If you plan a home improvement project, garden work, or woodworking project but don’t have enough funds to buy a brand new chainsaw, you might consider purchasing a used one.
But for sure, you might wonder how to find used chainsaws for sale near your area and important things to be mindful of when buying one. So, let our engineers help you through this buying guide.
Where to Find Used Chainsaws For Sale
eBay
eBay is an excellent site to find used chainsaws for sale. You can navigate the platform and find sellers posting for an affordable price.
Craigslist
Not for job advertisements, Craigslist may be full of ads from sellers posting used saws. You can find one nearest you at the price you can afford.
Facebook Groups
There are Facebook groups intended to buy and sell. You can search for people or shops offering used chainsaws.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a diverse place to find everything you might need–food, clothes, cosmetics, hardware, etc. So, don’t forget to check your FB marketplace for pre-owned chainsaws for sale.
Pawnshops
Pawnshops are accepting used hardware like chainsaws. It is one of the best options if you want to buy a used chainsaw that’s undoubtedly in good condition.
How to Purchase a Used Chainsaw and Avoid Scams
Seller Reputation
Before you make a deal, make sure that you know the transactor’s legitimacy. In most cases, you can feel that the seller is trying to scam you. If you feel that, then pay attention to it.
Payment Method
Agree to pay online if the payment method is through PayPal Goods and Services, as it’s easy to file a dispute if anything goes wrong.
Also, we suggest paying with your credit card instead of a debit or bank card. With the former, you can dispute the purchase and have protection against fraud.
Chainsaw Condition
Check the condition of the chainsaw. Examine the parts and how well the saw functions. If you see new parts on the saw, that’s a good thing, right? But there might be extensive damage before the seller has covered up.
Parts Replacement
If there are new parts, check if it’s OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) [1] or lesser quality replacement parts.
Aftermarket parts or pieces are not the same quality as the original equipment parts. This is why inspecting the parts used on a second-hand unit is essential.
Chainsaw Maintenance and Repairs
Check if the chainsaw looks like it’s treated well. Has the owner done chainsaw maintenance tasks like cleaning the filter? Check for dents and cracks in the casing. If you think the saw is well taken care of, you may consider buying it.
Muffler
We suggest you examine the muffler thoroughly to see if there’s no underlying issue. Check the piston, cylinder, and crack, as these are the most extensive and vital parts of the saw.
Magnesium Rot
The chainsaw’s magnesium rot may deteriorate over time. So, check the saw’s bottom, clutch cover, fuel tank, and wherever there’s magnesium.
Clutch
Once you take off the cover, check the crankshaft bearings, clutch, and clutch drum. Check the clutch drum’s center nut for any signs of a loose link. Also, ensure that the clutch drum and the sprocket are in good condition.
Air Filter
Check the air filter’s condition. If it’s damaged, it could mean that the filter is not working correctly. Also, consider the type of air filter. Traditional saws have mesh filters, while modern models use more advanced ones.
Starting the Chainsaw
Try starting the chainsaw and see if it works well. You’ll want to know how many pulls it needs to get started and how easy it is to start after taking it off its choke. Also, listen for unusual knocking or rattling. If the seller/owner allows you to try it with wood, do it!
Warranty
You might also want to ask for a warranty if ever the chainsaw doesn’t work well. If possible, ask if the chainsaw is still under warranty from the manufacturer. If so, then that’s good. But if not, you might ask the seller for a warranty as a guarantee that you won’t waste your money.
Buying Cheap Used Chainsaws
You might overlook some of the tips above, especially if you have limited funds.
But, if you’re looking for an affordable homeowner chainsaw, you might want to check the condition of the saw before buying it. If you’re planning on buying a professional saw, closely inspect the unit and don’t hesitate to ask questions before making the final purchase.
And as mentioned, we highly recommend using PayPal Goods and Services for your purchase (as much as possible) if buying online.
Is Buying a Used Chainsaw Worth it?
Yes, buying a used chainsaw is worth it as long as you take the right approach. You can have a perfectly working chainsaw at a cheaper price compared to buying a brand new one.
If you consider buying used chainsaws, make sure to consider the important factors we’ve mentioned above to avoid scams.
Conclusion
You can find used chainsaws near you on various places or online platforms like eBay, Craigslist, FB groups & marketplace, and pawnshops.
Before closing the deal, be mindful of how you can avoid potential scams. Take note of the factors to consider and be vigilant. But if you have the budget, we suggest opting for a new one!
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