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This teeny $29 chain saw is just my size — and, like me, it's little but fierce
It cuts through branches and logs with ease, and I don't even work up a sweat.
Chain saws may evoke images of Leatherface, lumberjacks and landscaping, but they don't have to be intimidating to use. When Yahoo readers made the Saker Mini Chainsaw one of their top buys of 2024, I was immediately intrigued — what could such a small electric chain saw do? Would it make the branch trimming and shrub-wrangling around my home more manageable? And what is so special about this lil' guy that so many readers have become massive fans? I decided to order one for myself and set to work — and I learned a ton in the process.
This trusty tool cuts through branches, logs and wood with ease and power — and without too much effort on the user's part.
- Easy to use
- Inexpensive
- Safety lock/button
- Light but powerful
- Messy with larger pieces of wood
- Not good for detail work
- Safety button access is trickier for lefties
Whether you're pruning stubborn branches, getting ready for bonfire season or cutting up some wood for home maintenance, the Saker Mini Chainsaw is up to the task. It weighs just under 2.5 pounds, and the chain saw portion of the tool is a mere 4 inches, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in power. The battery is a 20-volt, 1,500-mAh rechargeable that can handle even tough jobs — it might slow down a little with particularly thick branches and logs, but it's still sufficient for most. It comes with a handy carrying case that easily stores the saw, battery, charger and other included items in the kit: a screwdriver, bolt tightener and chain oil bottle. This portability makes it a great option for the car, especially if you plan on doing some camping this fall and need to gather firewood.
While testing the Saker, I first noticed that it was very easy to hold in one hand. I also appreciated the safety features, including a safety lock that must be pressed before the saw activates. This gave me some comfort that it wouldn't just "go off" if I squeezed it too tight while walking between locations. It's also easier to use than something like pruning shears, which can be heavy and unwieldy and take much longer to get the same job done.
I implore readers not to expect the cleanest, smoothest results. This saw is not meant for subtle detail work — it does the best when it's simply hacking away. It's also important to always wear safety glasses or goggles when working with the saw, because the thicker the wood, the more chips and splinters go a-flyin' (often upwards).
It was best for what most of Amazon reviewers said they use it for: cutting up large and small branches and pruning thick branches and shrubbery with ease. For jobs that require straightness and precision, I think I'll be sticking to our circular saw. But the Saker Mini Chainsaw is by far my new preference when it comes to branches.
More than 9,000 Amazon shoppers have given the Saker a five-star rating, with many praising its ease of use, battery life and speed.
"I'm so glad I didn't spend a bunch of money buying a lot bigger electric saw," one reviewer said. "All I really need to do is cut small branches and saplings. This little guy did it with ease. I was really surprised at the power, to be honest with you. ... It cuts through small saplings like a hot knife through butter. I would most definitely recommend this for small jobs."
"One of my favorite purchases!" another fan raved. "I love to help with yard work, and with 3 acres of oak trees, chain saws are a must! But sometimes I just need a little chain saw for the smaller limbs. This fits the bill perfectly! It is so easy to use, and as an almost 50-year-old woman, I like that it's not huge and bulky."
A final user wrote, "I’m in Houston and I bought this to trim up some trees and it did a terrific job. Made quick work of small branches and made a big job feel small. Even took down some larger branches I didn't think it could. Fast forward a little and Hurricane Beryl rolled through. My yard was full of downed branches, including a particularly big one that you could call a small tree. This thing handled it all. Some of the bigger branches I had to cut one half first, the other half second, but it did the job. It did not quit or break. This thing is worth the money if you're on the fence."
This little buzzer is bewitching in blue, but it's also pretty in pink for a bit more.
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
