Black & Decker Pole Pruning Saw

Why I reached for this pole saw

I like tools that make yard work feel less like a chore and more like a straightforward task. This cordless pole saw hits that mark. It’s light enough to manage overhead, it reaches the majority of branches I need to tame, and it doesn’t tether me to an outlet or a gas can. After several weekends trimming maples, pines, and an overgrown crepe myrtle, I’ve got a good sense of where this Black & Decker pole saw shines—and where it doesn’t.

Setup and first cuts

Assembly took me minutes. The pole breaks into three sections: base, center extension, and head. Pop the center section in for a roughly 10-foot tool (about 14-foot overhead reach if you’re average height), or leave it out for a more compact 6.5-foot setup. The battery slides in with a solid click, and a small wrench is included for bar/chain adjustments.

One quirk: there’s no automatic bar oiler. You lubricate the chain with the included oil bottle. It’s simple—drip along the bar and onto the chain before you start and again every few cuts—but it is one more thing to remember. On the upside, there’s less mess than some auto-oiler designs that weep oil in storage.

My first session was a mix of 2–4 inch limbs at shoulder to overhead height. The in-line head gives a clear sightline to the cut, and the 8-inch bar is appropriately sized for the job. For limbs up to 3–4 inches, the saw tracks well and clears chips cleanly. Six inches is the stated max, and I managed a couple of 5–6 inch softwood cuts with patience and proper technique. That’s the ceiling though; bigger than that and you’re fighting physics and chain speed.

Reach, balance, and control

With the extension installed, you get meaningful reach without feeling like you’re wrestling a mast. That said, any pole saw is going to feel top-heavy when fully extended—this one is no exception. At 10.3 pounds with the battery, it’s on the lighter end of consumer pole saws, which keeps fatigue manageable. I found the head weight predictable, and the in-line motor layout helps keep the bar where you intend.

Pole flex is present at full stretch (again, typical). The trick is to let the saw do the work: start your kerf, keep two hands on the grips, and don’t lever the bar. The chain bites more smoothly if you approach from the top and let gravity assist.

Cutting performance

• Bar and chain: 8-inch bar, replacement chain is RC800.
• Realistic capacity: 4 inches all day, up to 6 inches with care.
• Chain speed: Moderate; it’s built for pruning, not felling.

I was pleased with how predictably it cuts. On green hardwood limbs around 3 inches, it zipped through in seconds. On drier or thicker branches, it helps to notch the underside first to avoid bark tear-out, then finish from the top. Kickback wasn’t an issue as long as I respected the upper quadrant of the bar tip.

The chain stayed tight after the initial break-in but did need a quick snug after 20–30 minutes. Adjustment is straightforward with the included wrench—loosen the bar nut, tweak the tension screw, and retighten. You want the chain to snap back when pulled, not sag off the bar.

Battery life and charging

This pole saw ships with a 20V MAX 1.5Ah battery and a simple jack-plug charger. Runtime depends on limb size and wood species. In my use:

• Light pruning (1–2 inch green branches): well over an hour of intermittent cutting.
• Mixed pruning (mostly 2–4 inch): around 30–45 minutes per charge.
• Heavier cuts (repeated 4–6 inch): expect less, and more frequent cooling breaks.

If you already own 20V MAX tools, this fits into the POWERCONNECT system, so you can swap in higher-capacity packs. A 2.0Ah or 4.0Ah battery noticeably extends runtime and reduces the stop-and-go. With the included 1.5Ah pack, one spare battery is a smart upgrade if you have a lot of trees to tackle in one session.

Ergonomics and usability

The grips are well-placed, and the trigger is comfortable to feather into a cut. The in-line head improves visibility compared to side-mounted designs; I could watch the kerf as it advanced, which helps avoid pinching. At the shorter length, it’s quite maneuverable around shrubs and smaller trees. With the extension, it’s still manageable, but wind can make the head wander—take your time and rest the bar on the branch to steady the cut.

The included blade guard is handy for storage, and the tool breaks down quickly to fit on a shelf or in a trunk. That’s a real advantage over one-piece poles when space is tight.

Maintenance and longevity

• Chain care: Oil the bar/chain regularly; there’s no auto-oiler.
• Tensioning: Check tension after the first few cuts of a session and again if performance drops.
• Cleaning: Brush out chips around the sprocket cover and wipe the bar at the end of the day.

Manual oiling means you’re in control—less waste, but you must be consistent. I kept the oil bottle in a pocket and dripped a few drops every couple of cuts; the chain stayed cool and sharp longer. Replacement chains (RC800) are easy to find, and swapping takes just a couple of minutes.

The build feels appropriately robust for a homeowner tool. The pole locks are positive, the plastics have some flex without feeling brittle, and the head housing shrugged off a couple of accidental bumps. A 2-year limited warranty backs it, which is par for this class.

Safety and noise

It’s much quieter than a gas saw and neighbor-friendly, though ear protection is still a good idea given the chain noise. Eye protection is non-negotiable—chips fall from above. Gloves help with grip, and I recommend a hard hat if you’re working under larger limbs. Always cut from a stable stance; this isn’t a tool to use from a ladder.

What I’d change

• Automatic oiling: Manual oiling works, but an on-board reservoir would be more convenient.
• Battery capacity: The included 1.5Ah pack gets you started, yet a 2.0Ah or higher pack would better match real-world pruning sessions.
• Flex at full extension: It’s manageable, but a stiffer top section or slightly faster chain speed would make long-reach cuts even cleaner.

None of these are dealbreakers, but they’re areas where prosumer models pull ahead—at higher price and weight.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners managing regular yard maintenance: perfect for seasonal pruning and storm clean-up up to 4 inches.
• Anyone already on the 20V MAX system: battery cross-compatibility is a real value add.
• Users prioritizing ease and storage: quick to assemble, easy to transport, and simple to stow.

If your work routinely involves dense hardwoods or limbs over 6 inches, you’ll want a more powerful pole saw (likely heavier and pricier) or a ground-based chainsaw with a pruning ladder and safety training.

Recommendation

I recommend this Black & Decker pole saw for homeowners who want a lightweight, cordless pruner that’s simple to use and maintain. It’s at its best on 1–4 inch branches, has enough headroom to handle occasional 5–6 inch cuts, and offers a practical reach without the hassle of cords or gas. The trade-offs—manual chain oiling and a modest included battery—are easy to live with, especially if you add a second, higher-capacity pack. For routine tree and shrub maintenance, it delivers reliable performance, good ergonomics, and strong value within the 20V MAX ecosystem.