Black & Decker 9-1/2 Ft. Pole Saw

A weekend of overgrown limbs gave me a perfect chance to put the PP610 to work. I prefer corded tools for jobs like this—steady power, no battery swaps—and this pole saw fits that brief with a 6.5-amp motor and a 10-inch Oregon bar. After several sessions thinning hardwood and softwood branches, I have a good sense of where it shines and where you’ll want to adjust your technique.

Setup and First Impressions

Out of the box, assembly was quick. Add bar-and-chain oil, fit the scabbard off to the side, and check chain tension with the included hex key. There’s no tool-free tensioner here, so plan on keeping that wrench handy; I looped a small lanyard through mine so it doesn’t vanish in the grass.

At about 10 pounds, the PP610 is manageable, but like all pole saws it’s top-heavy. That’s just physics—the motor and bar live at the far end. The pole extends to roughly 9.5 feet, which gave me reach to branches around 13–14 feet off the ground without a ladder (I’m average height). Build quality is what I expect from a midrange corded unit: sturdy enough for seasonal use, with an Oregon low-kickback bar and chain that track well. The included scabbard fits securely and is worth using; chain teeth are unforgiving to car trunks and shed walls.

Power and Cutting Performance

The 6.5-amp motor is well matched to the 10-inch bar. In practice, the PP610 is happiest in the 3–6 inch branch range. It chewed through fresh oak and maple at that size without complaint, and it had no trouble with resinous softwoods. On drier, seasoned limbs, you’ll feel a bit more vibration and the cut takes longer, but it still gets there if you let the chain do the work and avoid forcing the nose.

Can it handle bigger wood? Yes, within reason. With a proper notch and a back cut, I worked through a couple of 8–9 inch limbs. It’s slow and you need to be deliberate with your cut sequence and body position. Anything larger or under high tension is better left to a ground saw or a pro. The low-kickback chain helps, but it’s not a substitute for good technique.

Noise is notably lower than gas. You can hold a conversation between cuts (with hearing protection on), and the motor spools quickly without bogging under typical loads. I never tripped a breaker on a GFCI outdoor circuit using a 12-gauge extension cord.

Reach, Balance, and Control

At full extension you’ll feel the leverage. The trick is to keep your hands a bit wider on the shaft and use your hips to steer the bar through the cut instead of overreaching with your shoulders. Taking small bites and letting the saw settle into the kerf keeps the bar from bouncing. I found a gentle undercut to prevent bark tear-out, followed by a top cut from slightly behind the hinge, gave the cleanest results on live branches.

The head is fixed (no angle adjustment), so you sometimes need to reposition yourself to get the bar lined up for a comfortable top cut. That’s especially true for overhead cuts where an angled head would help. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s one of the PP610’s compromises.

Corded Convenience (and Cautions)

Unlimited runtime is the prime benefit of a corded pole saw. For larger pruning days, not having to babysit batteries is great. You do need to manage the cord thoughtfully:

• Use an outdoor-rated 14/3 or 12/3 extension cord; lighter cords drop voltage and hurt performance.
• Engage the cord retainer/strain relief on the handle to keep the plug from pulling out mid-cut.
• Keep the cord draped over your shoulder and behind you. Never let it cross your cutting path.
• A GFCI outlet is a must for safety.

If your trees extend deep into a yard, factor in extension cord length and routing before you start.

Chain Oiling and Tension

The automatic oiler is generous, which I prefer on a pole saw. Lubrication is steady and visible on the bar during the cut. Keep the reservoir topped with proper bar-and-chain oil and check it each time you set the saw down; a dry chain dulls fast.

Two practical notes from use:
- Don’t overfill the oil tank. Heat and sun can expand oil and push it past the cap.
- After a long session, I crack the oil cap for a moment to equalize pressure, then re-tighten before storage. It helps reduce seepage.

Chain tension drifts a bit as the chain warms up, especially on the first few cuts of the day. I got in the habit of checking tension after the first limb, then every 15–20 minutes. Properly tensioned, the chain stays planted and resists derailing in awkward angles.

Safety and Technique

Pole saws make it easy to get in trouble if you rush. A few habits that served me well with the PP610:

• Plan a drop path and use a throw line to guide bigger limbs away from fences and roofs.
• Make a small undercut first to prevent bark peeling.
• Work with the bar slightly off to the side, not directly overhead.
• Never cut above shoulder level if you feel you’re losing balance. Reposition instead of reaching.
• PPE: helmet or hard hat, eye and hearing protection, gloves, long sleeves.

The PP610’s low-kickback chain and predictable throttle response help, but there’s no substitute for patience.

Maintenance and Storage

Cleanup is straightforward. Pop the side cover, brush out the bar groove and sprocket area, and wipe down excess oil. The Oregon chain sharpens easily with a standard file guide; touching up the cutters every few sessions keeps performance snappy. Store the saw with the scabbard on, ideally on a tray or cardboard to catch the inevitable drip from a freshly oiled bar.

Given the 2-year limited warranty, I’d expect it to hold up well for homeowners who prune a few times a season and maintain it. Consumables—bar oil and an occasional new chain—are your main ongoing costs.

What I’d Change

• A pivoting or angled head option would make certain overhead cuts far more comfortable and precise.
• A tool-free chain tensioner would speed mid-job adjustments.
• A slightly grippier rear handle or optional shoulder strap anchor could improve balance on long sessions.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re on my wish list for a future revision.

Who It’s For

The PP610 fits homeowners who want a reliable, no-frills pole saw for seasonal pruning and storm cleanup. If you’ve got a mix of ornamental trees and medium limbs up to about 6 inches—and you have easy access to power—it’s a strong fit. If you frequently work far from outlets, or if your pruning list often includes thick hardwood over 8 inches, look at a cordless or gas option—or move to a proper chainsaw for the heavier work.

Recommendation

I recommend the PP610 for most homeowners who need a capable, corded pole saw. It balances power, reach, and simplicity well: the 6.5-amp motor maintains pace on typical branches, the 10-inch Oregon bar tracks predictably, and the automatic oiler keeps the chain happy without fuss. You give up cordless freedom, tool-free tensioning, and an angled head, but in exchange you get unlimited runtime, predictable power, and a straightforward tool that does the job. If your trees fall in that 3–6 inch sweet spot and you’re comfortable managing an extension cord, this pole saw is an easy pick.