Owner’s manual
What is the best electric chainsaw you can buy?
The “best” electric chainsaw depends on what you cut most often and how long you run it. For typical homeowner cutting, a 14 to 16-inch electric chainsaw like the Remington RM1635W is a practical choice when it’s set up correctly and maintained per the owner's manual.
How to choose the best electric chainsaw for your needs
Use these factors to match the saw to the work:
- Power source: corded for steady runtime; battery for portability
- Bar length: 12 to 16 inches for limbs and firewood; longer bars for larger diameter cuts
- Chain speed and torque: higher speed cuts faster; torque helps in dense hardwood
- Oiling system: consistent bar-and-chain oiling reduces wear and overheating
- Safety features: chain brake, hand guard, trigger lockout, low-kickback chain compatibility
What “best” looks like by job type
| Your main job | What to prioritize | Typical fit |
|---|---|---|
| Limbing and storm cleanup | Light weight, easy handling | 12 to 14-inch bar |
| Firewood and small trees | Power, 16-inch capacity | 14 to 16-inch bar |
| Frequent heavy cutting | Higher output, durable drive system | Pro-grade battery platform or high-amp corded |
RM1635W setup details that matter most
Even a strong saw will feel “bad” if the cutting system is off. We recommend:
- Set chain tension correctly before each session
- Keep the oil tank filled and confirm the chain is oiling
- Maintain the guide bar (clean groove, clear oil holes)
- Sharpen or replace the chain when cutting slows or pulls to one side
- Inspect the bar adjuster hardware; replace worn pieces such as the chainsaw bar, 16-in 795-00119
Why it matters
Electric chainsaws are very sensitive to chain sharpness, tension, and lubrication. Proper oiling and correct tension reduce kickback risk, improve cut speed, and extend the life of the guide bar, drive components, and motor.
For replacement parts for your Remington RM1635W, use the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth buying an electric chainsaw?
Yes, an electric chainsaw is worth buying when you want easy starting, lower routine maintenance, and reliable cutting for typical yard work. For the Remington RM1635W electric chainsaw, it is a strong fit for cutting wood with less upkeep than gas, as long as you follow the operating and safety guidance in the owner's manual.
When an electric chainsaw is the better choice
Electric chainsaws are a practical buy when your jobs match what they do best.
- You want push-button starting and consistent power
- You prefer less maintenance (no fuel mixing, no carburetor issues)
- You mainly cut firewood rounds, storm cleanup limbs, and small-to-medium logs
- You work in noise-sensitive areas
- You want simpler storage and seasonal readiness
When gas can still be the better tool
Gas models still make sense for certain workloads.
- Frequent, all-day cutting where maximum sustained power matters
- Remote work where corded power is not available
- Very large diameter hardwood cutting on a regular basis
- Situations where you need the longest continuous runtime without breaks
What matters most for performance (regardless of power type)
For the RM1635W, real-world cutting performance comes down to bar/chain condition, correct tension, and proper lubrication.
| Factor | What you want | What happens if it is off |
|---|---|---|
| Chain tension | Snug, properly adjusted | Poor cutting, higher wear, derail risk |
| Chain oiling | Steady lubrication | Overheating, fast bar and chain wear |
| Sharp chain | Clean chips, not dust | Slow cutting, more kickback risk |
| Correct bar/chain fit | Matched to the saw | Premature wear or poor tracking |
If you need a replacement guide bar for this model, we list a compatible option on this page: chainsaw bar, 16-in 795-00119.
Why it matters
Choosing the right type of chainsaw helps you cut safer and faster with fewer interruptions. The manual for the RM1635W also emphasizes basic electric chainsaw safety practices and using the saw for cutting wood only, which protects both you and the tool.
For parts and accessories beyond what is shown here, you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What old chainsaws are worth money?
Older chainsaws are worth the most money when they are vintage gas models with strong collector demand, and they are complete, original, and in running or easily restorable condition. A modern corded electric saw like the Remington RM1635W is usually valued as a used tool, not a collectible.
What types of old chainsaws bring the highest prices
Collectors and restorers pay the most for saws that check these boxes:
- Vintage gas saws from brands with established collector followings
- Limited-production, unusual, or historically significant models
- Complete and unmodified (correct covers, fasteners, decals, and handles)
- Clean cosmetics with minimal corrosion and no major cracks
- Proven runner, or a solid restoration candidate with good parts availability
Quick value checklist (gas vs. electric)
Use the right checklist for the saw type; buyers evaluate them differently.
- Gas saws: strong compression, starts and idles, oils the bar, clutch and chain brake function, no fuel or oil leaks
- Electric saws (like RM1635W): cord and plug undamaged, trigger and safety lock work, motor runs without arcing or burning smell, bar oiling works, chain brake and hand guard are intact
- Both: bar and chain hardware complete, sprocket cover present, chain tension adjuster works
Typical price tiers (what the market usually pays for)
| Tier | What it looks like | Who buys it |
|---|---|---|
| Parts-only | Missing key parts, heavy damage, unknown condition | Parts resellers, restorers |
| Usable tool | Safe, complete, works as intended | Homeowners, DIY users |
| Collector-grade | Rare, original, documented, excellent condition | Collectors |
Why it matters
“Old” does not automatically mean “valuable.” Collector value comes from rarity and originality; tool value comes from safe, reliable operation. For RM1635W owners, keeping safety and drive components intact protects both usability and resale.
If you are maintaining an RM1635W, the owner's manual covers safe operation topics like kickback, oiling, and chain tension. Common replacement items that help keep the saw complete include the craftsman sprocket cover 731-07260 and craftsman oil cap 731-07246.
If you are pricing multiple saws or need parts beyond what is listed for RM1635W, search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How big of a tree can an electric chainsaw cut?
An electric chainsaw typically cuts a trunk up to about the length of its guide bar; larger diameters are possible by cutting from two sides. For the Remington RM1635W with a 16-inch bar, plan on about 14 to 16 inches diameter with a sharp chain and proper technique.
Practical cutting-size guidelines
- 1 to 8 in.: fast, controlled cutting
- 8 to 14 in.: normal “full use” range
- 14 to 16 in.: near the bar limit; cut slower and watch for pinching
- Over 16 in.: multiple passes required; use wedges and extra control
- Hardwood vs. softwood: hardwoods cut slower and load the motor more
| Trunk diameter | What to expect | Best practice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 8 in. | Quick cuts | Standard bucking cuts |
| 8 to 14 in. | Steady progress | Keep chain sharp; steady feed pressure |
| 14 to 16 in. | Slower; higher pinch risk | Cut deliberately; avoid twisting the bar |
| Over 16 in. | Advanced; multiple cuts | Cut from both sides; wedge the kerf |
Technique and safety that affect “how big”
Use the felling and notch procedures in the RM1635W owner's manual. The manual’s felling-notch method (including cutting about 1/3 of the trunk diameter for the notch and leaving a hinge) helps control the fall and reduces bar pinch.
- Clear the work area and plan a retreat path
- Remove nails, wire, and debris from the cut zone
- Stay on the uphill side when felling on slopes
- Use wood, plastic, or aluminum wedges if the cut starts to close
Parts that can limit cutting performance
A saw can “reach” the wood but still struggle if the bar area is worn or tensioning is off.
- Chainsaw bar, 16-in 795-00119 (bar straightness and fit)
- Mtd chainsaw bar adjuster screw 710-05038 (chain tension adjustment)
Why it matters
Staying within the saw’s comfortable diameter range reduces kickback risk, prevents bar pinch, and avoids overheating or premature wear.
You can order replacement parts for your Remington RM1635W from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
