Black & Decker Corded chainsaw, 15‑amp, 18‑inch

I put the CS1518 to work after a late‑season windstorm littered my yard with downed limbs and a couple of small trunks. I prefer plug‑in saws for this kind of cleanup: no carburetors to fuss with, no battery to baby, just chain oil, an extension cord, and go. This 18‑inch corded saw fits that bill and then some, with a surprisingly stout 15‑amp motor and an Oregon low‑kickback bar and chain that make it feel confidence‑inspiring for homeowners stepping up from a small saw.

Setup and first cuts

Setup was straightforward. I checked chain orientation, set tension with the tool‑free dial, filled the reservoir with bar and chain oil, and plugged into a 12‑gauge outdoor cord. The push‑start button paired with a trigger lock makes startup simple and predictable—no yanking a pull cord and no warm‑up ritual. The oil window is easy to read, and the included scabbard is handy for storage.

On first cuts through 3–6 inch limbs, the CS1518 tracks smoothly and doesn’t hunt. It’s the kind of saw that rewards a light hand—if you let the chain do the work and don’t muscle it, it maintains speed and clears chips cleanly.

Ergonomics and balance

At 15.7 pounds, this isn’t a featherweight electric. Most of the mass sits forward of the front handle, so it can feel a bit top‑heavy when you first pick it up. After a few minutes, the balance becomes predictable, and for waist‑high bucking or pruning at chest height, it’s comfortable. I wouldn’t choose it for extended overhead work (and, to be clear, you shouldn’t be cutting overhead with a chainsaw anyway). The handles are sized well for gloved hands, the trigger is progressive, and vibration is notably lower than comparable gas models. Noise is still substantial—ear protection is smart—but it’s less shrill than smaller electrics I’ve used.

Cutting performance

The 15‑amp motor is this saw’s calling card. On typical yard duties—storm limbs, small hardwood rounds, and the occasional backyard tree removal—the CS1518 has ample power. Here’s how it shook out for me:

• 3–6 inch branches: Fast and nearly effortless. A gentle feed rate keeps the kerf clear and the motor happy.
• 8–10 inch trunks and limbs: Solid pace with a sharp chain, no bogging if you let the saw eat at its own speed.
• 12–14 inch material: Very doable, but expect to slow down and adopt a rhythm—cut a bit, let chips clear, resume. Plan on rotating the log or using a two‑cut approach if you can’t bury the bar from one side.
• 16–18 inch cuts: The bar length allows it in theory, but the motor will ask you to be patient. This is emergency or occasional territory, not daily work.

The low‑kickback chain and bar nose help keep surprises to a minimum, but kickback is still a reality with any chainsaw—good technique and planning matter. I appreciated the chain’s tendency to track straight in the cut and the saw’s willingness to hold speed without surging or lurching when you ease off. Crosscutting firewood rounds went smoothly; ripping along the grain is possible for trimming flat faces, but like most homeowner saws, it prefers crosscuts.

Chain sharpness makes or breaks any electric, and that’s doubly true here. The motor will happily run dull; your cut speed will just fall off a cliff and heat will climb. Touch up the cutters as soon as you notice dust instead of chips.

Oiling, tensioning, and maintenance

The automatic oiler works as advertised and uses a fair bit of oil during extended sessions. Keep an eye on the level window and top off before it dips—running dry is a quick way to toast a bar. I did notice a little weeping from the oil system during storage, which is common. Storing the saw on a rag or cardboard solves that. After hot runs, I’ve made a habit of cracking the oil cap for a moment to relieve any tank pressure before snugging it back down; it helps minimize seepage.

The tool‑free chain tensioning system is convenient. As with most dial‑style tensioners, heat cycles will relax the chain, so expect to recheck and tweak tension after the first few cuts and periodically through the day. The side cover comes off easily for cleaning. Make a routine of brushing out packed chips around the sprocket, wiping the bar groove, and flipping the bar every few sessions to promote even wear. None of this is unique to the CS1518, but the saw’s design makes these chores quick.

Power and cord management

Cords are the trade‑off for infinite runtime. The CS1518 includes a cord retainer that keeps the plug secure, which does a lot to prevent mid‑cut unplugging. Use the right gauge cord or you’ll starve the motor: for up to 50 feet, 14‑gauge is fine; at 100 feet, step up to 12‑gauge. I ran mine on a 12‑gauge, 100‑foot cord without noticeable voltage sag.

You still need to think about cord routing. I drape the cord over my shoulder and keep the work positioned so the cord trails behind me, never across my feet or the log. It becomes second nature quickly and is a fair trade for the consistency you get from a corded tool.

Safety and usability notes

• PPE matters: helmet or eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
• Avoid ladders with a chainsaw. If the cut isn’t safe from the ground, reposition, use proper supports, or consider a different tool and approach.
• Plan each cut. For larger limbs, use a notch and back cut, and be mindful of pinch points that can trap the bar.
• Let the saw work. Forcing the cut invites kickback and stalls.

The CS1518’s low‑kickback setup and predictable throttle response support good technique; they don’t replace it.

What it’s best at

For homeowners within cord range, this saw shines at storm cleanup, pruning larger limbs, and bucking small to medium logs for firewood. The push‑button start and quiet operation reduce intimidation for newer users, and the Oregon bar and chain deliver a clean, controllable cut. Unlimited runtime is a major plus for a long Saturday of yard work—no gas mixing, no batteries to swap.

Where it falls short

• Weight and balance: It’s on the heavier side for an electric and feels nose‑heavy. Manageable, but you’ll notice it during long sessions.
• Tethered work: If you’re clearing fence lines far from power or working deep on a property, a battery or gas saw suits better.
• Big hardwood: While it can tackle cuts up to the bar length with patience, this isn’t a felling saw for large oaks.

Durability and warranty

Build quality is typical for a homeowner‑grade electric: sturdy enough for regular use with mostly plastic clamshell housing, and the critical cutting parts are quality Oregon components. The 2‑year limited warranty is in line with the category. Treat it well—keep it clean, keep the chain sharp and oiled—and it should provide many seasons of service.

Final take and recommendation

I recommend the CS1518 for homeowners who want a no‑nonsense, plug‑in chainsaw with real cutting capacity and low maintenance. Its 15‑amp motor, 18‑inch Oregon bar and chain, automatic oiler, and tool‑free tensioning make it capable and easy to live with. The balance takes a little getting used to, and you need to manage a cord, but the payoff is consistent power and unlimited runtime. If your work lives within an extension cord’s reach and you value simple, dependable operation, this corded 18‑inch saw is a smart, budget‑friendly choice for yard cleanup and firewood duty.