Full review
Longer notes from the same comments we summarized above.
What people reported
Owners appreciate that the Ryobi 40V Brushless 16-inch Chainsaw helps them avoid the common hassles of gas saws, such as pull cords, flooding, and fuel mixing. Many report it cuts as well as or better than older gas-powered models, making it effective for various homeowner tasks like breaking up firewood. The broader Ryobi 40V tool platform is generally praised for its DIY capabilities and power. Some users find its power and battery life satisfactory for light to moderate cutting sessions.
Problems people mention
A recurring and significant concern is the chain coming off frequently during use. One owner reported this happening three times within 30 minutes, coupled with the tensioner ceasing to work, leading to a product return. Across the wider 40V tool ecosystem, some users encounter battery issues, where batteries appear dead, fail to charge, or only hold a charge for short durations (e.g., 5-10 minutes). While online guides exist for attempting to reset these batteries, they do not work for all users, and internal battery designs can vary. For longer or more serious cutting projects, owners suggest having at least two batteries on hand.
Where owners disagree
There is no significant disagreement on core functionality, but rather a spectrum of experience with secondary factors. Some find the battery life ample, while others find it insufficient for extended tasks, necessitating multiple batteries. Similarly, some users successfully revive problematic batteries with DIY fixes, while others report hard faults or different internal layouts that prevent such repairs.
Who it's for
This chainsaw is a good fit for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who prefer to avoid the maintenance demands of a gas chainsaw and who are already invested in or considering the Ryobi 40V battery platform. It is suitable for light to moderate tree trimming and cutting firewood, particularly for trunks up to 20-24 inches in diameter. Buyers should be prepared for potential chain adjustments during use and consider acquiring multiple batteries for longer cutting sessions.
