I remember the sound vividly. A deafening crack of thunder, followed by a sickening thud that shook the entire house. The storm had been raging for an hour, but this was different. Peeking out the window, my heart sank. A massive limb from the old oak in our backyard, a branch easily 14 inches in diameter, had split off and crashed down, narrowly missing the fence but completely blocking the path to the garden. It was a tangled mess of heavy wood and splintered ends. My old hand saw wasn’t going to make a dent, and the thought of renting a heavy, gas-guzzling chainsaw that I’d struggle to start filled me with dread. This is the exact moment a homeowner realizes they need a reliable, powerful, yet manageable tool. It’s not about being a lumberjack; it’s about reclaiming your yard from nature’s chaos efficiently and safely. That’s the problem the CRAFTSMAN 16 Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw was built to solve.
- POWERFUL MOTOR: 12-Amp motor of corded electric chainsaw helps with tough cuts
- LOW KICKBACK: This electric chainsaw features a 16-inch low kickback bar and chain
What to Consider Before Buying an Electric Chainsaw
A chainsaw is more than just an item you pull out of a box; it’s a key solution for property maintenance, storm cleanup, and even ambitious DIY projects. For homeowners, the benefits of a corded electric model are immense. You get instant, reliable power without the fumes, the complex starting procedures, or the ongoing maintenance of a gasoline engine. There’s no mixing fuel, no fouled spark plugs, and no yanking a pull-cord until your shoulder aches. You simply plug it in, check the oil, and get to work. It represents a significant step up from manual tools and a much simpler alternative to its gas-powered cousins, making serious yard work accessible to everyone.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing overgrown trees, fallen branches after a storm, or the need to process firewood from logs up to about 16 inches in diameter. It’s for the suburban homeowner with a reasonably sized yard and access to outdoor power outlets. It’s for the person who values reliability and ease of use over the go-anywhere freedom of a cordless or gas model. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who need to work far from a power source, like on a large rural property or deep in the woods. It’s also not designed for professional, all-day logging operations. For those users, a high-end gas model or a battery-powered system with multiple interchangeable batteries would be a more practical investment.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Bar Length & Cutting Capacity: The bar length—16 inches in this case—directly correlates to the maximum diameter of wood you can cut in a single pass. A 16-inch bar is a fantastic sweet spot for homeowners, capable of handling everything from small limbs to substantial logs and even small tree felling. It provides significant capacity without being overly cumbersome or difficult to control.
- Power & Performance: For corded chainsaws, power is measured in amps. A 12-Amp motor, like the one in this Craftsman model, is impressively robust. It provides the torque needed to slice through hardwoods without bogging down, competing favorably with many smaller gas-powered saws. Don’t underestimate the consistent, unwavering power that comes directly from an outlet.
- Safety & Ease of Use: Modern chainsaws should have built-in safety features. Look for a low-kickback bar and chain, which is designed to reduce the risk of the saw dangerously jumping back at the operator. Features like tool-free chain tensioning and an automatic oiler are not just conveniences; they ensure the saw operates at peak performance and safety with minimal fuss.
- Weight & Ergonomics: You’ll be holding this tool, often at awkward angles. At just over 6 pounds, this model is significantly lighter than most gas saws, reducing user fatigue and increasing maneuverability. A well-balanced design with comfortable, ergonomic handles is crucial for maintaining control and making precise cuts over extended periods.
Keeping these factors in mind, the CRAFTSMAN 16 Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.
While the CRAFTSMAN 16 Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Powerful Performance: This 62cc gas chainsaw features a 3.8 HP (2.8 kW) engine with a 12,000 rpm Max speed, making it ideal for home and professional logging. The 20 in (508 mm) guide bar cuts...
- 16 INCH BAR: 120 Mark III Chainsaw with 3/8 Pitch, .050 Gauage is built for the homeowner who needs a lightweight and efficient cutting tool
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First Impressions: Unboxing the Craftsman CMECS600
Pulling the CRAFTSMAN 16 Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw from its box, the first thing that struck me was its solid, yet surprisingly lightweight, construction. The classic Craftsman red and black color scheme gives it a professional, no-nonsense look. At just 6.2 pounds, it felt incredibly manageable in my hands, a stark contrast to the unwieldy gas saws I’ve wrestled with in the past. Assembly was refreshingly straightforward. The bar and chain come pre-assembled, and attaching them to the powerhead is a tool-free operation thanks to the large, easy-to-grip tensioning knob. The instructions are clear, though as one user noted, a first-timer might need a moment to get oriented. The ergonomic handles feel secure, offering a confident grip. The built-in oil window is a simple but brilliant touch, taking the guesswork out of refills. My initial impression was that this is a thoughtfully designed tool built for the homeowner who wants power without the hassle.
