The 8 Best 16 Inch Chainsaws of 2023

A 16” chainsaw is ideal for homeowners and DIYers, because it isn’t too short or too long. There is ample power in a 16” chainsaw to cut through any tree, as long as it isn’t over 32 inches in thickness. I have prepared a list of 16” Corded, Cordless, and Gas chainsaws for you to choose from. Cordless is the most convenient since there are no wires and zero fumes. Plus, you don’t have to bother with carburetors, recoil starters, spark plugs, etc. Just keep the chain greased and charge the batteries, it will work like a charm. Corded electric chainsaws are lighter and cheaper but they also need a power source. So you are tethered to a cord, this limits your range of motion and the area in which you can work.

Deciding which tool best suits your needs isn’t the toughest decision yet. It’s the strength and performance that a chainsaw can provide, whether it’s for home use or professional cutting jobs. You don’t want to buy one with an engine that breaks down suddenly while using at home or work. So, our professional loggers tested and ranked the best 16-inch chainsaws that ensure power and durability.

You can use it to maintain your property and cut down large trees with ease. The 16 Inch bar size is enough to cut down trees with 14-16 Inch diameters in a single go.When you go shopping for a chainsaw, there are plenty of options available in the market.Hence, to help you out, we have tested and reviewed some of the best 16 Inch chainsaws in the market and shortlisted some of the best options for you.

The 8 Best 16 Inch Chainsaws of 2023 (Tested & Reviewed)

The tool-less blade adjuster lets you adjust your chain no matter where you are when it gets loose. An appropriately tightened chain and a good grip on the rubberized handles will help you maintain control of this rather heavy chainsaw and give you a smoother cut.

For your safety, this chainsaw has a built-in chain brake to help keep you and others around you from getting injured in case of any kickback. There’s also a built-in current limiter that reduces the amount of power to the motor when it’s under a heavy load. This helps protect your engine from overheating.

This chainsaw has an automatic oiling system. The oil reservoir is large and has a window that allows you to check your oil levels effortlessly. It’s in an awkward place on the chainsaw, though, which makes pouring oil into it challenging.

The Poulan Pro PR4016 is designed ergonomically and runs with heavy performance and an incredible power set. It standout because of its patent – Oxy-power technology that provides more power but reduces fuel consumption by about 20%.

This technology also minimizes the fumes that come out from the engine by about 70%. This Poulan 16-inch chainsaw also has a super clean air filter system that provides an advanced filtration mechanism.

Additionally, it features a built-in compart for the adjustment tool, making it easy to carry the tool and adjust the chain tension everywhere. But you must purchase a separate carrying case because it comes only with the saw itself.

Although this brushless motor has maximum torque and can handle heavier loads of wood, it’s best for small jobs. It has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can power up to 150 cuts.

The Craftsman S165 provides you heavy-duty performance in a lightweight design that can be handled easily.The chainsaw is designed for hardcore professionals and is equipped with a 42cc dual-cycle engine which provides high power and performance. The low kickback chain reduces the vibrations and allows you to cut through the toughest of woods with ease.

The chainsaw is designed to provide comfortable and long-term usage. The polymer design reduces the weight of the chainsaw without compromising its durability. Hence, you won’t feel any fatigue and will be able to use the chainsaw for long hours comfortably.The automatic chain oiler is adjustable. You can increase or decrease the amount of lubrication as per the task. The chain oiler tank has a transparent side that keeps you updated regarding oil levels.

The S165 also features an easy start technology that is rapid and smooth. You can easily start the chainsaw with a rope-pull switch in a single pull. Hence, you can begin cutting without wasting any energy on the starting process.The chainsaw does not come with additional cutting equipment or bar and chain oil. So, you will need to purchase these items separately.

Another cheap variation of 16-inch chainsaws is the corded electric WORX. We like that it’s durable and lightweight, only weighing 11 pounds. Running on 14.5 power amps, this chainsaw has an automatic tensioning system and lubrication, preventing the chain’s over-tightening. So, you can maintain the right tightness of the chainsaw. It’s also kept lubricated and has a low-oil indicator that signals when the bar and chain oil is about to run out.

With the rubberized rear handle and full-wrap front handle, you get full and superb chainsaw control —making the chainsaw’s kickback manageable. But since it’s one of those corded electric chainsaws, you’ll need a power outlet nearby.

The WEN 4017 can be plugged into any power source and used to cut down even the toughest of trees with ease.The chainsaw provides 12 Amps of powerful motor which can cut down up to 44 feet in seconds. The 16-inch chainsaw provides you with 2.2 Nm of torque that can slice through the toughest of woods comfortably.

The WEN 4017 features a tool-less tensioning system. So, no more hassle of carrying the tools with you. You can easily switch out the older chain and replace it with a new one, or adjust the chain tension during the operation.The tool comes in a lightweight design that does not require any maintenance. Compared to a gasoline chainsaw, you just have to manage bar and chain oil, and chain tensioning which is nothing and can be done easily before you begin working.

The device comes with ergonomic handles, a handguard, and safety features that make it easier to use. Also, there are fewer vibrations and less noise. So, you can work comfortably for long hours without feeling any fatigue.The bar and chain oil are not pre-filled and are not included with the best chainsaw. So, you will have to purchase it separately for the chainsaw and refill it before using the tool. So, the device is not ready to use right out of the box.

