Chainsaw tachometers measure the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the saw’s spindle. Measuring the chainsaw’s rotational speed is essential to get quality cuts, as it offers better control and enhances productivity.
The tachometer is a simple device that measures the rotational speed of a shaft or disk, typically used in engines or motors. Its usefulness extends beyond measuring the speed of a chainsaw blade. Choosing a suitable tachometer becomes challenging with so many brands and models available. You want a high-performance device with exceptional features enabling better wood cutting.
Out Top Recommendation For Chainsaw Tachometer!
Suppose you’re looking for a durable build, waterproof body, and impressive battery life for reading the speed of your chainsaw. In that case, this Hardline HR 8061-2 tachometer is the one to beat.
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To simplify this, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best chainsaw tachometers available, including short descriptions to make your decision straightforward. The tachometer provides better control and improves your safety while using the chainsaw.
Best Chainsaw Tachometers
Tachometers are simple devices that primarily read the chainsaw speed. However, many other features help improve the tachometer and make it more effective. This list contains some of the best tachometers and the features that make them stand out.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Hardline HR 8061-2 Tachometer | • Epoxy casing and IP-68 rating • Accuracy margin of 10 RPM • Measures Digital Maintenance | |
 | Runleader Digital Maintenance Tachometer | • Reading upto 20,000 RPM • It can concurrently read runtime • Waterproof IP65 rating | |
 | Runleader Small Engine Meter | • Replaceable CR2450 battery • Long 5.7-foot wire • Measures up to 20,000 RPM | |
 | Timorn T886 Tachometer For Small Engines | • 35,000 operating hours • Affordable • Replaceable CR2450 batteries | |
 | CyberTech Digital Photo Laser Tachometer | • Auto-zero function • Fancy design • Reading upto 99,999 RPM | |
 | Neiko 20713A Digital Tachometer | • 5-digit LCD screen • Reading upto 99,999 RPM • Non-contact readings available | |
 | CyberTech 3-in-1 Tachometer | • Readings from 2.5 to 99,999 RPM • Uses laser beam technology • Measures linear speed |
1. Hardline HR 8061-2 Tachometer
Hardline HR 8061-2 is the best digital tachometer on our list. Its impressive features provide fast and accurate cuts for your woodworking. Its impressive tachometer reading stretches up to 16,000 RPM while also recording displays up to 1000 hours. With its 10 RPM margin of error, accuracy is improved drastically.
Batteries are essential to digital tachometers as they serve as a power source. This device lets you take your chainsaw reading at any point with its 2-cylinder and 24-strokes gas engines supporting its solid performance. The batteries in this device can last up to ten years without needing replacement.
The product features a solid build that can withstand harsh weather conditions with its IP-68 rating. The case is made of 100% encapsulated epoxy making it waterproof and durable. Its digital display shows the total accumulated hours and the RPM. The device is easy to operate, with three adjustable inputs available. A decent wire length of 1.16 feet long allows for better control and handling.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 1.16 feet long wired tachometer
- Durable battery lasting up to ten years
- Epoxy casing and IP-68 rating to improve its durability
- Accuracy margin of 10 RPM
- It measures up to 16,000 RPM
- Easy to install
Cons
- The internal battery cannot be replaced
- Provides inconsistent readings, sometimes
2. Runleader Digital Maintenance Tachometer
The Runleader digital maintenance tachometer features the best technical tachometer with impressive reading numbers up to 20,000 RPM. Its ability to concurrently read runtime and the engine’s RPM makes it a top choice, with its runtime reading up to 99,999 hours.
While most tachometers have digital displays showcasing RPM readings, few can boast a backlight LCD screen on the Runleader digital maintenance tachometer. The color contrast in this screen boosts visibility and makes it easy to read, even in low-light conditions. It comes with a replaceable CR2032 battery with a good durability level.
