive, and effective. We have listed the 7 best mini chainsaws you can buy in 2023. If you ever find yourself stuck between the two, consult the buyer’s guide at the end to figure out what fulfills your needs better.
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