Black & Decker 20V MAX Pole Pruning Saw

A first cut that set the tone

The first branch I tackled with the B&D 20V pole saw was a 3-inch maple limb that had been teasing my roofline for months. From the ground, I extended the center section, sighted down the slim in-line head, and let the chain work. The cut was clean, controlled, and—most important—didn’t require me to climb a ladder. That initial pass set the tone for the rest of my time with this saw: light, straightforward, and surprisingly capable within its stated limits.

Setup and what you’ll need

Out of the box, assembly was intuitive. The shaft breaks into sections, so you choose between a shorter 6.5-foot usable length or the full 10-foot reach. Black & Decker rates the overhead reach at up to 14 feet depending on your height, and that feels accurate in practice for trimming branches two stories up without teetering on a ladder.

Two notes before you start:
- The battery and charger are sold separately. It runs on B&D’s 20V MAX lithium-ion platform, so if you already have a compatible pack, you’re ahead.
- You’ll need bar and chain oil. Keep it handy and apply regularly.

Design and ergonomics

This is a lightweight tool (about 8.8 pounds), and the weight distribution is balanced enough that it doesn’t feel like you’re holding a sledgehammer at full extension. The in-line motor head is a standout design detail. By keeping the profile slim along the pole rather than offsetting the motor, visibility to your cut line is better than many budget pole saws. I could see where the bar was biting and adjust without guessing—a big plus when you’re reaching over obstructions.

The 8-inch bar is well-matched to the saw’s power. The stated maximum cutting diameter is 6 inches, and in practice I found that to be a fair ceiling. You can nibble through larger material with patience and proper technique, but the sweet spot is trimming and limbing in the 1 to 4-inch range.

Disassembly for transport is also genuinely useful. Breaking the pole into sections meant it fit in a sedan trunk and tucked neatly on a garage shelf, something long fixed-shaft saws make awkward.

Cutting performance

In softwood and typical yard species (pine, maple, ornamental cherries), the saw cut confidently up to its rated capacity. The chain speed isn’t aggressive by gas-tool standards, but with gentle feed pressure and a steady stance it produces smooth, predictable cuts. The in-line head helps you place the bar precisely on the top or underside of a branch, which reduces binding and pinching.

A few performance observations:
- Good control for top cuts and undercuts. Establishing an undercut to prevent bark tearing is easy because the head is narrow and visible.
- Best with proper technique. Let the chain do the work. Overloading the motor by leaning hard into the cut will slow it down and drain the battery faster.
- Manage bounce at full extension. At the full 10-foot length, there’s some flex and wobble. Taking a moment to brace the pole against your body and start the cut slowly helps tame it.

Battery and runtime

Runtime will depend on your battery capacity and the size/species of what you’re cutting. With a typical 2.0Ah 20V MAX pack (about 40 Wh), I averaged a small yard’s worth of trimming—roughly a patio’s perimeter of 1–3 inch limbs—on a charge. On smaller branches, the manufacturer’s “up to 100 cuts of 1.5-inch pine” claim feels reasonable, but move into dense hardwood or push beyond 3 inches and you’ll watch the battery gauge drop faster.

My advice:
- Have a second battery ready if you’re tackling a larger tree or multiple trees.
- Let the saw cool between extended cuts; heat shortens runtime and isn’t kind to any battery.

Maintenance and chain care

Keep the chain sharp and the bar lubricated, and this saw behaves. I applied bar and chain oil periodically during sessions; you should plan to do the same. Check chain tension before you start and again after the first couple of cuts—new chains stretch slightly. A properly tensioned, sharp chain not only cuts faster but preserves motor life and battery.

The replacement chain is easy to source (RC800), and swapping chains is quick once you’ve done it once. As with all pole saws, debris will pack into the sprocket cover; brushing it out at the end of the day keeps everything running smoothly.

Safety, balance, and control

Two hands on the pole, eye and head protection, and a clear escape path are table stakes. I appreciated how the in-line head made it easier to position the bar for an accurate undercut to prevent bark peeling. Also, because the tool is light, recovering from a snag or repositioning mid-cut is less fatiguing than with heavier gas poles.

At full extension, it’s still a long lever with a spinning chain at the end. Plan your cuts and avoid cutting directly overhead when you can—work off to the side, establish an undercut, then finish from the top to control the fall.

Where it shines

• Routine yard maintenance: dead limbs, driveway clearance, shaping small to mid-size trees.
• Homeowners who already own B&D 20V MAX batteries. Not having to buy a new platform lowers the barrier.
• Users who prioritize weight and packability. The break-down shaft and light build make it easy to store and transport.
• Situations where a ladder would be risky. The 10-foot usable length with up to 14-foot overhead reach is a meaningful safety upgrade.

Limitations to know about

• Not a heavy-duty felling tool. If you routinely tackle hardwood limbs larger than 6 inches, you’ll want a more powerful saw.
• Battery and charger are extra. Factor this into the true cost unless you’re already on the 20V MAX platform.
• Runtime dips on thicker cuts. Carry a spare battery if you’re doing more than a quick trim session.
• Full-length control takes practice. There’s natural flex in long poles; take your time and let the chain bite before applying more pressure.

Warranty and support

A 2-year limited warranty is standard for this category and offers reasonable peace of mind. Consumables like the chain are easy to source, which matters with seasonal tools—nothing’s worse than a down afternoon because you can’t find the right replacement part.

The bottom line

The B&D 20V pole saw hits a practical balance of reach, weight, and capability for typical homeowner trimming. It’s easy to assemble, straightforward to operate, and light enough that I didn’t dread overhead work. Within its wheelhouse—branches up to about 4 inches, with an upper limit of 6 inches—it performs predictably and safely. You give up the brute speed of gas, but you gain quieter operation, low maintenance, and the convenience of a tool that breaks down and fits on a shelf.

Recommendation: I recommend this pole saw for homeowners who want a light, cordless solution for routine tree and shrub maintenance and who either already own or don’t mind investing in a 20V MAX battery. It’s not a pro tool for heavy hardwoods, and you should plan your sessions around battery swaps if you have a lot to do. But for regular trimming with good control and minimal fuss, it’s a smart, good-value pick.