Sawzall or chainsaw

[Doug - Iowa]

I use my 18V sawzall for tree trimming a lot. But, the batteries are getting weak and the saw itself is about worn out. I do on occasion use it to cut metal but not very often. Rest of my daily cordless tools are 20V DeWalt. I could buy the 20V DeWalt sawzall, and use it the same as I do now. Or I could get the small chainsaw. Which looks like it would be super handy and quicker cutting small limbs. Any recommendations between the two?

 

[Stephen Newell]

The sawzall would be more versatile however limb trimming would be a lot easier with a chainsaw.

 

[da.bees]

I like a Sawzall for it's versatility with different blades. I despise small inexpensive gas saws and string trimmers because they last one season "sometimes less" before needing repair. Once they won' start,it's difficult to fix and maintain. Corded or cordless chain saw work's fine but new blade or sharpening is more expensive than Sawzall. Lack of upper body strength is starting to make using my fateful Sthil chain saw dangerous.
IMO,women,kids and old men should stick to sawzalls for safety's sake.

 

[MeanGene1]

I have the DeWalt 20V sawzall and love it, very strong as are all the other 20V tools. I use it for almost all my trimming, the pruning blades are very sharp and cut well. When I go up in my Genie lift, I take all four of my batteries, and they outlast me lol. Get some larger batteries like the 4's and it will run quite a while

 

[Dusty MI]

DeWalt and B & D are made by the same company but batteries do not interchange.
I have 3 different 20 volt tools for each. One of them is a pole chain saw. While is seems slow it is nice to have/use.

 

[Janicholson]

My neighbor has one of these in corded, but it works very well. My second sugestion is a reciprocating saw from Northern tool or harbor freight. they are much less expensive. I do own a DeWalt 20v max recip. and it is marvelous There are limbing blades for it that work. Jim
ryobi

 

[Blackhole49]

I just got a Dewalt 20v brushless and was amazed at how well it worked. For light trimming jobs of an hour or less, it will be my go to saw. I have 1/2 dozen gas chain saws. I started trimming my pine trees with them this spring but ended up buying a 16" Oregon corded electric saw 1/2 way through for the lighter weight and less vibration (my arms don't have the strength to work at shoulder height like they used to). Really happy with that also for light trimming. This section was done with the electric.

This was done with the gas.

 

[johnlobb]

Echo, Husqvarna and Stihl all make top handle arborist saws good for limbing. I have an Echo and now use it the most of any of my saws.

 

[Doug - Iowa]

Thanks for the comments, I think I'll stick with the sawzall. Plus my neighbor who is a contractor stopped by this afternoon and I had it all laid out on the bench. He has a few 18v batteries that are good, he said I could have them. So we'll see how long they last and then buy new 20v.

 

[Russ from MN]

I added these spacers to the bar on my Jonsered, prevents me from damaging the tree when limbing. I love my Jonsereds, the newest is 12 years old, the oldest is 48, they all run great, the 12 year old has had 0 maintenance, the 48 1 carb kit!

 

[Randy-IA]

My experience is that the sawzall for limbing wears my hands out from the vibrations. A chainsaw is heavier but does not vibrate the same.

I have carpal tunnel in my left hand (already had the surgery on my right)caused from a lifetime of using vibratory tools like heavy jackhammers in construction (Hilti SDS drills, sawzalls, chippers, worm drive circular saws, ground pounders, concrete vibrators, air chisels, etc) and riding my Harley with solid mount bars. All that vibration does a number on the nerves in ones wrists. My suggestion is to use the one that vibrates the least.

 

[BobReeves]

I have a Dewalt 20V chainsaw and love it. Can even use it with one hand if you dare. One of my most used better Dewalt investments.