“Is buying a used chainsaw a good idea?”
YES…buying a used chainsaw can turn out to be a good idea if you’re on a limited budget or you don’t plan to use it for long periods of time or on a regular basis.
To be honest with you, however, the process involved in buying a used chainsaw isn’t easy. This is especially true for beginners who have little or no experience using a chainsaw before.
Even the experienced users should be cautious not to buy a used machine that ends up costing them more than they bought it.
In the post below, we’ll share with you some pro tips on how to go about buying a used chainsaw to ensure you get the best deal out there.
Let’s dive right in…
Tips for Buying a Used Chainsaw
1. Define your chainsaw needs
Similar to buying a brand new chainsaw, the first you ought to do when looking for a secondhand chainsaw is define your specific chainsaw needs. This will help you know what type of chainsaw to buy.
If you’re looking for something light that you can use around your home, then you’ll be well off with an electric chainsaw that runs directly off the mains.
And if you need a tool that you can use far away from home, a battery operated model will be a good option.
A petrol chainsaw would be ideal for anyone looking for a more powerful model that doesn’t use electricity. This model is also suitable for use all day long as refilling it with petrol is much easier.
What type of chainsaw best fits your needs?
2. Check for durable, reliable brands
The next thing you’d want to look for when buying a second-hand chainsaw is its brand.
As you know, there are multiple chainsaw manufacturers out there, most of which produce less durable machines that do not the test of time.
The idea here is to look for reliable brands that manufacturer their products with high-quality materials and excellent artistry to enable them to last for more extended periods of time.
Such brands include Stihl, Husky, Echo, and Husqvarna.
The second-hand machines from these brands do not lose their functionality easily after long-term usage (provided they’re well maintained by their owners).
3. How old is the chainsaw?
The age of the chainsaw is also a key determinant in the machine you plan to buy.
Most people tend to believe the newer the chainsaw, the better its condition is.
But this isn’t always the case. The owner might have noted a defect(s) in the new machine and decided to sell it. And if you’re the unlucky buyer, you might end up inheriting those defects.
It’s safer to go for an older chainsaw that has only be used for few times than a newer model that has been used for hours every day since it was purchased.
Believe you me; the older might be in a better state than the recently bought one.
4. How much are you willing to spend on a used tool?
Generally, you’d expect a second-hand chainsaw to cost cheaper than a brand new machine.
But again, the price will vary from one model to another, depending on a number of factors- including the current state of the machine.
The better the quality of the machine, the more money you might be required to spend on it.
NOTE: the used chainsaw selling price can also help you determine the quality of their machine. If they have set a way too low cost, they might be selling you a piece of junk that will give you a hell of problems when running it.
5. Thoroughly examine the machine before buying it
If you’re buying the used chainsaw locally or from a friend/relative, it might you have the chance of closely interacting with it.
As such, you should grab that chance and carefully examine it and even TRY it to ensure it works well. See how easy it starts (in our honest opinion, if the tool doesn’t start on the first or second pull, it’s not worth investing in).
Check the chain and chain guard condition. Look how clean overall it looks, and it has any abuses. Check if it comes with all the necessary safety gear like glasses, gloves, etc. Use a flashlight to inspect the walls of the cylinder to ensure they’re not worn out.
Above all, check if it’s working correctly and whether it needs any repairs (and account for them in your price negotiations).
What if you’re buying the machine online? Well, in that case, doing due diligence would prove quite essential for you.
Pay attention to the seller’s description of the machine; understand whether he’s selling it as a fully functional unit or for parts. Look for any attached photos as they give you even more information than the description part.
Where To Buy A Used Chainsaw
Now that you know how to buy a used chainsaw, you might be wondering where to look for one.
Luckily, there are many places where you can get a great second-hand tool at a fair cost. Below is a list of the top places we recommend you to look for a used chainsaw:
- Check in at your local dealer. Let the dealer know that you’re on a tight budget and the kind of chainsaw you’re looking for. In most cases, you won’t look further than there.
- Local yard & garage sales can also be a good source of great used machines.
- Online site auctions. Actions conducted on eBay, for example, can be a good source for your preferred tool. You can get a reconditioned machine here at a fair cost.
- You can let your friends, relatives or colleagues know that you’re in the market for a used chainsaw. They might offer you leads as well.
Final Verdict
Though the idea of buying a used chainsaw isn’t always recommended, it’s good for people who don’t have enough cash to invest in a new model. It’s also good for people who want a simple tool for handling simple tasks around the home from time to time.
If you’ve set up your mind to buy a secondhand chainsaw, our guide above will help you get the best machine that will work according to your needs and requirements.