7 Best [Ranked] Chainsaw Tachometer 2020

Are you searching for the Best Chainsaw Tachometer? If yes, congratulations! You have come to the right place!

Sometimes, it’s imperative to have a firm control on your chainsaw’s rotational speed. The rotational speed is a key factor in determining how much maneuverability and ease of use you will get. In short, it is a measure of the overall functionality of your chainsaw. 

Now you know why the rotational speed (termed RPM or Rotations Per Minute) is such an important figure.

So, how would you put the control precisely? To be more specific, how would you know at what RPM the chainsaw is rotating at and what figure you’re targeting? 

A tachometer is a simple device that can easily tell you how much rpm you’re dealing with. All you have to do is follow the instructions and you’ll know how much rpm is the chainsaw dishing out. And if you have the operational control, then you could make adjustments according to your needs. 

Best Chainsaw Tachometer – Comparisons

Chainsaw Tachometer Reviews

It is time to dive in deeper and find out the plus and minuses of each product in our lineup.  We will be going through each product taking the balance of performance as the key metric.

1. Hardline HR-8061-2 Hour Meter

The HR-8061-2 by Hardline Products is the best digital chainsaw tachometer in the current market. From a handful of specs and viewpoints, this product stands out from the crowd. 

First of all, it’s the RPM calculation range. Where usual tachometers can not read more than 10000 RPM, HR-8061-2 can give you readings up to 16,000 RPM, something that’s not very easy to find. 

And that’s not only from your chainsaw but also from any machine or device that has a rotating belt or blade. In fact, it can work on 2 cylinder gas engines to find out the RPM. So, there’s no question about the ability of this tachometer. 

It can record displays up to 1000 hours. Also, it can record the number of stars. Time frame is also not an issue, as it can take readings from your chainsaw at any given time. 

It’s made of 100% epoxy encapsulated case. Therefore, water will certainly not damage the outer shell. Furthermore, you can use it under rough weather conditions, as the design overall is very robust.

You don’t have to take the hassle of frequent battery changes which is another noteworthy feature of the Hardline HR-8061-2 Hour Meter, there are batteries inside that will last for 10 years without any replacement. 

So, that was all about our top pick, the Hardline Products HR-8061-2. Hopefully, you’ll keep it in your shortlist. 

Pros

• It can measure RPM up to 16,000 RPM. 
• Records displayed data for up to 9999.99 hours. 
• Epoxy-encapsulated, fully water and weatherproof.
• The battery runtime is commendable, almost 9+ years.
• It’s got an IP-68 rating, which is an added bonus.

Cons

• The price is a bit higher than your usual tachometer

2. Searon Backlit Digital Resettable Inductive

The next product on the podium is the Searon Backlit Digital Resettable Inductive Tachometer. This is a device that goes well with devices like a chainsaw, RC toys, ATV motorcycles, marine engines, tractors, PWC and what not! 

This programmable tachometer has got a decent runtime of 99,999 hours theoretically. And the resettable recording time is impressively 9999.9 hours. you can program the inverted timers from 0 to 200 hours.

All the above-mentioned claims hold out pretty well. So, you can be sure that the Searon Tachometer will last longer than some of the other options out there. On top of that, there is a flash alert system that can work to enhance usability even more. 

The key spec of this device is it’s RPM reading range, which ranges from 0 to 25,000 RPM. And that can be done with an accuracy level of 10 RPM. 

Instead of typical AAA batteries, there is a CR2032 type Limium battery of 3 volts. Such a powerhouse can run the battery for a long period of time. All you have to do is to install the battery manually. 

Overall, for someone who is looking to get a tachometer that makes a difference in his/her daily workflow in a meaningful way, then this is certainly the right choice.

Pros

• It features 99,999 hours of runtime. 
• It’s suitable for use with engines, RC toys, tractors, chainsaws, mowers, etc. 
• Features an RPM reading range of 0-25,000 RPM.  
• The 10 RPM resolution is an added bonus.  
• It’s powered by a CR2032 type battery. 
• Features a screwable cap for easy on and off.  

Cons

• The battery installation feels a bit clumsy. 

3. Cyber-Tech Laser Tachometer

The runner’s up pick of today’s list of best cordless chainsaw tachometer is the CyberTech Digital Photo Laser Tachometer.It’s the diversity of use that we’re impressed with so much.

So, what’s so special about this tachometer?

This device can not only be used with a chainsaw, but with anything that rotates. You can use it for HVAC applications to calculate the fan rotation, you can use it to measure the speed of the lathe and milling machine, and what not! 

