Question 1

What size chainsaw do I need for cutting firewood?

Accepted Answer

For most firewood cutting, a chainsaw with a 35–45cm (14–18 inch) bar is ideal. This handles logs up to about 35cm diameter comfortably. If you're processing smaller kindling, a 30cm bar is sufficient. For very large hardwood rounds, consider a 50cm+ bar. Battery chainsaws in this range are increasingly popular for domestic firewood processing.

Question 2

Are battery chainsaws as good as petrol?

Accepted Answer

Modern battery chainsaws from brands like Husqvarna, Stihl, and Makita have closed the gap significantly. For light to medium work (pruning, small trees, firewood), a 36V+ battery chainsaw performs comparably to a small petrol model. However, for heavy-duty tree felling and all-day professional use, petrol models still offer more sustained power and longer runtime.

Question 3

What safety equipment do I need for chainsaw use in the UK?

Accepted Answer

UK HSE guidelines recommend: chainsaw safety trousers or chaps (Type A minimum), steel-toe boots with chainsaw protection, chainsaw safety helmet with visor and ear defenders, and heavy-duty gloves. For professional use, Type C all-round protection trousers are recommended. Never use a chainsaw alone — always have someone nearby.

Question 4

How often should I sharpen my chainsaw chain?

Accepted Answer

A general rule is to sharpen after every 2–3 hours of use, or whenever you notice the saw producing fine dust instead of chips, the saw pulling to one side, or you need to apply pressure to cut. A sharp chain cuts efficiently and safely. Use a round file matched to your chain's pitch, or invest in an electric chain sharpener for convenience.

Question 5

Do I need a licence to use a chainsaw in the UK?

Accepted Answer

For private domestic use on your own property, no licence is required. However, for professional or commercial chainsaw work, you need NPTC/City & Guilds certification. If working near roads, power lines, or on land managed by the Forestry Commission, additional qualifications are required. Many insurance companies require certification regardless of whether it's legally mandated.

Question 6

What's the difference between a top-handle and rear-handle chainsaw?

Accepted Answer

Rear-handle chainsaws are the standard design — the rear handle sits behind the engine for two-handed ground-level work. Top-handle chainsaws have the rear handle on top of the engine, designed for arborists working in trees. Top-handle models should only be used by trained professionals with climbing certification, as they're designed for one-handed overhead operation.

Question 7

Which chainsaw brand is best in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Stihl and Husqvarna are widely considered the gold standard for both domestic and professional use, with excellent dealer networks across the UK. For battery chainsaws, Makita, DeWalt, and EGO offer excellent options that share batteries with other garden tools. For budget options, Einhell, Hyundai, and Oregon offer solid entry-level models with good build quality.

Question 8

How do I maintain my chainsaw?

Accepted Answer

Regular maintenance includes: checking chain tension before each use, keeping the chain sharp, cleaning the air filter regularly, checking bar oil level before each use, inspecting the bar for wear and rotating it periodically, checking the chain brake function, and for petrol models, using fresh fuel mix and cleaning the spark plug. Store in a dry place with the chain guard fitted.

Feature	Petrol	Battery	Electric
Best for	Heavy felling, forestry	Garden, pruning, light felling	Garden, close to power
Noise level	Loud	Moderate	Moderate
Weight	Heavy (4–7kg)	Medium (3–5kg)	Light (3–4kg)
Maintenance	High	Low	Very low
Price range	£100–£1,200+	£80–£800	£50–£300

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