The waterproof IP65 rating of the Runleader meter ensures you can use the meter in wet conditions. It features a setting that can warn the user about surpassing a set speed limit, improving the user’s safety and accuracy of cut. While this is a generally impressive device, its buttons are hard to press, which can leave you with a sore thumb after prolonged usage.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It can concurrently read runtime and the engine’s RPM
- Runtime reading up to 99,999 hours
- Versatile RPM reading up to 20,000 RPM
- Waterproof IP65 rating
- Backlight LCD digital screen
- Automatically saves data
- Replaceable CR2032 battery
Cons
- Buttons are hard to press
- Poor battery life
3. Runleader Small Engine Meter
This Runleader small engine meter is a 3-in-1 tool that acts as a service timer while measuring the working hours and the safe operating RPM range. It can be programmed for different ignition designs making the meter highly accurate. Its affordable price range is excellent for people under a strict budget.
With a maintenance reminder and hours meter on this tachometer, you can plan servicing and prevent sudden breakdowns. The total runtime is visible even when the meter is off with only a 6 minutes accuracy. With the maintenance tracker counting down to maintenance before showing a beeping red light, you won’t miss the next scheduled servicing.
This 5.7-foot wired tachometer features a waterproof IP65 rating making it possible to use in wet conditions. Its bright LCD makes it easy to read data on the screen. The tachometer body is made of ABS, ensuring it doesn’t break every fall. With a replaceable CR2450 battery powering this meter, you can easily change the battery when it runs down.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Replaceable CR2450 battery
- Bright LCD
- Long 5.7-foot wire
- Durable ABS body
- IP65 waterproof rating
- Measures up to 20,000 RPM
- Retains data after being turned off
Cons
- Confusing user manual
4. Timorn T886 Tachometer For Small Engines
This Timorn tachometer is lightweight at 50 grams and is suitable for small engines. Its 99,999 RPM reading capacity is impressive, but the battery stands out with its 35,000 hours of operating runtime included. Despite its good battery life, the two CR2450 batteries are also replaceable, giving you an extra reason to purchase this meter.
This meter features a warning icon that flashes when you reach the maximum reading. Beginners will find this tachometer easy to install with a detailed user manual. Its 6.2 feet wire improves handling and control while its affordable price is also great for newbies and as a budget option.
The meter’s ease and versatility are not the only features, as it is waterproof and records maintenance operating hours. The meter is suitable for slower engines as it takes time to give accurate RPM readings.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 6.2 feet-long wire
- Easy to install
- 35,000 operating hours replaceable CR2450 batteries
- Waterproof body
- Affordable
- 99,999 RPM reading
- The large LCD screen makes it easy to read data
Cons
- Slow to deliver accurate RPM reading
- Stored data is lost when the battery is removed
5. CyberTech Digital Photo Laser Tachometer
Here a handy tachometer grip contours that make it easy to firmly hold this meter in one hand while reading your chainsaw speed. The design is one of the standout features of this meter, with its attractive lavender color the pick of it all.
It features an RPM reading capacity of 2.5 to 99,999 RPM with accuracy levels of +/-0.05%. The tachometer runs on four AA batteries with decent battery life. Its extra-large give digit vibrant LCD improves viability. The machine has a digital laser beam and an auto-zero function to store specific data.
The high-intensity laser measures the chainsaw’s RPM and shows the data on the display screen. This device is portable and features good handling. However, its durability could be better, with a plastic case and lack of waterproof features making it less attractive.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Handy design with grip contours
- Fancy design with lavender color
- Vibrant LCD
- Durable AA batteries
- It uses a high-intensity laser to measure RPM
- Auto-zero function
- Maximum RPM reading of 99,999 RPM
Cons
- Not durable
6. Neiko 20713A Digital Tachometer
Here is another lightweight meter with an ergonomic design that fits into the hand. It’s the Neiko 20713A tachometer that also uses laser technology to read the chainsaw speed. Its impressive 2.5 to 99,999 RPM capacity range is far above the average range for most tachometers. Aside from calculating the rate, the meter can take readings from a 2 to 20 inches distance.
