Best Chain Brake Chainsaws of 2026
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Chain brake chainsaws are a must-have tool for anyone working with wood or trees. These chainsaws are designed with a safety feature that stops the chain from rotating in case of kickback, preventing accidents and injuries. Not only do they provide a safer working environment, but they also offer better control and precision when cutting through thick branches or logs. With a variety of sizes and power options, chain brake chainsaws are suitable for both professional and home use. Whether you're a lumberjack, arborist or just need to prune some trees in your yard, a chain brake chainsaw is a reliable and efficient tool to get the job done.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Chain Brake Chainsaws
Oregon 18-inch Self-Sharpening Electric Chainsaw
Experience powerful performance with Oregon's 18-inch electric chainsaw. This chainsaw is perfect for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts, boasting a 15A motor and an integrated self-sharpening system that keeps your chain sharp in just 3 to 5 seconds. With a lightweight design and easy-to-use chain tensioning system, you can adjust the chain quickly and easily for the perfect cut with minimal maintenance. The chainsaw also features an instant startup, low noise operation, and automatic lubrication system that extends the life of your chain even in harsh environments. With no assembly required and a 2-year warranty, Oregon's electric chainsaw is the perfect tool for all your cutting needs.
EGO Power+ 16-in. Cordless Chainsaw Kit
The EGO Power+ 16-in. Cordless Chainsaw Kit provides 40CC gas equivalent and up to 130 cuts on a 4x4 with the included 2.5Ah ARC Lithium battery. Its high-efficiency brushless motor delivers a 20 M/S chain speed, while the tool-free bar and chain adjustments, low kickback chain design with brake indicator, automatic oiling, and spill-free oil reservoir make it easy to use. The chainsaw comes with a 5-year tool warranty and a 3-year battery warranty.
Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw
The Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Chainsaw is the perfect tool for homeowners who need to tackle yard projects or storm clean-up. It features TruBrushlessTM motor technology for more power, longer runtimes, quiet operation, and extended motor life. It also has a chain brake for added safety and an automatic oiler for proper chain lubrication. It's easy to use with push button start and no gas or fumes.
Husqvarna 16 Inch Gas Chainsaw
The Husqvarna 130 Gas Chainsaw is a lightweight, efficient, and easy-to-use chainsaw that is perfect for tree cutting equipment and outdoor tools. With a 16-inch chainsaw bar length, it is ideal for limbing, pruning, and tree cutting. Equipped with a fuel pump and combined choke/stop control, it is easy to start and reduces the risk of engine flooding. The chainsaw features LowVib technology that reduces vibrations, minimizing operator fatigue for easy handling of recommended 14 to 16-inch chainsaw bars. The centrifugal air cleaning system expels larger dust and debris particles before they reach the air filter, improving engine life and reducing air filter cleanings.
Baotree 62CC 20-Inch Gas Chainsaw
The Baotree 62CC Chainsaw is powered by a strong 62CC 2-stroke engine, giving you the power and speed needed to handle tough cutting jobs with ease. Its 20-inch guide bar and low-kickback chain make cutting large logs and thick branches simple, saving you time and effort. Safety is a priority with the automatic chain brake that stops the chain instantly if there’s a kickback, helping to protect you from injury. Plus, the quick-start technology and ergonomic design make starting the saw smooth and easy, so you can get to work faster without struggling with pull-starts.
Husqvarna 455 Rancher Gas Powered Chainsaw
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher Chainsaw is a powerful and efficient tool for all your cutting needs. Equipped with a 56cc X-TORQ engine, this chainsaw reduces emissions by up to 60% and increases fuel efficiency by up to 20%. The X-Cut chain is sharp right out of the box and lasts longer before needing to be sharpened, making your cutting work supercharged. With LowVib Technology, the dampeners between the engine and chassis significantly reduce vibrations, allowing you to work more comfortably. Starting the chainsaw is quick and easy, thanks to features like Smart Start technology, air purge, and a decompression valve. The Husqvarna 455 Rancher also features Air Injection Technology, which expels larger dust and debris particles before they reach the air filter, improving engine life. The forged three-piece crankshaft ensures maximum durability even for the toughest jobs. The inertia-activated chain brake reduces the likelihood of injury due to kickback, and the separate choke/stop switch controls prevent accidental flooding. With the side-mounted chain tensioner, you have easier access to the chain tensioning device. The Husqvarna 455 Rancher Chainsaw is a reliable and convenient tool for tree pruning, yard cleanups, and firewood cutting.