The chainsaw comes in a lightweight and compact design that can be used efficiently in your lawn or garden. The high-grade material construction makes the tool durable for long-term use.The chainsaw provides you with a powerful double-cycle motor that cuts through the toughest of woods with ease. The inertia-activated emergency brake system adds to the safety features of the chainsaw.

The tool is easy to use and maintain. The automatic chain oiling system takes care of the consistent lubrication of the bar and chain. The tool also features a simple tensioning system. So, you can adjust chain tensioning during the operation easily.The innovative technology by Husqvarna reduces fuel consumption and fumes so that you can use the tool efficiently and for longer hours. Advanced technology also increases the engine’s life.

Husqvarna also provides safety equipment like a helmet, gloves, pants, and replacement parts for the chainsaw. However, these things are not included with the package and require separate purchasing.

The chainsaw provides you greater power, performance, and runtime equivalent to that of a gas chainsaw without any of the noise, vibration, or fumes. So, you can control the chainsaw more efficiently and use it comfortably.The innovative brushless motor is designed to provide heavy-duty performance. It will provide you with 25% more power as compared to other chainsaws and will run for 50% longer on batteries. The technology also increases the engine life by 10 percent.

The tool is equipped with high-capacity batteries which not only provide longer runtime but also ensure heat and impact protection. Hence, the batteries will last longer and you will be able to finish more work on a single charge.The chainsaw is also equipped with a battery life indicator which keeps you updated with the current status of the battery power. Moreover, the one-step tool-less tensioning provides you with the easy maintenance of the chainsaw.

The only flaw of the chainsaw is the lack of a pole attachment feature. You cannot attach the chainsaw to a pole to extend its length and cut down the tree limbs that are higher up.Learn how to make a chainsaw winch in simple steps if you already have an old tool waiting for some serious tuning.

Best 16 Inch Chainsaws—Buyer’s Guide

Selecting the best 16 Inch chainsaw can be a difficult task especially when you have so many options available in the market. So, to help you narrow down the choice, we will briefly discuss some of the most important factors that you must consider.

Type of Chainsaw

The first and foremost decision which will help you narrow down the selection is the question, what type of chainsaw do you want?

If you have to maintain a large property or need a chainsaw for professional outdoor tasks, then the gas chainsaw is the best option. It does not require any electric power and purely works on gasoline.If you simply need to manage the house lawn or garden, then an electric and corded chainsaw will be the best option. The chainsaw requires an electric source and provides you with efficient power and performance for home use.

The battery-powered cordless chainsaws are the most efficient option for versatile usage. You can use them for both home and professional use. They provide you high powered performance without any fumes or noise.

Ergonomic Handles and Weight

You must consider the weight and design of the chainsaw before purchasing it. The last thing you want is to get a chainsaw that is powerful, but heavy or difficult to control by your physique.So, check the chainsaw before the purchase, if the handles are comfortable and heated and if you are able to lift it easily. We have shared plenty of lightweight and compact 16″ chainsaws in our above guide.

Safety Features

Safety features are crucial to a chainsaw. You would never want to get injured by a chainsaw. So, you must consider the safety functions that can help you remain protected in case of a mishap.

The most common features include a low kickback function and emergency brake. The low kickback would reduce the vibration and prove superior control while the emergency brake will allow you to immediately stop the chainsaw when needed.You must also purchase protective gear including a helmet, gloves, and apparel to keep yourself safe from wood splinters. The protective gears would not be included with the chainsaw and you will have to purchase them separately.

Maintenance

Maintenance is also an important factor when it comes to a chainsaw. To ensure long-term and efficient usage, you have to maintain the chainsaws effectively.

The maintenance includes chain tensioning adjustment, chain, and bars oiling, and tool maintenance. Some chainsaws provide automatic chain tensioning, but we recommend going with manual tensioning systems, as they are more accurate.

However, you can select between a tool-less and tooled tensioning system as per your choice and budget. The automatic chain oiling is the perfect option to have, provided there is some way to monitor the oil levels in the tank.The tool maintenance is different for each type of chainsaw. Corded electric chainsaws require near to none, while gasoline and battery-powered chainsaws will require more maintenance.

Budget Matters

Budget is one of the most crucial factors and is decisive in the choice of your chainsaw. So, you must consider your budget before you select the type of chainsaw you want to buy.

The corded electric chainsaws are the most cost-efficient as they require an outer power source. The gasoline chainsaws are moderately priced, as you will have to put gasoline in them to work.

Battery-powered chainsaws are expensive if the battery is included with the chainsaw. The high-capacity batteries are expensive but definitely worth the price as they provide you with similar power to that of a gasoline chainsaw.

Safety Equipment:

All power tools are dangerous and should be used with extreme caution. Chainsaws require some different safety protection that other power tools don’t.

Leg protection:

Your legs are close to the chain. Wear cut-resistant pants or chaps to help protect your legs from flying debris.

Hard hat:

A hard hat is especially needed if you’re working overhead, to protect yourself from falling branches.

Gloves:

Gloves will help give you a firmer grip and keep better control over the chainsaw. These should be cut-resistant too.

Eye protection:

Things fly when a chainsaw is being used. Wear protective glasses that shield from the front and the sides, to help protect your eyes.

Ear protection:

Chainsaws are loud. Wearing earplugs or earmuffs will help safeguard your future hearing.

Boots:

You’re cutting up large and heavy pieces of wood. Always wear boots or shoes that have steel toes and non-skid soles.

Frequently Asked Questions