Looking for a reliable electric chainsaw that won’t break the bank? We’ve been testing out the Craftsman 16-inch chainsaw, and it’s been a pleasant surprise.
This corded electric saw packs a punch with its 12-amp motor. We found it handled tough cuts with ease, making quick work of fallen branches and small trees in our yard.
The 16-inch bar is just right for most home tasks, and we liked how it didn’t kick back much during use.
One thing we really liked was not having to mess with gas or oil mixtures. The auto-oiling feature kept things running smoothly, and the built-in window let us check oil levels at a glance.
We also found the tool-free chain tensioning handy for quick adjustments.
On the flip side, we did notice the chain came off the rail a few times during heavy use. It wasn’t a big deal to fix, but it did slow us down a bit. The power cord also limits mobility compared to gas models, so keep that in mind if you need to work far from an outlet.
Overview: CRAFTSMAN Electric Chainsaw
We’ve been putting this Craftsman chainsaw through its paces, and it’s quite impressive for an electric model. The 12-amp motor packs a punch, helping us tackle some tough cuts with ease. We really like the 16-inch bar, which is perfect for most home tasks.
One thing we found handy was the auto-oiling feature. No more guessing when to refill – there’s a handy window to check the oil level. The tool-free chain tensioning is another plus. It’s super easy to adjust for the best cutting performance.
We did notice the chain can slip off occasionally during heavy use. But for most home jobs, this saw works great. It’s not too heavy, and the corded power means we don’t have to worry about batteries dying mid-job.
For the price, we think this Craftsman chainsaw offers good value for homeowners tackling medium-sized projects.
Powerful Motor: 12 Amp for Tough Cuts
We were impressed by the electric chainsaw‘s strong 12-amp motor. It tackles thick branches and logs with ease. The power lets us cut through hardwoods like oak without slowing down.
We found it handles most backyard jobs well. The motor doesn’t bog down in tough spots. It keeps the chain moving at a steady pace for smooth cuts. We like that it starts instantly with no need for gas or oil mixing. The electric power is quieter than gas models too.
While it may not match big gas saws for the biggest jobs, it’s great for most home use.
Safety First: Low Kickback Bar and Chain
We love how the CRAFTSMAN saw puts safety first. The 16-inch low kickback bar and chain give us peace of mind when cutting. This feature helps reduce the risk of accidents, making it great for both new and experienced users.
We found it easy to control and less prone to sudden jerks or kicks. The low kickback design doesn’t sacrifice cutting power either. We were able to tackle tough jobs without worry. It’s nice to see CRAFTSMAN prioritizing user safety without compromising performance. This thoughtful feature makes us feel more confident when using the saw for extended periods.
Ease of Use: Auto-Oiling and Tool-Free Chain Tensioning
We love how easy this chainsaw is to use. The auto-oiling feature is a game-changer. We don’t have to stop and manually oil the chain anymore. There’s a handy oil window to check the level too.
The tool-free chain tensioning is also great. We can adjust the chain quickly without any extra tools. It’s simple to get the right tension for good cutting. These features make using and caring for the saw much easier. We spend less time on upkeep and more time cutting. For newbies or pros, these perks make the chainsaw more user-friendly.
Lightweight and Portable Design
We found this Craftsman electric chainsaw to be a breeze to carry around. At just over 6 pounds, it’s easy to lift and maneuver.
We had no trouble moving it from spot to spot in the yard as we worked on different trees and branches. The compact size also makes it simple to store when not in use.
We like that we can grab it quickly for small jobs without feeling weighed down. It’s much lighter than gas-powered models we’ve used before. This makes it great for longer cutting sessions, as our arms don’t get as tired. The light weight does mean it might not be ideal for heavy-duty jobs, though.
Pros and Cons
We’ve been putting the Craftsman electric chainsaw through its paces, and it’s time to share our thoughts. This tool has some great features, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Let’s break it down.
Pros
- Easy to use: We found this saw super simple to set up and start cutting.
- Powerful motor: The 12-amp motor tackled tough cuts with ease.
- Tool-free chain tensioning: Adjusting the chain was a breeze.
- Auto-oiling: We didn’t need to worry about priming, and the oil window was handy.
- Lightweight: It’s much easier to handle than gas-powered models.
- Quiet operation: We could use it without disturbing the neighbors.
