Trying to find the best 12-inch chainsaw up for grabs?
Then check out the list of the models in this article and read their reviews to help you choose the one that best meets your requirements. You can also learn more about 12-inch chainsaws, different types available on the market, and which features to look out for when buying one.
Useful Info About 12-Inch Chainsaws
Who Should Buy A 12-Inch Chainsaw?
A 12-inch chainsaw, or a 12 chainsaw, is suitable for smaller cutting jobs, usually in the yard. This makes them preferable for homeowner duties, including pruning trees and bushes and doing some occasional wood cutting. This type of chainsaw can also be used by professional tree carers who prune branches to keep the trees healthy. Because of this, 12-inch chainsaws are mostly recommended for homeowners who only need a chainsaw for occasional house chores or arborists who need a chainsaw with a small guide bar while climbing trees for pruning.
Different Types Of 12-Inch Chainsaws
The marker offers a variety of different 12-inch chainsaws that can be powered by either gas, electricity, or batteries. In this article, you can find gas and battery models. Gas chainsaws are usually reserved for longer guide bars, whereas a 12-inch bar is usually coupled with a battery. Gas models require more maintenance and are not as environmentally friendly as battery-powered options. Compared to gas chainsaws, battery models also produce less noise and are mostly used by homeowners.
Features To Keep Your Eye On
When buying a 12-inch chainsaw, look for models that are lightweight enough so they can be easy to use and maneuver and so they don’t increase fatigue on your arms. Also, opt for models that can help with the maintenance of the chain. These features include automatic chain oilers and side-access chain tensioners. They can help prolong the chain’s run time and the lifespan of the overall chainsaw. Make sure to also look for safety features, such as low kickback bars and chains and chain brakes.
Where To Search For Them?
When looking for a 12-inch chainsaw, check out different online retailers to find the best deal. Amazon is a large online retailer that offers a wide range of different chainsaw products and allows you to view customer reviews to find out whether a certain product is good for you or not. Amazon also mostly offers free delivery options that can save you some money while shopping from the comfort of your home.
9 Best 12-Inch Chainsaws Reviews
Best 12-Inch Gas Chainsaw
Echo 12-inch Chainsaw
26.9cc Chainsaw With Top Handle
This gas chainsaw is powered by a 26.9cc 2-stroke engine and features a 12-inch long guide bar with a chain. Its top handle design makes it suitable for arborists who climb trees and can be used to prune trees and do other light cutting jobs. It also features a lanyard ring so that it can be easily attached and detached from the operator’s belt. The lifespan of the engine is prolonged as dust particles are removed from it and the air filter can be easily accessed.
Self-Lubricating Chain
The chain is kept lubricated for effective cutting thanks to the automatic chain oiler technology. This clutch-driven technology is adjustable and thus reduces oil consumption by delivering oil to the chain only when it is spinning. The oil tank on this 12 gas chainsaw has a capacity of 5.4 fluid ounces. The fuel tank has a volume of 8.1 fluid ounces.
Weighs 6.6 Pounds
This chainsaw weighs 6.6 pounds without the attached cutting equipment. As it is lightweight, it can be comfortably used to prune and trim, without causing fatigue. It allows quick adjustments to the chain by using a side-mounted chain tensioning system. Check out my post about the best gas chainsaws to learn about other models on the market.
- 26.9cc gas engine
- clutch-driven automatic oiler
- side-access chain tensioner
Best 12-Inch Electric Chainsaw
Sun Joe 12-inch Electric Chainsaw
9-Amp Motor With Instant Start
This 12-inch chainsaw is powered by a 9-Amp motor and can cut branches with a maximum thickness of 9 inches. It features a chain brake that stops the chain from spinning in the event of kickback. It is suitable for pruning and trimming and can cut wood with a diameter of up to 11.5 inches. It can instantly start with a push of a button, unlike gas models.
Comes With A Blade Cover For Storage
The oil tank comes with a level-indicating window so that you never run out while sawing. It is used to automatically oil the chain and keep it lubricated for safe and effective performance. A safety switch is designed to prevent accidental starting to add to the safety. A blade cover that comes with the chainsaw allows you to safely store it when not in use.
Never Runs Out Of Juice
When you need to prune trees and limb branches in your yard, you can use this chainsaw that requires plugging into a wall outlet. That way you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel or juice in your battery. As it weighs just over 7 pounds, it can be comfortably maneuvered. In case this review got you interested in electric models of chainsaws, give this post about the best electric chainsaws a read.