What We Like
- Powerful 12-Amp motor delivers consistent cutting performance
- Generous 16-inch bar handles substantial logs and branches
- Tool-free chain tensioning simplifies adjustments and maintenance
- Automatic oiler with a clear view window keeps the chain lubricated
- Lightweight and ergonomic design reduces user fatigue
- Instant start with no gas, fumes, or complex pull-cords
What We Didn’t Like
- Movement is limited by the length of your extension cord
- Chain can dull relatively quickly on very hard woods
- Can consume bar and chain oil at a high rate during heavy use
A Deep Dive into the Craftsman Chainsaw’s Performance
A chainsaw’s worth is proven in the woodpile. It’s one thing to look good on a spec sheet, but it’s another to perform under load, cut after cut. To truly test the CRAFTSMAN 16 Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw, we put it through a series of real-world homeowner tasks, from limbing overgrown trees to bucking a fallen 12-inch diameter pine log into firewood. The results were, in a word, impressive.
Unleashing the 12-Amp Motor: Raw Cutting Power in Action
The heart of this machine is its 12-Amp motor, which CRAFTSMAN rates at 3.5 horsepower. In the world of corded electric tools, that’s a serious amount of power. The moment you pull the trigger, the saw roars to life with no hesitation. There’s no sputtering or waiting for an engine to warm up; just instant torque ready to bite into the wood. We started with some smaller 4-6 inch branches, and the saw didn’t even seem to notice them, slicing through with a clean, satisfying buzz. It felt like a hot knife through butter, a sentiment echoed by numerous users who were delighted by its initial sharpness and cutting ability.
The real test came with the 12-inch pine log. This is where many lesser electric saws would bog down or struggle. The CRAFTSMAN, however, dug in with confidence. By letting the weight of the saw do the work and maintaining a steady hand, we made crosscuts in under 30 seconds. This performance aligns perfectly with one user’s experience of cutting a 10-14″ trunk in 20-30 seconds per cut, a task they had previously failed to accomplish with other cordless tools. The low-kickback chain and bar combination worked wonderfully, providing a smooth cutting experience with no violent jerking. We pushed it hard for over an hour of intermittent cutting, and the motor never once felt strained or overheated. For storm cleanup or processing a winter’s worth of firewood, this saw offers power that genuinely rivals its gas counterparts for typical homeowner tasks.
Design and Usability: The Tool-Free and Auto-Oiling Advantage
Power is useless if the tool is a pain to operate and maintain. This is where the CRAFTSMAN 16 Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw truly excels and sets itself apart for the average user. The single most significant feature is the tool-free chain tensioning system. A chainsaw’s chain naturally stretches with use and heat, and maintaining proper tension is critical for both safety and cutting efficiency. On older saws, this required a wrench and screwdriver. With the CMECS600, you simply loosen the large locking ring, turn the inner dial to tighten the chain until it’s snug against the bar, and then re-tighten the locking ring. It takes less than 15 seconds and can be done without even taking off your work gloves. This makes on-the-fly adjustments in the middle of a job incredibly simple.
The second pillar of its user-friendliness is the automatic oiling system. A chainsaw chain requires constant lubrication to reduce friction and heat, extending the life of both the chain and the bar. This model handles that for you. All you have to do is fill the reservoir with bar and chain oil (note: it’s not included in the box) and the saw dispenses it as you cut. The translucent oil window is a godsend, allowing a quick glance to see if you’re running low. We did confirm what some users reported: it uses a good amount of oil. During heavy cutting, we found ourselves topping it off about once an hour. While this means you should keep a bottle of oil handy, it’s also a good sign that the system is working as intended, properly lubricating the components. One user did report a significant oil leak from a defective seam, a reminder to check any new tool thoroughly upon arrival, but our test unit remained leak-free even when stored.
Ergonomics and the Corded Reality
At 6.2 lbs, this chainsaw is an absolute pleasure to handle. The reduced weight, combined with a well-balanced body and comfortable rubberized grip, translates directly to less fatigue and more control. We used it for limbing branches overhead and making precise cuts at ground level, and it never felt unwieldy. One 65-year-old user specifically praised this model for its lack of a pull-start, highlighting how its simple plug-and-play nature makes it accessible to a wider range of people. The lack of engine vibration also contributes significantly to comfort during longer work sessions.
Of course, one must address the elephant in the room: the cord. Being a corded tool comes with a clear set of trade-offs. The upside is limitless runtime as long as you’re near an outlet and consistent, fade-free power. The downside is range. You are tethered to a power source, and you must remain constantly aware of your extension cord’s location to avoid accidentally cutting it. For a typical suburban yard, a 50 or 100-foot heavy-gauge extension cord is usually sufficient to reach most work areas. For us, managing the cord quickly became second nature, but it’s a critical consideration. If your property is large or you need to clear brush far from the house, a corded model is simply not the right choice. But for focused work—like bucking a log on a sawhorse or cleaning up a fallen tree in the backyard—the cord is a small price to pay for the immense convenience and power.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our positive experience with the CRAFTSMAN 16 Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw is strongly supported by the broader user community. Many, like one reviewer who took down a 40-foot tree that had split in a storm, were “impressed with this chainsaw” and found it “worked great from the first cut.” Another user saved a significant amount of money by tackling a tree removal that a contractor had quoted at $800, concluding simply, “Sawed through like butter, it was a joy using this thing. Just buy it.” The recurring themes are its surprising power for the price and its incredible ease of use compared to gas models.
