WORX WG323 20V Power Share 10" Cordless Pole/Chain Saw with Auto-Tension

Why I reached for a compact pole/chain saw

My trees had outgrown my ladder and my patience. I needed something that could prune safely from the ground, but also pull double duty for post-trim cleanups. That’s what led me to the Worx pole saw (WG323), a 20V cordless unit that converts from a 10-inch chainsaw to a pole saw without a single tool. After a season of trimming, storm cleanup, and a few “I should have done this last year” removals, here’s how it performed.

Setup, build, and ergonomics

Out of the box, the saw comes mostly assembled. After topping up with bar and chain oil (not included), I clicked the saw head into the pole attachment, tightened the collar, and was cutting within minutes. The interface between saw and pole feels reassuringly secure—there’s both a keyed connection and a locking knob—so there’s no rattle or wobble at the head.

The saw itself weighs about 10 lb, and in chainsaw mode it’s easy to handle for small jobs. In pole mode, the balance shifts. Like most pole saws with the motor up top, it becomes noticeably top-heavy, especially with the pole fully extended. I could manage it for prolonged sessions by taking frequent breaks and keeping my hands spaced wide, but I would love a simple shoulder strap option from the factory. The pole extends smoothly and locks firmly; just make sure you positively seat and tighten the lock—if you’re gentle, it can “want” to slide back a bit before it clicks into place.

One design note: the cutting head is in-line with the pole (not angled). That keeps the package compact and predictable, but it means some overhead cuts require a bit of body repositioning to get the right attack angle. It’s workable; just plan for it.

Cutting performance

For a 20V, 10-inch saw, cutting performance is solid. In chainsaw mode, it’s at its best on yard-scale jobs: pruning, bucking small logs, and reducing branches into manageable sections. Limbs in the 3- to 6-inch range are its sweet spot. With good chain sharpness and gentle pressure, I had no trouble working through 6–8 inches when necessary; beyond that, it becomes a patience game and not what this saw is meant for.

There’s a slight soft-start when you pull the trigger, which is typical of many cordless tools and helps reduce instant torque twist. Chain speed is quick enough that cuts are clean when you let the saw do the work. As always with a short-bar saw, keep your nose clear of pinches and use a proper three-cut method on branches to avoid binding the bar.

In pole mode, the performance carries over. The compact 10-inch bar is a plus up high—it’s easier to place cuts precisely without overloading the saw. The aggressive, low-kickback chain bites well, and with the saw’s weight helping on the cut, I got predictable results on hard and soft woods alike.

Reach and control

With the pole extended and my arms up, I could comfortably trim at about a 10–12-foot working height. Real-world reach varies with user height, stance, and cut angle, but that’s enough to handle most yard trees without a ladder. Control is good as long as you respect the top-heavy feel. Keep your hips square to the cut, brace your rear hand into your core, and let the saw settle into the wood—don’t muscle it. On overhead cuts where gravity wants to help a bit too much, I found it safer to undercut first, then finish from the top while standing slightly off to the side so the limb has a clear fall path.

Battery life and charging

The 20V battery that ships with the saw is the right match for its motor. For me, a single pack delivered about 15–30 minutes of active cutting time, which translates to a good session of pruning with pauses to move brush. If you plan to take down a lot of material in one go, a second battery is a smart add-on. The compact charger is straightforward, with clear status lights and reasonable charge times.

One big advantage here is Worx’s Power Share system. This 20V pack works across a wide range of their 20V tools and can pair for 40V and 80V tools in their lineup. If you’re already in that ecosystem, the battery compatibility adds real value.

Chain tensioning and lubrication

Worx uses an automatic, tool-free tensioning system controlled by a large side knob. Day to day, it’s convenient—no scrabbling for a scrench. The tradeoff is that you need to make tension checks part of your rhythm, especially during the first few cuts on a fresh chain. Heat and vibration can work tension loose if you’re pushing hard. I got into the habit of giving the chain a quick snap test every couple of cuts and nudging the knob as needed. It takes seconds and keeps you out of trouble.

The auto-oiler works well, delivering consistent lubrication to the bar and chain. Keep an eye on the oil sight window; this saw sips oil steadily, and running dry will shorten the bar and chain’s life. Like many chainsaws, it may weep a bit of oil after use. I store it flat on a rag when I know it’s going to sit for a while to avoid surprises on the shelf.

Maintenance and durability

Maintenance is simple. The bar cover pops off without tools, the chain is easy to remove and clean, and the groove is simple to clear of debris. Replacement chains are easy to find; just stick with compatible low-profile 10-inch chains as specified by Worx. Because of the integrated tensioning setup, plan on using OEM-style bars and chains rather than swapping random parts from older saws.

So far, fit and finish have held up fine. The plastic housings keep weight down but don’t feel flimsy. The pole sections haven’t developed play, and the locking mechanism still seats securely after multiple assemblies.

Safety and handling tips

• Wear eye and ear protection; chips fly, and even a quiet saw is still loud up close.
• Never cut directly overhead if you don’t have a clear path for the limb to fall.
• Use a three-cut method on branches: undercut, top cut farther out, then final flush cut.
• Let the chain come to a full stop before moving between cuts, especially in pole mode.
• Avoid ladders with a powered pole saw. If you must elevate, use stable platforms and don’t overreach.

Where it shines—and where it doesn’t

Strengths:
- Quick, tool-free conversion between chainsaw and pole saw
- Manageable weight with a secure, confidence-inspiring pole connection
- Clean cutting performance on small to medium branches
- Auto-oiler and tool-free tensioning streamline upkeep
- Battery platform compatibility extends its value

Limitations:
- Top-heavy when fully extended; a shoulder strap would help but isn’t included
- Head is in-line, which can make some overhead cuts less convenient than an angled head
- Battery runtime is best suited to yard-scale tasks; heavy, continuous cutting will want a second battery
- Tension knob needs routine checks during use

Who it’s for

If your property maintenance revolves around seasonal pruning, storm cleanup, and reducing downed limbs without hauling out a gas saw, this Worx pole saw hits a sweet spot. It’s a practical choice for homeowners who prefer to stay off ladders, appreciate low-maintenance tools, and either already own—or want to build into—the Worx Power Share system.

If your work routinely involves bucking large logs, tackling dense hardwood trunks, or running a saw for hours at a time, a larger bar and either a higher-voltage cordless platform or a gas saw will be a better match.

Recommendation

I recommend the Worx pole saw for homeowners who want a flexible, low-fuss trimming tool that can both reach into the canopy and come down to the ground as a compact chainsaw. It’s easy to set up, cuts cleanly within its intended range, and the tool-free pole conversion genuinely simplifies yard work. You’ll want a second battery for bigger sessions and you’ll need to keep an eye on chain tension and oil levels, but those are reasonable asks for the convenience you get. For routine tree care without the hassles of gas or corded tools, it’s a smart, well-rounded pick.