Black & Decker Electric Chainsaw, 16-Inch, 12-Amp

Why I Reached for a Corded 16‑inch Saw

After a weekend of babying a finicky gas saw, I wanted something that just starts, cuts, and keeps going without fuss. That led me to Black & Decker’s 16‑inch corded chainsaw, a straightforward 12‑amp unit that slots neatly between small pruning saws and full‑size gas felling saws. I’ve been using it for limbing, bucking small logs, and the occasional modest felling job, and it’s become the tool I grab first for yard work.

This isn’t a pro forestry saw, and it doesn’t pretend to be. But within its lane, it’s quick to deploy, clean, and remarkably capable.

Setup and First Impressions

Out of the box, the saw looks and feels like a typical homeowner‑grade electric: a plastic housing, a brushed motor, and a 16‑inch low‑kickback bar and 3/8‑inch pitch chain. At 13.2 pounds, it’s heavier than ultra‑compact electrics but lighter and better balanced than many small gas units with a full tank. The included scabbard is a practical touch for storage and transport.

The tool‑free chain tensioner is the centerpiece of setup. A large dial and side cover let you mount and tension the chain without reaching for a scrench. I’m generally skeptical of plastic adjusters, but this system works as intended. Just remember to re‑tension after the first few cuts—new chains heat up and stretch. I aim for the classic “snap‑back” test: the chain should lift slightly from the bar and snap back when released, with drivers still seated in the groove.

There’s an 8‑foot cord attached, which means you’ll need a good outdoor extension cord. For a 12‑amp saw, use at least 14 AWG up to 50 feet, and 12 AWG for 50–100 feet. Undersized cords rob power and can trip breakers.

Cutting Performance

In use, the saw delivers exactly what a 12‑amp motor promises: steady, predictable cutting in branches and logs up to about 10–12 inches, with patience required as you approach the limits of the bar. On softwoods, it sails through limb after limb without bogging. On dense hardwoods, keep the chain sharp and let the tool feed at its own pace. Force it and you’ll feel bogging; ease off and the motor finds its groove.

I’ve felled small trees in the 8–12‑inch range and bucked them into stove‑length rounds with no issues. For larger logs, rolling the work and cutting from both sides extends what you can handle safely with a 16‑inch bar. The low‑kickback chain is tuned for control rather than maximum aggressiveness; it won’t compete with a pro full‑chisel chain for speed, but it’s kinder to casual users and less likely to punish sloppy technique.

The start‑up is instant. There’s no choke, no pull cord, and no warm‑up. Squeeze the trigger and it spins. The brushed motor has a characteristic electric whine and a touch of surge at start, but it’s far quieter than a gas saw and produces very little vibration. After an hour of limbing, my hands feel fresher than they do with a small two‑stroke.

Chain Tensioning and Oiling

The automatic oiler works as advertised. Fill the reservoir with bar and chain oil (not motor oil), and the saw feeds a consistent amount to the bar. The clear window is genuinely useful—one glance tells you if you’re running low. Expect to refill more often than you think; light electrics tend to run fast chains with small oil tanks. If you notice the chain getting hot or the cut producing fine dust rather than chips, check tension and oil.

As with any tool‑free tensioner, avoid over‑tightening. An overtight chain builds heat and saps power. If you’re storing the saw for a while, loosen the chain a hair; it’s easier on the bar and bearings.

Power, Cord Management, and Runtime

A corded saw brings obvious trade‑offs. The upside is unlimited runtime and consistent power as long as you’re on a 120‑volt circuit. The downside is the tether. I learned to keep my work area neat, loop the cord around the rear handle as simple strain relief, and plan cuts to stay clear of the cord’s path. If you’re stretching out to the edge of the yard, use a heavy‑gauge cord and keep it fully unwound to avoid heat buildup. Running on a dedicated 15‑amp circuit is wise if you’re near the limit.

Compared to a compact gas saw, the 12‑amp motor is roughly analogous to an entry‑level homeowner gas unit. It doesn’t have the same surge through buried bar cuts, but it also never sputters, floods, or refuses to restart when hot. For me, that predictability is worth a lot.

Ergonomics and Control

The layout is conventional and comfortable. The forward wrap handle gives a solid grip for limbing in different positions, and the rear handle sits at a natural angle. Balance is slightly nose‑heavy with the 16‑inch bar, which I prefer for guided cuts along the top of the bar. Vibration is low, which helps accuracy and reduces fatigue.

The low‑kickback bar and chain, paired with the saw’s moderate chain speed, make kickback less likely—but not impossible. Respect the bar tip, avoid “plunge” entry unless you’ve trained for it, and use a firm stance. The saw does not shout “pro,” but it behaves like a well‑mannered shop tool in the hands of an attentive operator.

Maintenance and Durability

Electrics are easy keepers. Keep the chain sharp, the bar groove and sprocket clean, and the oiler topped. Flip the bar occasionally to even wear. The housing fits together cleanly and the adjuster mechanism hasn’t creaked or slipped on me.

Like most chainsaws, expect a few drops of bar oil on the shelf if you store it full. I park it on a piece of cardboard inside the scabbard. The 2‑year limited warranty and UL/ETL listings add some reassurance. There’s nothing exotic inside—a brushed motor and basic electronics—so long‑term serviceability seems reasonable for a homeowner tool.

Where It Shines

• Limbing and storm cleanup around the yard
• Bucking small logs for firewood
• Occasional felling of small‑diameter trees
• Jobs where noise, fumes, or seasonal carb issues with gas are a headache
• Users who want predictable start‑and‑cut performance without maintenance

In these tasks, the saw’s consistency and low hassle factor are its superpower. I can grab it, plug in, and be making chips in a minute.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

• You are tethered. If you regularly work far from outlets or weave through dense underbrush, a cordless or gas saw may suit you better.
• Heavy hardwoods at the upper end of the bar require patience and a sharp chain.
• The tool‑free tensioner is convenient, but the mechanism is plastic. Treat it with respect and don’t crank it like a bar nut.
• The attached cord is short. Budget for a proper outdoor extension cord (12–14 AWG).
• No premium features like an inertia chain brake are advertised; operate with conservative technique.

None of these are deal‑breakers in the intended use case, but they’re worth planning around.

Practical Tips for Best Results

• Use the right extension cord: 14 AWG up to 50 ft; 12 AWG for 50–100 ft.
• Keep the chain sharp. A simple file guide can make this saw feel twice as powerful.
• Re‑tension after the first few cuts and whenever the chain warms up.
• Let the saw feed itself—pressing hard slows the cut and heats the chain.
• Top off bar oil at every battery‑change equivalent moment (in this case, every coffee break).

The Bottom Line

Black & Decker’s 16‑inch corded saw hits a sweet spot for homeowners who want real cutting capability without the quirks of gas or the cost of high‑end cordless platforms. It’s not flashy, but it starts every time, cuts cleanly within its power class, oils reliably, and is easy to live with. Add the modest weight, low vibration, and clear maintenance cues (that oil window is more helpful than it looks), and you’ve got a dependable yard companion.

Recommendation: I recommend this saw for homeowners and property managers who primarily limb, prune, and buck small to medium logs within reach of an outlet. It offers solid cutting performance, low maintenance, and unlimited runtime at a budget‑friendly price. If your work regularly includes hardwood trunks over a foot thick, backcountry jobs, or production cutting, step up to a more powerful gas or high‑voltage cordless model. For everyone else, this corded 16‑inch saw is a practical, no‑nonsense workhorse that earns its space on the shelf.