However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect, and it highlights a few key points. A couple of users noted that the chain seems to lose its edge relatively quickly, especially when cutting hardwoods like walnut. One stated, “My only complaint is that the blades only lasted 2 hours.” This suggests that for prolonged use or tackling very dense wood, investing in a spare chain or a simple chain sharpener is a wise idea. The most significant negative feedback came from a user who received a defective unit that leaked its entire oil reservoir through a bad seam. While this appears to be an isolated quality control issue, it underscores the importance of the 3-year limited warranty and checking the tool upon purchase.
How Does It Compare to the Alternatives?
The CRAFTSMAN 16 Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw is designed for substantial homeowner tasks. However, the market also offers smaller, more portable solutions for different needs. The alternatives below are all cordless mini-chainsaws, which excel in portability and one-handed use for light-duty pruning and limbing, representing a different class of tool entirely.
1. Saker Mini Chainsaw Cordless
- 🎁 Mini Chainsaw Cordless Perfect Tool for Dad, Mom, Friends, Husband, DIYer 🎁
- 【STRONG DYNAMIC SYSTEM】 - Saker Mini Chainsaw adapts a high-quality guide chain that has undergone a deep quenching process to ensure smooth cutting. In addition, a pure copper motor is used,...
The Saker Mini Chainsaw is built for an entirely different purpose: quick, one-handed pruning. With its small bar (typically 4 or 6 inches), it’s the perfect tool for trimming small branches, cutting back overgrown shrubs, or tackling small DIY wood projects. It’s incredibly lightweight and portable, free from any cord. Someone might prefer the Saker if their primary need is light landscaping and trimming, where the power and 16-inch bar of the Craftsman would be complete overkill. It is not, however, a tool for felling trees or bucking large logs.
2. New Huing 6″ Mini Cordless Chainsaw Kit
- EFFICIENT OPERATION: Only takes about 10 seconds to cut a log with a diameter of 5" (the specific value varies with the actual size and hardness of the wood).
- LARGE CAPACITY BATTERY PACK: 21V removable and rechargeable battery delivers fade-free power with no memory loss after charging.
Similar to the Saker, the New Huing Mini Chainsaw offers cordless convenience in a compact, one-handed form factor. Its 6-inch bar gives it a slight edge in capacity over 4-inch models, making it suitable for slightly thicker branches. It typically comes as a complete kit with a battery and charger. A user would choose the New Huing for its supreme portability for tasks like clearing trails, camping, or reaching high branches on a ladder without a cord to worry about. It excels at speed and convenience for small jobs, but lacks the raw power and cutting capacity of the Craftsman.
3. HOPTO 6-Inch 2-Pack Cordless Mini Chainsaw 2-Battery
- 【Quick Setup, Ready in One Minute】: No screwdriver needed—assemble this mini chainsaw cordless in just one minute. The lightweight design and PE carrying case make it easy to store and carry,...
- 【Powerful Motor for Smooth Cuts】: Equipped with an 850W pure copper motor and a 65Mn steel chain running at 39ft/s, it cuts 6-inch wood in seconds with clean, precise results. A great helper for...
The HOPTO model’s key selling point is value, often including two batteries in the kit. This addresses the primary limitation of cordless tools: runtime. By having a second battery charged and ready, you can effectively double your working time for larger pruning projects. This makes it an excellent choice for a homeowner with numerous small trees or shrubs to maintain. It’s a direct competitor to the other mini-saws and is preferable for someone who prioritizes extended cordless runtime for light-duty work over the sheer log-cutting ability of the corded Craftsman.
Final Verdict: The Right Tool for the Right Job
After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the CRAFTSMAN 16 Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw is a phenomenal tool for its intended user. It strikes an almost perfect balance between raw power, user-friendly features, and affordability. For the homeowner who needs to tackle storm cleanup, process firewood, or clear out trees up to 16 inches in diameter, this saw delivers performance that is not just adequate, but genuinely impressive. It eliminates the headaches of gasoline engines while providing the muscle to get serious work done.
It’s not for the professional logger or the landowner needing to work far from an outlet. But for the vast majority of suburban homeowners, its power, light weight, and maintenance-free design make it an indispensable addition to the tool shed. It turns daunting tasks into manageable projects, empowering you to take control of your property. If you have access to an outlet and a yard that occasionally needs taming, this chainsaw is one of the best investments you can make.
If you’ve decided the CRAFTSMAN 16 Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Chainsaw is the right fit, you can check its current price and complete details here.
Last update on 2025-10-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API