One-person chainsaws arrived in 1950; their basic design has changed little over the years, consisting of a cutting chain on a guide bar that is rotated by a power source. While gas-powered units are still dominant, smaller electric models are increasingly available for lighter jobs. Units mounted on an extension pole can also be found, extending their reach by up to 12 feet.

No longer mere logging devices, today's chainsaws are commonly used by the average homeowner to prepare firewood and prune limbs. They are now helpful for everything from clearing trees to extracting people in motor vehicle accidents to cutting downed trees for access to roads and homes. Chainsaws are sometimes used by artists to make artistic pieces out of various materials such as ice and wood.

Gas saws remain more powerful and better suited for heavy cutting tasks. Completely portable, they feature two-cycle engines that utilize a mixture of gas and oil, and may be fitted with bars of different sizes. They are generally noisier and more expensive than electric types, however, and require additional maintenance. Emissions laws are presently resulting in cleaner, more efficient gas models that are also easier to start.

Electric chainsaws do not emit pollutants and are suitable for light cutting duties, typically within 100 feet of a power outlet. With push-button starting and less maintenance required, they are convenient for basic landscaping tasks or other small projects. Extension cords longer than 100 feet are not recommended, however, thus limiting mobility. There are also cordless, battery-powered chainsaws available for greater portability; these units have limited cutting power and must be periodically recharged, making them suitable for only the lightest duties.

Bar size is a another major chainsaw consideration, as it relates directly to the type of work being performed. Standard bar sizes are between 12 and 20 inches, and a saw's safe cutting ability is considered to be twice the bar's length, therefore a 16-inch bar is suitable for up to a 32-inch log. Bars of 12 to 14 inches are adequate for most small chores, while an 18- or 20-inch bar is necessary to remove large trees. Bars of over 20 inches can be difficult to handle and are designed for professional use.