Thinking about sprucing up your home, tending to your garden, or crafting some woodwork? Tight on budget and can’t buy a brand-new chainsaw? No worries! Instead, why not grab a second-hand one?
If you’re scratching your head wondering where to find pre-loved chainsaws near you and what to watch out for, I’ve got you covered. Dive into this handy guide, and let’s make that purchase smooth and smart!
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 shake on any deal, always check the other person’s credibility. Trust your gut feeling. If something seems off with the seller, don’t ignore it. Listen to your instincts.
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.
Just a quick tip: it’s a good idea to use your credit card instead of your debit or bank card when paying. Why? Well, with a credit card, you can challenge any fishy charges and you get some added protection against scams.
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
Take a close look at the chainsaw. Does it seem loved and cared for? Did the owner keep it clean, maybe even clear out the filter? Spot any dents or cracks on the outside? If it feels like the saw’s been in good hands, it might just be a worthy buy.
Muffler
Take a close look at your muffler, just to make sure there aren’t any hidden problems. And don’t forget to check out the piston, cylinder, and any cracks — they’re crucial parts of your 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, I 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. Requesting a demonstration or test run can help assess the chainsaw’s performance and ensure it meets your requirements.
Conclusion
Looking for a chainsaw without breaking the bank? Check out local spots like pawnshops or dive into online hubs such as eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. But hey, a quick heads-up: always be on the lookout for shady deals. Do your homework and stay alert.
If you can spare a bit more cash, though, why not go for a brand new one? It might be worth the investment!
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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