Can You Rent a Chainsaw? Real Cost: $35 to $70 a Day
Yes, you can rent a chainsaw at most home improvement stores and equipment rental centers — expect to pay $35 to $70 per day depending on bar length and whether it’s gas or electric. Renting makes sense for a one-time job; if you’ll need a chainsaw more than 3-4 times a year, buying a budget model usually costs less over a season. This guide covers real rental prices, where to rent, and the rent-vs-buy math.
Quick Answer
Yes — The Home Depot, United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, and most local equipment rental shops rent chainsaws by the day. Light-duty electric models (16″ bar or less) run $35–$60/day; gas-powered saws run closer to $70/day. Most rental centers include bar oil but require a valid ID and a card on file for damage.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Chainsaw (And Should You Buy Instead)?
Rental pricing scales with bar length and power source, not just brand. Here’s what to expect:
| Chainsaw Type | Typical Bar Length | Daily Rental Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Light-duty electric/cordless | Up to 16″ | $35 – $60 |
| Mid-size gas-powered | 16″ – 20″ | $50 – $70 |
| Heavy-duty gas (felling/logging) | 20″ – 25″ | $70 – $100+ |
📊 The average chainsaw rental costs about $70 per day, though light-duty saws with a 16-inch bar or smaller can run as low as $35–$60 per day. — Source: Angi, 2026 chainsaw rental cost data
Rent or Buy? Do the Math First
A single rental day at $50–$70 sounds cheap, but it adds up fast if you underestimate how often you’ll need a chainsaw. A basic cordless electric chainsaw costs about $100–$150 new — roughly two to three rental days. If you’re clearing storm damage more than once, doing annual firewood cutting, or maintaining property with several trees, buying breaks even within a single season and you’re not stuck working around a rental center’s hours or availability.
- Rent if: it’s a single tree removal, a one-time storm cleanup, or you’re testing whether you’ll use a chainsaw again.
- Buy if: you own wooded property, heat with firewood, or expect to need one 3+ times this year.
Best Budget Chainsaw Pick
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Electric Chainsaw, 10-Inch – $120.59
If your rent-vs-buy math above lands on “buy,” this covers light-duty pruning and small-tree cutting for less than two typical rental days — no gas, no engine maintenance, and the battery/charger are included.
- Best for: Light pruning, small trees, and occasional yard work — not heavy felling
- Why we picked it: Breaks even against rental cost in under 2 uses, with none of the fuel/oil upkeep this guide’s rental section covers
- Main drawback: 10″ bar is too short for anything beyond small branches and light trunks — step up to a gas rental for real felling work
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The Versatility of Chainsaws
From light pruning and landscaping to heavy-duty logging and tree felling, a chainsaw adapts to a wide range of cutting tasks. Its toothed chain rotates around the guide bar, letting it cut through everything from softwoods like pine to hardwoods like oak with the right blade and technique.
Electric chainsaws suit residential use — quieter, no fumes, no gas to mix. Gas-powered saws offer more power and go anywhere, making them the better rental pick for remote properties without outlets. Either way, look for an anti-vibration system, a chain brake to prevent kickback, and pair the tool with real protective gear.
Benefits of Renting Instead of Buying
Renting makes the most sense when you don’t yet know if you’ll need a chainsaw again:
- No upfront cost: Access a higher-quality saw than you might otherwise buy, for a fraction of the purchase price.
- No maintenance: Sharpening, cleaning, and storage become the rental company’s problem once you return it.
- Fuel and oil included: Most rental centers hand you the saw ready to run.
Factors to Consider When Renting
Type of Project
A smaller electric chainsaw suits light-duty jobs like trimming and firewood prep. A larger gas-powered saw is worth the extra rental cost for felling large trees or cutting thick logs.
Safety Gear and Instructions
Bring or rent eye and ear protection, gloves, and sturdy footwear. Ask the rental counter to walk you through the saw’s specific safety features and operation before you leave the store — models vary enough that “I’ve used a chainsaw before” doesn’t cover every model’s chain brake or throttle lockout.
Tips for Safe Chainsaw Usage
Wear the appropriate protective gear every time:
- A helmet with a visor to protect your face and eyes from flying debris
- Ear protection to reduce noise exposure
- Heavy-duty gloves for grip and hand protection
- Cut-resistant chainsaw chaps or trousers
- Steel-toed boots with a slip-resistant sole
Before starting: check chain tension and sharpness, confirm the chain brake engages properly, and verify fuel/oil or battery charge. Inspect the throttle lockout and chain catcher for damage. A rental saw should already be in good working order, but confirm it yourself before you leave the counter — you’re liable for it once it’s in your truck.
Finding the Right Chainsaw Rental
Local hardware stores and equipment rental businesses let you physically inspect the saw before renting — useful since condition varies more between rental units than with a new purchase. National chains like Home Depot, United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, and Herc Rentals all list current inventory and pricing online, so you can compare before you drive over. Reserve ahead during storm season or peak fall cleanup, when rental saws sell out first.
Chainsaw Rental FAQs
How much does it cost to rent a chainsaw?
Expect $35 to $70 per day on average, depending on bar length and whether it’s electric or gas-powered. Heavy-duty felling saws can run $70–$100+ per day.
What size chainsaw do I need for small trees?
A chainsaw with a bar length between 10 and 14 inches is suitable for cutting small trees and light branches.
How do you start a rented chainsaw?
Engage the chain brake, push the primer bulb, set the choke to “On,” and pull the starter rope. Once it starts, switch the choke to “Off” and release the chain brake before cutting. Ask the rental counter to demo this on your specific model — starting procedure varies by brand.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy a chainsaw?
Renting is cheaper for a single job — one or two rental days costs less than a new saw. Buying is cheaper if you need a chainsaw 3 or more times a year, since a basic model pays for itself in roughly two to three rental days.
Renting a chainsaw is the cheaper, hassle-free choice for a one-time job — expect $35 to $70 a day at any major hardware or rental chain. If you’re reaching for a chainsaw more than a few times a year, run the math above; a basic model often pays for itself before your second rental.
