If you are looking for the best tachometer for a chainsaw, this article is for you! In this article, we will review five different products, discuss the pros and cons of each one, and give recommendations for our best pick, the best value, and the best budget options from the bunch.
If you are just trying to figure out what a tachometer even is, then don’t worry! This article is also for you.
We will also cover what a tachometer is, and some general tips and tricks to keep in mind as you collect the right types of equipment for your tools of choice, and hopefully end up with the best chainsaw tachometer available.
Contents
Best Chainsaw Tachometer
Runleader HM032R Inductive Tachometer
Runleader HM032R Inductive Tachometer is a great place to start. It is an induction tachometer intended for 2 or 4 stroke gasoline engines. The system displays up to 99999 hours/20000 RPM, so there is quite a bit of room to run.
This model has a replaceable battery, and the data is stored automatically after you replace the battery. The tach hour meter can show the current RPM even while the engine is running.
The LCD display screen is backlight and easy to read. The induction wire measures at 1.5M, and the whole device has a waterproof rate of IP65. The RPM measuring system measures the current RPM, records and shows the engine’s max RPM, and has a setting that can warn the user of over speed so that the user can adjust accordingly. Whether you are just checking your instrument or seeking to make adjustments, having multiple methods of measuring is helpful.
The operation of the hour meter is connected by five feet of insulated wire, so there is plenty of room to work.
The timing system includes several different features. The total running hours that are counted are non-resettable, however, the partial running time can be reset as you change jobs. The maintenance timer can be set freely.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Gasoline Engine Chainsaw
- Weight: 0.18 Pounds
- Brand Name: Runleader
- RPM Range: 0- 20,000,RPMs
What We Like:
- Reviewers mention the ease of installation you can’t go wrong
- Data is automatically saved, even when the batteries are switched out
What We Didn’t Like:
- The included zip ties might be a little smaller than you would expect, so plan to have a few extra on hand in case you get into a pinch
Digital Chainsaw Tachometer Tach Gauge for Chain Saw
Next up, we’ve got a Searon product to review. Digital Chainsaw Tachometer Tach Gauge is intended for gas engine powered devices so, you can use this for your chainsaw, a lawnmower, RV, ATV, dirtbike, boat, tractor, or anything else of that nature.
This model features a clamp for the spark plug wire, instead of just a piece of wire that is wrapped around the spark plug. The lead wire is shielded, which offers a level of safety and protection, and makes use significantly easier.
When the engine is turned on, the display RPM of whatever is operating is shown, and the device will flash to display the max RPM of the unit’s operating power for 5 seconds after the engine is turned off.
Unlike other models, this tool can be used on a variety of kinds and sizes of gas engines: from single-cylinder engines to 16 cylinder engines. What’s more, this engine has nine programmable engine firing patterns, which can be useful.
This device has an RPM capacity of 25,000 RPM with a 10 RPM variable concerning accuracy. The internal battery is non-replaceable, which may be different than other products being reviewed in this article. This has caused quite the stir with several reviewers.
The manufacturers claim that the battery could last between four to nine years depending on the frequency of use. However, a few reviewers mentioned the battery wearing out due to there being no off/on button.
Although this device has a warranty of two years, being aware of those realities is nice to know before purchasing this item.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Chainsaw Cropper
- Weight: 0.11 Pounds
- Brand Name: Searon
- RPM Range: 25,000 RPMs
What We Like:
- Clamp for spark plug wire insures easy install
- Programmable device
- Can handle a variety of loads
What We Didn’t Like:
- Non-Replaceable battery
- No Off button
HIPA Tachometer Tach Meter
HIPA Tachometer Tach Meter is a treat, as it includes much more than just a tachometer. This product includes all kinds of things: a tachometer, a 10 piece carburetor adjustment tool kit, a carrying case, and a cleaning kit.
What more could you want?
This tool kit is versatile, as it fits all sorts of equipment brands, including STIHL, Husqvarna, Pulan, Weedeater, Echo, Homelite, Ryobi, and for what it is worth, anything else that utilizes the adjustment screws.
The tachometer offers a real-time reading up to 16,000 RPMs, making this a great tool for 2 to 4 cycle engines.
This product also has a built-in battery, which means that it is not replaceable like other options in this review. However, it has a service life of 2+ years. The tachometer comes with a wire to wrap around the ignition coil wire, and the manufacturer claims that this product is waterproof.
The carburetor adjustment tool is the addition you didn’t know you needed! This is a tool that can be used on most engines and is essential for frequent tune-ups and adjustments.
Unlike any of the other products reviewed in this article so far, there are several pieces that come with this set. However, this set also comes with virtually no instruction.
So, as long as you know how to use these things, you are set. But if you are new to tachometers and general engine maintenance in general, then this might not be the most intuitive set to purchase right away.
Additional Specification
- Best For: 2 Cycle Small Engine
- Weight: 0.85 Pounds
- Brand Name: HIPA
- RPM Range: 16,000 RPMs
What We Like:
- The cleaning tools are a great addition to this already great purchase they really are a must-have for anyone doing frequent work
- Great overall value for what is included
What We Didn’t Like:
- The battery is non-replaceable, and this device also does not feature an on/off button.
Timorn Inductive Hour Meter for 2 Stroke & 4 Stroke Engine
As you have seen, this product takes the cake for the best budget option. This is a smaller model than some of the other options listed above, but it holds its own and gets the job done.
