How is your tool kit looking these days? And are your power tools up to date? Technology has come a long way in recent years, and power tools – no matter how big or small – are more sophisticated than they have ever been. When it comes to power tools, you probably think of a drill and sander, perhaps your lawnmower, and so on, but we’re thinking of something that you might not have – but you certainly need.

We’re talking about a chainsaw! Are we serious, we hear you ask? You may think that only commercial entities use chainsaws, but in fact, they are a great item for the home and garden, and you may be surprised how useful one is when you first use one. What sort of chainsaw do you need, and what do we recommend you look at when choosing one? First, let’s talk about what chainsaws are used for, and why you might want one.

Who Uses a ChainSaw?

The chainsaw is not a new idea and has been around for many decades. In fact, the basic design of a chainsaw has changed very little over the years. It is as it says – a saw powered by a chain that drives the blades, and a very effective tool as such. They are used by people who work with wood primarily and are excellent for heavy-duty wood-cutting jobs, but there are some associated problems with these devices.

First, a chainsaw is always going to be a relatively heavy machine. This is because of the way it is built, with a lot of metal parts and a heavy-duty chain. Plus it will have a powerful motor – either electric or, more commonly gas, which adds to the weight. Also, chainsaws do take some getting used to. They can be dangerous if used incorrectly or without care and attention, and there is a certain technique to using one safely. Always wear protective clothing and eyewear when using a chainsaw.

So, why are we talking specifically about 20-inch chainsaws? There are many different sizes available, and while not the biggest, the 20-inch represents a decent size of saw that should be able to handle most jobs around the home and garden. Let’s have a look at what they can do in more detail and offer you advice on how to choose the right one.

What Would I Use a Chainsaw For?

Let’s say you have trees in your garden. After a storm, you may find that branches are broken and hanging. It’s your responsibility to ensure the safety of people on and around your property. A chainsaw will make it easy to cut the branch down, and a 20-inch one should be able to handle most branches. Once the branch is down, you can now use the saw to cut it into several smaller pieces, suitable for a fire or making it easier to get rid of it. This will take you minutes with a chainsaw, but a long time with a hand saw.

You might be building in your yard, and need a saw for cutting through large sections of wood with ease. The chainsaw is the best option and cuts down on time required to do a job. Once you get used to using this machine, you’ll find it invaluable. So, what to look for when choosing a 20 inch model for your home?

Choosing a 20-Inch Chainsaw

The first question to answer is this: gas or electric? There are merits to both, but when it comes to 20-inch chainsaws, you are likely to find that you are limited to gas-powered models. The downside to this is that it will be a heavy machine; the upside is that it will be powerful enough to tackle just about any job you need in the yard.

The best chainsaw for you will be one that is well-priced, is easy to use, and comes with a full warranty, and that requires little maintenance. Do your research, and you’ll soon find one that fits the bill!