This digital tachometer runs on 4 AA batteries, and it can read between 2.5 to 99,999 RPM. The accuracy level of this calculation is near around .04-.05%, which deserves kudos.

On top of that, there is an auto-zero adjustment feature that can store the values that you want. Furthermore, the CyberTech Digital Photo Laser Tachometer features a solid LCD display. Instead of regular, cheap quality displays, you get a vibrant and colorful LCD display. 

In conclusion, all we can say is that the cyber tech digital photo laser tachometer deserves a spot in our review simply because of its feature set. You should certainly try it out.

Pros

• It comes with a 5-digit LED display of large in size. 
• It can measure from 2.5 to 99,999 RPM.  
• A visible light beam is there from the LED. 
• Features auto-zero adjustment. 
• The accuracy level of +/- 0.5%, is super robust.   

Cons

• The price to performance ratio could be better.  

4. Runleader HM032R Tachometer

Next up, we’ve got a Runleader product to review. The Runleader HM032R Inductive Tachometer is clearly the best wire chainsaw tachometer in our chainsaw tachometer reviews.

Here are the features that make it so versatile.

First of all, it can read both hours-runtime and the RPM of an engine or chainsaw. The hours reading is up to 99999 hours, and the RPM reading is up to 20,000 RPM.

To measure the current RPM of the chainsaw, you have to connect the wire to the device and view the display. That’s all there is to it. 

Speaking of the display, it’s quite unique by its greenish background and dark numbers. This increases the overall visibility-in a different way of course. This makes it quite easy to view the data at night time as well. It can’t get any easier if you want to know how to use a chainsaw tachometer. 

There is a CR2032 battery with the Runleader HM032R Inductive Tachometer and it can provide a good runtime. In terms of price point, the tachometer is also a winning pick as well. We hope that you’ll keep it into your shopping list. 

Pros

• Features a reading range of 20,000 RPM. 
• It’s powered by a CR2032 battery.  
• The data is stored automatically.  
• It features a bright and readable LCD.  
• It comes with a 0-200 hours SVC.  

Cons

• The buttons are quite hard to press.  

5. Neiko 20713A Tachometer

The next product on our list is the Neiko 20713A Digital Tachometer, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best digital tachometers that you can use with your chainsaw. 

As it’s a digital tachometer, you don’t have to put it with the contract of your chainsaw. Still, the laser aim operating technology can calculate speed from 2.5 RPM-99,999 RPM. Also, the accuracy percentage is +/- 0.5%, which is very convenient. Furthermore, it can take measurements from a distance of 2 to 20 inches. 

It’s made to be large enough for proper usability. Along with that, you are getting a 5-digit LCD display, which has acceptable viewing angles. For non-contact measurement, there is also a 24-inch reflective tape in this meter. This will make your measurements and design better as a whole. 

The device is very lightweight to use. All you have to do is to keep an eye on the charge of AA batteries that it runs on. And it will keep you serving until a lifetime. 

In short, if you choose to go with the 20713A, you will certainly not regret your decision.

Pros

• It can measure from 2.3 to 99,999 RPM
• The +/- 0.5% accuracy level is something you’d expect.  
• Features a 24-inch reflective tape. 
• The sampling time is just 1 second.  
• It features a large LCD display that’s a joy to use. 

Cons

• It’s not built as a waterproof tachometer. 

6. Searon Digital Hour Tachometer

As long as the price-quality ratio is concerned, this Searon Digital Hour Tachometer is our best-wired tachometer for chainsaws and other small engines. This digital hour meter and tachometer combo will keep a sharp eye on the running time and the RPM value of the engine constantly. 

When the device/engine is on, it will read the RPM. And when it’s off, it will show you the hour runtime of the engine or the chainsaw.

It’s as simple as you can get. The capacity of calculating RPM is proper as well-up to 30,000 RPM. Also, the capacity to calculate hours is 99,999 hours, which is the standard practice, of course. The calculation accuracy of both of these data is 0.01 hours and 10 RPM respectively. 

Like any other good quality tachometers, this Searon Digital Hour Tachometer has also got an internal CR2430 battery inside to power up its operation. With this, you can expect a lifetime of up to 1000 hours. 

The design is made to be completely waterproof, and that’s a quite guaranteed feature from the end of the manufacturer. The IP-68 rating is proof that your device will stay out of harm from water or rough weather conditions.   