Timorn Inductive Hour Meter does have an interchangeable, replaceable battery. The battery is rated for 35,000 hours of operation, so you may not need to replace the battery any time soon. It will show both the engine’s RPM and the engine’s hours of operation. The display screen will read all the way up to 99,999 RPMs. This device does feature a total reset option for both total hours and maintenance time, and it is a waterproof option.
This device features an LCD display screen, with large enough numbers and figures to read easily. Both the online listing and the user manual come with instructions to turn the device on and off, as well as operating and activating the tachometer and/or the inductive hour meter.
The device remembers measurements and history until the factory reset is installed, which means that memory will be stored even if the battery is replaced.
Aside from being the most budget-friendly option, this also may be the most well-reviewed option of the bunch featured here in this article.
Reviewer after reviewer sing the praises of this device and both its accuracy and its longevity. Combine that with the ease of its installation and the ability to change the battery, this might take the first place trophy home.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Budget Option
- Weight: 0.11 Pounds
- Brand Name: Timorn
- RPM Range: 99,999 RPMs
What We Like:
- Great reviews for a great, budget-friendly price
- Replaceable battery
- Easy to install
What We Didn’t Like:
- You may want to install with some different screws see reviewer notes. This isn’t necessary, but recommended by some
STIHL EDT 9 Chainsaw Tachometer
Last but certainly not least, this is the STIHL wireless latest model. It is specialized to be used as both a wireless and a wired option, depending on your needs. It is used specifically to measure the idle speed and the top speed of chainsaws, or other outdoor equipment.
This device works with single or dual magnet flywheel systems and is also intended for 2 or 4 cycle engines. A flywheel system is an energy storing system and has to do with conducting and transmitting kinetic energy.
This is the most expensive option in comparison to the other models listed in this article, so that is worth mentioning. However, the reviews online are all positive it works like a charm and gets the job done.
In comparison to other options, it isn’t nearly as available as other options to the general public both to buy, or to research! There is very little information online, and even fewer options of where to find or buy it. So, if this is the model you want, get ready for a treasure hunt.
At the time of this research, there aren’t stats listed online for this product. So other than what is listed above, there isn’t any way to know what the capacity or capability of this device is.
We aren’t sure what kind of battery it takes, whether it is replaceable, or what kind of wires it uses. None of that means that this is a bad option, however, it does mean that we are less informed regarding what other benefits this device could offer.
Additional Specification
- Best For: 2 & 4 Cycle Engines
- Weight: 1 Pound
- Brand Name: Stihl
- Dimensions: 14.17 x 2.17 x 0.2 inches
What We Like:
- Wired or Wireless option
- Digital Interface
- Great (though sparse) Reviews
What We Didn’t Like:
- Scarce on the market these are hard to find
Chainsaw Tachometer Comparison Chart
| Name | Best For | Weight | Brand Name | RPM Range |
| Runleader HM032R Tachometer | Gasoline Engine Chainsaw | 0.18 Pounds | Runleader | 0- 20,000 RPMs |
| Digital Chainsaw Tachometer | Chainsaw Cropper | 0.11 Pounds | Searon | 25,000 RPMs |
| HIPA Tachometer Tach Meter | 2 Cycle Small Engine | 0.85 Pounds | HIPA | 16,000 RPMs |
| Timorn Inductive Hour Meter | Budget Option | 0.11 Pounds | Timorn | 99,999 RPMs |
| Stihl EDT 9 Chainsaw Tachometer | 2 & 4 Cycle Engines | 1 Pound | Stihl | N/A |
The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: What Do I Need To Know?
So, you have had your crash course in which tachometers to consider when you buy one. But if you are new to the world of small engines, why are tachometers so important, and what else do you need to know?
What Do Tachometers Do?
Tachometers measure the speed of a rotating engine, or, the RPM of an engine.
What Does RPM Stand For?
RPM stands for rotations per minute.
Why Are RPMs Important?
Knowing how your piece of equipment is functioning is helpful information to know whether or not it is functioning correctly/up to par. Depending on how your chainsaw has been used, if its equilibrium has been thrown off, it may not be functioning as well as it could be.
Why Use a Tachometer?
A tachometer shows the rotation of the engine we’ve covered this already. If a tachometer shows the rate of rotation of the engine, this measurement can be compared to the safe range of rotations for the individual instrument to make sure it is functioning properly.
Should I Need to Alter My Tachometer at All?
Some tachometers may have a longer wire than what you need. If that is the case, you can cut the wire’s excess so that it fits your individual instrument better.
What Else Do I Need?
You may need a screwdriver to get to the right place in your chainsaw, however, the most important thing you need is the user manual and/or specification sheet for your chainsaw. If you do not have this, you will not know where the speeds should sit.
Setting the speeds incorrectly could cause your saw to overheat and burn out, so you must be careful with the adjustments you make and ensure that they are right for your device.
Are There Different Kinds of Tachometers?
Some models will clip or wrap a wire around the spark plug wire. Some newer, digital tachometers will not need a physical connection in order to record RPMs. They all do the same work, but they collect information differently.
Conclusion
Whether you are new to the world of small engine maintenance, or you are a chainsaw turning pro, we hope this article was helpful in understanding some of the different options out there when it comes to tachometers.
There are great features of each product listed above, and helpful things to note about each one. Whichever you choose, be sure to do your research and be smart about the adjustments you make to your working devices.
Keep the user manuals close and be sure to consult a professional if you are not sure what changes need to be made. Be safe, and enjoy your chainsaw adventures!
