Black & Decker Cordless chainsaw, 10-inch

Why I picked up this little cordless saw

I reached for the Black & Decker 10-inch cordless chainsaw after a spring storm left my yard scattered with limbs and a few small trees leaning over a fence line. I wanted something light, simple, and quiet enough to use without attracting the entire neighborhood—and that I could hand to a less-experienced family member without a long safety briefing. This compact 20V saw fit that brief well, and after multiple cleanup sessions and some light firewood prep, I’ve got a clear sense of where it shines and where it runs up against its limits.

Setup and ergonomics

Out of the box, the saw comes ready to go with a 2.0Ah 20V MAX battery and a wall-mountable charger. The 9.1‑pound weight feels genuinely manageable, and the balance is better than I expected for a small cordless: the nose doesn’t tip down aggressively, so it’s easy to line up cuts and keep the bar flat. The molded grips are basic but comfortable, and the trigger lockout is positive without being fussy.

Before the first cut, I filled the oil tank and used the tool-free chain tensioner to set the chain. The large dial and side lever make adjustments quick, and the mechanism holds tension predictably. As with any new chain, the first session required a couple of re-tensioning stops as things settled in, but that’s normal. The automatic oiler works consistently and keeps the bar wet; just keep an eye on the small tank—it drains faster than you’d think with a 10-inch bar.

Cutting performance

This saw’s 10-inch bar and low-kickback chain are tuned for control and safety, not speed. On typical suburban tasks—limbing branches and bucking 3–6 inch hardwood and softwood—it’s effective. The motor doesn’t scream; instead it works at a steady, modest chain speed that encourages a measured feed rate. Let the chain pull itself through, and it produces clean, straight cuts with minimal chatter.

I pushed it into 7–8 inch logs to test its upper limit. It can do it with patience and a sharp chain, especially in softer species, but you’ll notice the motor load and the battery sag. For anything above 6 inches in hardwood, the saw asks for time and a gentle hand. That’s not a knock—it’s a realistic constraint for a 20V, 10‑inch platform. It’s perfect for trimming, storm cleanup, pruning, and taking down small ornamental trees. It is not a firewood workhorse or a felling saw for larger trunks.

Kickback control is reassuring thanks to the chain profile and the relatively tame chain speed. The inertia chain brake snaps on positively, and the nose tends to stay put during plunge starts for limbing cuts. As always, proper stance and bar positioning matter, but this is a very approachable saw for users who find gas saws intimidating or heavy.

Battery life and charging

The included 2.0Ah pack is the right starting point, but it’s also the main limiter. On a fresh, sharp chain, I get a yard’s worth of intermittent cutting—roughly a small pile of 3–4 inch limbs and a handful of 5–6 inch cuts—before the pack is ready for a recharge. Call it 20–30 minutes of active cutting mixed within an hour or two of cleanup work. Heavier cuts drain it quickly, and the electronic protection will step in if you lean too hard.

The charger is the slow, overnight style. From empty, expect around eight hours to top off the battery. That long recharge makes planning important. If you’re tackling more than light trimming, a second battery is essential. A higher-capacity 20V MAX pack increases runtime significantly and pairs well with this saw; the platform compatibility is one of the saw’s strengths if you already own other Black & Decker 20V tools.

Chain tensioning, oiling, and maintenance

Tool-free chain tensioning is the right choice here. It encourages you to check tension often, which pays off in cutting performance and safety. The adjuster is precise enough to dial in the chain without over-tightening, and it resists loosening mid-cut.

The automatic oiler is simple and effective. As with most small chainsaws, it can weep a little bar oil when stored, so park it on cardboard or a rag. The oil window is easy to read; top it off at the start of every session and again if you notice the kerf drying out.

Sharpening makes a big difference with this saw. A fresh edge transforms cut speed and reduces battery draw. If you’re new to chainsaws, pick up a matching round file and guide or an entry-level sharpening tool; a few minutes of maintenance keeps this saw at its best.

Noise, vibration, and user experience

Compared with a compact gas saw, this cordless is markedly quieter and produces less vibration. That matters over a couple of hours of pruning, where fatigue and hand numbness are real. The soft start and lack of engine noise also make it easier to communicate with a helper, and you can pause without the temptation to leave it idling.

Because it’s light and compact, it’s easy to snake into brush and work close to fence posts without fighting the saw. I also appreciated the length; a 10-inch bar is long enough for small logs but short enough to avoid tip contact in cluttered piles. I wouldn’t use a rear-handle chainsaw overhead, but for waist-high and ground-level work, this size is a sweet spot.

Where it fits—and where it doesn’t

Use this saw for:
- Pruning and limbing around the yard
- Cutting small fallen trees and bucking branches up to about 6 inches comfortably
- Trail maintenance and fence line clearing
- Users who value light weight, simplicity, and low noise

Look elsewhere if you need:
- Regular cutting of 8–12 inch hardwood logs
- All-day runtime without battery swaps
- A pro-grade pace or chain speed

If you’re frequently processing larger material, step up to a higher-voltage platform or a gas saw. If your tasks are intermittent and modest, this 10-inch cordless hits a practical balance of capability and convenience.

Durability and warranty

Build quality is what I expect at this price: sturdy enough housings, decent plastics, and a bar/chain assembly that tracks true when properly tensioned. After multiple sessions, I’ve had no mechanical issues. The chain will stretch as it breaks in and after hard cuts—again, normal. The 2‑year limited warranty is reassuring for occasional-use homeowners, and parts like replacement chains and bars are easy to source.

Tips for getting the most from it

• Keep a second battery on hand; a higher-capacity 20V MAX pack extends productive time.
• Let the chain cut—don’t force it. Overfeeding just drains the battery and bogs the motor.
• Check chain tension after the first few cuts and periodically during each session.
• Keep the bar oil topped up; small tanks empty quickly.
• Touch up the chain often. Small saws benefit disproportionately from a sharp edge.

Pros and cons

Pros:
- Lightweight and well-balanced; easy for beginners and lighter users
- Tool-free chain tensioning is fast and reliable
- Automatic oiler works consistently
- Quiet operation with low vibration
- Battery compatibility with the 20V MAX ecosystem
- Comes with battery and charger; simple to get started

Cons:
- Limited runtime with the included 2.0Ah battery
- Slow, overnight charger; plan around recharge times
- Cutting speed and power are modest on thicker hardwoods
- Small oil tank requires attention

Recommendation

I recommend the Black & Decker 10-inch cordless chainsaw for homeowners who need a straightforward, light-duty tool for regular trimming, storm cleanup, and small tree work. It’s approachable, quiet, and easy to maintain, with enough bar length to cover most yard tasks and a user-friendly design that encourages safe habits. The biggest caveat is runtime and recharge speed: pair it with an extra battery—ideally higher capacity—and you’ll sidestep the chief limitation. If your cutting list routinely includes larger hardwood logs or extended sessions, move up to a higher-voltage cordless or a compact gas saw. For everything else, this small cordless earns its keep.