The sizeable 5-digit LCD with various acceptable reading angles makes it an easy-to-read display. Delivering accurate readings is possible due to several features helping to keep the accuracy range at +/-0.5%.
It runs on three AA batteries that can last for a long time. Using this meter, you can make non-contact measurements by holding it just above the spark plug with its 24-inch tape helping you make accurate non-contact measurements.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Large 5-digit LCD screen
- Maximum RPM reading of 99,999 RPM
- Non-contact readings available
- Runs on durable AA batteries
- Easy to use
- Ergonomic and portable design
Cons
- The reflective tape features weak gums
7. CyberTech 3-in-1 Tachometer
Wireless tachometers like this CyberTech meter are portable and easy to handle. You don’t have to struggle with wires while taking readings. It uses a laser beam technology to measure the chainsaw’s rotational speed from 2.5 to 99,999 RPM readings with an accuracy level of +/-0.05%.
The device stores the minimum, maximum, and last reading in its memory for easy retrieval. All the readings are displayed on its bright 5-digit LCD screen with good visibility no matter the light condition. You can also make auto-zero adjustments in this meter to improve the accuracy of the readings.
The versatility of this tachometer means you can record any value, including linear speed in meters per minute. Its more comprehensive RPM range makes it more suitable for more chainsaws than those with lower maximum RPM readings. The four AA batteries it comes with are not the most durable, so it’ll help to have backups so you don’t get stranded.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Bright 5-digit LCD screen
- RPM readings from 2.5 to 99,999 RPM
- Auto-zero adjustments available
- Wireless device
- It uses laser beam technology to take readings
- Versatile meter
- Measures linear speed
Cons
- Batteries are not durable
Buyers Guide
Choosing from the list above can still be challenging for many, so we’ve included a buyer’s guide with factors to consider before buying a tachometer. This way, you can analyze each factor and see the type of tachometer best for your needs.
1. RPM Range
It would be best to have a tachometer that can read the revolution per minute of your chainsaw’s spindle, with most chainsaw’s running on a maximum of 10,000 to 15,000 RPMs. You want to consider the RPM capacity of your chainsaw and then select a machine that can cover such RPM levels. It means some devices may not need up to 99,999 RPM readings.
2. Type
Typically, there are two types of Tachometers; wired and wireless meters.
- Wired tachometers are connected directly to the chainsaw and are easier to operate due to the free-moving wheel. They are more affordable.
- On the other hand, wireless tachometers do not need to be in contact with the chainsaw to take readings, as they usually use laser technology to measure speed within a short distance. They are more portable.
3. Hours Meter
Hours Meter is an essential feature in Tachometers as they serve various purposes. The hour’s meter can record the operating hours left, time spent on specific tasks, and the battery life remaining. Some hours’ meters feature erasable data, while others are fixed except when batteries are replaced. You want to choose a meter with vital hours meter features to provide valuable data.
4. Build Quality
Quality meters will last longer and can be used in varying weather conditions. If you stay in predominantly wet areas, you want to get a tachometer with a robust waterproof rating to prevent water damage. You also want a meter with a durable build that will not break if the device falls.
5. Display
Tachometers are digital speed reading devices that require a screen to display data. The Meyers come with different screen sizes, types, and visibility levels, which can affect how you see data. You want to get a device with a large screen of high quality, typically LCD, as they are easy to see at varying angles. Displays with backlight are also easy to read in low-light conditions.
6. Memory
While tachometers are primarily for measuring speeds, they should also be able to store these readings for easy retrieval. Tachometers with enough memory can keep minimum, maximum, and last reading in their memory so you can easily access it even when the battery is down.
Summary
The tachometer you choose for your chainsaw will affect the accuracy of your cuts, so selecting only the best is of utmost importance. Quality tachometers measure chainsaw speed and record operating hours, run time for projects, and more.
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