- 9-Amp motor
- safety chain brake
- instant start
- for pruning and trimming
Best 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
Dewalt 12-Inch Chainsaw
Low Kickback Bar & Chain For Safety
This 12-inch chainsaw is powered by a 20-volt battery and features a low kickback bar and chain that prevent kickback situations to ensure the safety of the operator. The chain can reach a speed of 25.2 feet per second to deliver smooth cuts on wood. As it is cordless, it can be used without plugging into a wall, and also requires less maintenance than its gas counterparts.
Chain Tensioning Knob Mechanism
Both the guide bar and the chain are constantly lubricated by the automatic chain oiler so that it can always deliver effective performance and keep the chainsaw working properly. When pruning trees, it is recommended to use vegetable-based oil for the chain. The bar and the chain can be tensioned by using a knob mechanism mounted on the side of the chainsaw. This way it can easily. be done even when working.
Comfortable Design & Control
It weighs 8.8 pounds so that it can be easily controlled and balanced while cutting wood. It ensures the saw operator stays comfortable while using the 12-inch chainsaw. You can also read about other cordless chainsaws in this article with my selection of some of the best battery-powered chainsaws.
- 20-volt battery included
- 25.2 feet per second chain speed
- tool-free chain tensioning
- weighs 8.8 pounds
Best 12-Inch Arborist Chainsaw
Husqvarna 12-Inch Chainsaw
Designed For Arborist Use
This 12-inch chainsaw features a 35.2cc gas engine and a top handle suitable for use by tree surgeons who climb trees to cut off branches and keep trees healthy. The 2-stroke engine is designed to lower fuel consumption and reduce harmful exhaust emissions for a more eco-friendly approach. It comes with a rope attachment so that you can easily hoist it up into a tree.
Adjustable Oil Pump
In case you need to tighten your chain even in the middle of the task, you can easily adjust it by using the tensioning system located on the side of the powerhead. The 12-inch long guide bar makes it perfect for pruning and trimming in parks, vineyards, and orchards. The oil pump is adjustable so that it can always deliver the right supply of oil to the chain.
Anti-Vibration System Increases Comfort
For comfortable sawing, this chainsaw features an anti-vibration system that decreases the fatigue after long sessions. The body is balanced for control while being propped up in the tree. To check out other models suitable for arborist use, check out my post about the best arborist/top handle chainsaws.
- 35.2cc 2-stroke gas engine
- rope attachment for climbing trees
- top handle with anti-vibration system
Best 40v 12-Inch Chainsaw
Black And Decker 12-Inch Chainsaw
40v Battery For Up To 60 Cuts
This 12-inch chainsaw is powered by a 40-volt battery and equipped with a premium-quality guide bar and chain. The 2-Ah battery can deliver up to 60 cuts per charge. The included charger will fully charge the battery in 4 to 5 hours. During charging, the charger will flash green and stay on continuously once the battery is charged.
Maintenance Made Easy
The knob located on the side of the chainsaw allows you to tighten the guide bar and the chain without having to use any tools. They are also lubricated for safe and smooth cutting thanks to the automatic chain oiling technology. The lithium-ion battery technology ensures the battery stays charged up to five times longer for more cutting.
Comfortable Handle Design
This 12-inch chainsaw features a front handle wrapped around the body of the chainsaw. That way you can cut wood from different angles while staying comfortable. You can also check out other models of 40v chainsaws by reading this post with the reviews of some of the best 40v chainsaws.
- 40v battery
- includes a charger
- delivers up to 60 cuts per charge
- wrap-around handle
Best 12-Inch Chainsaw For The Money
Craftsman 12-Inch Chainsaw
For Cutting In Smaller Spaces
This 12-inch chainsaw is powered by a 4-Ah lithium-ion battery delivering a powerful cutting performance with extended battery life. It can be used for cutting wood in smaller spaces, as it features a 12-inch long guide bar. That’s why it is mostly suitable for homeowners who need it for occasional pruning and storm clean up. It comes with both the battery and the charger.
Features Minimalize Chain Maintenance
The chain has a 3/8-inch pitch and is automatically lubricated by the auto chain oiling technology. For minimalizing the maintenance of the chain, it can be easily adjusted by using the side-mounted mechanism for chain tensioning. The 12-inch long guide bar is suitable for cutting wood up to 10 inches thick. One battery charge can deliver up to 60 cuts.
Handle Design Facilitates Horizontal Cuts
This 12-inch chainsaw is listed for the price of around 180 dollars on Amazon. The handle is designed to even allow the saw operator to do straight horizontal cuts. If you want to check out other models under 200 dollars, read my post about the best chainsaws for the money.
