Skil Brushless 40V 14 IN. Chainsaw Kit

Why I reached for a 40V saw

Dragging cords through a yard or wrestling with small-engine finickiness isn’t my idea of a productive weekend. I wanted a nimble, low-fuss saw for storm cleanup, limbing, and the occasional trunk section that pushes past typical “trim saw” territory. The Skil 40V 14-inch chainsaw fit that brief well enough on paper: brushless motor, tool-less tensioning, auto-oiling, chain brake, and a compact kit with a 2.5Ah battery and fast charger. After several weeks of use cutting mixed hardwood and softwood, I’m impressed by how capable it is for its size—and clear on where it tops out.

Setup and ergonomics

Out of the box, you’ll need bar-and-chain oil (not included). Filling the 5.0 fl oz (150 ml) tank is straightforward, and the viewing window makes quick checks easy. The tool-less tensioning dial is large and grippy, and it genuinely speeds chain setup and mid-job adjustments. New chains stretch as they warm up; expect to re-tension a couple of times during the first session. Do that and the chain stays put.

The saw’s balance is good with the included PWRCORE 40 battery. The spec sheet lists 7.83 lb (tool only), and with the battery installed it remains light enough to work overhead for limbing without cooking your shoulders. The handle geometry favors straight-down cuts and controlled undercuts; on long, sideways bucking cuts, the front handle angle feels a little less natural, though still manageable.

Control layout is simple: a trigger with safety interlock and a front hand guard that doubles as a chain brake. The brake engages decisively—both in testing and once during a mild pinch—and resets with a positive snap.

Cutting performance

Power from the digital brushless motor is the kind of steady, no-surge torque I want in a battery saw. In green softwoods and dry pine up to 8 inches, the saw rips quickly and cleanly. In harder species (oak, maple), it still cuts with authority through 6–10 inches without drama as long as you let the chain do the work. The limiting factor, as with most compact cordless saws, is chain speed under heavy feed pressure. If you lean on it like a gas saw, the electronics will occasionally cut power to protect the motor. Back off slightly and it resumes immediately.

With technique, I made controlled cuts in the 12–14 inch range by working from multiple sides. It’s not the ideal use case, but it’s useful to know the saw won’t throw in the towel if a storm leaves you a bit more than “limbs and logs.” For limbing and brush work, it shines—light, quick to start and stop, and far less fatiguing than keeping a gas saw idling while you drag brush.

Kickback behavior is mild for a 3/8-inch low-profile, 0.043" gauge chain on a 14-inch bar. It’s still a chainsaw: mind your bar tip, use proper footing, and keep the chain sharp. But the combination of chain profile, chain brake, and smooth throttle ramp makes it approachable for homeowners who don’t run a saw every week.

Battery life and charging

Runtime is always the question with battery saws. With the included 2.5Ah battery, I consistently got a solid session of yard work—roughly 30–40 minutes of intermittent cutting and limbing—before heading back to the charger. In continuous heavy bucking of dense hardwood, expect less; 15–20 minutes is a realistic window if you’re burying the bar. That’s where technique and chain sharpness matter most.

The 150W Auto PWRJUMP charger helps keep things moving. A quick top-up gets you back to work—about a quarter to a third of a charge in roughly a quarter hour in my testing—handy for finishing a pile without calling it a day. Full charges are fast for a 2.5Ah pack and easy to plan between tasks. If you intend to clear downed trees or process a cord’s worth of firewood in one go, I’d budget for a second battery or step up to a higher-capacity pack in the same PWRCORE 40 system. The saw doesn’t feel dramatically different on a bigger battery, but the uninterrupted time is noticeable.

Skil also claims extra cooling around the cells to extend runtime and lifespan. I can’t validate the long-term battery health claim, but heat buildup wasn’t an issue, even on warmer afternoons.

Lubrication and maintenance

The automatic oiler (worm-type pump) is consistent and not overly thirsty. The bar and chain stayed well-lubed during extended cuts, and I didn’t see oil pooling when stored. I check and top off the 5 fl oz tank each time I swap or charge a battery, which is a good rhythm on a smaller pack. Keep your chain sharp and clean, and the saw rewards you with smoother cuts and better battery life.

The tool-less tensioning dial means you actually will tension as needed. My routine is to snug it at setup, check after the first few cuts, and then again each time the chain cools. The clutch cover comes off without tools for cleaning chips—a 60-second job that makes a noticeable difference if you’re cutting sappy wood.

Safety features

The front hand guard functions as an effective chain brake. It tripped reliably in kickback simulations and reset easily. The electronic protection that pauses the motor under a hard stall is also a plus; it prevents abuse without turning the saw into a scold. Between the brake, the wide front hand guard, and predictable throttle response, I felt comfortable letting a careful novice help with limbing, after a safety brief.

As always, wear proper PPE: eye and ear protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps. Battery or not, it’s still a sharp chain moving at speed.

Build and weather resistance

The housing feels sturdy without being overbuilt, and the weather-resistant design handled damp mornings and light drizzle without complaint. I wouldn’t leave it out in a storm, but it’s the kind of tool you can set down on wet grass, finish a cut in a mist, and not worry about. The included scabbard fits securely and makes storage safer on a crowded shelf.

Where it excels—and where it doesn’t

What I liked:
- Light, well-balanced body that’s easy to maneuver in brush and for overhead limbing
- Smooth, quiet power delivery with a brushless motor
- Tool-less chain tensioning that actually saves time
- Consistent auto-oiling and a practical oil window
- Effective chain brake and sensible electronic stall protection
- Fast partial charge on the included 150W charger
- Good value for homeowners already in, or considering, the PWRCORE 40 system

What could be better:
- The included 2.5Ah battery is fine for routine yard work but short for heavy bucking; a second or larger pack stretches productivity
- Sideways/bucking ergonomics aren’t as natural as straight, vertical cuts
- Like many toolless adjusters, the tension dial needs a firm hand; a casual set can creep as the chain warms
- No miracles: it will stall if you feed it like a pro gas saw—let the chain cut, don’t force it

Who it’s for

Homeowners and property owners who want a capable, low-maintenance saw for storm cleanup, limbing, pruning, and bucking logs in the single-digit inches will get the most from this tool. It’s also a great “secondary” saw for folks who do occasional bigger work but don’t want to keep a gas saw tuned for every small job. If you regularly fell large trees or cut hardwood rounds above 14 inches, you’ll want more bar, chain speed, and battery capacity than this class offers.

Recommendation

I recommend the Skil 40V 14-inch chainsaw for light-to-medium cutting on residential properties. It’s easy to use, easy to maintain, and legitimately powerful for its size, with safety features that inspire confidence rather than get in the way. Pair it with a second or higher-capacity PWRCORE 40 battery if your projects tend to run long, and it becomes a practical, low-fuss alternative to a small gas saw for the vast majority of yard work.