Mini Chainsaws?

[Snazzylass]

Anyone have one of these? They look perfect for tidying up my yard. I picked up a Fantik at Costco on Sunday, but before I got the box open, I saw a YardWorks at Menards which is heavier (a concern), a bit cheaper but advertised as more powerful. So then I started looking online. They seem to be half the cost on Amazon but I'm skeptical.

Should I keep the Fantik or run back over to Menards?

 

[Passepartout]

Those things scare the bejesus out of me! Looks like a great way to hack off a hand or maybe just a finger.

 

[jeffox]

I bought one this year with an extension pole to trim the tree branches. There is a local place that sells open box, scratch and dent, over run and returned items and I picked it up for $20. It is a bit scary to use hand held, just have to be careful.

 

[dioxide45]

When you say mini chainsaw, do you mean the electric power ones? My FIL bought a couple of Kobalt ones at Lowes. One of a standard chain saw and another with a long extension handle. He passed away back in May, but I've used them around their yard to trim limbs and cut down smaller trees. They work quite well and I've done quite a bit of cleanup in their yard. They have several safety features to prevent them from running while not actively engaging with the trigger.

 

[easyrider]

Anyone have one of these? They look perfect for tidying up my yard. I picked up a Fantik at Costco on Sunday, but before I got the box open, I saw a YardWorks at Menards which is heavier (a concern), a bit cheaper but advertised as more powerful. So then I started looking online. They seem to be half the cost on Amazon but I'm skeptical.

Should I keep the Fantik or run back over to Menards?

The Fantik has a 12.5 volt battery, The Yardwork has a 20 volt battery. I would go with the Yardwork because it's an inline saw versus an angled saw, has more power and can be returned to Costco for no reason at all if you decide you don't like it.

Bill

 

[dioxide45]

The Fantik has a 12.5 volt battery, The Yardwork has a 20 volt battery. I would go with the Yardwork because it's an inline saw versus an angled saw, has more power and can be returned to Costco for no reason at all if you decide you don't like it.

Bill

But if I read the OP correctly, the Fantik was at Costco, the Yardwork is at Menards. Wouldn't be able to return the Yardwork to Costco.

 

[Brett]

I have a small Kobalt lithium battery chain saw for cutting down tree limbs (and small trees)

 

[jp10558]

IDK about small chainsaws, but I have to caution against modern Sthils whether gas or electric. They just sieze up after 3-4 years. Other brands I really don't know, we replaced the gas one with a "Amazon Chinese Special clone of a 066" if I recall correctly, which cost ~ $350. Even more powerful than the 451 it replaced, and a LOT LOT cheaper when it decides to just die.

 

[#1 Cowboys Fan]

I am one of the least mechanical people I know...and I tend to be accident-prone.

So, I have NO INTEREST in trying to use a 'Regular' Chainsaw.

But, I have bought one of the MINI ones. I looked up online, and they ranged from about $30, could be up to $100.

I bought one of the lesser price ones.

I feel I did way too much research in buying one. I suggest just pick one; and use it for those simple tasks you plan to.

We have only used it about 3 times, but it's one of those nice things to have for those types of SMALLER cutting.

Remember to Oil/Lubricate it......I actually have bought two...because I didn't do that to the first one.

 

[dioxide45]

Remember to Oil/Lubricate it......I actually have bought two...because I didn't do that to the first one.

For sure. They still require some maintenance as the chains still stretch like a regular chain saw. So they do have to be adjusted now and then and I found on the Kobalt saw my FIL has, it wasn't all that easy.

 

[#1 Cowboys Fan]

Some come with extra Chain(s)......I suspect most people (maybe not me?) could put those on.

I paid about $30-$35 (twice)....and I have parts from both.

 

[easyrider]

But if I read the OP correctly, the Fantik was at Costco, the Yardwork is at Menards. Wouldn't be able to return the Yardwork to Costco.

Yup, my bad.

@Snazzylass Since you already have the Fantik you might as well try it out. If you don't like it you could take it back to Costco. The advantage with the Fantik besides already having it, is it should weigh less with the smaller battery and might be easier to handle.

Bill

 

[TUGBrian]

bought a generic one off amazon that works with dewalt batteries, its outstanding!

i have a larger chainsaw but unless its a huge branch or similar, the handheld one tackles 95% of regular yard work needs.

I have a can of spray chain lube that makes all that a breeze.

 

[easyrider]

For sure. They still require some maintenance as the chains still stretch like a regular chain saw. So they do have to be adjusted now and then and I found on the Kobalt saw my FIL has, it wasn't all that easy.

