My chainsaw's making a weird grinding noise and won't hold a charge - is it toast?

Hey folks, hoping someone can help me out here. I've got a 2-year-old cordless chainsaw (brand: GreenMonster) that's acting up. Started making this weird grinding/whining noise when I try to use it, and now the battery won't hold a charge for more than like 5 minutes. It also sparks a bit near the motor housing when I first turn it on. Tried cleaning the chain and bar, but no luck. Is this thing dead, or is there a fix I should try before I drop cash on a new one? Thanks in advance!

Sounds like your motor bearings are shot, OP. Grinding noise + sparks = bad news. Could be debris in the motor or worn brushes if it's brushed. Check if the chain is tensioned right - too tight can strain the motor. But honestly, if it's sparking, I'd stop using it ASAP. Safety first. Might be cheaper to replace than repair unless you're handy with small motors. GreenMonster isn't known for longevity anyway.

Ooh, I've seen this before with my collection! The grinding noise might just be a dirty or dry sprocket bearing - try lubricating it with some bar and chain oil, and see if the noise changes. As for the battery, have you tried a different battery or charger? Sometimes it's just a bad cell in the battery pack. I've revived a few by replacing the cells, but it's a bit of a DIY project. If you're not comfortable, maybe take it to a small engine repair shop? They might have parts for GreenMonster.

LOL, Patty's always trying to save everything! Chris is right - sparking near the motor is a big red flag. Could be a short in the windings or a failing switch. In HVAC, we see similar stuff with fan motors - once they start sparking, it's often a goner. Check the warranty? Some brands cover 3 years. Otherwise, I'd say it's dead, Jim. Time for an upgrade - maybe go with a more reliable brand like Stihl or Echo if you use it often.