CR engineers have established a number of processes for evaluating chainsaws.
Our testers measure how long it takes for each saw to work its way through 10-inch-thick oak beams. We use oak because it’s one of the hardest woods most users will encounter on their property, and it makes for a particularly demanding test that reveals differences among models. Chainsaws that cut fastest earn the highest ratings for cutting speed.
To size up safety, we check for any kickback during the course of cutting, and assess whether a model’s exhaust parts, like the muffler, get hot, which can pose a burn hazard. We also evaluate how protected the cutting chain is from accidental contact during storage.
To evaluate how well a chainsaw handles, our engineers consider its weight and how easy it is to make horizontal and vertical cuts. We also use a meter to measure its level of vibration. Intense vibration can impede a user’s ability to make cuts efficiently.
To determine an ease-of-use score, our engineers inspect a range of features, including how simple the tool is to start, adjust, and maintain.
For each chainsaw’s final Overall Score, we incorporate ratings for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction, which are awarded on a brand (not model) level. These ratings reflect what thousands of CR members tell us in periodic surveys about their experiences with chainsaws they’ve purchased. Specifically, they report whether their chainsaws ever broke or stopped working properly during their first five years of ownership. Members also tell us how likely they are to recommend their chainsaw model to a friend or family member.
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