Black & Decker 20V MAX* Lithium 10 in. Chainsaw

A compact cordless saw that earns its keep

I brought the Black & Decker 10-inch cordless chainsaw into my yard work rotation to see if a small, battery-powered bar could meaningfully reduce the hassle of casual pruning and storm cleanup. After several weekends of limbing, bucking small logs, and nipping back overgrown shrubs, it’s become my default grab-and-go saw for anything up to about 6–8 inches. It’s not a powerhouse, and it doesn’t pretend to be, but within its lane it’s capable, confidence-inspiring, and easy to live with.

Design, weight, and balance

At 8.5 pounds, this is a light saw by any standard, and it feels even lighter because the balance is decent with either a 2.0Ah or 4.0Ah 20V MAX battery onboard. The 10-inch bar keeps the package compact enough to work in tight landscaping, around fences, and between branches where a bigger saw is awkward. The low-kickback chain and narrow kerf contribute to a controlled, smooth cut, albeit one that’s a touch slower than a more aggressive chain. That trade-off makes sense for its target use: trimming and light limbing where precision and safety matter more than speed.

The controls are straightforward, the grips have enough texture to stay put with gloves, and the sightline down the bar is clear. I also appreciate that it stores neatly on a shelf without dripping fuel or carrying the odor of a gas saw. It’s easy to forget how nice “no pull-cord and no fuel” is until you reach for it, squeeze the trigger, and you’re cutting in seconds.

Setup and chain tensioning

Setup is pleasantly minimal. The bar and chain mount in the usual way, and the tool-free tensioner is genuinely useful. The adjustment dial has enough range to take up initial chain stretch quickly, and it locks down solidly so the chain doesn’t slack off mid-cut. Like any new chain, it stretches during the first session—plan on a couple of quick tension checks. With gloves on, I could still spin the adjuster without fumbling, which isn’t always the case with tool-free systems.

Cutting performance

In softwoods and typical yard species (maple, pine, ornamental fruit trees), the saw tracks straight and doesn’t chatter. It’s happiest on branches and limbs between 2–6 inches. I cut a handful of 7–8 inch pieces on the ground with patient feed pressure and full-stroke passes—doable, but it’s not fast. Let the chain do the work and resist the urge to lean on it; force slows the cut and can bog the motor. For limbing downed trees, the short bar is actually an asset, letting me place cuts precisely without nicking the dirt.

The low-kickback chain is mild. That’s good for control and safety, but if you’re used to a sharp, full-chisel chain on a gas saw, expect a more measured pace. On the flip side, the smooth engagement makes plunge cuts into small trunks less jumpy than I expected from a compact battery saw.

Noise and vibration are low compared to gas. I can work without fatiguing my hands, and the quieter operation makes early morning cleanup a bit more neighbor-friendly. Of course, ear and eye protection are still non-negotiable.

Battery life and the 20V system

Runtime depends heavily on wood species, cut size, chain sharpness, and battery capacity. With a healthy 2.0Ah pack, I can work through typical pruning on a midsize tree and slice a few 4–6 inch logs before the pack taps out. A 4.0Ah battery stretches that noticeably and made the saw feel more “ready for anything” during a cleanup day. If you anticipate more than intermittent trimming, plan on at least two batteries—swapping packs beats watching a charger light.

This saw doesn’t include a battery or charger, which can be either a frustration or a plus depending on your situation. If you’re already on Black & Decker’s 20V MAX platform, it slots in seamlessly. If not, factor the added cost of a couple of batteries and a charger into the decision. In my use, the platform compatibility is a real advantage; I rotated the same packs between a drill, blower, and this saw to keep the day moving.

Oiling and maintenance

The automatic oiler works as expected. Keep bar and chain oil in the reservoir, run the saw for a few seconds to prime, and the bar stays wet. I didn’t experience excessive dripping in storage, but any automatic oiler will weep a bit—store it on cardboard or a shelf you don’t mind wiping. The cap is easy to access, and the reservoir is sized reasonably; I refilled roughly once per battery change during heavier cutting.

Routine care is straightforward: keep the chain sharp, tension set, and the bar groove clean. The low-kickback chain sharpens easily with a standard file and guide. Because the motor doesn’t have the overhead of a gas saw, a dull chain is more punishing—you’ll notice bogging sooner—so a quick touch-up does wonders for performance and battery efficiency.

Safety and control

The combination of a short bar, low-kickback chain, and modest power keeps the saw’s behavior predictable. Kickback potential is still there—respect the tip and use a proper stance—but the saw’s temperament encourages good technique. The compact form helps with controlled, waist-level cuts. I avoid overhead cutting and ladders with any chainsaw, and that caution applies here too.

Where it shines—and where it doesn’t

Strengths:
- Lightweight, well-balanced, and easy to handle for extended trimming
- Tool-free chain tensioner that genuinely speeds adjustments
- Automatic oiling that keeps the bar consistently lubricated
- Quiet, low-vibration operation that’s less fatiguing than gas
- Fits tight spaces and excels at limbing and pruning up to 6 inches

Limitations:
- Power and chain aggressiveness are tuned for control, not speed; larger cuts require patience
- Runtime with smaller 20V packs can be short during heavy work—extra batteries are essential
- Battery and charger are sold separately, which increases total cost if you’re new to the platform
- A 10-inch bar limits practical cutting to roughly 8 inches in one pass

Durability and warranty

Nothing about the construction struck me as fragile. The plastics are thick enough, the bar studs and adjuster hold tension, and the sprocket drive runs smoothly. As with any light saw, it’s not a prying tool—avoid binding the bar in closing kerfs and you’ll keep everything straight. The included 2-year limited warranty is standard for the category and offers some peace of mind.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners who need a nimble, low-fuss saw for routine yard maintenance
• Users already invested in Black & Decker’s 20V MAX batteries
• Anyone who finds gas saws heavy, noisy, or finicky to maintain
• Property owners managing storm cleanup of small limbs and occasional small-log bucking

If your work routinely includes felling or bucking hardwood trunks beyond 8 inches, or you’re spending hours at a time on the saw, a higher-voltage cordless or a mid-size gas saw is a better fit. Weight and cost go up, but so does cutting speed and endurance.

The bottom line

Within the light-duty niche it’s built for, this Black & Decker 10-inch cordless saw hits the right notes: easy to start, easy to control, and easy to maintain. It trades raw speed for predictability and comfort, which is a fair exchange for small-tree trimming and weekend cleanup. Pair it with at least one spare 20V MAX battery, keep the chain sharp, and it becomes a reliable, low-drama tool you’ll reach for often.

Recommendation: I recommend this saw for homeowners and DIYers who want a compact, low-maintenance chainsaw for pruning, limbing, and cutting small logs up to about 6–8 inches—especially if you already own 20V MAX batteries. It’s not the right choice for heavy-duty cutting or all-day use, but for light residential projects it’s a practical, confidence-building tool that earns its space on the garage shelf.