Husqvarna 120 Mark III Chainsaw
The Husqvarna 120 Chainsaw is designed for homeowners seeking a lightweight and effective cutting tool. Its 14-inch bar makes it easy to maneuver, perfect for tasks like wood cutting and tree pruning. The powerful 38-cc X-Torq engine provides impressive power and torque, ensuring efficient performance with every cut. Safety is prioritized with the inertia-activated chain brake, which helps prevent accidents while you work. Additionally, the LowVib technology reduces vibrations, allowing you to operate the chainsaw comfortably for longer periods.
ReliaRoads 16-Inch 40V Brushless Chainsaw
The ReliaRoads 40V Chainsaw offers powerful cutting with its 16-inch bar and brushless motor, making it ideal for pruning and firewood tasks while ensuring longer tool life and less maintenance. Its compatibility with DeWalt 20V MAX batteries gives you the freedom to use batteries you may already own, providing cordless convenience and strong performance. The automatic oil pump keeps the chain lubricated for up to 40 minutes, so you can work longer without interruptions. Safety is a priority, with features that quickly stop the chain when you release the switch or in emergencies, giving you confidence and control during every cut.
WTHW WH5806 58cc Gas Chainsaw
The WTHW 58cc Quick-Switch Chainsaw is designed to make your cutting tasks easier and more efficient. With its powerful 58cc two-stroke engine and a larger fuel tank, you can work longer without frequent refueling, saving you valuable time. The quick-switch bar system allows you to change between a 20-inch felling bar and an 18-inch limbing bar quickly, so you can handle both big trees and detailed trimming without carrying multiple saws. Starting the saw is hassle-free thanks to the quick-start recoil, which works well even in cold conditions. Plus, on-site chain tensioning with the included tool helps you stay productive without frustrating delays.
WEN CP1518 15-Amp Electric Chainsaw
The WEN Electric Chainsaw offers a powerful 15-amp motor that drives the chain at a fast speed, making your cutting tasks quicker and more efficient. Its lightweight design helps reduce tiredness, so you can work longer without discomfort. The saw features an automatic oiling system that keeps the chain lubricated, which helps extend the tool's life and ensures smoother operation. Since it’s electric and corded, you won’t need gasoline, allowing you to work without worrying about emissions or fuel refills. This makes the WEN Electric Chainsaw a convenient and eco-friendly choice for your cutting needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does a chain brake do on a chainsaw?
Chain brakes prevent movement of the saw's cutting chain by applying a steel brake band around the driven clutch drum. Clamping force for the brake band is provided by a powerful spring.
2. Do you need a chain brake on a chainsaw?
One of the most important chainsaw safety features is the chain brake, which stops movement of the chain in the event of kickback during operation. The chain brake is activated when the front hand guard, located near the saw's upper handle, moves rapidly toward the chainsaw operator.
3. How does Stihl chain brake work?
The STIHL Quickstop® chain brake is designed to stop the rotation of the chain if activated by the operator's hand or by inertia if the saw kicks back with sufficient force. In some working positions, the STIHL Quickstop® chain brake can be activated by inertia, stopping the chain within fractions of a second.
During our chain brake chainsaw research, we found 24 chain brake chainsaw products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 102,611 customer reviews through our big data system to write the chain brake chainsaws list. We found that most customers choose chain brake chainsaws with an average price of $201.79.
The chain brake chainsaws are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of chain brake chainsaws, including Oregon, EGO Power+, Greenworks, Husqvarna, Baotree. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Bryan Hicks is a professional gardener and a writer who lives in North Texas with his family and his dog. Bryan has spent more than half of his life surrounded by garden products. He has extensive experience in garden makeovers and maintenance and lawn care. His areas of expertise include outdoor decoration, gardening and garden design.