Black & Decker CCS818 Review

What the reviewers like:

• Quieter than most chainsaws
• Push-button start
• Cordless
• Other cordless tools use the same batteries and charger

What the reviewers don't like:

• Only good for use on very small trees and branches
• Run time is only about 30 minutes, but recharging takes 8 to 10 hours
• Chain oiler leaks
• No blade brake or anti-kickback tip

Black & Decker CCS818 review highlights

We didn’t find any cordless chainsaws included in comparison reviews, but we found about a hundred owner-written reviews of the Black & Decker CCS818 chainsaw. Amazon.com publishes more reviews of this chainsaw than any other site, but reviews at Lowes.com, Walmart.com and Cabelas.com reinforce the same advantages and drawbacks that owners identify there.

The 18-volt Black & Decker cordless chain saw is top rated in its price range for those who mainly need something lightweight for pruning -- it just isn't powerful enough or large enough for cutting firewood or felling anything other than very small trees. Users appreciate its light 6-pound weight and cordless convenience, and the 8-inch bar makes it easy to maneuver for pruning and cutting small branches. If your cutting is done within 50 feet of an outlet, the corded 18-inch Craftsman 34118 (*est. $120) electric chain saw has more power -- but is noisier, lacks an anti-vibration handle and weighs almost twice as much. And if you still want something cordless but need more power, the Homelite Ranger UT10532 (*est. $130) is a budget gas-powered chainsaw that can handle most chores -- including cutting firewood.

Also see full report: Chainsaws

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Amazon.com
Black & Decker 18-Volt Cordless Electric Chain Saw #CCS818
Contributors to Amazon.com

Over 90 owners review the Black & Decker CCS818 cordless chainsaw here, giving it mostly positive reviews for its convenience, but with some complaints about the short runtime and especially, about the way the gravity-fed chain oiler lets oil run all over.

2. Healthy House Institute
Black & Decker 18-volt Cordless Chainsaw Review
Editor of HealthyHouseInstitute.com

This single-product review rates the 18-volt Black & Decker cordless chain saw based on testing, recommending it for pruning branches no larger than 7 inches in diameter. The reviewer gives this chainsaw especially high marks for ease of use and value; though it requires manual oiling, its 6.2-pound weight makes it easy to maneuver.

3. Lowes.com
Black & Decker CCS818 Reviews
Contributors to Lowes.com

Lowes doesn't let owners make detailed comments about the tools sold here, but does publish owner-written ratings. Only a handful of owners rate the Black & Decker CCS818 chainsaw here, giving it a reasonably good average rating, especially for ease of use.

4. Walmart.com
Black & Decker 18-Volt Cordless Chain Saw Reviews
Contributors to Walmart.com

A handful of owners review the Black & Decker cordless chainsaw here, giving it very mixed ratings. Some find it very handy for small jobs, while others find it completely unsatisfactory – either for lack of power or for poor construction.

5. Cabelas.com
Black & Decker Cordless Chainsaw Reviews
Contributors to Cabelas.com

Only a few owners review the Black & Decker cordless chainsaw here, giving it a higher average rating than at Amazon.com – perhaps because expectations are more realistic. The chain oiler gets criticism here too.

Also see full report: Chainsaws