I need a chainsaw. I can't bear owning this many houses, in what usually feels like the tropics complete with never-stop-growing plants and trees, in hurricane country without owning a chainsaw.

I was trying to saw off a crape myrtle stump on Saturday and mentally snapped. What am I doing? I exhausted myself and still didn't get the stupid thing cut.

Anyway, which brand AND size chainsaw would you recommend?

Note: I am a chick. Though I am strong as a bull when mad, my upper body strength is otherwise abysmal.

Would be used to trim small trees, limbs, and bushes. Anything big or high is hired out.

Thank you!

Taylor (TX)

An electric model will serve you well.

I have four or five Stihl Chainsaws. They seem to work like a champ.

Just so you know, I had one made into a hot rod..in that it came with a 16" bar, but we added a 20" bar and a different chain and sprocket. What I had then was a lighter saw that had a longer nose. Very handy for not needing to lean over as much to cut fallen wood, also light with more reach when you are sawing over you head.

Stihl is the best, however they are expensive. A cheaper Stihl runs around $300. Probably more than you need. Homelite is mostly junk from what I've seen. I hate electric chainsaws, weed eaters and mowers. They have no power.

If its small stuff first consider the sawall with a pruning blade. A sawall is always a handy tool to have for other jobs. Even have a scraper blade for them to use as an electric scraper.

No chains to sharpen or oil. Pruning blades cheap enough to buy when need to.

If I can get away with it, I'll use my Sawzall. I'll pull out my chain saw (a Poulan Pro from Harbor Freight) only if I have to. Which I do, a few times each year.

The Poulan Pro cost about $150 and it has performed very well.

I second the comments of Ken above that chain saws are DANGEROUS. They kick, they twist, they bind, they try to kill you. And when you are up on a ladder, you are tempted to over-balance and reach for things you should not.

Be very careful!

I omitted something before.

If you have a Stihl weed whacker of the better grade, you can buy just the small chain saw attachment for it.

This will give you reach, light weight, keep the spinning chain far from harms way and kill poison ivy.

.robinsons1874.com/stihl/brush%20and%20wed%20trimmers/Trimmers/PRO%20AND%20BRUSH/Stihl_trimmer_accessories_compat.html

There is a picture of the pole pruner end.

Taylor,

Taylor,

My favorite chainsaw is the one I watch someone else use! I like my toes and legs too much. Too many accidents and no matter how good, they take strong arms.

Too many close calls. Not worth it. There is a reason the insurance companies charge sky high to insure a contractor using a chainsaw.

My guys' first choice in the elec Alligator. $99.

I used it cut down a 7" diameter tree. Just squeeze the handles like giant scissors and pull the trigger.

The blade is fully enclosed and super easy to use. Nearly impossible to hurt yourself.

Sawzall with 12" pruning blade is LETHAL! They snag, snap and fly, will cut thru your leg like a chainsaw. Just use a 6" blade.

I'm an ambitious woman, but do not like handling chainsaws in the least. If my hubby kicks first, I'll hire out that kind of work.

Like Brad said, my favorite is the one that someone else has to use.

I bought a reconditioned Echo from H.D. 13 years ago, and it still performs, and I have cut a lot of trees with it.

Be careful, and do not get in a hurry.

I used a 16" gas homelite for years on the farm.I use an electric 16" Craftsman close to electric plugs.A gas chainsaw is the most aggravating tool around.My Remington electric pole saw is great except for the cheap plastic clamp screws.