- 4-Ah lithium-ion battery
- includes a charger
- delivers up to 60 cuts
- automatic chain oiling system
- for wood up to 10 inches thick
Best Top Handle 12-Inch Chainsaw
Makita 12-Inch Chainsaw
Dual-Port Charger For More Productivity
This chainsaw features a 12-inch long guide bar with a chain and two 18-volt batteries with a charging station. It delivers a speed of 1650 feet per minute for smooth cuts and has zero exhaust emissions. The dual-port charger can charge both 5-Ah batteries at the same time for increased performance and productivity.
Less Noisy & Less Maintenance
Compared to gas models, this 12-inch chainsaw is less noisy at 87 dB and requires less maintenance than its gas counterparts. It also starts more easily than gas models by simply loading the two batteries. The chain can be easily adjusted by using the tool-less chain tensioning mechanism for easier maintenance.
Top Handle With Accessible Controls
This 12-inch chainsaw features a top handle so that all the controls are easily accessible. That way the chainsaw can be used even with one hand, or while climbing trees and having to prune trees in smaller spaces. To see other models of chainsaws that feature a top handle, read this post about the best top handle chainsaws.
- two 5-Ah batteries
- dual-port charger included
- top handle chainsaw
Best 12-Inch Chainsaw For Home Use
Ryobi 12-Inch Chainsaw
Lithium Plus Technology For Extreme Weather Conditions
This chainsaw comes with a 12-inch long guide bar, a chain, a 4-Ah battery, and a charger. The lithium plus battery is designed with a technology that prolongs battery life and delivers long run time, and can even be used in extreme weather conditions. The 18-volt chainsaw is a part of a large tool system so that you can use the same battery in many other Ryobi tools.
Easy Chain Maintenance
This 12-inch chainsaw features an automatic chain oiler that can keep both the chain and the bar greasy enough by supplying them with enough oil. This increases the lifespan of the chain. The 12 chainsaw model also features a convenient tool-free chain tensioning mechanism so that you can quickly adjust the tightness without using any tools.
Cuts Thick Limbs & Small Trees
If you are a homeowner who occasionally has to prune some trees and cut up some limbs, then this chainsaw is perfect for you. It is ideal for pruning trees and can even cut smaller trees and thick limbs. You can also check out other models suitable for homeowners by reading this article about the best chainsaws for home use.
- 4-Ah battery included
- a charger included
- tool-free chain tensioning
- prunes trees and cuts thick limbs
Best Commercial 12-Inch Chainsaw
Tanaka 12-Inch Chainsaw
Commercial-Grade 1.6 Horsepower Engine
This 12-inch chainsaw features a 32cc gas engine and comes with a top handle with easily accessible controls. It delivers 1.6 horsepower and is equipped with a sprocket nose guide bar and a chain for excellent sawing experience. The 2-stroke engine is commercial-grade and delivers reliable cutting performance. A lanyard ring is built into the chainsaw powerhead to allow easy attaching and detaching while climbing trees.
For Professionals & Homeowners
As gas engines can be a challenge to start up, this chainsaw has features that help it to start more easily with fewer pulls. The chain can be tightened by using a side-mounted tensioning mechanism. To further facilitate the maintenance of the chain, this chainsaw features an automatic chain oiler that keeps it constantly lubricated. Its commercial engine makes this small chainsaw rather powerful for different professional and house jobs.
Anti-Vibration Technology For Comfort
The commercial-grade 12-inch chainsaw also has an advanced anti-vibration technology that allows the saw operator to stay comfortable while cutting. As it comes with a top handle, it can also be used as a climbing chainsaw that is easily balanced and maneuvered even while propped up in a tree. To check out other industrial models, give this post about the best industrial/commercial chainsaws a read.
- 32cc gas engine
- sprocket nose guide bar
- commercial-grade engine
- automatic chain oiling
- advanced anti-vibration
Conclusion: Which 12-Inch Chainsaw To Go For?
To conclude this article about the best 12 chainsaw models, I would suggest you look into investing your money in one of the two following models. Firstly, the Echo 12 chainsaw model features a 26.9cc gas engine and weighs under 7 pounds for easy maneuvering and convenient use even up in trees thanks to a top handle design. Secondly, the Black And Decker 12-inch chainsaw is powered by a 40-volt lithium battery and can deliver up to 60 cuts per charge.
If you wish to learn more about chainsaw models in general, read this article where I have reviewed many different chainsaws. If you are keen on small chainsaw models, read my post about the best small and mini chainsaws on the market. Read about the the best 18-inch chainsaws if you want a chainsaw with a somewhat longer guide bar.