I get the chains for my cordless chainsaws off Amazon. I don't even bother with trying to sharpen the chains because the new chains are so cheap. It's a different story for my gas chainsaws.

Bill

 

[Snazzylass]

I am one of the least mechanical people I know...and I tend to be accident-prone.

So, I have NO INTEREST in trying to use a 'Regular' Chainsaw.

But, I have bought one of the MINI ones. I looked up online, and they ranged from about $30, could be up to $100.

I bought one of the lesser price ones.

I feel I did way too much research in buying one. I suggest just pick one; and use it for those simple tasks you plan to.

We have only used it about 3 times, but it's one of those nice things to have for those types of SMALLER cutting.

Remember to Oil/Lubricate it......I actually have bought two...because I didn't do that to the first one.

Thanks! I'm going to get my money's worth just saving paying someone to take away my refuge.

 

[Snazzylass]

Those things scare the bejesus out of me! Looks like a great way to hack off a hand or maybe just a finger.

Well, yes, Jim, one must always have respect for power tools. The key to a chainsaw is to NOT hold it over your head. I've been told that's where the most injuries occur. I did have a small chain saw back in the day. Likely a Mother's Day gift to myself. My annual power tool splurge. I left it in my Lake house that I sold. Then I saw this little one at Costco. Apparently people use them camping which makes sense. A ladder is still probably more dangerous.

 

[Snazzylass]

When you say mini chainsaw, do you mean the electric power ones? My FIL bought a couple of Kobalt ones at Lowes. One of a standard chain saw and another with a long extension handle. He passed away back in May, but I've used them around their yard to trim limbs and cut down smaller trees. They work quite well and I've done quite a bit of cleanup in their yard. They have several safety features to prevent them from running while not actively engaging with the trigger.

Yes! Thanks for the review. So sorry about your FIL. My dad passed in May and I have been enjoying driving his 2017 Lincoln Continental with 30k miles. I'm still figuring out all the features.

 

[Snazzylass]

The Fantik has a 12.5 volt battery, The Yardwork has a 20 volt battery. I would go with the Yardwork because it's an inline saw versus an angled saw, has more power and can be returned to Costco for no reason at all if you decide you don't like it.

Bill

Well, I agree with your assessment. Thank you! Maybe I'll give the Costco one a try and never know the difference. I did notice some of them are self-oiling.

 

[am1]

But if I read the OP correctly, the Fantik was at Costco, the Yardwork is at Menards. Wouldn't be able to return the Yardwork to Costco.

They will not know unless they try returning something that was not even bought there.

 

[DaveNV]

I think it depends on how much you plan to use it. It's all about the right tool for the purpose you intend. For an average homeowner who cuts off a branch once in a while, the lesser one from Costco may be just fine.

Cutting off/up a branch or two once in a while seems like an easy task *any* mini chainsaw could handle. If you're cutting down a bigger tree or thicker branches and need to limb it for disposal, obviously the heavier-duty one may be better suited. For the difference in price, it's kind of a coin toss.

I'd suggest trying the Costco one, and return it if it doesn't suit you. Keep in mind, other retailers have much more limited return policies, especially if the item is used. Costco should always be your first go-to for something like this, knowing you can get a refund if it doesn't work out.

Dave

 

[TUGBrian]

man these have gotten all sorts of fancy now for under 50 bucks!

 

[chapjim]

They will not know unless they try returning something that was not even bought there.

There was a time when you could have returned it to Nordstrom's. They used to take tires in return even though they never sold tires.

 

[chapjim]

Those things scare the bejesus out of me! Looks like a great way to hack off a hand or maybe just a finger.

Like the old saying: Chainsaw don't know leg from log.

I think the mini-saw I have is a Saker (Chinese but I didn't know that when I bought it). I'm pretty good at putting the chain back on. I've had lots of practice.

 

[BJRSanDiego]

man these have gotten all sorts of fancy now for under 50 bucks!

View attachment 118223

Brian, if you look closely at the picture, you may notice that they put the chain on backwards.

 

[swditz]

Anyone have one of these? They look perfect for tidying up my yard. I picked up a Fantik at Costco on Sunday, but before I got the box open, I saw a YardWorks at Menards which is heavier (a concern), a bit cheaper but advertised as more powerful. So then I started looking online. They seem to be half the cost on Amazon but I'm skeptical.

Should I keep the Fantik or run back over to Menards?

Bought one last week on amazon. Used today for first time. it worked great and is very light weight. Will make yard cleanup a breeze! Makes getting old a little easier.