Craftsman Cordless Pole Chainsaw

As someone who enjoys tackling yard work with efficient tools, I was keen to try out the Craftsman Cordless Pole Chainsaw (model CMCCSP20D1). This tool promises to ease the back-breaking task of trimming high branches, offering an extended reach and impressive battery life. After putting it through various scenarios over the past few months, I’ve gathered a pretty comprehensive sense of its strengths and weaknesses.

Firstly, let’s talk about what initially drew me to this tool: its convenience and reach. The pole saw extends up to 14 feet, which is a significant plus for those hard-to-reach branches. The angled head and blade are particularly well-designed, providing better cutting precision without having to strain at awkward angles. This design feature made a noticeable difference when I was trimming a particularly dense oak tree in my yard. The soft grip on the pole extension also deserves a mention. It adds a layer of comfort, reducing hand fatigue during prolonged use, which I appreciated during longer sessions.

On performance, the Craftsman Cordless Pole Chainsaw holds its ground reasonably well. The manufacturer claims up to 325 cuts per charge, and while I didn’t count every cut, I found that the battery life is more than sufficient for typical yard tasks. In my experience, a fully charged battery consistently managed to power through several hours of intermittent use. That said, one should not overlook the importance of keeping a spare battery if you have a larger yard or multiple trees to maintain.

Now, let's dive into some aspects that left me wanting more. One of the more glaring issues is the build quality of the pole. It feels somewhat flimsy, especially when fully extended. The pole tends to flex a bit under the weight of the saw, which can affect control and precision. This became particularly evident when I was pruning thicker branches. The kickback, while not unexpected, was more pronounced than I would have liked, especially on oak logs thicker than four inches.

Another point of contention is the pole saw’s manual oiling system. Unlike some models that feature an automatic oiler, this Craftsman tool requires you to manually oil the blade. This isn't a deal-breaker, but it does add an extra step to the process, which can be a bit cumbersome. On the flip side, the absence of an automatic oiler does save on weight and eliminates the risk of oil leaks, a common issue with some chainsaws.

A recurring issue I encountered was intermittent power failures. After a few months of use, the saw refused to engage on several occasions. I tried different batteries and ensured they were fully charged, but the saw simply wouldn’t start. This inconsistency was frustrating, to say the least, especially when I was in the middle of a task. I suspect it might be an issue with the internal wiring or connections within the pole, as some other users have reported similar problems.

While this Craftsman model boasts compatibility with their 20V Max battery system, it’s worth noting that these batteries aren’t interchangeable with other brands, even those that use a similar 20V Max labeling. This lack of cross-compatibility can be a hassle if you own tools from other brands. You’re essentially locked into the Craftsman ecosystem, which might not be ideal for everyone.

On the brighter side, the pole saw’s weight is well-balanced given its size and power source. The tool isn’t overly heavy, which makes it manageable for extended use. I also found the integrated hook for storage quite handy. It’s a small feature, but it helps in keeping the tool organized and easily accessible in my garage.

In sum, the Craftsman Cordless Pole Chainsaw offers a blend of convenience and performance, making it a valuable tool for light to moderate trimming tasks. Its extended reach and battery life are commendable, and the angled head design enhances cutting precision. However, the build quality of the pole and the occasional power issues are significant drawbacks that could deter some users.

Would I recommend this tool? Yes, but with reservations. If you’re a homeowner who needs a reliable tool for occasional yard maintenance, the Craftsman Cordless Pole Chainsaw is a worthy consideration — especially if you already own other tools in the Craftsman 20V Max lineup. However, for more demanding tasks or professional use, you might want to explore more robust options with better build quality and fewer operational hiccups. This tool has its merits, but it falls short of being a standout in its category.