Cons
- Cord limitation: We had to stay near a power outlet, which can be tricky for big jobs.
- Chain issues: Some users, like us, noticed the chain slips off more often than we’d like.
- Not for heavy-duty use: It’s great for home tasks, but might struggle with really big jobs.
- Oil leaks: We had to be careful about storage to avoid messes.
We put this Craftsman chainsaw to work on some fallen branches and smaller trees. It zipped through 6-inch thick wood like butter. The low kickback bar made us feel safer while cutting.
We loved how we could just plug it in and go, no gas or oil mixing needed.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. The cord can be a pain if you’re working far from an outlet. We had to reset the chain a few times during a long job, which was a bit frustrating. For big trees or all-day cutting, a more powerful saw might be better.
Customer Reviews: Real Experiences
We’ve seen many happy users of this electric chainsaw. People love how easy it is to use and how well it cuts through thick branches. Some folks even tackled big trees with it!
Many say it’s powerful for an electric model. Users like that it’s light and easy to handle. A few had trouble with the chain coming off, but most found it reliable.
Some users mention it’s great for home use and yard work. We noticed a lot of praise for its value. It seems to work well for both small jobs and bigger cutting tasks.
Overall, users are pleased with how it performs, especially given its price point.
3-Year Limited Warranty
We’re happy to report that Craftsman stands behind this electric chainsaw. The 3-year limited warranty gives us peace of mind.
If something goes wrong due to a defect, we can get it fixed or replaced. This coverage is longer than what many other brands offer. It shows Craftsman believes in their product.
We think it’s a nice bonus when buying this saw. Just remember to keep your receipt and use the saw properly. The warranty doesn’t cover normal wear and tear or misuse.
Overall, this warranty adds value and makes us feel more confident about our purchase.
Conclusion
We’re really impressed with this electric chainsaw. It’s a powerful tool that gets the job done without breaking a sweat. We found it easy to use and reliable for tackling various cutting tasks.
The saw handled thick branches and even larger tree trunks with ease. It’s a great value for the price, offering performance that rivals more expensive models.
While chain adjustments can be a bit tricky at first, once set up properly, it runs smoothly. We appreciate its consistent power and the fact that it didn’t overheat during extended use.
For homeowners looking for a capable electric chainsaw, this Craftsman model is a solid choice that won’t disappoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve been using the Craftsman electric chainsaw for a while now, and we’ve gathered some common questions folks often ask about it. Let’s dive into these FAQs to help you get a better grasp of this handy tool.
What type of oil should be used in a Craftsman 16-inch electric chainsaw?
We recommend using standard bar and chain oil for this Craftsman model. It’s important to keep the chain well-lubricated for smooth cutting and to extend the life of your saw. The auto-oiling feature makes it easy to keep things running smoothly.
How do you replace the chain on a Craftsman electric chainsaw?
Replacing the chain is pretty straightforward:
- Unplug the saw
- Loosen the side panel screws
- Remove the old chain
- Place the new chain around the guide bar
- Make sure it’s in the right direction
- Reattach the side panel
- Adjust the tension
It’s a simple process that we’ve done a few times now.
What are common issues that may cause a Craftsman chainsaw to stop working?
In our experience, these are some typical problems:
- Chain too tight or loose
- Overheating from long use
- Clogged oil ports
- Dull chain
- Power cord issues
Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent most of these issues.
How does an electric chainsaw like the Craftsman 12-Amp model compare to gas-powered chainsaws in terms of power?
We’ve found that this Craftsman model is great for most home tasks. It’s not as powerful as big gas chainsaws, but it’s much quieter and doesn’t need fuel.
It can handle branches and small trees with ease. For bigger jobs, you might need a gas model.
Can the chain tension be adjusted without tools on the Craftsman 16-inch electric chainsaw?
No, you’ll need a screwdriver to adjust the chain tension on this model. It’s not a tool-free process, but it’s still pretty easy to do. We usually check the tension before each use to make sure it’s just right.
What are the maintenance requirements for a Craftsman electric chainsaw?
We’ve found that maintenance is pretty simple:
- Clean the saw after each use
- Check and fill the oil reservoir
- Keep the chain sharp
- Adjust tension as needed
- Store in a dry place
It’s much less work than a gas chainsaw, which is nice. We spend more time cutting and less time maintaining.