Pros

• It’s an hour meter and tachometer combined. 
• It can read RPM and hours up to an accuracy of .01 hours and 10 RPM. 
• The max hour readability is up to 99999 hours. 
• The max RPM readability is up to 30000 RPM. 
•  It’s IP-68 rated, you will be safe from bad weather conditions.  
• The digital LCD display is decent for viewing. 

Cons

• The build quality is flat-not a very handy device.  

7. Timorn Tachometer for Small Engine

The next product on our podium is the Timorn Tachometer, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best chainsaw rpm meters that you can use with your chainsaw. 

This tachometer has the name of being a small engine tachometer in its name. And two-stroke or four-stroke gasoline engine is able to be equipped with this tachometer. In case you want to use it on a chainsaw, that would also be a perfect use of it. No matter it’s the engine or chainsaw, it will be able to show RPM values up to 99,999. 

To install the tachometer on your device(engine or chainsaw), you don’t have to go through any hardship at all. It’s an easy to install device where you are going to use it. So, the usability is on point. 

As it’s a wired tachometer, there is a 1.9-meter long wire along with the device. And to operate with it at full swing, you will be provided with an intuitive user’s manual as well. Furthermore, to back the operation of this product, there is a CR2450 Lithium battery. It will provide a lifetime of battery back up to keep your chainsaw tachometer operated. 

Overall, it’s a pretty solid option for any user considering the price and usability. You can’t go wrong with it.

Pros

• Perfect for 2/4 stroke engine and chainsaw. 
• It’s powered by a CR2450 Lithium battery. 
• It comes with an intuitive manual. 
• It can run for 35,000 hours of operation. 
• It can read up to 99,999 RPM. 

Cons

• The after-sales support isn’t too welcoming.  

Things To Consider Before Buying Chainsaw Tachometer

While aiming for the right chainsaw rpm tachometer within your budget, it’s imperative to keep your eye on these few factors- 

1. The RPM Range

At first, you should check out how much RPM your tachometer can read. In most of the cases, it’s up to 10,000 RPM, which is good enough. In case you want to use the same tachometer in different purposes, you will want to aim for higher limits anyway.

Before that, you’ve to keep in mind how does a chainsaw tuning tachometer work for your chainsaw. This will help you to define the required RPM rating. 

2. The Build Quality

While you will be using the tachometer for your chainsaw, it will be well exposed to dust, wooden debris, water and so on. So, it’s imperative to ensure that the tachometer is well-built to be protected from these kinds of weather conditions. 

3. The Power Delivery System

Some of the models come up with a number of AAA batteries to power them up. And some more has got Lithium batteries like CR2450 or so. The first one is common in digital, cordless chainsaw tachometer, while the second one is common in wired ones. 

4. The Memory

Nowadays, tachometers can use their digital memory to keep the maximum or minimum RPMs of a certain timespan. In case you are monitoring the performance of the chainsaw, this can be a useful feature for you. 

Answers to Some Simple Questions

If by any chance you want to get some more hands-on experience with a chainsaw tachometer, you may want to look at the following questions and their answers.

Q: My tachometer needle isn’t accurate, what should I do?

Ans: You may be facing what we like to call ‘tachometer jumping’. It’s a problem where you may get less reading than the usual reading you’re supposed to get. You may want to check the tachometer connections for good measure. 

Q: The readings are in the red region. What does that imply?

Ans: When you’re using a manual tachometer and the needle gets into the red region, you may have some issues with the chainsaw. You may want to consider slowing down the rpm rating to get better longevity out of the machine. 

Q: How does the inductive tachometer operate?

Ans: When it comes to the principle of an inductive tachometer, then you may see a rotating shaft that’s got a wheel with teeth. As you put the measuring point on the outside of the wheel, the tooth comes around and alerts the sensor. That’s how you get the rpm readings. 

Q: What is a common fix for malfunction? 

Ans: You could always change the fuses to get accurate results. 

Final Verdict

So, that’s been the list of the 7 best chainsaw tachometer and their reviews. Hopefully, you’ve understood what you need in practice and made up a shortlist of tachometers from the list. Our last buying advice would be to keep an eye on the brand. With a better brand, you get better reliability.  

Good luck and Happy Woodworking!

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Kevin Smith

When I founded WoodHungry earlier this year(2019), it was supposed to be a communication hub between my fellow hobbyist carpenter mates. But soon we agreed to broaden it up, and turn it to the largest woodworking knowledge center on the web. Wish us luck!

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